Accident
What is post-concussion syndrome?
Concussions are a mild type of traumatic brain injury. They result from sudden blows to the head or violent skull movements often witnessed in motor vehicle accidents as well as slips and falls and falls from height. Although not as severe as some injuries, they can lead to complications, one of which is post-concussion syndrome.…
Read MoreWhat are the advantages of settling your personal injury case?
There are basically two ways to resolve your personal injury claim: settle it or go to trial. Most times, you and your attorney will first try to negotiate an agreement on how to conclude the case fairly. If both sides can’t reach an accord, then the matter goes to court for a judge or jury…
Read MoreWhat is Res Ipsa Loquitur in a New York personal injury case?
The law is full of Latin phrases that may not make sense to those outside the legal profession, although they signify conditions that can affect your case. One of them is res ipsa loquitur, which means “the thing speaks for itself.” When you file a personal injury claim, you are generally required to prove how…
Read MoreWhen is a personal injury catastrophic?
When you’re in a motor vehicle accident, you can suffer serious injuries that include deep bruises, lacerations, and broken bones. Although these injuries are painful and the treatments uncomfortable, they tend to heal, allowing you to resume your normal day-to-day activities after you are sufficiently recovered. Catastrophic injuries are different in that you never fully…
Read MoreCan you seek workers’ compensation due to coronavirus?
On April 13, 2020, CNN reported that New York State had more coronavirus patients than any other country in the world (except for the U.S.). As of April 11, 2020, the total number of reported cases was 181,026, which surpassed the numbers reported in Spain (161,852) and Italy (152,271). Many New York employers who could…
Read MoreSuing for wrongful death due to COVID-19
On March 25, a 51-year-old man who worked at a suburban Chicago Walmart died from coronavirus. On April 6, his family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the store, claiming that it had failed to warn the deceased and other employees that their co-workers had COVID-19 symptoms. (Incidentally, another employee died from coronavirus complications four…
Read MoreVideo: COVID-19 and accident cases
What is the duty to mitigate damages in a personal injury case?
You’re shopping at your local grocery store when you slip and fall in puddled water that the owner should have known about and cleaned up earlier. Your injuries include a fractured wrist and severe bruising that makes it nearly impossible to do more than shuffle. When someone else’s recklessness or negligent actions cause you to…
Read MoreCan you sue if you become infected with COVID-19?
The coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, has affected thousands of people across the globe. Despite the social distancing and quarantine measures, the number of cases in New York continues to go up. On March 28, CNN reported that one-third of the country’s reported cases are in the state. Despite the seriousness of the situation, not…
Read MoreCan the coronavirus affect your personal injury claim?
If you have a personal injury case in progress, you may be wondering how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect your case. Will it drag on for additional weeks or even months? Could it be put on hold indefinitely? While an indefinite holding pattern is unlikely, increased demand for medical services and amended operating hours for…
Read MoreCan you file a personal injury claim with no medical bills?
If there are no medical bills involved in your case, can you file a personal injury claim? In general, the answer is no. For a personal injury case to be valid, you need to establish who was negligent and what damages you suffered as a result of their actions or omissions. To satisfy the latter…
Read MoreWere you injured at an Amazon warehouse?
When Amazon opened its first New York City warehouse in September 2018, it was hailed as a major economic boost. With over 350,000 full-time employees across the globe and a lot more working part-time or seasonally, Amazon is a leading and high-profile employer. For those who work in a warehouse, a typical day involves a…
Read MoreAre remote texters liable for car accidents?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 1,000 injured in accidents involving distracted drivers every day in the U.S. Like many states, New York has strict laws about using handheld devices while driving, but people keep sending and reading texts when they should have their eyes on the road. When a distracted driver crashes…
Read MoreWere you hurt in a drowsy driving accident?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that in 2013, drowsy driving contributed to 72,000 collisions that killed 800 people and left 44,000 others injured. It’s an extreme outcome that is, unfortunately, not surprising. Various sleep studies have shown that when you drive after 24 hours without sleep, it is the equivalent of driving with…
Read MoreDocumenting medical expenses after a car crash
When you are injured in a car crash in New York, your insurance provider will cover your basic economic losses in accordance with the state’s “No Fault” insurance law. If you sustained serious injuries (e.g., fractures or permanent loss of a body part) or your medical bills exceed $50,000, then you can sue the other…
Read MoreWhat should you do if a private investigator follows you after your car accident?
Ever since your car accident, which left you in constant pain, you’ve been noticing an unfamiliar car parked near your home. Today, you receive a strange friend request on Facebook. Although there may be a routine explanation for these incidents, it’s equally possible that the negligent driver’s insurance adjuster is using a private investigator to…
Read MoreWho is liable for carpool accident injuries?
Carpooling has been hailed as a convenient and environmentally-friendly way for employees to travel to work. Consequently, many companies across New York have been offering carpool incentive programs that connect workers who live near one another and enable them to enjoy a less-stressful commute. Carpools, however, are like any other form of travel in that…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between wrongful death and survival action lawsuits?
Few events are more devastating than losing a loved one because someone else was negligent, reckless, or malicious. It doesn’t matter whether they were your spouse, child, or parent: the loss is painful, intense, and can affect you for the rest of your life. If this happens to you, then New York law allows you…
Read MoreDo you have an ongoing headache after a car accident?
While it’s not unusual to experience headaches after a car crash, chronic pain that persists after a few months is a cause for concern. Some people report ongoing and disabling headaches for years, which can affect their quality of life and even prevent them from maintaining gainful employment. If you are having chronic headaches, it…
Read MoreHow to find out if the driver who hit you is insured
According to the New York Department of Health, between 2012 and 2014, an average of 1,098 people were killed in accidents on state roads per year. There were also approximately 12,093 hospitalizations and 136,913 emergency department visits per year. New York State law requires all cars registered in the state to carry the following minimum…
Read MoreIs New York a contributory or comparative negligence state?
When you’re injured in a car accident, a key issue in recovering damages is identifying who is at fault. Depending on where the collision occurred, a court may determine fault according to the rules of contributory or comparative negligence. What is contributory negligence? The doctrine of contributory negligence prohibits you from recovering damages if you…
Read MoreIce storms are coming: here’s how you can protect yourself from injury
New Yorkers have enjoyed a comparatively mild winter so far, but we are now heading into a season well-known for sudden and fierce ice storms. In January 1998, a now-famous storm devastated northern New York and New England from January 5-9, leaving roads impassable and causing an estimated 40 deaths. Another one gripped the Northeastern…
Read MoreInsomnia after a car accident- should you be worried?
After you’ve been injured in a car accident, your healthcare providers will likely advise you to rest often and get plenty of sleep, but what can you do if it takes you hours to doze off or, even worse, you can’t sleep at all? Instead, you stare at the ceiling until daylight, awake but physically…
Read MoreHow to set up your car for Bluetooth
Distracted driving has long been a concern for New York lawmakers. In 2001, it became the first state to ban handheld phones use while driving, and in 2009 a law was passed that prohibited texting and driving. Under New York’s current law, using your cellphone while driving is strictly prohibited. Anyone who uses their phone…
Read MoreWhen can a liability waiver be enforced in New York State?
Liability waivers have become such a routine part of using recreational facilities that we automatically assume that they’re valid. Even if we are injured after using gym equipment or taking a cycling class, we believe that we aren’t entitled to compensation and fail to determine whether that is really the case. This is what the…
Read MorePersonal injury and seasonal workers
When the holiday season begins, many retailers and shipping companies hire seasonal help. Last month United Parcel Service (UPS) hired 100,000 temporary workers to handle an anticipated 32 million packages a day. The activity rate at this time of year goes up by an estimated 60%, so seasonal help is an essential part of making…
Read MoreCould this happen to you at Christmas?
The holiday season in New York involves a lot of decorating, cooking, gift exchanges, and overall good cheer. It can also involve some injuries that include falling while setting up the Christmas tree, burns from electrical equipment or candles, stepping on broken ornaments, and slipping on icy walkways leading to your house or apartment building.…
Read MoreCan you sue for a candle injury?
During the holiday season, candle use surges in New York households. There’s something especially festive about a flickering taper combined with the scent of vanilla, apple cider, gingerbread, and that perennial favorite, evergreen. No wonder stores like Bath and Body Works are filled to capacity throughout December! Unfortunately, candle use has also led to tragedy.…
Read MoreStaying safe in the malls at Christmas
Shopping malls are chaotic places all year round, but during the weeks leading up to Christmas, The Mall at Bay Plaza and other locations are packed with holiday shoppers, increasing the risk of injury. Black Friday is especially notorious for causing injury and even death when too many bargain hunters converge on the same location…
Read MoreYoga injuries in New York
If you walk through the streets of New York City, then you’ll inevitably run into someone in loose, comfortable clothing, headed for their favorite yoga studio with a rolled mat under their arm. Yoga has been acclaimed for its physical and mental benefits, but like most activities, there is always the risk of injury. In…
Read MoreWho is liable in a single-vehicle accident?
Not all car crashes are between two or more vehicles. Many auto accidents involve a single vehicle and driver, which can raise questions of liability. The most common example is run-off-road crashes, which occur when a car leaves the roadway and goes into the ditch or collides with inanimate objects, such as trees, buildings, telephone…
Read MoreFamily of Neil Armstrong wins medical malpractice suit
In 2012, former astronaut Neil Armstrong died in an alleged case of medical malpractice. The 82-year-old had undergone cardiac bypass surgery in August and, according to leaked documents, experienced a tear when a nurse removed the wires from his temporary pacemaker, causing him to suffer internal bleeding. The staff at Mercy Health — Fairfield Hospital…
Read MoreDangerous fads- vaping injuries in New York
In August, the New York Times reported that an 18-year-old man had appeared in the emergency room of a Long Island hospital, complaining of dizziness, vomiting, and shortness of breath. When one of his attending physicians asked if he had been vaping, the young man firmly denied it. The patient’s brother, a police officer, wasn’t…
Read MoreCivil vs. criminal liability in a personal injury case
Imagine that you are riding in a limousine through upstate New York, en route to a loved one’s fall wedding. Suddenly your driver realizes that he’s about to miss the turn leading to the chalet where the ceremony is being held. He hits the brakes, but the asphalt is still wet from this morning’s rain…
Read MoreNew York bill expands informed consent requirement for medical procedures
Informed consent is one of the fundamental rules of medical ethics. As a patient, you have the right to control what healthcare procedures you undergo, but most laypeople lack in-depth medical knowledge, so your rights are protected by informed consent, meaning that you cannot fully consent to a procedure or treatment until you know enough…
Read More3 common back to school injuries and how to prevent them
We all know how unpredictable and accident-prone kids can be. They join their friends in the playground in the morning and come home covered in scrapes and bruises. When it’s time to go back to school, they’re extra-excited about seeing friends that they haven’t seen over the summer and resuming favorite after-school activities. Enthusiasm can…
Read MoreWhat recoverable damages are available in a New York personal injury case?
If someone else’s negligent conduct caused you to be injured, you may be able to sue for compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a personal injury attorney could help you recover compensatory damages, which address past and projected economic losses, and punitive damages, which are intended to punish the negligent party and discourage…
Read MoreService dog attack injuries in New York
In February 2018, a Southwest Airlines flight from Phoenix to Portland was delayed when a six-year-old girl attempted to pet another passenger’s emotional support dog and was left with a mark on her forehead. She was treated by paramedics and was able to fly, but the dog and its owner were not permitted to remain…
Read MoreScarring injuries in New York
Our self-esteem is tied closely to our appearance, which is why scars and other disfigurements that result from a catastrophic accident can be so devastating. Although plastic surgery can correct physical scarring to a certain extent, it can take months of medical treatment and psychological counseling to help you deal with what happened. Accidents that…
Read MoreCan a criminal record affect your personal injury case?
An estimated 70 million American adults have a criminal record. That’s almost one out of every three! The FBI regards anyone who has ever been arrested for a felony charge to have a record, even if they weren’t convicted. If you’re one of these people, then how does your record affect a personal injury case?…
Read MoreMarked for life: Tattoo parlor injuries
Tattoos are so popular these days that entire magazines and websites are devoted to them. According to the History of Tattoos website, every year Americans spend $1.65 billion getting themselves inked. 70% of those who get a tattoo go on to get more than one and 20% get more than five. Although tattoos are trendy,…
Read MoreWhat is the “Dutch Reach” and how can it protect you from injury?
If you regularly ride your bike along New York City streets, then you know what moving cars are always a potential threat. They can stop without warning, make sudden U-turns at intersections, and swerve into your path without signaling first. Cars can even pose a danger when they’re parked, thanks to “dooring.” Dooring is an…
Read MoreNail salon injuries in New York
In 2015, the New York Times estimated that there are over 17,000 nail salons in New York City. Manicures and pedicures are beauty routines that millions of Americans obtain every week or month, but they can present health risks to their patrons when good business practices are not followed. Among the most common injuries experienced…
Read MoreWhat is foreseeability in personal injury law?
A lot of elements come into play in personal injury cases. Concepts like causation, negligence, and duty of care all determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and financial losses. With some personal injury claims, an additional concept applies—foreseeability. Foreseeability refers to the issue of whether a reasonable person would have foreseen…
Read MoreNo personal injury attorney will take my case!
We are often contacted by people who say that they have consulted with multiple personal injury attorneys across New York and failed to find one who will take their case. They’re confused and wondering why each consultation ends with a polite, “No.” Let us start by saying that most attorneys genuinely want to help you,…
Read MorePersonal injury law throughout history
Every year, hundreds (if not thousands) of personal injury claims are filed in courthouses all over New York State. Everywhere we turn, we see billboards, television commercials and online advertisements promoting law firms that promise to protect your rights and pursue your claim if you’re injured in a car accident or harmed by medical malpractice.…
Read MoreAttacked at an ATM? Who is responsible?
Today, practically everyone does their banking online. We pay our bills using a bank app or website, and when we need money, we head to the nearest ATM to enter a code and receive the cash. This practice may be routine, but it’s not always safe. A year ago this month, a 50-year-old man attacked…
Read MoreDriving in New York? Be careful on this roadway
In December 2016, three people were killed and five injured in a multi-vehicle pile-up on the Cross Bronx Expressway. The accident, which closed all lanes for nearly six hours, occurred at around 5:45 a.m. near Jerome and Webster Avenues. A Ford pickup truck was caught between two tractor-trailers, crushing it and killing three men inside.…
Read MoreTurbulence injuries: Who is responsible?
On May 6, passengers on a British Airways flight from London to Tampa Bay, Florida, encountered a terrifying ordeal. A severe episode of turbulence caused the flight to drop without warning, causing several people to hit the ceiling. Video taken immediately afterward showed suitcases and other personal items scattered across the cabin while passengers stared…
Read MoreBike sharing injuries in New York
New York winters can be long and difficult, which is why we love summer. We can get from Point A to B without fighting the wind, snow, and freezing rain. Once the sidewalks and park pathways clear, we also start seeing the bright blue bikes offered by Citi Bike and other bike-share programs available across…
Read MoreSealing your New York divorce record
Divorce has an uncanny way of bringing our most private circumstances to light. Even when the split is an amicable one, details like personal finances, a child’s special needs, and other intimate information take center stage so that they can be addressed and future plans made. Therefore, it’s an alarming thought that your family, friends,…
Read MoreNew York State sues after OSHA eliminates workplace injury reporting rule
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently eliminated a 2016 rule that required companies with at least 250 employees to electronically submit annual reports on all worker injuries or illnesses. Its removal is being contested in court by New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Businesses will still have to complete and…
Read MoreNew York cottage food industry: Who is liable?
Home-cooked meals are supposed to be good for you, but New York has strict laws for those who want to run a business out of their kitchen. Homemade food can only be sold at food stands, farmer’s markets, and similar outlets, such as flea markets or agricultural fairs: selling online is illegal. “Cottage food industry”…
Read MoreCan an injured pizza delivery cyclist get workers comp in New York?
New York City pizza is legendary. One pizzeria in California actually pays $10,000 every year to import New York City water, claiming that it makes their dough taste better than local water. Delivering this divine pizza, however, can be one of the most dangerous jobs out there. Citing an estimate made by the Department of…
Read MoreWatch out for motorcycle injuries this summer!
Now that the weather is warmer, motorcycle owners are taking their machines out of storage, donning helmets, and hitting the road. Motorcycling is a great opportunity to get fresh air and enjoy the emerging greenery, but it can be riskier than driving a car. Motorcyclists are easy to miss visually because drivers are used to…
Read MoreInjuries on an overseas military base
Many New Yorkers have civilian occupations with the U.S. military. Sometimes their job takes them overseas, where they carry out work on military bases or build structures under contract with the Department of Defense. These occupations are like any other in that injuries can occur. But if you are a New York construction worker injured…
Read MoreManhole cover accidents in New York
The manhole covers that dot the streets of New York City are supposed to keep pedestrians and road workers safe, but they also cause injury every year. Now that snow and ice are melting to make way for spring, people walking or working around them should take extra precautions. Below is an overview of common…
Read MoreSpringtime injuries to watch out for
At the first sign of spring, we start making some lifestyle changes. The heavy winter clothing goes back in the closet for another year. If a destination is within walking distance, then the car stays home. Public parks become busier. Like winter, however, spring has dangerous conditions. There are accidents that appear to occur or…
Read MoreSafe driving tips for this Memorial Day weekend
The Memorial Day weekend is on the horizon. Whether you plan to stay in the city and catch the Soul Beach Music Festival or head up to your cottage in the Catskills, it’s essential that you stay safe while having fun. According to ValuePenguin, Memorial Day weekend is the major holiday weekend with the highest…
Read MoreHearing loss injuries in New York
Few things are more traumatic than losing your hearing. Along with vision, it is one of the senses that allows you to experience the world and live life to the fullest. When you lose this precious ability due to the reckless or negligent conduct of someone else, you have the right to file a personal…
Read MoreRetaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim
When you are injured on the job or develop an occupational illness in New York, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that address your medical bills and pay you a weekly amount based on the degree of your disability and how much you were earning before you were injured. Unfortunately, many injured workers refrain…
Read MoreDoes daylight saving time really cause more accidents?
Although Germany has been credited with being the first nation to institute daylight savings time, the Canadians became the first people to use DST when the people of today’s Thunder Bay, Ontario, turned their clocks forward one hour on July 1, 1908. The concept was not universally adopted until April 30, 1916, when Germany and…
Read MoreAre you a government employee injured on the job? Learn about FECA
In New York, most workplace injuries are covered by state workers’ compensation laws. Federal employees, however, are covered by a different law when they are injured on the job. If you slip and fall, are struck by a falling object, or suffer any kind of injury while carrying out duties related to your government job,…
Read MoreAllergy injuries in New York
It’s a snowy day in New York City, so after a round of shopping, you and your friend decide to head to a newly opened cafe in Midtown for coffee and a snack. When you tell the server that you’re allergic to hazelnuts, he recommends a pastry that the menu board advertises as being nut…
Read MoreSnowstorm injuries in New York
For more than 24 hours, New York has been fast in the grip of a fierce northeast snowstorm. Ten inches of snow fell in the 24 hours ending 8:00 a.m. today… In Broadway and all the avenues and cross-streets… the snow was piled six feet high (and) transit in the remote sections of Brooklyn was…
Read MoreMulti-vehicle car crashes- who’s at fault?
On January 30, the New York State Police were called to a multi-vehicle crash and pileup on I-90 near Batavia. The incident, which occurred during a snow squall and involved 21 vehicles (including semis), left one trooper with minor injuries. Earlier that day, a chain-reaction crash in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, damaged 27 vehicles and left 24…
Read MoreCan interns get workers’ compensation in New York?
New York university and college students participate in internships to acquire practical experience and a better understanding of the industry in which they would like to work after graduation. None of them hope that their experience will include a personal injury, but like regular salaried workers, interns can be hurt on the job. Employers in…
Read MoreExpert witness testimony in a personal injury case
If you file a personal injury claim after an accident in New York, then the witnesses called to support your case can make a pivotal difference in the outcome. Witnesses to the accident can provide relevant testimony that supports your version of how it happened, who appeared to be at fault and any visible damages…
Read MoreWhat about distracted pedestrians?
On any given day, you’ll see thousands of distracted pedestrians on the streets of New York. They’re texting, listening to music, checking Facebook, or indulging in some good old-fashioned daydreaming. There are so many of them that they now have a unique name: “petextrians.” On the surface, this practice seems harmless enough, but when people…
Read MoreWhat is the collateral source rule?
The collateral source rule is a legal principle that prevents someone from recovering compensation twice for the same damages. In other words, the goal is to stop someone from “double dipping” at a defendant’s expense. Let’s look at a hypothetical example. You were rear-ended while driving home on the Cross Bronx Expressway and hurt your…
Read MoreFalling ice injuries in New York
When you see a huge icicle hanging off the edge of a tall, stately building, you can’t help but be awed. There’s a certain frozen majesty about them, and some icicles look like they belong on a snow-themed movie set instead of Lower Manhattan or the Bronx. Unfortunately, large icicles can be just as deadly…
Read MoreYou hit a deer in New York- who can you sue?
Last November, a 50-year-old woman from Spring Valley died when her husband’s car struck a deer on the Palisades Interstate Parkway. The vehicle swerved onto the grass median and into the woods, where it overturned and hit several trees. If you’ve done a lot of driving outside the city, then you’ve probably seen deer and…
Read MoreMedical liens in personal injury cases
Once your personal injury claim is settled and you get the settlement or award you’ve been waiting for, you will likely feel a sense of relief. The ordeal is over, you can finally move on. Or can you? Some personal injury awards are subject to liens, which are claims made by insurance providers, medical practitioners,…
Read MorePersonal injury claim with a child
An injured child is a parent’s worst nightmare. Dog bites, playground injuries, defective car seats, and other accidents common among young people can all result in substantial medical costs in addition to pain and suffering and emotional trauma. To make things even more complicated, it can take years to determine whether a child’s injury has…
Read MoreHurt at a concert? Can you sue the artist?
What did you do on New Year’s Eve? If you’re like a lot of New Yorkers, you may have caught Phish at Madison Square Garden, Post Malone at Barclays Center in Prospect Heights, or another one of the concerts taking place at various music venues across the city. When a popular band or artist puts…
Read MoreLimousine injuries in New York
Partygoers across New York City rang in 2019 by riding in limos across the city, sipping champagne and enjoying the festive sights. With everyone in a celebratory mood, it’s easy to forget the recent limousine accident that killed 20 people in central New York. This crash, which took the lives of the stretch limousine driver,…
Read MoreA closer look at school bus safety
According to the American School Bus Council, nearly 25 million children take the bus to school every weekday. Each time a parent sends their children off to class, they trust that the trip to and from school take place without incident. Unfortunately, parents in Indiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania have suffered terrible losses in recent…
Read MoreHow do Good Samaritan laws affect a personal injury case?
If a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional are presumed to have made a mistake and accidentally harmed a patient they were trying to help, then the law allows the victim to sue for medical malpractice. This right to sue does not, however, apply in all circumstances. Like many states, New York has a Good…
Read MoreCan you sue a decedent’s estate?
You were in a terrible collision involving a negligent driver who was seen talking on his phone just before he hit you head-on. You broke your arm and collarbone, leaving you in serious pain and preventing you from working at your data entry job. You want to sue the driver, but he was killed in…
Read MoreBystander injuries on construction sites
In February 2016, strong gusts of wind caused a crane in Lower Manhattan to crash down onto Worth Street, killing one pedestrian and littering the surrounding blocks with debris. People on their way to work in the area fled in panic, thinking that a bomb had gone off. An investigation by the city’s Buildings Department…
Read MoreThe weather did it?
Every year in New York State, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent driving practices in poor weather conditions. Collisions are not limited to snowstorms and freezing rain. Even summer has its share of heavy rainfalls that can turn streets and highways into high-risk thoroughfares. The most responsible drivers…
Read MoreSuing a child for a personal injury in New York
At first, the thought of an adult suing a child seems ridiculous and even petty, but there are cases where it may be warranted, especially in personal injury law. Imagine you are walking through Central Park on a weekend afternoon, enjoying the fall weather. Suddenly a rock, thrown by a child who looks no older…
Read MoreHow to have a safe Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. With our minds on roast turkey, cornbread, pumpkin pie, and a celebratory family dinner, it’s easy to forget that the Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most dangerous ones for motorists. There are also other risks associated with hot cooking appliances, improper food preparation, and more. Here are some…
Read MoreHow can a pre-existing condition affect a personal injury claim
You were rear-ended by another driver recently, leaving you with a dislocated shoulder and terrible back pain. Now, as you file an insurance claim, that driver’s insurer asks you if you suffer from any pre-existing conditions. You do—for years you have been suffering from disc degeneration problems. Although you cannot seek damages for an injury…
Read MoreWorkers’ compensation for the self-employed
You’ve achieved your dream of self-employment. At first, you put in long days (and sometimes you still do) but now you’re starting to achieve that work-life balance that you’ve always craved. But when you were establishing your business, did you think about taking out workers’ compensation coverage on yourself? In New York, there is no…
Read MoreTechnology that can keep your teen driver safe
Your son has just turned 16 and is studying to get his driver’s license. He’s psyched. You’re not. As a parent, it’s normal to worry about the safety of your teen driver. Current statistics are alarming. According to the New York Department of Health, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for teenagers in…
Read MoreCan you sue a gym for an injury after signing a waiver?
Gyms are great places to work out, lose excess weight, and in general keep ourselves in better physical shape. Unfortunately, with all of that heavy equipment being used and liquids being spilled constantly from dropped or overflowing water bottles, they are also the site of frequent injuries like: Sprains Pulled muscles Broken bones Brain and…
Read MoreYou’ve been catfished! Can you sue for a personal injury?
Even before the Internet, a “fish story” was a common euphemism for a huge lie. Now, the tradition continues in the form of catfishing, which is arguably more malicious than the biggest fish tale. The anonymity of the Internet has allowed dishonest individuals to pretend to be someone else online in order to: Pursue a…
Read MoreSpin classes: a hidden danger?
Personal fitness is a key goal for many New Yorkers these days, which is why stationary cycling classes are so popular. Also known as spinning classes, they are group workouts that strengthen the lower body and burn high amounts of calories. According to medical reports, they may also be increasing your risk of kidney damage. …
Read MoreCan you sue for falling on a bus?
New York City has a huge and convenient public transportation system that includes MTA buses running 24/7. Although bus travel is generally thought of as safe (otherwise we wouldn’t send our children to school on them), accidents do happen to passengers riding the bus. One common accident is unseated passengers falling while the bus is…
Read MoreWho pays my medical bills?
You’ve been injured in a car accident and forced to spend time in the hospital. The doctors say that your fractured hip will require you to have months of physical therapy too. You’re grateful to be alive, but you’re also worried about how your medical bills will be covered. Who is going to pay for…
Read MoreIs slander a personal injury in New York?
Hollywood is currently abuzz about the lawsuit that former Alabama Senate candidate, Roy S. Moore, has just filed against British actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. Mr. Moore is seeking over $95 million in damages for, among other things, defamation after he appeared on Cohen’s Showtime series, “Who Is America?” In the segment, Cohen took a device…
Read MoreGrill brush injuries in New York
They’re not intimidating to look at, but personal injury attorneys, the media, and even the New York Times are all warning people about the hidden dangers of barbecue grill brushes. Although we’re already well into September, there appear to be a few potential outdoor grilling opportunities left, so it’s worth taking a closer look at…
Read MoreDistracted doctors?
It’s common knowledge that distracted driving can cause serious injury and death. What’s not as well known is that you can also be at risk on your way to the operating room—even if you’re not the one distracted by your phone. How many times have you walked into a store or restaurant and seen employees…
Read MoreFireworks and boating safety in New York
September is a month of celebration across New York. It starts with the Labor Day weekend, when communities everywhere enjoy barbecues, festivals, and fireworks displays, and continues as tourists and vacationers head out to summer cottages near Lake George, Chautauqua Lake, Skaneateles Lake and other bodies of water for one last “hurrah” before closing for…
Read MoreLabor Day accidents to watch for
Holidays are supposed to be fun and games, especially for the kids, but that’s not the way things always turn out. On the Labor Day weekend, in particular, there is ample opportunity for both adults and children to get hurt—from being scarred by an exploding firecracker to falling off a boat and struck by a…
Read MorePokemon GO and video game accidents
Pokémon Go is arguably the most popular mobile video game of all time. This smartphone game app enables players to hunt down and capture their favorite Pokemon character in the real world using the same technology that powers Google Maps. Although it has been hailed as a way of getting game-obsessed teens out of their…
Read MoreReasons why a personal injury attorney might decline your case
You slipped and fell at your neighbor’s pool party, and now want to sue them. To your surprise, the first personal injury attorney you met with declined your case. Does this mean that you don’t have a case at all? Possibly, but not necessarily. Personal injury attorneys decline cases for any one of a number…
Read MoreHow to avoid aggressive driving situations
Back in 2009, a marketing and consulting group commissioned a study on aggressive driving across the country. New York City took the top spot for reasons that the state would never acknowledge with pride: New Yorkers were more likely to lean on their horns, make obscene gestures, and wave their fists. Since then, the problem…
Read MoreHow an ERISA lien can affect your personal injury case
When you’re injured by someone else’s wrongful or negligent actions, you will likely be stuck with medical bills, most of which will be covered by your health insurance. When you receive a settlement or judgment, however, a certain amount may be due back to your insurer under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974…
Read More