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.
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As car accident attorneys, we are acutely aware of the devastating consequences of reckless driving in New York City. Indeed, the city’s high population density means that millions of people and vehicles share limited road space, leading to increased risks associated with reckless driving. This congestion heightens the likelihood of collisions and resulting injuries. Furthermore, New York City boasts a complex network of streets, intersections, and areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, underscoring the importance of drivers exercising caution and adhering to traffic laws. Reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, aggressive maneuvers, and failure to yield to pedestrians can have dire consequences in such an urban environment. Additionally, the presence of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, further elevates the potential for severe injuries or even fatalities when reckless driving occurs.

Over the past weekend, several people were injured, and significant property damage occurred due to reckless driving.

A 6-year-old boy in East Harlem Park was critically injured when he was struck by a moped-like vehicle, which then fled the scene. The incident occurred at around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, causing severe head trauma to the child. The suspect initially stayed but fled before the police arrived. The vehicle was described as similar to a moped, and it was last seen heading northbound in the park. This hit-and-run occurred just before the city’s plan to lift a ban on e-bikes and scooters in parks as part of a yearlong pilot program, which excludes faster, heavier mopeds. The pilot program will allow e-bikes and scooters under 100 pounds to operate on park drives and greenways but not on pedestrian paths. The Parks Department emphasizes maintaining rules against reckless behavior throughout the pilot period, which starts on Tuesday and ends on May 31, 2024.

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NYSLTAJust a friendly reminder that tomorrow, The New York State Trial Lawyers Association is hosting a daylong continuing legal education (CLE) master series. This event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights from some of the most successful trial attorneys of the past half-century. The faculty, chaired by our esteemed managing partner Ben Rubinowitz and featuring our partner Marijo Adimey, collectively represent over 200 years of invaluable experience. NYSTLA President Thomas P. Valet describes this event as an “unprecedented coming together” of legal talent.

Don’t miss out on this exceptional event! Join us tomorrow for a day filled with enriching discussions and invaluable knowledge-sharing. Register now to secure your spot at this esteemed webinar panel.

Event Details:

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defective-evo-ventilatorRecent recalls by Philips have highlighted the importance of product liability and patient safety in the healthcare sector. The latest recall involves approximately 57,000 Evo ventilators due to issues with the machines’ air flow sensors.

Philips’ Respironics unit has faced a series of recalls since 2021, initially related to soundproofing foam used in its sleep apnea devices and ventilators. The Evo ventilator, designed for hospital and professional care settings, is now undergoing its second Class I recall in recent months. The recent recall, labeled as Class I by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), highlights the severity of the issue.

Reasons for Recall

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New York Presbyterian Queens covered up sexual abuse As doctor sexual abuse attorneys in the heart of New York City, we are committed to fighting for the rights of survivors and seeking justice against those people who have caused harm and those institutions, hospitals, schools and religious entities that facilitated the harm. Today, we bring to your attention a deeply disturbing case involving Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, a physician at a major New York City hospital, who has been accused of perpetrating heinous sexual abuse against multiple victims in the hospital.

Dr. Cheng was arrested in December 2022 and has been charged with first-degree rape after allegedly drugging and raping women in the hospital and his own apartment. Incredibly, while Dr. Cheng awaits trial on Rikers Island, another victim has recently come forward accusing Dr. Cheng of sexual assault in 2021 at New York Presbyterian Hospital Queens where he was employed as a physician. The hospital faces accusations of covering up this abhorrent crime, failing to report it to the authorities, and neglecting to take appropriate disciplinary measures against Dr. Cheng.

Seeking Justice for Sexual Abuse Survivors

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Families for Safe Street fight to reduce car accidents in NYCNew York City has long been striving to make its streets safer for pedestrians and reduce the number of tragic accidents caused by speeding vehicles. A proposed law known as Sammy’s Law, named after a young child who lost his life to a speeding driver, has become a symbol of the urgent need for change. However, despite widespread support, the law has faced obstacles in the State Legislature. In a powerful display of their determination, advocates are planning a hunger strike to shed light on the importance of passing this life-saving bill. As car  accident lawyers in New York City, we believe it is crucial to discuss the significance of Sammy’s Law and the urgent need for its implementation.

Sammy’s Law is dedicated to Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in 2013 when he was struck by a speeding van while retrieving a soccer ball in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Since Sammy’s death, an alarming number of 98 children have lost their lives in traffic collisions on the city’s streets, highlighting the pressing need for measures to improve safety. Amy Cohen, Sammy’s mother, along with others who have suffered the loss of loved ones in similar accidents, founded Families for Safe Streets, a group advocating for safer streets and stricter regulations.

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Location of the fatal DUI accident in Manhattan, NYCIt was an ordinary evening in Gramercy, Manhattan, where people were going about their daily routines. However, that evening turned into a nightmare when a terrifying car accident caused by an intoxicated driver unfolded on a busy sidewalk.

Last Sunday night around 7:30 pm, an intoxicated driver, 26-year-old Mahbub Ali from Astoria, Queens, drove onto the sidewalk at 21st Street and Third Avenue, resulting in a chain-reaction crash. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific, with people screaming, commotion everywhere, and bystanders rushing to help the injured. The consequences of this reckless act were devastating, leading to the death of a 23-year-old man in the crosswalk and injuring several others, including an 18-year-old man on an e-bike and a 26-year-old woman. It is particularly heartbreaking to learn that the victims struck on the sidewalk were asylum seekers staying at a nearby migrant shelter.

The driver, Mahbub Ali, has since been arrested and faces serious charges, including manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, DUI, and assault. These charges reflect the severity of the incident and the potential consequences for his actions. As NYC car accident attorneys, we recognize the importance of holding accountable those who cause harm due to their negligence or recklessness. Such cases not only seek justice for the victims but also serve as a deterrent for others, highlighting the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences that can arise from impaired or reckless behavior behind the wheel.

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the faculty at the NYSTLI Master SeriesOur managing partner, Ben Rubinowitz, will chair the New York State Trial Lawyers Institute’s Master Series 2023, and our partner, Marijo Adimey, will be a faculty member. The seminar will take place on June 16, 2023, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, in person or online.

How do some of the most talented lawyers in New York consistently achieve the very best results for their clients? How do they deal with problems that have the potential to destroy their case? Over the last 35 years a small group of lawyers have repeatedly attained the very best results for their clients at trial. Learn the answers to these questions: Why did the jury return such a large award? How did the lawyer ask for money damages? How did the lawyer work with favorable and unfavorable trial evidence? How did the lawyer deal with problem areas during jury selection?

This seminar will demonstrate what these lawyers do and say in Opening Statements and Closing Arguments to achieve spectacular results. It will also focus on the way in which they dealt with tough and problematic issues during jury selection. Every member of this renowned faculty has obtained multiple million dollar verdicts. Trial demonstrations are what this program is all about. As an added bonus a portion of this program will be devoted to legal ethics at trial.

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Queens Boulevard is dangerous for cyclistsQueens Boulevard in New York City has been historically notorious for its high number of fatal bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. The thoroughfare gained the infamous nickname “Boulevard of Death” due to the significant risks it posed to cyclists and pedestrians.

After almost a decade of planning, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT)  announced that the infamous boulevard is finally undergoing a transformation with the extension of bike lanes further east into the Borough. This long-awaited project aims to improve street safety and create a more equitable transportation system. As NYC bicycle accident lawyers, we view this expansion as a positive step towards reducing accidents and promoting safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and bus commuters.

The DOT recently presented a comprehensive proposal to extend bike lanes on Queens Boulevard. The plan involves repurposing a travel lane in each direction between Union Turnpike in Forest Hills and Hillside Avenue in Briarwood. This move has been applauded by advocates who appreciate Mayor Adams’ commitment to bringing safer infrastructure to communities of color.

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11 crashes injuring 6 occur at Essex and New Lots Ave since April 2023Reckless driving continues to pose a significant risk to public safety in New York City, with recent incidents serving as alarming reminders of the consequences of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel. One such incident occurred at the intersection of Essex St. and New Lots Ave. in East New York, where an unlicensed driver triggered a chain-reaction crash involving an MTA bus, injuring 14 people, including the passenger of the unlicensed driver, who remains hospitalized in critical condition.

In addition to addressing the issue of reckless driving, it is essential to examine the dangerous conditions of intersections lacking traffic lights, which contribute to the heightened risk

At the aforementioned intersection, the collision occurred due to the reckless actions of an unlicensed driver. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the absence of traffic lights and reliance solely on stop signs exacerbates the dangers present at this location. Intersections without traffic lights demand heightened caution and adherence to traffic rules from all road users, as they rely on visual cues to determine right-of-way. Without clear signals, accidents become more likely, particularly when combined with reckless driving behaviors. The intersection of Essex and New Lots Avenue has a history of crashes. Over the last three years, between April 2020 and April 2023, 11 crashes occurred at this dangerous intersection, and six people suffered injuries as a result of these accidents. The illustration from Crash Mapper on the left shows that New Lots Avenue is a dangerous street and also clearly indicates that the intersection with Essex Street has a higher risk of accidents than any other intersection on the same Avenue.

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melanoma_growth_over_14_monthsMay is recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month. It is a crucial time to educate and inform the public about the prevalence, risk factors, and early detection of skin cancer. By increasing awareness, we aim to encourage individuals to take proactive steps to protect their skin and seek prompt medical attention when necessary. However, even with increased awareness, misdiagnoses can occur, leading to delayed or inappropriate treatment.

There are several types of skin cancer misdiagnosis:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Misdiagnosis: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. Unfortunately, it can be misdiagnosed as a benign condition such as a cyst or a harmless skin lesion. Due to the potential for misdiagnosis, patients might not receive the timely treatment they need.