Vuksanaj v. Metro-North Commuter Railroad

Background

The court was notified through the magistrate that George Vuksanaj and Metro-North Commuter Railroad had reached an agreement in principle resolving all issues. The opinion does not identify the underlying claims or provide the terms of the agreement.

Court’s Order

The court canceled all previously scheduled conferences and other deadlines. It dismissed the case with prejudice and without costs, including attorneys’ fees, to either party. The Clerk of Court was directed to terminate all open motions and close the case.

Possible Reopening and Settlement Enforcement

The parties could apply to reopen the case within 30 days of the order. The application had to show good cause for keeping the case open in light of the settlement. A request filed after 30 days, or without a showing of good cause, could be denied on that basis alone.

The order also stated that, if the parties wanted the court to retain jurisdiction—that is, authority to enforce the settlement agreement—they had to submit the agreement under Rule 7.A of the court’s Individual Practices and request an order expressly retaining that authority within the same 30-day period.

Disposition

Judge Valerie Caproni dismissed the case with prejudice and without costs, including attorneys’ fees, and directed that it be closed. The order did not retain jurisdiction automatically; the parties had to make the specified submission and request within 30 days.