In the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms, Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf has achieved a prestigious Metropolitan Tier 1 ranking for New York City, highlighting its exceptional skill and reputation in three areas of practice:
In the ever-evolving landscape of medical technology, the recent recalls by Philips underscore the critical importance of product safety and the potential consequences when things go wrong. As product liability lawyers, these incidents highlight the vital role of legal oversight in safeguarding patient welfare.
On July 9, 2024, Philips announced the recall of several models of Sense XL Torso coils used in MRI scanners, following reports of overheating and subsequent burns to patients. This recall, affecting over 1,000 devices worldwide, has been classified as a Class I event by the FDA, indicating the most severe risk level. The core issue lies in the coils heating up excessively during MRI scans, leading to serious injuries, including twelve reported cases of burns. Although no deaths have been reported, the potential for severe harm necessitates immediate action.
As the legal representatives of Órla Baxendale, it is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we, at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, confirm the tragic passing of Órla Baxendale on January 11, 2024. Órla, a talented dancer, was just 25 years old when her life was cut short due to anaphylactic shock resulting from a severe allergic reaction.
Órla’s passing stemmed from an unfortunate incident involving the consumption of a cookie manufactured by Cookies United and sold by Stew Leonard’s, which contained undisclosed peanuts. This tragic oversight has led to the recall of the Vanilla Florentine Cookies from Stew Leonard’s stores in Danbury and Newington, CT, for the period of November 6 – December 31, 2023.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that Órla’s death occurred due to the gross negligence and reckless conduct of the manufacturer and/or sellers who failed to properly identify the contents of the cookie on the packaging. This failure in proper disclosure has led to this devastating yet preventable outcome.
We are delighted to announce that for the 14th consecutive year, our firm has earned a spot as a Tier 1 Firm in New York City by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in the following categories:
In a startling revelation brought to light by the investigative efforts of ProPublica and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Philips Respironics case has unveiled a disturbing narrative of corporate negligence. Over an 11-year period, this medical device manufacturer concealed mounting evidence of serious issues with its breathing machines, placing profit above patient safety.In 2010, Philips Respironics, a renowned manufacturer of breathing machines used globally in homes and hospitals, made a pivotal decision to redesign its best-selling devices. The intention was to eliminate an annoying rattle that kept users awake at night. However, this seemingly well-intentioned decision led to a cascade of problems that has left countless individuals in distress and brought the company under intense scrutiny.
To dampen the irritating noise issue, Philips opted for an industrial foam, akin to what you might find in your sofa or mattress. Little did they know that this choice would prove catastrophic. Reports began to emerge, describing “black particles,” “dirt and dust,” and even an “oily-like” substance within the breathing machines. Users were sounding the alarm about “contamination,” signaling that something was seriously amiss.
Our firm is proud to announce that for the 13th consecutive year it has been named by U.S. News – Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” a Tier 1 Firm in New York City for:
Marijo C. Adimey (listed for the first time in 2016)
Congratulations to our partner Richard Steigman for being named 2022 Best Lawyers® Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs “Lawyer of the Year” in New York City. This is a very prestigious designation and we are very proud of Rich for his achievement. Additionally to being named “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice in New York City, Richard was also included in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in New York City. Since 2010, Richard has been included 10 times in the New York City “Best Lawyers® ” list. Richard started working with us as a paralegal. He then obtained his Law degree and officially joined Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf as an attorney in 1997.
We also would like to congratulate the following attorneys at our firm for being selected by their peers for inclusion in the 27th Edition of Best Lawyers© in New York City:
Our partner Anthony Gair has carved out a reputation as one of the best product liability lawyers in NYC. Yesterday he talked to CNBC journalist Lauren Thomas about the refusal by Peloton to comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and recall its high-end treadmill Tread+.
Multiple children and a pet have been injured and recently a child died in a Peloton Tread+ treadmill accidents but Peloton has been very reluctant to cooperate with the federal safety agency. The company is fighting a request to recall the dangerous product and refuses to provide the name of the child who recently died after getting stuck under the high end Peloton treadmill.
Congratulations to all our attorneys and staff for making our firm one of the Best Personal Injury Law Firms in New York. For the ninth consecutive year, Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf has been recognized by U.S. News Media Group, the publishers of U.S. News & World Report, and Best
Lawyers® as a top tier firm in the New York City Metropolitan Area for
New York Personal Injury Attorneys Blog