Frank is a Partner in Hoagland Longo’s General Litigation practice, where he concentrates his practice on the defense of complex civil litigation matters. He represents individuals, businesses, and insurers in cases involving automobile liability, premises liability, wrongful death, defamation, dog bite claims, and both social host and dram shop liability. Frank is particularly valued for his meticulous preparation, command of the factual record, and strategic approach to advocacy, routinely guiding matters through all phases of litigation—from early case assessment and motion practice through trial and appellate review.
In addition to his liability defense practice, Frank has significant experience handling insurance coverage and bad faith matters, with a particular emphasis on uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims. He regularly advises carriers on coverage analysis, exposure evaluation, and litigation strategy, and his work in this area has contributed to the development of precedent-setting appellate decisions.
A frequent lecturer on liability and insurance-related topics, Frank presents before professional organizations and insurance carriers and is widely regarded as a knowledgeable and trusted resource within the defense and insurance communities.
Areas of Focus
Automobile & Premises Liability
- Defense of personal injury claims arising from auto accidents and hazardous property conditions.
- Representation of individuals, businesses, and insurers in matters involving complex and disputed liability, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, dog bite claims, assaults, and trip/slip-and-fall cases.
- Significant experience defending claims involving social host and dram shop liability, including matters implicating statutory compliance and alcohol service standards.
Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith Litigation
- Analysis, defense, and litigation of insurance coverage disputes, with a particular focus on uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims.
- Advising insurers on coverage determinations, claims handling strategy, and potential extra-contractual and bad faith exposure.
- Defense of bad faith allegations arising from claims handling, settlement practices, and coverage positions.
- Frequent lecturer and presenter on insurance coverage and bad faith issues for insurance carriers and professional organizations.
Appellate Advocacy
- Successful briefing and oral argument before the New Jersey Appellate Division in both liability and insurance-related matters.
- Counsel in published appellate decisions establishing and clarifying precedent in tort, liability, and property damage law.
- Strategic litigation support at the trial level, with an emphasis on issue preservation and positioning cases for appeal.
Notable Litigation
- Champion ex rel. Ezzo v. Dunfee, 398 N.J. Super. 112 (App. Div.), certif. denied, 195 N.J. 420 (2008)
– Secured a favorable appellate decision clarifying liability standards applicable to automobile passengers.
- Mosteller v. Naiman, 416 N.J. Super. 632 (App. Div. 2010)
– Obtained a published appellate decision addressing the measure of damages involving improperly removed trees.
Affiliations
- New Brunswick Bar Association, Past President (2014-2015)
- New Jersey Defense Association
- New Jersey State Bar Association
- New York State Bar Association
- Middlesex County Bar Association