Author Archives: Morrison Wagner

Queens, New York :: Tractor-trailer causes motor vehicle accident with New York City bus and a minivan

A tractor-trailer plowed on to the sidewalk in a Queens, New York neighborhood. The truck hit a minivan and then rolled toward its right side. Accident investigators described the minivan as being partially cut in half by the truck. The minivan was then pushed in to a New York City transit bus. Police reported that the three vehicle accident took place on a busy New York City sidewalk, right in front of a grocery store. Officials said that six victims suffered injuries in the accident and five of them were taken by ambulance to the hospital. A local personal injury lawyer in New York City expressed concern regarding the safety of some of the delivery trucks on the roads. Trucks are often speeding and are sometimes driven by truck drivers who are not properly trained or are simply too tired to be driving. Injuries from a severe impact during a car accident can include broken bones, internal bleeding, head injury as well as neck and back injuries. These injuries can leave victims permanently disabled and with lifelong pain. In more severe accidents the victims are often killed. Officials report that in this case no charges have yet been filed against the drivers. They said that while none of the injuries appear to be life threatening, they are not yet sure about the full extent and permanency of the injuries. Officials are unsure when or if a lawsuit will be filed in this case. Find out more about this Queens truck accident here.

Dog attack on board an airplane from a New York area airport

A dog attacked and bit two people on a US Airways flight that left Newark airport. According to official reports, the owner of the dog let the dog out of its cage during the flight. The dog attack left both victims with dog bites before the pilot safely landed the plane. One of those victims is a flight attendant. Flight attendants often are exposed to unusual circumstances and can suffer various types of workers comp injuries. Certainly, flight attendants do not expect this type of work injury though. A trauma specialist explains that dog attacks can leave its victims with permanent scarring and disabling injuries. Depending where the dog bites occur, the victim may suffer injuries of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. Beyond that, there are concerns of infections that can develop from animal bites. One injury lawyer expressed concern for the victims as well as outrage about the situation. He explained that there are strict laws that govern pets in public areas. He notes that dog attacks and dog bites often occur when owners violate local and state laws, such as leash laws. Animals are inherently unpredictable and may be dangerous. These laws were created to protect the public and pet owners bear significant liability for the actions of their animals. A personal injury lawsuit and even a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed against a pet owner, especially if the owner has acted in a negligent manner. Catch more details on the grounded US Airways flight here.

Another Tylenol recall sparks concerns over consumer safety

Johnson and Johnson (J&J), the manufacturer of Tylenol, has announced yet another recall of their over-the-counter medications. According to New York’s Wall Street Journal, this recent recall involves several Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom products produced by J&J. Other products produced by the same company and involved in the recalls include children’s Motrin and Benadryl. Commentators note that these recalls are costing the company countless millions of dollars. However, consumer advocates and personal injury attorneys alike complain that the media’s attention to the lost dollars in misguided. They warn that large companies worry more about their profit than the safety of the consumers buying these defective products. Unfortunately, companies make decisions about recalling their dangerous products based on the likelihood of a negligence lawsuit, according to some lawyers in the New York area. This is very concerning because of the dangers involved in taking medications that may not work or even worse, may cause illness and injury. Advocates report that they hope the recent increases in product recalls will spark industry caution before running to launch products that have not been fully tested for safety. Consumers who want to research the recent spat of medicine recalls can read up here. If you or someone you know were injured or became ill due to defective medicine you have the right to speak to a trained attorney for advice.

World Trade Center workers after 9/11 agree to $625 Million settlement

The police, fire, emergency medical service and construction workers who worked at the site of the World Trade Center after 9/11 have agreed to a settlement in their huge work injury lawsuit. They have agreed to a settlement worth about $625 Million from the City of New York. The workers filed one of the largest work related injury lawsuits against New York City, claiming a multitude of health problems. The most common reported health problem from the worksite is respiratory problems similar to asthma. The sick workers and their injury lawyers believe the dust and debris from the exploded office towers mixed with the airplane fuel caused their ailments. They contended that New York City officials failed to protect them from these work hazards. Public health officials and the federal government have pledged to help these injured workers and sick workers with their health care and bills. The proceeds of the lawsuit will also go toward caring for these sick workers and their families. Read more details about this landmark lawsuit settlement here.

Car accident kills 4 motorcyclists and passenger in the car

A car accident this week has killed 4 victims on motorcycles as well as the front seated passenger of the car. Several more motorcycle drivers and passengers were hurt in the accident. Police in California have arrested the driver of the car, charging him with drunk driving that may have helped cause the accident. The car swerved to avoid an oncoming car but then struck the motorcyclists. Investigators are questioning whether or not the impaired driver hit the motorcycles because of the alcohol dulling his senses or not. Public safety advocates from New York to California continue to warn of the dangers of alcohol. They explain that often a driver believes he or she is in control of their motor vehicle. However, once a challenging situation arises, such as an oncoming car, a drunk driver’s reaction time is dulled. The extra seconds spent processing the danger and taking action can make the difference between life and death. In this case, possibly the lives of 5 people. An accident lawyer in New York who is familiar with both wrongful death and personal injury cases explained that the family members and accident victims must now start to pick up the pieces. They may need the assistance of a trained advocate to help them navigate the medical and legal system. More details on this deadly car crash are available here.

Westchester, New York man struck and killed by pickup truck

Michael Orlando, a Westchester, New York man was hit by a pickup truck in Mahopac while he was out walking with his dog. Police and ambulance personnel who responded to the scene reported that the victim was killed after being dragged by the motor vehicle during the tragic accident. Police officials took the vehicle to an impound lot and were further investigating the deadly crash. Accident investigators will need to determine if negligence or mechanical failure was at all to blame. Officials say that no charges have yet been filed against the driver. Accident lawyers in New York explain that a wrongful death lawsuit may still be filed even when no charges are filed or tickets issued. They report that lawsuits following car accidents that cause injury or death are often not filed until further investigation is completed. Safety advocates remind drivers to be cautious of pedestrians and bicyclists who also share the roads. Officials with the New York City Department of Transportation have recently studied pedestrian accidents and safety. They explain that accidents involving a pedestrian struck or bicyclist struck can cause more severe injuries and even death, as also seen in this case. Read up on more details regarding this deadly pedestrian accident here.

Food recalls announced due to safety and health concerns

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced several new food recalls due to health and safety concerns. A recent recall involved frozen green peas that were recalled voluntarily by the Pictsweet company. The company explained there were reports of glass fragments ending up in their product. Another voluntary food recall involved dried sea food produced by Foremost Foods International, Inc. That company warned of contamination by bacteria called clostridium botulinum. The FDA has also recently announced a recall of several carrot and cucumber juices produced by the Bronx, New York company, Pats Exotic Beverages, Inc. The consumer alert in this case warned of a severe health risk due to potential food poisoning from these drinks. Health inspectors stated that the New York based company in this case did not use mandated processes to prevent the spread of food borne pathogens. Note was made that no illness has yet to be reported in these cases. Health officials note that often times food or defective product recalls are issued just in time to prevent large outbreaks of illness or injury. However, there are times when consumers are not as well protected due to negligence or a faulty product. Personal injury lawyers in the New York area explain that they are often consulted by consumers who may have suffered due to negligence or noncompliance with safety regulations, as seen with the Pats Exotic Beverages company who is based in New York City.

Railroad worker receives over $2.6 Million from New York court after workers comp injury

A man who suffered a workers comp injury while working on a railroad was awarded more than $2.6 Million by a jury in Manhattan, New York. His personal injury lawyer explained that the man suffered severe nerve damage and multiple other permanent injuries due to employer negligence. He was injured during an accident in which he received a shock of 7,500 volts of electricity. The lawsuit claimed that the railroad should have provided additional safeguards to protect employees. Unfortunately, it is too late for this man who is now permanently disabled from his job and unable to support his family. The New York City jury considered these facts in awarding him this sum. Workman’s compensation injuries often leave victims with partial or permanent disabilities and extreme difficulties supporting themselves. Labor advocates have called upon lawmakers and employers to improve the dangerous work conditions of many workers in New York and around the country. They note that the types of injuries suffered by workers can include nerve damage, neck injuries, back pain, amputated fingers or limbs and even head injury. If you or someone you know was injured due to someone else’s negligence you should contact a top injury attorney. Read more about this man’s successful fight back against his negligent employer here.

Man killed and two more injured in car accident in Long Island, New York

Police report that one man was killed in a car accident on Veteran’s Highway this weekend in Suffolk County in Long Island, New York. The car was rear ended at a traffic light by a drunk driver. Two other victims in the car were also taken to the hospital suffering injuries in the car crash. Officials said the drunk driver fled the scene and was being charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol (DWI) as well as a hit and run. They explained that drunk drivers often run in fear of being arrested from causing an accident while drinking. Accident lawyers in New York note that another reason drunk drivers leave the scene of an accident is because they fear the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit. Car accidents can lead to many severe injuries, including broken bones or fractures, neck and back pain, traumatic brain injury and others. Police report that the man who was killed in this particular accident suffered head injuries and chest trauma. The drunk driver was found and is being held on multiple charges, including fleeing the scene of a motor vehicle accident where personal injuries occurred. Upon notification of the death of one of the victims the charges were compounded. Read up on details of this accident here.

Injured high school student wins $8 Million in lawsuit against New York City

New York City has settled a negligence lawsuit filed against them for $8 Million by a man who was paralyzed while a high school student. The man was injured while paying football and suffered a spinal injury with a broken bone in his neck. He has lived in a wheelchair in a nursing home since his injury in 2007. The lawsuit charged that the New York City organizers of the football game were negligent in not properly preparing the injured man for the game and not protecting him from injury. He suffered a spinal cord injury as a result. Citizen advocates explain that many injured people are afraid or unsure of their rights following an accident. They are often intimidated by the idea of filing a lawsuit against a large entity, like the City of New York. A personal injury lawyer is often needed to fight for the rights of injury victims, especially when the victim is a teenage high school student. Advocates report that this is a big win for the rights of injury victims throughout New York. It also goes a long way in improving the safety of students who engage in city run sports activities. If you or someone you know has been the victim of an injury due to the negligence of others you have a right to speak to an accident attorney. Read more about this successful negligence lawsuit.