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.

Articles Posted in Personal Injury

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the shed before its collapseThe sidewalk shed collapse on 29th Street in Chelsea yesterday morning tragically underscores the dangers pedestrians face in New York City. According to recent updates from the Department of Buildings (DOB), the shed was struck by a box truck, causing the structure to collapse. The incident resulted in three injuries—one person critically injured with severe TBI and two others seriously hurt.

How Did This Accident Happen?

The DOB has now confirmed that a box truck collided with the sidewalk shed’s support beams, leading to its collapse. This revelation highlights the risks posed by vehicles operating in close proximity to construction sites and temporary structures. The crash occurred around 8:20 a.m., a time when many pedestrians were using the sidewalk. Eyewitnesses described the terrifying sound of the collapse, with nearby residents rushing to assist those trapped under the debris.

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The 13 personal injury attorneyes at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hwershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf named 2024 Super LawyersAt the New York Personal Injury Law Firm of Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, we are proud to announce that 8 of our attorneys have been selected to the 2024 Super Lawyers list, with an additional 5 attorneys named to the Rising Stars list. This prestigious recognition reflects our dedication to providing top-tier legal representation in personal injury law and our relentless pursuit of justice for our clients.

Super Lawyers is a respected rating service that recognizes outstanding lawyers in various practice areas based on a multi-phase selection process. This process includes peer nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations. Only the top 5% of attorneys in each state are named to the Super Lawyers list, while the Rising Stars list acknowledges the top 2.5% of attorneys who are either under 40 or have been practicing law for 10 years or less.

Ben Rubinowitz Named Number One: New York — Metro Super Lawyers

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Nicholas Dominici died because of the daycare's reckless negligenceIn a tragic case that has shocked New York City, the husband of a Bronx day care owner, Felix Herrera Garcia, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for his role in operating a fentanyl trafficking ring from a day care facility that led to the death of a 22-month-old child.

Herrera Garcia’s conviction follows a guilty plea to charges including conspiracy to distribute narcotics and possession with intent to distribute narcotics, resulting in death and serious bodily injury. His actions, along with those of his co-conspirators, turned a day care—a place where parents trust their children will be safe—into a deadly drug operation, with hidden fentanyl stashes beneath the very floors where children played, ate, and napped. The death of 22-month-old Nicholas Dominici (picture), and the injury of three other toddlers, illustrates the profound risks of fentanyl exposure, especially for young children.

The Fentanyl Crisis in New York: A Growing Concern

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dangerous intersection E59th Street and 2nd AveAn elderly woman walking with a cane was tragically injured in a hit-and-run accident on the Upper East Side. The incident occurred Monday morning when the woman, believed to be in her 80s, tripped and fell into the street near the dangerous intersection of E. 59th St. and Second Ave., just feet away from the entrance to the Queens-bound Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. At around 10:10 a.m., she was struck by a box truck, and the driver continued on without stopping, heading across the bridge into Queens.

Medics arrived quickly on the scene and transported the woman in critical condition to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell. As of now, the driver is still being sought.

This tragic accident highlights the dangers pedestrians face daily, especially seniors who may have limited mobility. The outcome of this case hinges on locating the driver, but regardless of the circumstances, it’s crucial for the victim and her family to explore their legal options.

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16 year old Jahel Zihnin was killed in a truck accidentAs personal injury lawyers representing Queens victims, we are no strangers to the devastating impact that reckless drivers can have on families and communities. Recently, families in Queens have been calling for urgent action to protect children from the dangers posed by careless motorists. Yesterday, the group Families for Safe Streets, alongside lawmakers, gathered at IS-125 in Woodside to honor the lives of several young pedestrians who were tragically killed in traffic accidents, including 16-year-old Jael Zhinin (picture). She lost her life in a crosswalk, struck by a truck on the last day of class in June.

The grief and frustration felt by these families are not isolated. Many of our clients have experienced firsthand the sudden loss of a loved one or the long road to recovery after a serious accident. But the pain of losing a child, especially when they were simply walking in a crosswalk or standing on a sidewalk, is unimaginable.

Advocating for Change: Sammy’s Law

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construction workers must be protectedThe U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is intensifying efforts to tackle repeat safety violators, with a sharp focus on industries like construction that see high rates of fatalities and serious injuries. Doug Parker, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, outlined the agency’s priorities during the recent Safety ’24 conference hosted by the American Society of Safety Professionals.

One of OSHA’s top concerns is the recurring safety violations in high-risk industries. Construction, in particular, faces alarming rates of fatal injuries, primarily from falls. Falls remain the leading cause of construction worker deaths year after year. Employers’ failure to implement proper fall protection has turned this issue into what Parker refers to as an “epidemic of noncompliance.”

Targeting Serial Offenders

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Accident sceneLabor Day weekend was marred by a series of fatal collisions across New York City, resulting in the loss of six lives. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about road safety in our city and the need for careful attention from all road users.

A Weekend of Fatal Collisions

The unfortunate events began on Thursday, August 29, when a 55-year-old  pedestrian identified as Jacqueline Healy of Jamestown was struck by a Ford pickup truck while crossing Cross Bay Boulevard at Pitkin Avenue in Ozone Park, Queens. The driver, Keith Ryan, 47, was arrested and charged with driving with a fake license.

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Location of the deadly Brooklyn Bike Accident on Union Street and Lynch StreetOn Sunday morning, Luis Mendez, a 46-year-old cyclist, was struck and killed by a van driver on Union Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver, identified as 40-year-old Can Homer, was allegedly operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and without a valid driver’s license. This devastating event highlights the serious and ongoing issue of road safety for cyclists in New York City, particularly in Brooklyn.

The Legal Ramifications of Bicycle Accidents in Brooklyn

When a cyclist is injured or killed in an accident, the legal landscape can be complex, but it is crucial for justice to be pursued. In this case, the driver, Can Homer, has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, and driving without a license. These charges carry significant legal consequences, and the pursuit of justice for the victim and his family will likely involve a thorough investigation and litigation process.

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Bicycle accidentYesterday morning, the Upper West Side of  Manhattan witnessed two disturbing incidents where cyclists were struck by vehicles within 20 minutes of each other. These accidents, which occurred at Broadway near 108th Street and Central Park West near 106th Street, highlight the constant dangers cyclists face on New York City streets. If you’ve been involved in a similar accident, understanding your legal options is crucial. Here’s what you need to know to protect your rights and pursue justice after a bike accident.

First Incident involving a bicyclist struck by a vehicle: Broadway at 108th Street

At approximately 8:30 a.m., a 64-year-old cyclist was struck by a vehicle while riding southbound on Broadway. The driver, instead of staying to help, fled the scene after offering a brief apology. The injured cyclist was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital with injuries to his arm and leg. The incident is currently being investigated as a hit-and-run.