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.
June 29, 2020 News
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Apparent reckless driver kills unborn baby, injures mother in car crash

New York – Staten Island’s Hylan Boulevard was the scene of a horrific two-car motor vehicle accident (MVA). One of the cars, an SUV, was apparently speeding when the driver lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed head-on into another vehicle. The driver of that first car suffered accident injuries, including a possible broken bone. However, the second vehicle, also an SUV, contained two accident victims that suffered much more severe injuries. The male driver of that car suffered a head injury and was taken to the hospital. His female front-seated passenger was pregnant at the time of the SUV accident and was also rushed to a trauma center. Doctors were forced to perform an emergency cesarean section delivery of the baby in an attempt to save the baby’s life. However, hospital officials explain that the newborn infant died of the injuries sustained in the MVA. The nature of the fatal wounds is still under investigation. Officials investigating the car collision believe that the first car was being driven by a reckless driver and that led to the SUV crash. The reckless driving together with the fact that the man was an unlicensed speeding driver has many concerned. Safety advocates have demanded immediate action to remove dangerous drivers from the roads and justice in this wrongful death case. Find out more about the collision and investigation here.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: Kevin Ho [License]

June 19, 2020 News
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Bronx car accident injures multiple victims, including bicyclist and pedestrians

New York – What appears to be a speeding car with a reckless driver behind the wheel was caught on video causing a serious pedestrian accident. A dash camera from an uninvolved motorist caught the frightening car crash on video. A Bronx native was identified as the driver of a car that possibly even ran through a red light at a busy intersection beneath the train tracks. While racing his vehicle through the intersection, a group of pedestrians and bicyclists had already been attempting to cross within the crosswalk. The car seemed to have come from nowhere with little-to-no warning and hit a bicycle with rider on it as well as several pedestrians. The bicycle accident left that rider seriously injured and it is reported that several pedestrians, including several local workers, were also hurt in the collision. This car crash is still under investigation and the driver was brought up on charges for the collision. See the video and find out more about this reckless driving accident with multiple injuries here.

Illustrative Photo Credit: hmmmayor [License]

June 01, 2020 News
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Fire department vehicle rear ended in New York highway accident

New York – The fire police vehicle was on the scene of a car accident on a busy highway when it was struck from the rear by another vehicle. Initial reports showed that the firefighter was still in his SUV vehicle stopped behind another fire apparatus after having responded to a motor vehicle accident (MVA) with injuries. However, another motorist apparently didn’t stop or move over and rear ended the fire department SUV despite the activated emergency lights on the car. It is unclear why this MVA occurred or whether the female driving the car was a distracted driver. Investigation will be necessary to determine whether or not the fire department had provided adequate warning to other drivers regarding the dangerous situation ahead. The firefighter was injured and the driver of the other car also suffered various injuries, including spinal injuries and a head injury. In addition, the car had a child passenger that was injured in the SUV accident. The injured parties were extricated and transported by ambulance from the scene of the car crash. They were taken to a regional hospital emergency department for evaluation. Find out more about this rear end collision and the accident injury here.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: Brandon Harer [License]

May 27, 2020 News
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Motorcycle accident on Long Island causes critical injuries

New York – Police are still investigating what led to a serious motorcycle crash in Nassau County. They say that two cars and one motorcycle were involved in a series of collisions. It is currently believed that one of the cars was making a turn when the biker slammed into the car. However, the motorcyclist lost control and crashed into an SUV. The motorcycle rider suffered life threatening accident injuries and emergency crews evacuated him to the trauma center of a nearby hospital. Trauma doctors explain that the seriousness of this kind of bike accident can lead to critical injuries, permanent disability and even death. Based on the mechanism of injury, these injuries can include traumatic brain injury (TBI), broken bones and fractures, internal organ damage and nerve damage. The extent of the accident victim’s injuries is not fully known at this point. Doctors and specialist will need to continue evaluations and medical testing. In addition, police accident investigators will continue to look into what caused the car accident. See this article for additional information.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: dfirecop [License]

May 04, 2020 News
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Police officers injured on the job in car crash

A car accident occurred on the highway leading to the Holland Tunnel approach into New York City. This set the scene for a subsequent car crash that injured several police officers. Reports show that responding police officers from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as well as Jersey City police departments were at the scene of the initial car collision. They were taking care of the accident scene and injured driver when another vehicle lost control and hit a barrier. That vehicle then hit one of the policemen and a police car, causing multiple accident injuries. The pedestrian accident caused one officer to suffer with serious injuries and several other cops suffered injuries as well. It is unclear why the two accidents occurred but specialists explain that distracted drivers often cause secondary collisions like this. They note that drivers often concentrate on the initial accident scene and flashing emergency lights and lose control over their vehicle. This is one of the reasons that many states, including New York, have created “move over laws” that require drivers to move over an extra lane on the highway or roadway when possible. This allows police, EMTs, paramedics and fire fighters a safer work environment. The prevention of workplace accidents and a work injury in these types of environments is challenging but necessary. On the job injuries are usually covered by worker’s compensation insurance. However, these insurance coverages can often lack a fair process or control to patients over their healthcare. Some find it necessary to hire a workers comp lawyer to help them fight for their rights. You can read more about this work injury here.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: bark [License]

April 17, 2020 News
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Negligence? Why is New York getting hit so hard with COVID-19?

New York – Various theories abound as to why the New York City area is at the epicenter of the novel coronavirus 2019 pandemic. Thousands of COVID-19 victims have already died and up to several hundred thousand more New Yorkers are confirmed to have been infected with the dangerous virus. Citizens and workers have been concerned as to why the area has been hit so hard and wonder what should be done about it. One possibility is that employers and businesses have been negligent in properly disinfecting surfaces and equipment in the workplace. Improper cleaning of desks, phones, doorknobs and files may be linked to spread of the dangerous disease. This has many concerned for their health and welfare, especially for those workers who are being required to come into work every day. Office workers, maintenance staff, factory workers and essential workers such as doctors, nurses and ancillary hospital staff can be at risk for contracting and spreading coronavirus according to research. Workplace safety experts say that it is the responsibility of employers and management to provide for a safe work environment and to prevent a hazardous situation for both workers and customers alike. They express concern for the lack of safety equipment, personal protective supplies and disinfection control in places ranging from hospitals and doctor’s offices to everyday places such as offices, warehouses and supermarkets. Important things to look out for when assessing this include: Does the business provide gloves or face masks? Approved and safe cleaning and disinfectant supplies? Cleaning crews that are licensed and follow best practices? Does the store require customers and workers to wear face masks? Do they enforce social distancing guidelines to prevent people from coughing or sneezing on others? Some have pointed out that negligent cleaning can be similar in concept to negligent maintenance that creates a health risk and dangerous condition for others. Imagine if a store refused to clean up a slippery spill in the middle of an aisle and along comes an unsuspecting shopper that suffers a slip and fall accident as a result. Is this all part of the cause of the rapid and dangerous spread of COVID-19 in New York? See this article for more about the New York outbreak of coronavirus.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: sergio santos [License]

March 27, 2020 News
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Coronavirus protection plan in the workplace :: Employer’s responsibility?

New York – Many people are concerned about their own health as well as that of the people around them during this coronavirus outbreak. A common question that comes up is, what is the responsibility of the employer during these perilous times? Can an employer require workers to come in to work? Should they? Some jobs are vital for society and the well being of everyone. However, other jobs are less so and this should be taken into consideration by a boss. The driving force in decision making should involve the health and well being of employees and customers, and not just money. Workers should be encouraged to work from home or at off times when the office or workplace is relatively empty. In addition, the workplace should be kept clean and disinfected on a very regular basis to avoid getting workers and customers sick. A central thought of employers during this time must be to prevent a work illness or work injury. This may mean that a company will need to work on setting up the employee with adequate work-at-home accommodations and allowances as needed. Employers and companies should ensure a safer environment by also sending home any worker who shows any signs of illness, such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath. The concept is similar to the requirement on employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment in general. For example, good lighting in an office or warehouse to prevent a trip and fall; proper safety equipment on a dangerous construction site; or constant diligence to avoid broken equipment from improper maintenance. In addition, employers should make reasonable efforts to educate their workers and staff on how to protect themselves at work. Systems should be set up by managers and bosses to prevent clumping of customers and workers to prevent spread of the disease. Clear signs and instructions as well as any necessary personal protection equipment and safe cleaning supplies should be made available to staff and customers to prevent a dangerous situation. You can see this article for more guidance on how to prevent getting sick from COVID-19 in the workplace.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: Senado Federal [License]

March 18, 2020 News
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Wall collapse kills construction worker and injured another victim

New York – Queens, NY was the scene of a construction accident recently. The wall collapse occurred in an area where demolition is being planned to clear the zone for new construction. Reports show that there were construction work vehicles or trucks in the area but it was unclear if active work was underway during the incident. The accident caused one construction worker to be crushed under the falling debris. That man suffered serious accident injuries and ended up dying at the hospital after doctors were unable to revive him. Another accident victim suffered serious leg injuries from debris and bricks that apparently hit him. The full details of his injuries are unclear at this point. However, trauma specialists explain that a crush injury of the legs like this can cause broken bones or fractures, soft tissue damage, injuries or lacerations to blood vessels such as arteries and veins but can also lead to nerve damage and long-term disability. A crush injury of other parts of the body can cause traumatic brain injury, internal organ damage or lacerations and a collapsed lung, known as a pneumothorax. Find out further details about this wall collapse accident here.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Courtesy: Bernard Spragg. NZ [License]

March 03, 2020 News
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George Washington Bridge driver suffers head injury from flying debris

New York – A piece of metal went flying through the air and slammed into the windshield of a car, causing a serious head injury to the driver. It is unclear about where exactly the metal debris fell from but it is believed that the metal broke off from or flew out of the back of a dump truck. Falling debris has long been a concern of drivers on busy highways, especially for those travelling behind construction vehicles, dump trucks and garbage trucks that often transport dangerous garbage and loose debris. If the load is not properly contained or tied down, the combination of high speeds, wind and bumpy roads with potholes can be a recipe for disaster. In addition, there is concern that this piece of metal may have broken off of a truck that underwent improper maintenance. However, some feel that this metal object could have been kicked up from the ground after the truck struck a piece of roadside garbage. This dangerous condition requires constant cleaning of garbage and debris from public roadways by state and local government staff to prevent a car crash or injury such as this.

The driver of the car that was hit by the object was rushed from the scene by ambulance to a trauma center. He suffered a severe head injury with possible traumatic brain injury (TBI) according to injury specialists. Doctors will need to perform additional testing, including CAT scan and possible MRI scans to further evaluate the car accident victim’s condition. A TBI can cause mild problems such as a simple concussion with post-concussion symptoms like headaches, dizziness and memory problems. However, more serious cases can include loss of consciousness, vomiting, visual disturbances and even intracranial bleeding. The latter problem of a brain bleed may necessitate emergency neurosurgery. All of these types of TBI can lead to permanent injury and even disability. See this article for more about this truck accident on the George Washington Bridge in New York City.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: Keith [License]

February 17, 2020 News
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Serious injuries including a traumatic brain injury in Queens car accident

New York – Two cars collided in a horrific motor vehicle accident (MVA) in Queens, leaving three injury victims. The first vehicle was being driven by an off-duty police officer when the second vehicle broad-sided him at an intersection, according to reports. His car then struck parked cars and slammed into a telephone poll. The poll cracked and then collapsed according to witnesses. The vehicle then caught on fire and fire rescue was dispatched to the accident scene. It is unclear whether or not the cop was wearing a seatbelt, however, he was ejected from the car during the impact. This raised a question of a safety equipment malfunction during the MVA. Emergency first responders explain that they found the injured driver on the street suffering from a traumatic brain injury and neck injury. Spinal injuries in this context present a special difficulty in treating patients with a serious head injury according to doctors. The other two accident victims from the second car suffered less serious injuries. However, they will require additional testing to determine the nature and extent of their wounds. Trauma specialists note that some accident-related injuries can start out as appearing not serious but eventually develop into chronic pain or even permanent disability ones over time. This can especially be true if the wounds are ignored or not picked up on early enough. See this article for additional information regarding this Queens car crash.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo credit: Joel Kramer [License]