Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday season from all of us at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf! May your days be filled with warmth, laughter, and the company of loved ones. As we reflect on the year behind us and look forward to the opportunities ahead, we’re grateful for the trust you’ve placed in our firm. Thank you for allowing us to serve you, and here’s to a prosperous and peaceful New Year. Happy Holidays!”
Tesla’s Recall: Autopilot Safety Concerns and Legal Implications
Tesla, the electric vehicle pioneer, is recalling more than 2 million vehicles in the United States. This recall comes after a thorough investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that Tesla’s Autopilot safety system was “not sufficient to prevent driver misuse.”
The recall affects a wide range of Tesla models, including the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y, all equipped with Autosteer, a feature that Tesla describes as “traffic-aware cruise control.” According to the recall notice, in certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.
Autosteer is designed to maintain speed, detect lane markings, and monitor the presence of other vehicles. However, Tesla emphasizes that drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheel and be prepared to take immediate action while using the feature.
The Bronx Building Collapse: Seeking Justice for Displaced Residents
A building collapsed in the Bronx on Monday, leaving community in turmoil, displacing scores of residents and causing emotional and physical upheaval. Residents initially mistook the sounds and vibrations for routine occurrences. Some believed it was the wind, while others attributed it to construction work below. It wasn’t until the situation escalated, with walls literally crumbling around them, that the magnitude of the disaster became apparent.
While it is fortunate that there were no fatalities and only minor injuries, the emotional toll and loss of personal possessions are devastating for the affected families. Many have been left homeless and uncertain about their future.
The accounts of residents paint a grim picture of the conditions inside the building prior to its collapse
Senior Driver Crash Fatalities at their Highest In New York State since 2013
As car accident lawyers, the recent report by AAA Northeast highlighting the alarming increase in fatal crashes involving senior drivers in New York State is both concerning and a call to action. The findings, which show the highest number since 2013, point towards a critical need for addressing the unique challenges faced by older drivers on the road.
The AAA Northeast report reveals a troubling trend: 214 fatal crashes in New York last year involved drivers aged 65 and older. This statistic is not just a number; it represents lives lost and families forever changed.
The report cites failure to yield, improper lane changes, unsafe speed, and distracted driving as primary contributors to these tragic accidents. These factors are not exclusive to senior drivers, but they can have more severe consequences for this age group due to factors like slower reaction times and physical frailty.
Quality issues of Chinese-made plastic syringes can lead to serious harm to patients
The Food and Drug Administration’s recent focus on the potential quality issues of plastic syringes manufactured in China has sent ripples through the healthcare and legal communities. As product liability and medical malpractice attorneys, we are closely monitoring this situation, which raises significant concerns about patient safety and the legal implications for manufacturers, healthcare providers, and consumers.
The FDA’s investigation was sparked by reports of quality issues with several Chinese manufacturers. The primary concerns include leaks, breakages, and the inability of these syringes to deliver the correct dose of medication. These issues are not just minor inconveniences but potential hazards that could lead to serious medical complications.
The FDA’s advice to healthcare providers and consumers to consider using non-Chinese manufactured syringes where possible highlights the gravity of the situation. For healthcare providers, this advisory necessitates a review of their supply chains and a potential shift in procurement strategies. Consumers, particularly those who rely on syringes for chronic conditions, are now faced with the additional burden of verifying the origin of their medical supplies.
Record-Breaking $120 Million Verdict in Westchester Medical Malpractice Case
In a landmark decision that highlights the importance of timely medical intervention, a Westchester County jury awarded a record-setting $120 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit against Westchester Medical Center. This verdict, delivered on November 30, 2023, after a four-week trial, marks the largest award ever in a medical malpractice case in Westchester County.
The case revolved around the hospital’s negligence in treating 41-year-old William Lee, who suffered from a stroke in 2018. Rushed to the hospital by ambulance, Lee was the victim of a critical delay in treatment. The jury found that inexperienced doctors on call were responsible for a three-hour delay in removing a clot from Lee’s basilar artery. This delay led to extensive brain damage, necessitating lifelong care at a residential brain injury center.
The tragedy of this case is underscored by the extent of Mr. Lee’s injuries. The damage to his brain has severely impaired his judgment and short-term memory, rendering him dependent on round-the-clock care and unable to provide for his family. The compensation awarded includes provisions for his future medical needs, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and compensation for his wife for the loss of his services and society.
To improve pedestrian safety Mayor Adams announces the removal of parking spots from 1,000 NYC intersections
Mayor Eric Adams’ recent announcement to remove parking spots from 1,000 New York City intersections annually represents a significant stride towards enhancing pedestrian safety. This move, essential for protecting pedestrians from drivers, comes in the wake of several tragic traffic incidents, including the heart-wrenching losses of a 3-year-old boy in Queens and 7-year-old Kamari Hughes in Brooklyn.
As pedestrian accident attorneys, we see firsthand the aftermath of traffic accidents and understand the importance of proactive measures to prevent them. The “daylighting” initiative – the strategy behind this move – aims to improve driver visibility at intersections, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. It’s a commendable effort to prioritize pedestrian safety in urban planning.
Despite these efforts, New York City’s streets remain perilous. This year alone, over 225 traffic-related fatalities, including 82 pedestrians and 27 cyclists, have been reported. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives lost and families shattered.
Analyzing Safety Practices in Construction
The construction industry is essential but dangerous, with workers exposed to multiple risks like falls, machine hazards, and chemical exposures. Safety interventions, like pre-task planning (PTP) and personal protective equipment (PPE), mitigate these dangers. The latest Data Bulletin of the Center For Construction Research and Training (CPWR) analyzes the safety practices of contractors and their relationship with unions and trade associations.
The survey categorized respondents by union and trade association status. Most respondents hired union workers, with 36.2% solely employing them and 24.8% employing both union and non-union workers. Also, 84.2% were trade association members, and 94.4% of union contractors belonged to trade associations. These factors shape safety practices in the industry.
Pre-Task Planning (PTP)
Pedestrian fatally struck by school bus in Queens, NYC
A 73-year-old Bronx woman, Maria Rodriguez, lost her life after being struck by a school bus in Queens, NY. This tragic event occurred just moments after she had dropped off her grandchildren at school, marking a devastating day for her family and the entire community.
Maria Rodriguez was attempting to cross 86th Street in Queens at around 7:30 a.m. when she was hit by a school bus making a left turn from 107th Avenue in Ozone Park. Despite the efforts of first responders, she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Maria Rodriguez was a beloved mother and grandmother, the pillar of her family, known for her vivacity and joy. Her grandson, Joel Rodriguez, described her as the heart of the family, the one who would bring everyone together.