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.

Articles Posted in Personal Injury

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time-warner-centerTwo window washers narrowly escaped a fatal accident on Friday morning after their scaffolding became unstable and began swinging wildly 78 stories above the ground on West 58th Street. The workers, who were wearing safety harnesses, were not properly secured with safety lines, leaving them at extreme risk of falling. Firefighters from the FDNY had to break windows, stabilize the rigging, and pull the workers to safety.

This harrowing incident highlights the dangers that window washers and other high-rise maintenance workers face in New York City. While safety harnesses are required by law, they are useless if not properly attached to secure anchor points. The fact that these workers were not tied off is a shocking and preventable oversight that could have led to a catastrophic outcome.

Negligence and Liability in Window Washer Accidents

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NYC medical malpractice lawyers Ben Rubinowitz, Jeffrey BloomWe are pleased to announce that our partners Ben B. Rubinowitz and  Jeffrey B. Bloom will speak at the New York State Judicial Institute’s 2025 Medicine for Judges Seminar. This two-day event is scheduled for March 4th and 5th, 2025.

On March 5th, both Mr. Rubinowitz and Mr. Bloom will share their extensive expertise in medical malpractice and personal injury law during the following sessions:

10:30 am–11:45 am (later start time due to Ash Wednesday) Common and Not So Common Scenarios That Give Rise to Difficult Issues in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Cases This session explores various typical and atypical scenarios in which complex legal challenges can arise in the realm of medical malpractice and personal injury law.

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Our subway accident lawyer investigating a caseAs experienced New York City personal injury attorneys, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact of subway and train accidents on victims and their families. When accidents occur underground, in confined spaces, the risk of serious injuries from smoke inhalation, fire, or collisions is significant. Just this week, 18 people suffered injuries after a track fire at the 191st Street No. 1 subway station, raising concerns about subway safety and liability.

What Happened at 191st Street?

On Tuesday afternoon, thick gray smoke filled the station after an object on the tracks made contact with the third rail, leading to a hazardous smoke condition. Nine passengers suffered from smoke inhalation and were assessed by emergency responders, while 16 others required hospitalization. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but the incident underscores the dangers riders face daily on the MTA system.

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Deadly Bronx intersectionAs Bronx auto accident lawyers, we are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on February 24, 2025, at the intersection of East 172nd Street and Metcalf Avenue in the Soundview neighborhood. A 17-year-old male and a 14-year-old female were riding a bike when they collided with a Honda Odyssey minivan operated by a 42-year-old driver. The young male was pronounced dead at NYC Health + Hospitals Jacobi, while the female passenger sustained injuries but is expected to recover. The driver of the van was also seriously and transported to the hospital. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

This heartbreaking event underscores the critical importance of understanding the legal complexities surrounding motorcycles and motor vehicle accidents in New York City.

Legal Considerations in Bike-Motor Vehicle Collisions

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the bike lane on Third AvenueAs car accident lawyers practicing in New York City, we have witnessed the unfortunate consequences of traffic collisions and the severe impact they have on individuals, families, and communities. However, recent developments on Third Avenue present a hopeful narrative that underscores a truth we can all rally around: bike lanes make roadways safer for everyone.

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released data indicating that the installation of a protected bike lane on Third Avenue has resulted in a remarkable 33 percent decrease in total injuries over the past year. Even more striking, injuries to drivers and passengers in vehicles plummeted by 43 percent. These statistics are not merely numbers; they represent lives profoundly affected—or saved—by thoughtful urban planning.

As noted by DOT spokesperson Vin Barone, “DOT’s redesign of Third Avenue has significantly reduced serious injuries—whether you’re walking, biking, or in a car on the corridor.” This statement demonstrates a comprehensive view of roadway safety, one that considers all users rather than prioritizing vehicles alone.

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location of the hit and run accident in the BronxThe recent hit-and-run incident in the Bronx, as reported by the New York Post, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face daily. A 22-year-old man was struck by a black SUV at the intersection of E 228th Street and Laconia Avenue. The vehicle accelerated suddenly, hitting the victim and fleeing the scene. The victim sustained a head injury and was transported to Jacobi Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition. The NYPD has taken a person of interest into custody, though charges had not been filed as of Sunday.

As Bronx car accident lawyers, we are deeply concerned about the prevalence of such incidents in our community. Hit-and-run accidents not only endanger lives but also complicate the pursuit of justice for victims.

Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Accidents

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NYC-Elevators-1Elevator accidents are rare but can have catastrophic consequences, especially in a densely populated borough like the Bronx. A recent incident at 1025 Boynton Ave highlights the dangers of negligent building maintenance. Luis Pavon, a 78-year-old resident, suffered severe injuries after falling down an elevator shaft, raising serious concerns about landlord accountability and tenant safety.

A Preventable Tragedy

On February 4, 2025, Mr. Pavon attempted to use the elevator on the sixth floor of his building. When he opened the door, he discovered the elevator car was still on the first floor. In a desperate attempt to avoid falling, he grabbed onto the elevator cables, sustaining severe lacerations to his hands, a broken rib, and a fractured back. His wife, Elmira Hernandez, described his injuries as life-altering and emphasized how easily this could have been a fatal accident.

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Accident sceneOn February 4, 2025, a tragic accident occurred on Manhattan’s FDR Drive, resulting in the death of a female driver and injuries to her 26-year-old male passenger. The incident took place around 2:45 a.m. near East 70th Street on the Upper East Side. The Tesla vehicle was reportedly traveling at high speeds when it struck a guardrail, overturned, and caught fire. Both occupants were ejected from the vehicle upon impact. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger was transported to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell and is expected to recover.

This devastating event underscores the critical importance of adhering to traffic laws and understanding the legal implications of high-speed driving in New York City.

Legal Implications of High-Speed Driving in New York

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ambulance at accident sceneA school bus accident in Queens early Monday morning resulted in nearly a dozen people being transported to the hospital, including six children. The incident occurred on the Union Turnpike exit ramp near Winchester Boulevard and Glen Oaks School campus at approximately 7:30 a.m., according to fire officials. While all the victims are expected to recover, the nature of the accident and potential involvement of other vehicles remain under investigation.

Understanding Liability in School Bus Accidents

When a school bus is involved in an accident, multiple factors must be examined to determine liability. In cases like this, where details are still emerging, potential causes could include:

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2025-CPLR-UpdateJoin us tonight, January 22, 2025, for the 2025 CPLR Update seminar, organized by the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA). This highly anticipated event will feature our partner Richard M. Steigman as the Chair and key speaker.

Event Details

  • Date: January 22, 2025