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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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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stepping out of a car on Flatbush Ave is not a good ideaA tragic accident in Downtown Brooklyn late Friday night claimed the life of a 45-year-old woman after she exited a livery cab and stumbled into traffic on Flatbush Avenue near State Street. The fatal crash, which occurred outside the Atlantic Terminal Mall around 11:10 p.m., highlights the dangers pedestrians face when exiting vehicles on busy New York City roadways.

Details of the Fatal Accident

According to police reports, the livery cab had stopped in the middle lane when the woman unexpectedly exited the vehicle. She lost her footing and fell into the right lane, where she was struck by a Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 29-year-old man. Emergency medical responders rushed her to New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, but she did not survive. The driver of the Chevrolet remained at the scene, and no charges have been filed at this time.

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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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Fatal Queens Car Accident LocationA tragic crash in East Elmhurst, Queens, claimed the life of 23-year-old Justin Diaz after a Mercedes, allegedly driven by an intoxicated FDNY firefighter, sped through a red light and violently T-boned his BMW. The fatal collision, which occurred at 4:15 a.m. at the intersection of 107th St. and Northern Blvd., was caught on surveillance video (see below) and has since led to the arrest of 28-year-old firefighter Michael Pena, who now faces charges including vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Surveillance Footage Captures High-Speed Impact

Chilling video footage shows Diaz traveling north on 107th St. before entering the intersection, moments before the Mercedes, moving at high speed, plows into his vehicle’s driver’s side. The force of the crash sent both cars spinning across Northern Blvd., with the BMW ultimately slamming into a parked Toyota Sienna.

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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 intersection in the Bronx where the MTA Bus killed a cyclistOn the evening of February 25, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in the Bronx involving an MTA bus and a cyclist. At approximately 10:45 p.m., a 57-year-old man was fatally struck by an MTA bus while the vehicle was making a left turn from East 149th Street onto Brook Avenue in the Mott Haven neighborhood. The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The 35-year-old bus driver remained at the location and, as per current reports, has not been charged. The NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad is actively investigating the incident.

This unfortunate event underscores the potential dangers that cyclists face on New York City streets, especially when sharing the road with large vehicles like buses. Navigating the complexities of traffic in the Bronx requires both motorists and cyclists to exercise heightened caution to prevent such devastating accidents.

In the aftermath of such incidents, victims and their families often grapple with emotional and financial hardships. Pursuing legal action can be a crucial step in obtaining justice and compensation. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in handling cases involving MTA bus accidents, cyclist injuries, personal injury claims, and wrongful death lawsuits in the Bronx. We are well-versed in the specific challenges these cases present and are committed to advocating for the rights of victims and their families.

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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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safety issues in regards to fire were foud at Bryant ParkRecent fires at the Bryant Park Winter Village and Herald Square holiday market have exposed alarming fire hazards at these seasonal attractions. According to the FDNY, dangerous wiring, illegal propane tanks, and makeshift commercial kitchens in combustible sheds led to two separate fires in December—one of which nearly spread to the Bryant Park ice-skating rink. While authorities and market operators are pledging reforms for next season, these incidents highlight serious fire safety failures that put lives and property at risk.

Thankfully, no one was injured in these incidents. However, in similar fires, victims can suffer severe burns, smoke inhalation injuries, and other life-threatening conditions. When negligence leads to such disasters, victims and their families may have legal options to seek compensation for their suffering.

Who Is Responsible for These Fires?

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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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Crane_truck

example of a crane mounted on a truck

When a construction crane collapsed in Brooklyn, it was the bravery of Good Samaritans that helped rescue two men trapped inside a van. The accident, which took place near a pharmacy, left one man with head and body pain and another with a serious leg injury.

What Happened?