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 Wrongful Death

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NYC Construction accident injuries and deaths in 2023As New York City construction accident attorneys, we are continually monitoring the trends and statistics related to construction safety in our city. Despite the overall high levels of construction activity, which naturally elevates the potential for hazardous incidents, there has been a notable decrease in fatalities within the industry. According to the Department of Buildings (DOB), there was a 36% decline in fatal incidents related to building construction activities in 2023, a nine-year low with seven workers tragically losing their lives.

However, this positive trend in reduced fatalities does not overshadow a concerning increase in the number of reported incidents and injuries on construction sites. Injuries have increased by 38% over the past three years as construction activity resumed post-pandemic. Notably, 2023 saw a significant rise in incidents such as ladder falls, stair falls, and tripping—common types of accidents that often lead to severe injuries.

From a legal perspective, it’s crucial to recognize that each injury and fatality is not just a statistic but represents a worker and their family facing significant distress

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ar accidents near the intersection of Wallabout and Wythe StreetAs pedestrian accident lawyers, we find ourselves constantly grappling with the devastating consequences of traffic collisions, particularly those involving vulnerable road users like children. The recent incident in Williamsburg, where a 10-year-old girl lost her life after being struck by a driver, is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for safer streets and stricter accountability measures.

The details of the crash, as reported by Streetsblog New York City, are distressing. A 62-year-old driver fatally struck the young girl at the intersection of Wallabout Street and Wythe Avenue. While the driver remained at the scene, questions loom regarding potential charges and the circumstances leading to this tragic event.

The tragic accident unfolded in an area notorious for its perpetual congestion, where the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway’s numerous entrances and exits intertwine with multiple schools and a playground. This complex intersection of vehicular and pedestrian traffic has been the cause of multiple crashes in the past.

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location of the deadly box truck hit and run accident in QueensLast Sunday afternoon near JFK Airport, a devastating accident claimed the life of 68-year-old U Fo Ng. Mr. Ng was parked along the shoulder of the Nassau Expressway when an unidentified box truck driver veered off the road, striking his Honda CRV in a lethal collision. The driver, in a flagrant disregard for human life and legal obligation, chose to flee the scene.

As attorneys specializing in truck accidents, this tragic accident underscores the devastating impact that negligent driving and hit-and-run behavior can have on victims and their families. The loss of U Fo Ng is not just a statistic; it represents a profound personal tragedy for his loved ones and a grave injustice that demands legal redress.

The Legal Ramifications of Hit-and-Run Accidents

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Bronx location of the hit and run accident that killed a cyclistThe tragic story of Thierno Balde, a 24-year-old Guinean immigrant struck down in his prime by a hit-and-run driver in the Bronx, casts a somber light on the dangers cyclists face on New York City streets.

As Thierno was returning home from morning prayers, his life was tragically cut short, leaving his family, friends, and community in mourning. This accident not only highlights the need for greater road safety awareness but also the vital role of legal expertise in the aftermath of such tragedies. An attorney specializing in auto accidents in the Bronx can offer crucial support and guidance to the victims’ families during these trying times.

The sudden loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run accident is a devastating experience, compounded by the complexities of legal proceedings that often follow. In such situations, an attorney with expertise in auto accidents and hit-and-run cases becomes an invaluable asset for the bereaved family. Here’s how they can help: