Why should somebody who has been in accident be victimized twice?

Last week a client called asked us "Why is my health insurance company taking one third of my settlement proceeds from my accident case"? Finaly The State of New York is about to do something for victims and not insurance companies.

Finally A Judge Who Spanks The New York City Transit Authority!

Brooklyn Judge Robert Miller has said that he has had enough with the New York City Transit Authority. A Train accident and a man's death has put at center stage the Authority's regular practice of delay tactics.

Accidents In Restaurants-5 Things You Must Know!

When you go to your favorite Long Island or New York City restaurant you don't expect to get hurt.Here is what you need to know:

Black Friday- Are Long Island Residents Ready For Another Accident?

The Long island accident lawyers at Goldstein and Bashner have a Black Friday deal that you don't want to miss..

Accidents at Long Island Pre School- Is it Criminal or Neligence?

When you send your very little ones to a day care center or pre- school do you really know if they are in good hands? A toddler died while at the Carousel Day School in Hicksville. Apparently she choked on a carrot that she found in one of the teacher's bags. Now the owner and director face reckless asault and other charges. Is it fair? Is this just a horrible accident? Can it be considered criminal?

Well the law has very strict standards wwhen it comes to criminal acts. A case can only be won when it is beyond a reasonable doubt. Another words you have to be certain that that the person is guilty of the crime charged.On the other hand in an accident case in order to prove liability or responsibility you must show that the person by a fair preponderance of the evidence is responsible. Not quite the same standard as in a criminal case but still you have to prove the case.What happens in this case nobody really knows but sometimes a person can be liable or responsible for anothers death in a civil action but not in a criminal action. Sometimes they are both liable on a civil level(meaning they may pay money damages) and a criminal level.

In this tragedy there are a few lessons:
1. Always check out Day Care facilities by visiting the premises.
2.Speak to the Ownerand  ask to see  their current license(They must have one in order to operate)
3.Speak to the Owner and  ask to see their insurance certificate (You want to know if your child is hurt there is insurance)
4. Take a picture of the premisies in the event something occurs you can use it for a reference.
5.See the Day School while there are children attending.
6. Talk to the other parents.
7.Check out the local Better Business Bureau
8.Ask the school if they have any claims aginst them for injuries(you cant always determine if that nmeans they are a bad school but it may be an indicator).

If there is ever any reason that you would like to discuss a situation that has occured with your child in a Long Island Day Care Center contact us at our office

What's Going On With These Long Island Lawyers? Why Good Personal Injury Lawyers Cant Get a Break.

I have worked very hard in the last twenty years for my clients. When I started practicing law as a personal injury lawyer I was quite proud of what I did. I felt that I was helping people regain some part of their lives at a difficult and in some cases a devastating time. Don't get me wrong I still devote myself to my practice and my clients but when I see a story like the one I saw yesterday I say to myself "not again".

William Hamel, personal injury lawyer, and affiliated with a well known law firm, in the Metropolitan area, was charged with bribery  in what the Attorney General and the Department of Investigation says was a hospital fraud scheme. In essence the claim is that hospital employees received money for giving patient information to personal injury lawyers who lured the patients to receive unnecessary medical treatment and then submitted millions of dollars in claims for treatment. Now I think its important to know that nobody has been convicted of anything. Mr. Hamel will have his day in court. He may be found innocent. But...

These stories have come to the surface all to often and there are many convictions.Each story chips away at what I always believed was an honorable profession. To be fair, there are times when lawyers are charged with some kind of fraud and are ultimately found innocent. Here is one such ending . Unfortunately, these stories end up with a different ending which adds another cut into a great profession and what Clarence Darrow once said "the only real lawyers are Trial lawyers".

Of course I open the paper this morning to find this. Not a personal injury lawyer but an adoption lawyer on Long Island charged with bilking thousands from his client. Stealing from a couple who wants to adopt a child? Sure, he has not been found guilty but come on. Where does it end? Its hard sometimes telling people when I am at a social gathering that i am a personal injury lawyer. Sometimes you get the jokes sometimes not.

In the end its about greed. I admit there are many on my side that are not only bad lawyers but bad people. I will continue to be a proud member of the bar and will always represent my clients zealously and ethically. Stay tuned for the best of trial lawyers.


 

Accident Lawyers Make Mistakes-We Do...and We Love It!

When your lawyer makes a mistake does he fess up? Im talking about the lack of communication, failure to return phone calls, getting upset at you. At our law office we have taken a page from Jack Mitchell the famous CEO of Richards/Mitchells

Valentine's Day Lawyer-Breaking Up Is So Hard To Do-Or Is It?

Having relationship problems with your lawyer. Tried everything to make it work? Ready to call it quits? Its pretty easy.Read on:

What Happens When Your Love Life And Lawsuit Intersect?

When you are injured your spouse may have a claim. Its not always easy to substantiate but it can be done and you better not be shy!

Father and Son Firefighters from Long Island Have Special Bond

While all our clients our special we have a special place in our hearts for the New York City and Long Island men and woman who fight fires. Over the years we have represented firefighters for all types of injuries and we are happy to share this special story.

Uniondale Personal Injury Lawyer- Even The Small Cases Count

Sometimes Personal Injury Lawyers have to take the smaller cases. Even though the injuries are minimal some people need to have their day in court.