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 attorneys specializing in doctor sexual abuse cases, the recent conviction of Dr. Darius A. Paduch resonates deeply with the ongoing struggle to protect patients and uphold the sacred trust they place in medical professionals. The case, adjudicated in Manhattan federal court, reveals the chilling abuse of power and the devastating impact of sexual abuse perpetrated under the guise of medical care.

Dr. Paduch, a urologist specializing in male reproductive health, was found guilty on all 11 counts related to the sexual abuse of seven patients, including four children. These abuses occurred over several years, from at least 2015 through 2019, while Dr. Paduch practiced in New York. His disturbing actions included claims that certain inappropriate and invasive touches were medically necessary, although it was clear they were intended for his own sexual gratification.

From a legal standpoint, this case is significant not only because of the guilty verdict but also because it involved charges of enticing or coercing individuals to travel interstate to engage in illicit activities, and using interstate facilities to induce or coerce minors into sexual acts. These are serious federal crimes that highlight the complexity of prosecuting sexual abuse cases involving professionals who exploit their positions of authority.

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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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Personal Injury Lawyer Ben Rubinowitz at MAJ ConventionWe are thrilled to announce that Ben Rubinowitz, our esteemed managing partner and a renowned trial attorney, will be speaking at the Maryland Association for Justice Convention on Friday, May 10, 2024. Ben will co-present with fellow seasoned attorney, Robert Michael (Shadoan, Michael & Wells, LLP Rockville, MD) in an insightful session titled “From Chaos to Clarity: Using Case Framing.

This morning session promises to be a captivating showcase of Case Framing in action. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness Ben Rubinowitz and Robert Michael dissect their approach to this powerful methodology. They will demonstrate how they transform complex legal challenges into clear, persuasive narratives, focusing on key ‘just can’t get over’ issues and utilizing ‘echoing’ principles to engage and persuade jurors effectively.

Interactive Presentation

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Medical Malpractice Lawyer Ben RubinowitzWe are pleased to announce that Ben Rubinowitz, our managing partner and a distinguished trial lawyer with expertise in medical malpractice litigation, will be a featured speaker at the American Urologic Association National Meeting. This pivotal event is currently underway and will conclude on May 6th. Ben is scheduled to present on Sunday, May 5, 2024. His session, titled “MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: How to Protect Yourself and What to Do If You Are Named In A Lawsuit,” is indispensable for any medical professional seeking to navigate the complexities of medical malpractice law.

With more than three decades of legal experience, Ben has earned a formidable reputation as one of the top attorneys in America. He has been honored multiple times with the “Lawyer of the Year” award by Best Lawyers and is consistently ranked among the top ten lawyers in the New York Metro area by New York Super Lawyers. His career is marked by a commitment to those in critical need, securing numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements in intricate personal injury and medical malpractice cases.

One of his notable achievements includes a landmark $120 million verdict in a medical malpractice case against Westchester Medical Center. This case centered around the negligent handling of William Lee, a 41-year-old stroke patient, who suffered irreversible brain damage due to delayed medical response by the attending team. This verdict underscored the crucial importance of experienced and timely care in medical emergencies.

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New-York-City-scaledIn New York City, accidents and injuries are, unfortunately, all too common. For those injured on city property or due to the actions of city employees, the question arises: Can the City of New York be held liable through a lawsuit?

If you’ve suffered an injury and believe the City of New York is at fault, you may consider filing a lawsuit under some of the following conditions:

  • Traffic accidents involving city-operated vehicles, such as buses or police cars.
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Car accident fatalities Q1 2024 transportation alternatives

As car accident attorneys in New York City, the recent report from Transportation Alternatives revealing the deadliest first quarter in Vision Zero history are not just numbers—they are a sobering reminder of the lives lost and families shattered by traffic violence. In the first three months of 2024 alone, 60 New Yorkers lost their lives in traffic crashes, signaling an alarming upward trend that demands immediate and effective action.

Vision Zero was launched in 2014 with the promise of eliminating traffic deaths and severe injuries in NYC. However, this year’s data illustrates a devastating failure to protect the city’s motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Queens, notably, became the first borough to record 750 traffic deaths since the initiative began, highlighting a significant shortfall in the measures implemented under this program.

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DOB NYCAs building collapse attorneys based in New York City, we are deeply concerned about the recent findings concerning the parking garage collapse in Lower Manhattan. More than a year has passed since this tragic event, and the root cause remains undetermined, highlighting significant gaps in our city’s approach to building safety and regulation.

The recent declaration by the Department of Buildings (DOB) that the Ann Street parking garage did not fail due to overloading is a critical piece of information. It suggests that other factors, possibly related to the structural integrity of the building itself, might have led to the collapse. Notably, University of Arizona engineering professor Sammy Tin speculated that the garage’s condition at the time of collapse might have been a contributing factor, despite the walls and pillars appearing pristine and undamaged.

It’s alarming to learn that prior to the collapse, there were open violations dating back to 2003 and 2009 for issues such as loose or missing concrete. These findings were brought to light almost immediately after the collapse by investigative journalists. This raises significant concerns about the enforcement of building codes and the efficacy of the inspections process in New York City.

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Crane operator can easily be subject to het illness and fatigueAs New York City crane accident lawyers, we closely monitor industry trends and research to better understand the hazards that crane operators and inspectors face daily. A recent survey conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC) and the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) Foundation sheds new light on the prevalent risks in the crane industry. Particularly, the findings highlight systemic risks like heat illness and fatigue, which significantly contribute to workplace injuries.

Survey Findings and Legal Implications

Direct Risks: Falls and Impact by Falling Objects

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The Electric Bicycle Shop that was selling non-compliant lithium batteriesThe recent arrest of an e-bike shop owner in Brooklyn for unsafe storage and sale of illegal batteries marks a significant moment in the enforcement of safety regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries. This event, unfolding at the Electric Bicycle Shop at 1239 Flatbush Avenue, serves as a crucial case study for understanding the intersection of legal accountability and public safety in the rapidly growing e-bike industry.

The Electric Bicycle Shop, known for selling and servicing e-bikes, came under scrutiny following multiple civil summonses issued for safety violations related to the storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries. The situation escalated when fire marshals discovered the store was not only neglecting these safety protocols but was also selling uncertified, illegal batteries—a serious violation of newly implemented city regulations.

Legal Implications for the E-Bike Industry

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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.