Earlier this year, a 29-year-old social worker was awarded $4 million after she suffered serious injuries from a fallen tree limb. The accident happened in 2007 in Stuyvesant Square Park in Manhattan. The woman was sitting under an 80-foot tree when a limb fell 30 feet and landed on top of her.
]]> The woman sued the city of New York, and her lawyers placed blame on parks workers who failed to notice that the tree was rotting. The city, however, claimed that they were not responsible for the accident since they are not required to perform "state-of-the-art inspections" on city trees.The 29-year-old woman is not the only person to be injured by falling tree limbs. In the last 10 years, nine other people have sued New York City for deaths or injuries caused by fallen tree branches.
This story serves as a reminder that accident victims are often able to pursue legal action against negligent parties. Those who have been hurt because of another party's carelessness would be wise to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney will work hard to get them the compensation they deserve. After all, people who are injured often must endure multiple surgeries, lengthy hospital stays and rehabilitation. They should not also have to suffer financial setbacks.
Source: NBC New York, "City Pays Millions to Settle Claims Over Rotting Trees," May 14, 2012
]]>In a recent study, undergraduate students were asked to take a standardized survey indicating their level of cell phone attachment. When compared with the participants' driving records, researchers found a significant relationship between attachment to mobile devices and motor vehicle accidents.
]]> In the study, 384 psychology students were tracked for three years. The research showed that among those who were least attached to their phones, researchers counted about 25 car crashes per 100 people per year. However, among those who were addicted to their cell phones, that figure jumped to 38 crashes per 100 people per year.Research shows that simply expecting something to happen on your phone raises your risk of having a crash. Just feeling compelled to check your phone is enough of a distraction.
This new study presents a new problem. With this data in mind, we now know that you can put your phone away or even turn it off; however, we cannot really control one's thoughts. Furthermore, the act of ignoring a phone may inevitably make some people think about it even more. Does this mean that distracted driving will be a problem forever?
Source: The Atlantic, "Can simply thinking about your phone lead to a car crash?" Brian Fung, April 30, 2012
]]>Whether you live in New York City or elsewhere, a brain injury is very serious. Some say the reason more high school football players are suffering head injuries is the way they are playing. In 1976, head-first tackles and blocks were banned. However, it now appears many players are not protecting their heads while they are playing.
]]> Studies have shown that head injuries and concussions early in life can make people more susceptible to develop symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease. And it appears that kids are at an even greater disadvantage. Studies indicate that kids take longer to recover from head injuries than teenagers and adults.Some say that sports officials and coaches could be doing more to protect football players from serious head injuries by penalizing players for head-first tackles and teaching them to use shoulder blocks and tackles.
When someone suffers a serious head injury, the consequences can be devastating. A person's mood and personality may be affected. Even simple everyday tasks can be hard to complete. In some cases a head injury can cause seizures, coma and even death.
Those who have suffered serious head injuries because of another person's negligence may be entitled to compensation. When people are reckless and cause harm to other people they should be held responsible.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, "'Catastrophic Brain Injuries Rise Among High School Football Players," Mark Long, April 19, 2012
]]>In 2010, a New York City artist and her boyfriend were riding their bikes home from a concert when a driver hit them before fleeing the scene of the accident. The woman had a metal pole inserted in her leg and asphalt remains lodged in her skin.
]]> "My body was destroyed," the woman said. "My whole life was put on hold for months, and no one seemed to care."Despite the woman's injuries and the fact that the driver fled the scene, no criminal charges have been filed against the driver. The woman says that New York City police did not pursue an investigation into the crash. Some believe this is not an isolated incident. Many people in the cycling community believe authorities show indifference to bicycle accidents.
Even though police appear to be doing little to investigate bicycle accidents, more than 34,000 bicycle tickets were issued by the NYPD last year. At the same time, only about 10,400 tickets were issued to truck drivers.
In addition to a lack of criminal charges, without a police investigation accident victims are unable to hold reckless drivers accountable through a personal injury lawsuit.
One New York City Councilman and Public Safety Committee Chairman noted that people on the street are getting killed and injured at an alarming rate. However, many drivers are simply getting away with it.
Some are pushing for a law to be passed that would force police to investigate serious bicycle accidents. Until then, accident victims would be wise to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can investigate the facts in a case and help individuals determine the best course of action.
Source: CNN, "Bicycle Injuries: Is the right-of-way fight getting ugly?" Stephanie Smith, April 20, 2012
]]>The car accident happened in June 2007. According to reports, the former fire chief was driving to another accident at around 60 mph. Reports indicate that he passed another firefighter's vehicle. A 59-year-old New York woman had a green light and began moving through an intersection when the fire department SUV crashed into her Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. The woman says she never heard any sirens.
]]> Although the former fire chief was not injured, the woman suffered injuries to her neck. She wasn't able to do certain activities and also had trouble sleeping.Recently, a jury ordered the former fire chief, as well as the town where the accident occurred, to pay the woman $825,000 for the injuries she suffered in the crash.
"I think justice was done," the woman's attorney said. "I think the most important lesson is that first responders, no matter how noble their intentions, are still required to exercise care in responding to an emergency."
Although New York state law allows emergency vehicles to run red lights and to drive above the speed limit, they cannot put other people or property in danger. The jury in this case found that the former fire chief was negligent and put other drivers in danger. When people drive recklessly and cause harm to others, they should be held responsible.
Source: The Journal News, "Harrison woman awarded $825G in crash with volunteer firefighter," Ned P. Rauch, April 17, 2012
]]>Around 7:30 a.m. on April 4, a special education bus was attempting to make a right turn on the Queens Midtown Expressway. At that same time, a car attempted to cut in front of the bus, crashing into it.
]]> Two adults and 10 students were taken to the hospital. Fortunately, none of their injuries were serious, and no one was admitted to the hospital. The driver of the other vehicle was also not hurt in the accident.Although no one suffered serious injuries in this particular crash, bus accidents can cause people to suffer devastating injuries. They may spend weeks in the hospital and endure multiple surgeries. They may need extensive rehabilitation and may be unable to work. All of that can make some people feel overwhelmed by the financial burden.
Fortunately, those who are injured in a bus accident may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. When bus drivers or other motorists are reckless, they should be held responsible for their actions.
People in New York City who have been injured in a bus accident would be wise to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can investigate a case and help people get the compensation they are entitled to.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, "Car hits NYC school bus, 10 kids taken to hospital," April 4, 2012
]]>The elevator accident happened late last month. According to reports, the 17-year-old boy was visiting friends on the fifth floor of his apartment building. Around 9 p.m. he stepped into the elevator to return to his apartment on the second floor. Just as the elevator car was about to stop on the second floor the cables broke.
]]> The young man reportedly flew up and hit his back on the ceiling of the elevator car. Firefighters were able to remove him. He was taken to Lincoln Hospital. Fortunately, he is in stable condition.According to the Department of Buildings, the apartment building where the incident occurred has three open violations. Records indicate that the violations include failure to maintain building in code for worn car shoes, improper lighting and unsecure electrical wires on the top of the elevator.
Other residents say the elevator was making strange clicking noises before the incident. One neighbor said it was so loud it sounded like someone was moving furniture. According to one source, when the cables broke it shook the entire apartment building.
Elevator accidents can be quite serious. People can sustain injuries or even die. As readers might recall, a 41-year-old advertising executive was tragically killed in an elevator accident in December.
New Yorkers who have been injured in an elevator accident may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. The compensation may be used to pay medical bills, make up for lost wages and to cover any pain and suffering a person may have endured as a result of the accident.
Source: New York Daily News, "Bronx teen miraculously survives after elevator cable snaps in Bronx building," Edgar Sandoval and Sandra Armaghan, March 30, 2012
]]>A witness to the horrific car accident said the man driving the Mercedes Benz was speeding down the street before he hit the bicyclist. The bicyclist was taken to Maimonides Hospital and was reportedly in cardiac arrest.
]]> The 80-year-old driver was also taken to a local hospital. Police say they planned on arresting him for leaving the scene of an accident.An accident like this is a reminder how fragile life is. One minute someone can be peacefully riding their bike. The next minute they might be lying on the hood of a car.
Although the driver of the Mercedes will likely face criminal charges for attempting to flee the scene of both accidents, he may also face additional penalties in the form of a personal injury lawsuit. When drivers are found to be negligent, they should be held accountable for their reckless actions.
Car accidents happen frequently in New York City and beyond. Despite their frequency, a car accident can be devastating for the victims and their families. Someone who has been injured in a car accident may find it beneficial to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine what the best course of action might be.
Source: New York Daily News, "Cyclist critical in Brooklyn crash," Denis Slattery and Sarah Armaghan, Mar. 21, 2012
]]>According to authorities, two cars traveling eastbound were attempting to pass two other vehicles. One of the eastbound vehicles then collided with a vehicle traveling westbound.
]]> A 27-year-old woman was killed. Her husband was also critically injured. Three other people were also injured. However, those injuries are reportedly not life-threatening.One family is now left mourning the loss of a young woman. Although no amount of money can take away the pain of losing a loved one, her family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the other vehicle. In this instance, the driver's poor decision caused the woman to lose her life.
When people are negligent and driving recklessly, terrible things can happen. People may be seriously injured and forced to spend weeks in a hospital bed. In some cases, even death results. When someone is operating a vehicle recklessly, they should be held responsible.
People in New York City and beyond who have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident would be wise to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney can investigate a case and help determine who was at fault. They can work vigorously to help family members get the compensation they deserve.
Losing a family member in a car accident is devastating. Fortunately, there are legal options that family members may able to pursue.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, "1 killed, 4 injured in 2-car crash in northern NY," Mar. 19, 2012
]]>The young man was a senior in high school when the accident happened. According to an assistant student trainer, he complained to the school's trainer about having headaches. He even asked his coach to sit out during part of a game because his head was hurting.
]]> However, his coach ignored the warning signs and forced the young man to play. After the first half of the football game, the young man collapsed on the sidelines. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors removed a portion of his skull. However, the bleeding in his brain left him with serious damage.The young man's family filed a lawsuit against the school district and recently was awarded $4.4 million.
Brain injuries have been receiving more attention in recent months. Since August, 20 lawsuits have been brought against the NFL by players who say they suffered head injuries that continue to affect them.
Brain injuries are very serious. In many cases, a person will require long-term care after they have suffered a traumatic brain injury. However, as evidenced by this most recent lawsuit, victims may be entitled to compensation if the brain injury was the result of someone else's negligence.
Source: MSNBC, "San Diego-area school district to pay $4.4 million for football head injury," Mar. 10, 2012
]]>The accident happened on Dec. 14. The woman stepped into an elevator in her 26-story office building when her foot or leg became caught in the elevator doors. The elevator then shot upwards, trapping her between the elevator and the wall.
]]> The morning of the accident, workers from Transel Elevator Inc. were doing maintenance work at the woman's office. Shortly before the accident, a safety switch was bypassed which normally prevents the elevator from moving when the doors are open. However, a mechanic claims the safety switch was enabled before the accident occurred.Five mechanics with Transel Elevator Inc. have now been fired. In addition, a co-owner of the company has had his license suspended by the Department of Buildings. One official has also criticized workers for failing to follow basic safety procedures, such as putting caution tape across the elevator doors as they were working.
Transel Elevator Inc. maintains about 2,500 elevators in New York City. They have continued to operate since the accident.
Criminal charges have not been filed against the elevator maintenance company or any of the five employees who were working at the time of the accident. However, they could be held responsible in the form of a wrongful death lawsuit. When someone is killed due to another person's negligence, they should be held responsible.
Source: CBS New, "Workers fired after deadly NYC elevator accident," Feb. 29, 2012
]]>Many New Yorkers are familiar with Paula Abdul. People may be familiar with her from her time on "American Idol" or the "X Factor." In 2007, Abdul was filming the reality show, "Hey Paula." However, it wasn't all glitz and glamour. During the filming, a woman fell in Abdul's driveway suffering injuries serious enough to force her to undergo a number of back surgeries.
]]> Although a trial date was set, a settlement was recently reached. Abdul has agreed to pay the injured woman $900,000. In addition, the production company affiliated with the reality show has also agreed to pay the woman $100,000.As evidenced by this case, a slip and fall injury can be life-changing. A person may need to have multiple surgeries and endure lengthy rehabilitation.
Anyone in New York who has suffered an injury due to a slip and fall accident would be wise to work with an experienced attorney. An attorney can investigate an accident and work to prove that a property owner knew about a hazardous condition and did nothing to prevent an accident from occurring.
Although these types of accidents happen all too often, people should not suffer injuries because of another person's negligence. When they do, they should be able to collect the compensation that they deserve.
Source: E! Online, "Paula Abdul's Back-Busting Driveway Costs Nearly $1 Million," Natalie Finn, Feb. 22, 2012
]]>In addition to problems with speech, loss of smell and taste, the accident left the man extremely emotional. He would often cry uncontrollably multiple times each week.
]]> Although doctors assumed that the man was depressed, they also discovered he suffered from a condition known as pseudobulbar affect. The condition is often a symptom of a traumatic brain injury and can make people laugh or cry uncontrollably.Fortunately, the man's doctor prescribed him a new drug designed specifically to treat pseudobulbar affect, and the results were fantastic. The man says he finally has control over his emotions. His crying spells now only occur a couple times each month.
Although the man in this case appears to be doing better, the brain injury he suffered changed his entire life. Once a manager for the New York City government, he is no longer able to work. His family also had to adjust to the man he has become.
Brain injuries can drastically affect a person's life. It can change a person's personality and their ability to complete normal tasks. People may suffer seizures or be left in a coma or even die.
Although the drunk driver who hit the man in this specific case likely faced criminal charges, the family may also wish to pursue compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation and lost wages. When someone else's reckless actions causes harm to another person they should be held responsible in every aspect of the law.
Source: The Washington Post, "Medical mysteries: Was crying caused by man's severe depression?" Sandra G. Boodman, Feb. 20, 2012
]]>The artist's mother was recently in New York City to attend a City Council meeting in which the New York City Police Department was questioned on their handling of traffic accidents. Some have accused the NYPD of hiding evidence and not properly charging drivers.
]]> The Executive Officer of the Transportation Bureau was at the council meeting to defend the NYPD and pointed to the decline in traffic fatalities over the last ten years. In addition, he mentioned the city's vigorous action against bicyclists, citing the more than 48,000 tickets that were handed out to bicyclists in 2011.Despite the vast number of tickets given to bike riders, some believe the NYPD is not doing enough to help bicyclists when accidents occur. In New York City's five boroughs, there is only one NYPD Accident Investigation Squad with 23 officers assigned to it.
One councilman said he is outraged and concerned that the investigation into the accident that killed the young artist has been compromised because of officer's lack of attention.
Others joined the artist's mother at the council meeting, riding their bikes in honor of those who have been killed in bike accidents. At the meeting, the artist's mother asked for honesty and said that she believes drivers who kill people should be held accountable.
In addition to criminal charges, drivers who cause harm to bicyclists may also face a personal injury lawsuit. When people are injured because of another person's reckless actions, they should be compensated in order to pay medical bills and to make up for any lost wages, as well as any pain and suffering that resulted because of the accident.
Source: Huffington Post, "Mathieu Lefevre Death Leads To City Council Hearing Over NYPD's Handling Of Accidents," Feb. 16, 2012
]]>The fatal car crash happened around 4 p.m. on Feb. 9. According to authorities, an 11-year-old boy was walking on a busy street near an elementary and middle school. It appears that the young boy was walking between two parked cars when he stepped out in front of a sport utility vehicle. He was taken to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
]]> Police do not think speed played a role in the tragic accident. They also do not plan to file criminal charges against the driver.Although police do not plan to file charges, the family of the 11-year-old victim may want to consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver involved in the accident. As investigators continue to work to find out just what happened, they may discover that the driver was negligent. If that is the case, they should be held responsible for their reckless actions.
Anyone in New York that has lost a family member in a tragic car accident would likely benefit from working with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can investigate the evidence in a case and work to get family members the compensation they deserve. Although no amount of money can bring a loved one back, a wrongful death lawsuit may provide family members with some measure of justice.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, "Western NY boy, 11, dies after getting hit by SUV," Feb. 9, 2012
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