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

Published on:

Ben-RubinowitzIf you’ve ever been captivated by courtroom dramas, chances are you’ve wondered about the intricate dance that is cross-examination. It’s the moment when a trial lawyer takes center stage, deftly questioning a witness from the opposing side. It’s a battle of wits, a strategic display of skill, and an art form all its own. And now, an opportunity to unravel the secrets behind a “killer cross” is just around the corner.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 12th, as the renowned trial lawyer, Ben Rubinowitz, steps into the spotlight at the Golden Gate University School of Law’s Litigation Center. With a reputation that precedes him, Rubinowitz is set to share his wisdom, experience, and insights on mastering the art of cross-examination.

What to Expect:

Published on:

LIRR TrainThirteen people were injured after an LIRR train derailed in Queens, NYC last week. Approximately 100 people were on board an 8-car train when all the cars derailed near Jamaica Station. Thirteen passengers sustained leg and back injuries in the accident.

Although speed was not a factor, an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the accident.

Train derailments are complex accidents that can result from a combination of factors. Some of the most common causes of derailment include:

Published on:

When the total number of crash fatalities during the first semester of 2023 is lower than the previous years, one category of road users, the cyclists, had a record number of fatalities with 14 deaths. Pedestrian fatalities were lower than usual with 41 fatalities. The NYPD also recorded 31 driver fatalities and 16 passenger fatalities for the first semester of 2023.

After two years of an unusually high number of auto accident fatalities in New York City during the first six months of the year, the total number of crash fatalities for the first six months of 2023 was pretty much similar to the levels observed before the Covid19 crisis, oscillating around 100 for the first six months of the year. In 2023, 102 people died in crashes during the first semester compared to 113, 118, 92, 101, 84, 96, 107, 107, 97, and 121 during the semesters of 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 respectively.

NYC car accident deaths by category June 2023
During the first semester of 2023, 24,535 people were injured in crashes. This number is slightly higher than the two previous years, during which 23,963 and 22,898 people were injured during the first semester of 2022 and 2021, respectively, but still lower than what it was before the pandemic when the number of traffic injuries for the first six months of the year was above 25,000. Among the category of road users, drivers were the most injured with 10,785 injured motor vehicle operators for the first semester, followed by passengers (7,564), pedestrians (4,098), and cyclists (2,088).

Published on:

crane accident lawyer nycIn the early hours of this morning, New York City was struck by yet another devastating crane accident. A crane belonging to New York City Crane & Equipment Corp. caught fire and partially collapsed into a neighboring building near Hudson Yards. The crane accident left five people injured, including a firefighter. As dedicated crane accident attorneys, our law firm understands the severity of such incidents and is committed to holding those responsible accountable. In this blog, we’ll examine the details of the recent accident and discuss the crucial role of seeking justice for the victims.

The tragedy unfolded when the crane, situated at 510 10th Avenue, suddenly caught fire around 7:30 a.m. Panic ensued as the top portion of the crane collapsed, striking a nearby building before crashing to the ground. In the chaotic aftermath, pedestrians sought safety, and passing cars sounded their horns in alarm. Though the situation could have been even more dire, six individuals sustained injuries.

New York Crane & Equipment Corp has a history of  safety violations

Published on:

Misdiagnosis can lead to serious harm and deathMisdiagnosis of diseases and medical conditions is leading to an estimated 800,000 cases of permanent disability or death each year according to a recent study published by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence, in partnership with researchers from the Risk Management Foundation of Harvard Medical Institutions Inc.

Misdiagnosis is not a mere statistic; it is a human tragedy that affects hundreds of thousands of patients and their families every year. The report reveals that approximately 371,000 people lose their lives, while another 424,000 suffer from permanent disabilities annually due to misdiagnosis. These disabilities encompass brain damage, blindness, loss of limbs or organs, and even metastasized cancer. Behind these numbers are real individuals whose lives have been irreversibly altered or lost due to medical negligence.

The Top Culprits: Stroke and Other Common Diseases

Published on:

659 Flushing Ave in Brooklyn where the construction worker was injured in a trench collapse A construction worker was trapped and seriously injured in a trench collapse at 659 Flushing Ave. in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NYC. The heroic efforts of firefighters saved his life, but this accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by construction workers and the need for increased safety measures.

On the morning of July 18, the sides of an excavation site at 659 Flushing Avenue gave way, burying a construction worker under approximately three feet of debris. Thankfully, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded promptly, and a team of firefighters was dispatched to the scene to rescue the trapped worker.

As the DOB continues investigations, it is important to note that this tragedy might have been prevented. City records indicate that the three-story building at the construction site was scheduled for full demolition. In February, the contractor responsible for the project, Red Brick Property Management, was issued a violation for failing to notify the city before commencing demolition work. Although the violation was later dismissed, it raises concerns about the adherence to safety protocols and regulations.

Published on:

Orchard beach and the pavilion where the construction accident occurred

2 construction workers suffered serious personal injury after a ceiling collapsed on them during renovation work at the Orchard Beach Pavilion.

Construction accidents can have severe consequences, not only for the workers involved but also for their families and the construction companies responsible. Last week’s accident at the Orchard Beach Pavilion renovation project in the Bronx has once again highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety on construction sites.

Last Thursday morning during the refurbishment of the 140,000 square foot Orchard Beach Pavilion, tragedy struck when a massive cement ceiling collapsed on two workers. Employed by Titan Construction, the men found themselves temporarily trapped under a 20-foot by 15-foot slab of concrete. Prompt action from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) resulted in their rescue and subsequent transfer to the hospital.

Published on:

NYC Medical Malpractice Attorney Jeff BloomOur NY personal injury law firm is proud to announce that our partner Jeffrey B. Bloom obtained a $3,450,000 jury verdict in Dutchess County, NY in a medical malpractice trial involving a 33-year-old man who now has limited function of his non dominant hand despite several surgeries. After a two-week trial held in Supreme Court Dutchess County before the Hon. Christi J. Acker, the jury of 3 men and 3 women reached their verdict after only two hours of deliberations.

Failure to diagnose and timely treat compartment syndrome

On August 14, 2019, during a routine bicep surgery, the defendant orthopedic surgeon lacerated the brachial artery. Said injury went unrecognized at surgery leading to compartment syndrome in his arm. There was a delay of over the next 48 hours in recognizing the injury despite complaints by our client of excruciating pain. By the time the compartment syndrome was recognized, our client suffered significant muscle and nerve damage to his forearm. As a result, he underwent an emergency fasciotomy, followed by several other operations.

Published on:

Double_Decker Bus_TopViewA devastating bus collision that occurred in Manhattan last Thursday left  numerous individuals injured. Initial investigations conducted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have revealed that a double-decker tour bus, operated by Topview NYC, was speeding when it collided with an MTA bus at the intersection of 1st Ave and E. 23rd Street.

Eyewitness accounts vividly described the  moment when the MTA bus was struck by the speeding tour bus. The sheer force of the impact shattered the windows of the tour bus, leaving no doubt about the severity of the accident. Prompt response from first responders helped free passengers trapped inside the tour bus and provided immediate aid to those injured on both buses. In total, 36 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, while 10 others received treatment at the accident scene.

Expressing deep concern, MTA President Richard Davey highlighted the reckless driving behavior exhibited by the tour bus operator. Preliminary findings indicate that the tour bus ran a red light, striking the MTA bus not once, but twice, before ultimately rebounding. The excessive speed at which the tour bus was traveling only exacerbates the gravity of the situation. Such irresponsible actions behind the wheel put innocent lives at risk and demand accountability.

Published on:

Staten Island Expressway where the truck accident occurredTragedy struck on Monday morning on the Staten Island Expressway as a truck accident left seven people injured, with one person in critical condition. The accident occurred near Manor Road and Bradley Avenue.

Truck accidents like this one can be particularly complex, involving multiple parties, potential liability issues, and intricate insurance matters. Therefore, it is crucial for those involved in such accidents to seek legal assistance from experienced truck accident attorneys. Here are a few reasons why legal representation is vital:

  1. Determining Liability: Establishing who is at fault in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation. An experienced attorney will work to identify all responsible parties, which may include the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance crews, or even vehicle parts manufacturers. Identifying liability is essential for pursuing compensation.