Category Archives:News

Welcome to the news from the New York Injury Lawyer blog. Here we present interesting and relevant news stories involving our areas of specialty, including personal injuries, slip and falls, medical malpractice and brain injury claims. Have an interesting injury story? Tell us.
April 20, 2016 News
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Long Island ambulance accident kills two victims

New York – Earlier today a private ambulance was involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash on the Southern State Parkway in Nassau County. The ambulance hit a highway overpass support wall while it was transporting a patient in the rear. According to the ambulance company, the EMT and driver of the ambulance were not travelling with lights or sirens, as this was a non-emergency transport. Images from the scene of the collision show that the entire front end of the truck was crushed inward. Additional ambulances from Nassau County were called in to treat the injured victims. Officials reported that the ambulance driver was killed after being crushed inside. In addition, the patient who was being transported in the back also died from the severe accident injuries. The cause of the accident is still being looked into by police. Investigators noted that it appears the driver lost control of the ambulance and slammed directly into the wall. His EMT partner in the back was also injured in the crash, including a suffering a head injury with concussion and leg fracture. That injury victim’s condition is still guarded and he will require hospitalization.

This ambulance collision is reminiscent of previous ones, including this ambulance versus bus crash in Brooklyn, New York and this ambulance and car accident in Queens. Emergency management specialists explain that the dangers involved with operating an ambulance or other emergency vehicle is quite serious. They note that the vehicles are heavier than many other vehicles on the road, require intensive training and constant awareness. Public safety activists worry that some drivers of these trucks are distracted by other things, such as their radios, cell phones or conversations while driving. Proper training to avoid these distracted driver risks is essential. You can see updates about the recent ambulance crash here.

Illustrative Photo by U.S. Navy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

April 15, 2016 News
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Are Suffolk County’s red-light cameras causing more accidents with injuries?

New York – Public safety activists are in an uproar about an ongoing investigation that shows an increased accident with injuries risk at intersections equipped with red-light cameras. Lawmakers and citizens alike have expressed concerns regarding the dangerous condition created by these traffic light cameras. They note that some of the traffic signals have faster-than-normal yellow lights and confusing signals, creating a risk for injury due to car accidents that inevitably follow. In the meantime, Suffolk County officials claim that the camera program is fine and plan to continue with it, despite the public safety concerns involved. Opponents question why the program isn’t suspended until they, at least, investigate the increased car crash concerns. They explain that this would allow the time to safely look into the issues and prevent injury or wrongful death accidents. One theory as to why there is an increased accident risk at these intersections revolves around concerned motorists who become afraid of getting a ticket, instead of remaining focused on driving safely. Experts say that drivers may needlessly brake too soon or too quickly, leading to a rear-end collision. Others may become a distracted driver when looking at the camera instead of the road.

Some community activists in New York have claimed that the local county government is simply being greedy and unwilling to give up the revenue that they receive from traffic tickets. The fines associated with these tickets goes to the government’s coffers and is shared with the company that installed and maintains the cameras. This creates a possible incentive for some politicians to keep the cameras functioning even in light of the risk of injury or death. However, this may actually lead to increased personal injury lawsuits, which would be much more costly if lawmakers neglect to deal with the hazardous condition that they’ve created. Motor vehicle accident victims are encouraged to seek legal advice from a top injury lawyer to determine their rights. You can see a video and read more about the controversial traffic light program and investigation here.

Illustrative Photo Credit: Dave Dugdale, www.rentvine.com [License]

March 31, 2016 News
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Dangerous foods require product recalls to protect consumer safety

A slew of recent food recalls have included Perdue chicken found to have pieces of plastic in it, concerns of spoiled Bumble Bee cans of tuna, dangerous foreign objects such as shards of glass in Nestle frozen food products and Listeria contamination concerns with Starbucks breakfast sandwiches. Consumer safety activists have expressed grave concern regarding the nature of the potentially dangerous product recalls. They insist that improved safety control must remain the highest priority of all food manufacturers and not profits, as some companies believe. Some experts have questioned the speed at which some food recalls begin while others note that the extent of recalls and the advertising of them are lacking. Public health professionals explain that a dangerous food product must be removed from store shelves and supply warehouses immediately. However, some companies delay such decisions due to concerns regarding their image or loss of money due to a recall. Even once a hazardous product recall has been initiated, some businesses do a poor job of publicizing it, leaving customers at risk of illness, injury or death. Product liability is a serious concern and must be seen by corporations as more than a financial decision, but rather a human one. A top injury lawyer in New York City explains that many people get sick, suffer an injury or are victims of wrongful death due to simple negligence by companies that don’t take their responsibility seriously. Activists encourage all businesses to follow the good examples set by owners who follow through on their obligations to the public. If you or someone you know has been injured by a dangerous product, you have the right to speak to an attorney. Find more about the recent food product recalls here.

Illustrative photo credit: Rusty Clark [License]

March 22, 2016 News
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MTA bus accident in Midtown leaves multiple injuries in its wake

New York – Yesterday’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus crash led to at least nine accident victims receiving emergency treatment of their injuries. Several of the injured passengers refused transport to a hospital but may require medical care at a later date. The bus driver admitted to losing control of the bus and crashing into a support pillar of a highway overpass bridge above. The questions regarding why and how the driver lost control remain the focus of the investigation. Police and MTA officials were looking into the cause of the accident, including a check into the driver’s safety record and accident history. They have received eye-witness reports that he was a distracted driver, possibly reaching to get a bottle when the motor vehicle collision occurred. The crash occurred near a curve in the road which may been a factor in the incident. Further scrutiny of this accident with injuries must include evaluation of the mechanical condition of the bus itself. Investigators will need to look at the repair and maintenance records for the vehicle to determine if it was safe for public transportation use. In addition to driver error, negligent maintenance can contribute to mechanical failures and an accident. The city’s MTA hasn’t issued a comment on the bus accident, pending investigation. However, public transit safety advocates are expressing deep concern regarding the driving habits of some of the drivers. They insist that the bus companies and city are responsible to take immediate corrective action against any dangerous driver in order to prevent more accidents, injuries and even death. You can read up more about this bus collision here.

Illustrative Photo Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York [License] Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit

March 02, 2016 News
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Pedestrian accident leaves child with traumatic brain injury

New York – The driver of a car in Nassau County, Long Island apparently hit a pedestrian as she was crossing the street over the weekend. The victim, only 10 years old, was struck by a car and suffered a severe head injury. She was rushed to the emergency room of a hospital and listed in critical condition according to doctors. The accident victim was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury but it is unclear how much brain function was affected. The car accident in under investigation, with investigators looking into the mechanical functioning of the car as well as the actions of the driver.

Trauma specialists explain that a head injury can cause a concussion, loss of consciousness and intracranial hemorrhage. Each of these may be classified as a traumatic brain injury and further investigation and treatment is crucial. A simple concussion may lead to post-concussional syndrome that can leave the victim disabled and unable to function. In addition, intracranial bleeding can lead to a person needing emergency surgery and a coma. Recent research on the topic of traumatic brain injuries in children suggests that treatment can be improved using nutrition. However, the victims and their families can be left with lifelong medical bills, pain and suffering. If you or someone you know suffered a head injury, you have the right to discuss the details of your case with an injury attorney.

Illustrative Image by U.S. Navy photo by Tom Watanabe. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

February 15, 2016 News
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New York City crane collapses, injures man

New York – Investigators continue to look into the terrifying crane collapse that occurred in the middle of the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan’s downtown. Videos from the crane accident show that a crawler crane fell over and crashed across several city blocks. The heavy steel tower of the crane was apparently swinging a wrecking ball before it tipped over and crushed several cars beneath it. Rescue crews rushed to the accident scene and treated a man for crush injuries that he suffered after being trapped in his car. It is unclear as to what caused the equipment failure, with some pointing out that there was a light snow fall and winds that may have knocked it over. However, city officials were looking into whether or not construction safety protocols were followed and if any negligence was involved.

New York City has recently seen quite a few crane accidents, including another one involving the same crane company last year. That previous accident sent a heavy load of a metal air conditioning and heating unit crashing down into the side of the building. Ten injury victims were treated following that accident and an investigation opened into the cause. The mayor and city council have now started pushing for stronger penalties for construction companies that violate crane safety guidelines. Activists hope that this may prevent negligent maintenance and other violations that lead to accidents, injuries and death. You can find out more about this safety push here.

Illustrative Photo Credit: Jason Kuffer [License]

January 29, 2016 News
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Trip and fall accident in Bronx elevator

New York – A senior citizen in the Bronx tripped and fell in an elevator that had just been repaired the day before. The injury victim suffered a fatal head injury and died of his wounds in the hospital the next day. The man reportedly tripped on his way into the elevator because the elevator floor wasn’t level with the hallway floor. Reports show that the location where the elevator accident occurred is a city public housing apartment building owned and operated by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). The elevator apparently was serviced by workers of NYCHA the day before the slip and fall injury. Tenants of the building noted that they had been complaining about the broken elevator and the dangerous condition that it presented for many years. The repairmen replaced a part and claimed that it was safe for use after their inspection. However, public advocates state that this was obviously not the case. In fact, they point to the fact that after the man was fatally injured, the city inspector noted that the replaced part was a faulty part and likely caused the accident. They believe that the part malfunction caused a trip hazard that was not evident to the victim when the elevator door opened. Activists warned that there is a problem with regular negligent maintenance in the public housing buildings and this must be dealt with to prevent further injuries and wrongful death. You can check this article out for more about this fall injury.

Illustrative photo from Public Domain [License]

January 18, 2016 News
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Bus passenger ejected through windshield after driver makes short stop

New York – Officials explain that a private tour bus was driving into Manhattan when it suddenly stopped short, sending a passenger slamming into the windshield. The driver of the charter bus stated that he had to make the sudden stop when he realized that he was coming up to a red light. It is unclear how fast the bus was traveling at the time of the accident. The victim then crashed through the window and fell on the street, causing multiple injuries, including a head injury. The injured man apparently fell out of the window, which did not shatter but rather broke away from its frame. Safety activists familiar with the bus accident note that the windshield equipment should be investigated to find out why it failed. Negligent installation as well as improper maintenance could be responsible but a dangerous manufacturing defect must also be ruled out. Although some witnesses didn’t think the bus was speeding, police were also looking into why the bus driver had to stop short. Officials will also look into whether or not all safety standards were being followed prior to the injury. The injured bus passenger was taken to the hospital for evaluation in the emergency room. You can find out more here.

Illustrative photo credit: Chris Sampson [License]

December 29, 2015 News
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Repeat dog attack in Brooklyn leaves questions about citizen safety

New York – Another pit bull attack occurred in a residential neighborhood of Brooklyn. This time the assault was on another dog but only a few years ago the attack was on a restaurant owner at the same residence. In the 2010 episode, the worker suffered severe injuries during the attack, when three pit bull dogs belonging to the same home owner lunged at the victim. The man was mauled by the dogs and taken to the emergency room for bite and crush injuries. Citizens in the city have expressed concern regarding the safety of people who live and work in the area. Some have asked why the dogs haven’t been taken away from their owner, saying that it’s negligent to allow them to continue to roam free after they have been known to injure people. They exclaim that pedestrians, bicyclists, workers, children, dog walkers and many others are at risk for being attacked by a dog. This constitutes a dangerous condition that puts everyone at risk or injury or death. The police have apparently determined that they can’t do anything since the assaults have taken place on private property. However, community activists warn that city officials, including police, bear some of the responsibility along with the dog owner who allows the dogs to roam around without a leash or muzzle. They note that the next dog attack victim may suffer even more injuries or even wrongful death. In the meantime, the public is being urged to file a civil lawsuit, such as a personal injury lawsuit, if they were injured by a dog. A victim who was bitten by a dog can speak to an experienced attorney to learn more about his or her rights. Find out more about this dangerous situation here.

Illustrative Photo Credit: BoostinChick [License]

December 17, 2015 News
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Hit-and-run car crash in Far Rockaway leaves pedestrian with critical injuries

New York – Police in Queens, NY explain that a young woman car accident victim is left fighting for her life in the hospital after being hit by a car. The pedestrian was walking along when a speeding driver struck her and sent her flying approximately 10 feet in the air. Witnesses say that the victim was left unconscious and with multiple severe injuries from the accident. She was treated on the scene by paramedics and taken by ambulance to the hospital emergency room where she was admitted. The car then continued speeding away from the accident scene and was followed by two good Samaritans. The bystanders called police, who arrived to arrest the suspect and impound his vehicle. They have charged the driver with multiple counts, including leaving the scene of an accident with injuries.

Officials in New York City have become quite concerned about hit-and-run accident incidents and have promised to crack down on the problem. They are now considering increasing the fines and penalties for a driver who flees the scene of a collision. They hope that this will prevent further incidences. A top injury law firm in Manhattan has been fighting for a crackdown against hit-and-run drivers. They explain that these drivers must face stiff penalties, including imprisonment, loss of a driver’s license, fines and streamlined personal injury lawsuits filed against them. You can read about the city council’s current proposal to double the fines against these negligent drivers due to this recent pedestrian accident here.

Illustrative photo by Werner Vermaak (originally posted to Flickr as Immobilized Patient) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons