Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf is a New York Plaintiff's personal injury law firm specializing in automobile accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, products liability, police misconduct and all types of New York personal injury litigation.
Published on:

manolos-truckingAs dump truck accident lawyers, we have seen far too many cases where negligence leads to devastating consequences on our roads.

Last Thursday, 58 year old Maria Piovanetti was crossing the intersection of Tilden Ave and Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, NYC, with the light in her favor when the reckless driver of a dump truck who initially stopped decided to take off and ran the red light fatally striking the victim (see video below). 6  months earlier the exact same truck belonging to New Jersey  company Manolos Trucking killed Kristina Naprawa, a crossing guard in Queens.

These two fatal accidents involving two different drivers working for Manolos Trucking highlights the pressing need for stricter oversight and accountability within the trucking industry.

Published on:

nursing home patients are more than ever at risk of neglect and abuseAs a lawyers specializing in nursing home abuse cases, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact of understaffing in skilled nursing facilities. It’s a crisis that affects not only the residents but also their families who trust these facilities to provide quality care. Therefore, when the House Ways and Means Committee voted to bar the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from finalizing staffing minimums, it sent shockwaves through the advocacy community.

President Joe Biden’s proposed staffing standards, announced during the 2022 State of the Union, were a beacon of hope for many vulnerable seniors and their loved ones. The plan aimed to ensure that nursing homes provide a minimum of three hours of care per resident per day, with a significant portion of that time coming from registered nurses. Additionally, it mandated that at least one registered nurse be on duty at all times.

However, the road to implementing these crucial standards has been riddled with obstacles. Opponents argue that requiring nursing homes to increase staffing levels amidst nationwide shortages would lead to closures and limited care options, particularly in rural areas. But what about the residents who rely on these facilities for their daily needs?

Published on:

location-of-the-Manhattan-fatal-hit-and-run-accident-A pedestrian lost their life in a hit-and-run accident on Canal Street recently. The details of this case underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures on one of New York City’s most dangerous thoroughfares.

Canal Street, notorious for its high rate of accidents and fatalities, has long been a focal point for street safety advocates. Despite repeated calls for action and promises of improvement, the reality remains grim. The statistics speak for themselves: 84 reported crashes on just half a mile of Canal Street last year, resulting in numerous injuries and, tragically, loss of life. In the past decade alone, thousands of crashes have occurred, leaving hundreds injured and several dead.

With narrow sidewalks, lengthy crossings, and an overwhelming dominance of car traffic, it’s no wonder this stretch of road has earned its reputation as a “car sewer.” Yet, despite community outcry and ongoing studies by the Department of Transportation, tangible improvements remain elusive.

Published on:

NYC accident sceneShawn Gooding, a resident of the East Village, tragically lost his life on Friday night after being struck by an MTA bus at the intersection of Avenue D and East 10th Street. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised significant legal questions and concerns, particularly regarding accountability and liability.

As wrongful death attorneys, it’s crucial to examine the events leading up to Gooding’s untimely demise. Reports suggest that Gooding tripped into the street and was subsequently struck by the bus, which allegedly continued driving after the collision. Despite efforts by EMS, Gooding succumbed to his injuries at NYC Health + Hospital Bellevue.

The legal implications of this incident are multifaceted

Published on:

location of the deadly accidentValor Security & Investigations, along with six of its employees, was charged with enterprise corruption among other offenses for selling bogus safety training certifications. These certifications, crucial for construction worker safety, were allegedly issued without providing the mandated 40-hour safety course.

This sham operation, which involved about 20,000 students, tragically includes a construction worker who died after a fall from an Upper West Side building—a direct consequence of the fake certification provided by Valor.

The legal ramifications of this indictment are significant. For the company’s executives, the charges could lead to up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Beyond the immediate legal consequences for those directly involved, this case highlights the broader issue of accountability in construction safety.

Published on:

NYPD misconduct cost a lot of money to New York tax payersNew York City has expended over $500 million in police misconduct settlements over the past six years, with nearly $115 million disbursed in 2023 alone. An analysis, provided by the Legal Aid Society, not only quantifies the financial ramifications of these settlements but also underscores a systemic issue that demands urgent and comprehensive reform.

As a legal professional specializing in police misconduct, the figures presented are not just a testament to the financial burden on the city’s coffers but a reflection of deeper, more insidious problems within our law enforcement institutions. The rising median payout in these lawsuits, from $10,500 in 2018 to $25,000 in 2023, signifies an alarming trend in the nature and severity of misconduct allegations. It is indicative of a troubling escalation in the consequences of policing practices, particularly on marginalized communities disproportionately affected by these actions.

The backdrop to these settlements is a history of aggressive policing tactics from the 1990s, aimed at curbing the soaring crime rates but at a significant cost. The wrongful convictions from this era, predominantly impacting Black and Hispanic individuals, have left a lasting scar on the fabric of our community. The case of detective Louis N. Scarcella, whose dubious investigative methods led to the wrongful conviction of 14 individuals, is a stark reminder of the catastrophic impact one individual can have within a flawed system.

Published on:

Fazil Khan victim of a lithium battery explosionIn an urgent response to the rising threat posed by lithium-ion battery fires, New York City Council has enacted two new e-bike safety regulations. This legislative action, motivated by a tragic fire in Harlem sparked by a lithium-ion battery, underscores the city’s commitment to addressing the dangers associated with these batteries. The fire accident, which claimed the life of 27-year-old Fazil Khan, a young journalist,  and critically injured four others, has catalyzed a city-wide discourse on the safety of e-mobility devices.

The first rule mandates that businesses selling e-bikes and e-scooters must display safety information regarding the storage of lithium-ion batteries both in-store and online. This is a critical measure aimed at educating the public on proper battery handling to mitigate fire risks. The second regulation intensifies the crackdown on the sale of non-UL-certified batteries by enhancing penalties for illegal sales and bolstering city enforcement. These steps, while significant, are part of a broader call for comprehensive federal legislation to ensure the sale of only certified batteries across the United States.

Parallel to these legislative efforts, New York City is pioneering a solution to one of the most pressing issues related to e-bike safety: battery charging. The city has launched a pilot program to establish public e-bike charging hubs in Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering a safer alternative to charging batteries indoors. The initiative kicked off with the unveiling of the first hub at Cooper Square in the East Village.

Published on:

location of the fatal pedestrian pickup truck accidentThe tragic death of Danielle Aber in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, after enduring a week of suffering from injuries sustained in a truck accident, casts a stark light on the vulnerabilities pedestrians face and the critical need for stronger legal safeguards. This accident not only highlights the physical and emotional toll on the victim and their loved ones but also highlights the gaps in our legal and traffic safety systems.

Danielle Aber’s prolonged fight for life before succumbing to her injuries raises significant legal and ethical questions about the responsibilities of drivers, particularly those operating large vehicles in densely populated areas. The charges against the pick-up truck driver, Stanley Manel who had 26 previous camera violations, for failing to yield and exercise due care, while necessary, prompt a broader discussion on the adequacy of such measures in addressing the severity of the consequences of traffic violations.

The Urgent Need for Legal and Policy Reform

Published on:

Brooklyn location of the fatal bicycle accidentOn Tuesday morning a cyclist was fatally injured in a collision precipitated by a suddenly opened car door in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The impact sent the cyclist into the path of an oncoming Hyundai Elantra, resulting in catastrophic injuries that led to his untimely death. The accident occurred a block away from another fatal crash less than 12 hours prior.

As bicycle accident lawyers deeply entrenched in the fight for NYC cyclists’ rights and safety, these two accidents underscore a critical and ongoing issue within our urban infrastructure and legal systems.

While the driver of the Elantra remained at the scene and an investigation is underway, the legal journey ahead for the victims’ families will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges. In cases like these, a bicycle accident lawyer plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the legal system, advocating for the deceased’s rights, and ensuring that justice is served. This includes thorough investigations to establish liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and if necessary, litigating to secure compensation for the victims’ families.

Published on:

Location of the Brooklyn drunk driving accidentIn a recent tragic accident in Brooklyn, a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles and an MTA bus sent 11 people to the hospital, highlighting the severe consequences of irresponsible driving. This accident, caused by a 60-year-old driver under the influence, underscores the importance of road safety and the legal implications for those who choose to disregard it.

The accident occurred when the driver of a Lexus SUV,  heading south in the northbound lane of Pennsylvania Avenue collided with a Honda minivan, carrying a 64-year-old woman, a 34-year-old woman, an 18-year-old woman, and a 3-year-old boy, all of whom sustained injuries. The force of the crash propelled the driver’s vehicle into parked cars along the avenue, further escalating the situation as an MTA bus sideswiped the vehicles involved in the initial collision.

The injured parties, including the passengers of the minivan and ten individuals on the MTA bus, were taken to local hospitals with conditions ranging from stable to minor injuries. The driver of the Lexus, now in police custody and hospitalized, faces pending charges. This scenario brings to the forefront the legal ramifications of driving under the influence (DUI) and the potential for civil liability.