Attorney Blog

Sexual Assault at Work—You Have a Right to Sue

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)74319 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

When a sexual assault happens at work, it can be devastating. This is a place where you spend a large amount of time, and you should feel safe and be able to trust those around you. When the assault involves someone you work closely with--and maybe even have to report to-- it can be especially difficult to understand, and you may be left with feelings of betrayal, confusion, embarrassment, shame, shock, anger and distrust.

Unlike other injuries that are covered by workers compensation, when you are assaulted at work you have a right to sue for any damages you suffer.

How We Can Help
We understand how overwhelmed and distraught you may feel after a workplace sexual assault, and our compassionate lawyers are here to offer guidance and legal support. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, answer all your questions and let you know your legal rights. We are here to help you get the compensation you may deserve for your injuries, pain and suffering and lost wages.
We will help preserve evidence to prove the assault and also investigate whether management had enough information to know that there was a possibility of sexual assault. We have found in our experience that often there is enough evidence or complaints and management should have taken steps but did not.

Contact Us Today
Our experienced lawyers will listen to your case and work hard to protect your rights. Contact us for a free consultation. We have offices conveniently located in Nassau, Suffolk and mid-town Manhattan.

Crossing Long Island Streets with Headphones? Think Twice

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)73654 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

While New York laws have helped raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving, little attention has been paid to pedestrians using earphones and electronic devices when navigating the sidewalks and streets of Long Island and New York City. A newly published study confirms what many would suspect, that pedestrians distracted by earphones are more likely to be in an accident.
In a study published this week in the journal Injury Prevention, researchers found that the number of pedestrians wearing headphones that were killed or injured by moving vehicles has tripled since 2004. The problem with headphones is that not only is the user distracted by what they are listening to, but they are also unable to hear sounds around them, such as a car speeding towards them or a horn blasting a warning.
Dr. Richard Lichenstein, the study’s lead author and the director of pediatric emergency medicine research at the University of Maryland Medical Center, said he decided to study the topic after reading headline after headline about pedestrians being killed while wearing headphones. “Unfortunately, as we make more and more enticing devices, the risk of injury from distraction and blocking out other sounds increases,” he said.
The study found two-thirds of the victims were male and younger than 30. More than half the victims were struck by a train.. About 55 percent of the vehicles involved in the headphone-related accidents were trains, and 29 percent of the vehicles involved used a horn or other type of audible warning system to let the pedestrians know they were there. In addition, nearly three-quarters of the headphone-related injuries were fatal.
Were you injured in an accident? Our lawyers can answer any questions you have and will provide a free consultation to discuss your case. Contact us today—there is no obligation and never a fee for a consultation.

Long Island Drunk Driving Accidents Need to Stop

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)73238 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Every week on Long Island, it seems another drunken driver is arrested. In just this past week, one drunk driver flipped his truck and drove through a home, nearly destroying it. Another crashed and landed in a creek off the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway. Many drunk driving accidents lead to serious injuries and, in worst cases, the death of innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

The statistics for drunk driving in New York State have steadily gone done in the past 20 years, but they are still too high. In 2008, there were:

320 fatal accidents in New York where at least one driver had a BAC of 0.08% or above
341 people killed in New York in accidents where at least one driver had a BAC of 0.08% or above
409 total deaths in New York where at least one driver had been drinking

We need to stay vigilant in passing and enforcing laws that crack down on intoxicated drivers and in spreading awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Our Long Island personal injury law firm is dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving accidents get the compensation they deserve for their injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering. We have seen far too many cases in our office of passengers and other drivers who were very seriously injured by a drunk driver, while the drunk driver walked away with little more than a scratch. That's why Goldstein and Bashner works hard to make sure the victims get the compensation they deserve.

Our experienced lawyers have a proven track record in collecting large settlements for our clients who are injured in drunk driving accidents. One key factors in serious drunk driving accident is to establish where and how the driver got drunk because many times other potential defendants can be pursued in addition to the drunk driver. This may include a bar, restaurant or other establishment that served alcohol to the driver.
Contact Us Today
At Goldstein and Bashner, our drunk driving accident lawyers are dedicated to helping clients recover the maximum amount of financial compensation. We work to protect your rights get the full compensation you deserve. Contact us our offices for a free consultation. We will sit down with you to discuss your case and make sure all your questions are answered. Our experienced lawyers will give your case the personal attention it needs and get maximum results.

Are Long Island Nightclub Bouncers Getting Too Rough?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)72893 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

We understand that nightclubs around Long Island have a need for tight security, especially well into the night when patrons may have had way too much to drink and are ready to pick a fight. However, that doesn’t give bouncers the right to roughen up innocent patrons, get hostile, physically hurt them or take away their phones or other belongings. We have received calls from several bar patrons who were injured by bouncers, and a quick Internet search will show many more such cases of aggressive nightclub security.

Even when patrons do start to get rowdy, reasonable actions must be taken. Nightclub bouncers and doormen have been known to physically eject patrons with such excessive force that they have caused severe injuries and, on occasion, even death. Too many times we hear stories about bar bouncers and club security that oversteps their boundaries.
Sometimes the problem may be that the bouncers have little experience and have received no training. Others may have had poor or insufficient training. Pair this up with a bouncer who is hot-headed and likes to fight and you could have trouble.
Bouncers have no special rights to physically eject a customer who becomes intoxicated or verbally obnoxious. They certainly should not be using headlocks, chokeholds, wrist locks, full-nelsons, punching, tackling, kicking or other forms of physical assault.

Have you or someone you loved been hurt by a club bouncer or doorman?
If you are hurt in any way by the security at a Long Island bar or nightclub, you have rights and may be entitled to monetary compensation for any injuries or damages you suffered. Contact our office if you have any questions or want to discuss your specific case. We will provide a free, no obligation consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and let you know what you can expect from the legal process.

Avoiding Crazy Drivers and Winter Accidents on Long Island

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)72486 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

It’s winter, and Long Island’s main roadways—including Sunrise Highway, Hempstead Turnpike, Deer Park Avenue and Jericho Turnpike—can get icy, slippery and dangerous. But that doesn’t stop some drivers from speeding, tailgating and weaving in and out of lanes. We see it all the time on Long Island, but it is even scarier when road conditions are hazardous to begin with and visibility may be impaired by snow or sleet.

How Can You Stay Safe?

Stay alert. Watch out for drivers from behind that are speeding and weaving and let them pass you.
Get out of their way and don´t challenge them.
Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact and ignore rude gestures.
Don´t block the passing lane if you are driving slower than most of the traffic.
Keep your cool and do not let other drivers influence the way you drive.
Drive slowly and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. In winter conditions, you may need more time to stop your car.

Have You Been in an Accident?
Driving defensively and taking precautions can keep you safer but even the best drivers may find themselves in an accident that was not their fault. If you are in a car accident, it important to know your legal rights. Contact the Long Island personal injury lawyers at Goldstein and Bashner to find out more information about your case—we will provide a free, no obligation consultation to ensure you have all the information you need. We will discuss your case, answer all your questions and let you know what to expect from the legal process. We’ve been winning cases for our clients for more than 20 years.

Long Island Hazing Lawyer: What You Need to Know

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)71908 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hazing has long been associated with college fraternities, but recent high-profile news stories of hazing in the military, in a college marching band, at workplaces and in high schools and even middle schools shows that this humiliating and often abusive ritual is a widespread practice in our society.

This week, eight army soldiers were charged in the death of Private Danny Chen, who died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds after being the victim of what family members described as a campaign of hazing against Chen. According to relatives, the soldiers pulled Private Chen out of bed, dragged him across the floor, and forced him to crawl on the ground while they pelted him with rocks and taunted him with ethnic slurs. They then ordered him to do pull-ups with a mouthful of water—while forbidding him from spitting it out.

Earlier this month, the death of Robert Champion, 26, the drum major for Florida A&M University’s marching band was ruled a homicide. An investigation found he died of shock due to multiple blunt trauma blows to his chest, arm, shoulder, and back. His death revealed a deep culture of hazing within the school's famed marching band.

It's important for parents and students to understand the dangers and widespread problem of hazing. Hazing is a crime that destroys team members and, rather than making groups stronger, it weakens the team/group and should never be tolerated.

Here are some signs to look for in an individual that may be the victim of hazing:

Cutting, branding, labeling, or shaving of parts of the body
Required to walk in groups, greet members in a specific manner, and/or carry certain items.
Loss of voice due to having to yell
Physical exhaustion from being forced to do certain activities, such as multiple sit-ups
Mental exhaustion, change in personality and/or withdrawal from normal activities
Not coming home for days or weeks at a time
Not being able to sit down or soreness from paddling
Appearance of sadness or expressions of inferiority
Sleep deprivation due to being forced to participate in late-night work sessions

Have you, your child or someone you know been the victim of hazing? Hazing is a crime and it is important for victims to know their rights. Our Long Island personal injury lawyers can help answer any questions you have. Contact us for a completely free consultation or to just ask some questions. If you or a family member were victims of hazing, we will work to ensure your rights are protected and help you collect the compensation you deserve for injuries and other damages you suffered. This may include medical bills, pain and suffering, ongoing treatment costs, lost wages and property damage.

Contact us for more information and to find out how to protect your legal rights. Our experienced lawyers understand the difficulty and embarrassment these cases may cause, especially when they involve children. We will treat you with compassion and answer all your question. We have offices conveniently located in East Meadow, Central Islip and mid-town Manhattan.

Manhattan Freak Elevator Accident Alarms New Yorkers

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)71461 — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

When Suzanne Hart stepped into the elevator at Young and Rubicam, she had no warning that the elevator would suddenly lurch up and instantly kill her as passengers watched in horror. The tragic death has everyone on edge in a vertical city that relies on elevators to get people to their apartments, offices, restaurants and hotel rooms.

With nearly 60,000 elevators in New York City, we take for granted that they will safely take us to the floor we need. Yet approximately 11,000 people are injured nationally each year when elevators malfunction, causing serious injuries and, in the rare case such as Ms. Hart, even death.

Injuries from elevator accidents can be serious, and include:

Neck injuries
Amputated limbs
Back injuries
Head injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries
Wrongful death

If you or a family member has been injured in an elevator accident, it can be overwhelming to deal with the pain, adaption to injuries, high medical bills and the loss of household income. Hiring an experienced law firm, such as Goldstein and Bashner, will help ensure your rights are protected, proper evidence is collected in a timely matter and facts and costs are documented.

Goldstein and Bashner has been winning elevator accident cases by hiring a top-notch team of investigators and engineers to reconstruct the accident and determine who was at fault. This can include the building owner, the elevator manufacturer, an elevator maintenance company or a contractor hired for related repairs, such as electrical work.

Our lawyers also work closely with clients to ensure they receive proper medical tests, get the full medical care they need and document that it is related to the accident. We have helped clients collect compensation for related expenses that include:

Pain and suffering
Lost wages and future lost wages
Medical bills,
Expenses related to adapting to injuries, including necessary home construction or hired household help for chores you are no longer capable of performing
Loss of consortium – spousal or parent-child relationships that have been negatively impacted by the injury.
Wrongful death

Do you have questions about an elevator accident? Contact us for a completely free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll discuss your accident, answer all your questions and let you know what you can expect from the legal process. Our firm is dedicated to providing personal service and attention to each and every client—we take the time to always answer questions and keep clients updated on their case.

Sexual Abuse in College Athletic Programs Prompts New York Bill Proposal

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)70369 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two New York State lawmakers have proposed a bill that would make it a criminal act for college coaches, athletic directors, administrators, and professors to fail to report child sex abuse to the police. This comes in the wake of recent sexual abuse allegations at both Penn State and Syracuse University . Coaching staff members and, in the case of Penn State, officials and administrators, have come under fire for not taking appropriate actions when confronted with claims of abuse. This bill would add college employees to a list of mandated child-sex abuse reporters that already includes K-12 teachers, physicians, and coaches. If a college employee is convicted of failing to report child sex abuse, he or she could face a misdemeanor charge and a year in jail. This bill might also make them more susceptible to civil charges by the victims.

A law such as this would help to put the focus on the children’s safety, which really should be the most important goal of a university. Sports programs bring in a lot of money but giving both the program and its employees too much unchecked power and control is not in the best interest of the athletes and the program over the long run.

What to do if you suspect your child is a victim of sexual abuse?
It is important to talk to your child in a comfortable environment. Let them know that they are not in trouble in any way and that you trust them.

Ask questions in a nonjudgmental way, and take care to avoid shaming your child as you ask questions.

Talk with your child about secrets and make sure they understand that they don’t have to keep anything secret from you.
Make sure they understand what inappropriate touching is, and that it is okay for them to say “no” if something makes them feel uncomfortable
Let your child know that it is okay to come to you if someone is making them uncomfortable. Work to build an open relationship of trust.
Let children know that they will not be in trouble if they tell you about inappropriate touching.

The organization RAINN--Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network--shares more specific tips on their website for talking to both your child or any other child you suspect is being sexually abused.

How We Can Help
At Goldstein & Bashner, we have extensive experience in dealing with sexual assault cases in the New York and Long Island areas. We have helped to serve victims as both a close companion and as competent legal advisers. We have helped numerous assault victims and their families overcome the terrible wrong doings that they have had to encounter. In doing so, we have assisted victims in recovering monetary compensation for the physical and emotional injuries that they may have sustained. If you or somebody you care for has been the victim of a sexual assault, please contact us for a free consultation.

Long Island Rail Road Construction Accident Lawyer

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)69967 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Three days before construction worker Michael O’Brien, 26, was killed on the site of the MTA’s project to connect the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal, a top transit official admitted the agency was concerned about the steady rise of injuries on the $7.3 billion project. MTA data showed that injuries had seen a sharp increase from January to September, but that did not stop the breakneck pace and round-the-clock work on the project.

It is not uncommon for construction site owners and overseeing companies to try to work done as quickly and cheaply as possible, even if this might put workers in more dangerous situations. Our firm has seen a lot of accidents that could have been avoided if safety procedures were followed and shortcuts weren’t taken to save on costs. Ultimately, it is the workers who pay the price.

An investigation is underway, and O’Brien’s family may choose to sue for negligence. When construction workers are injured on the job they can not sue their employee. There are exceptions to this, including railroad workers, who are able to file against the MTA under the FELA laws. Michael O’Brien was not employed by the MTA, however. He was hired by Dragados, a construction company hired by the MTA as a contractor for this project. Therefore, O’Brien’s family could sue the MTA if it is found they were negligent and contributed to his death.

Were you or someone you love injured in a construction accident?
The lawyers at Goldstein and Bashner know how to fight and win these cases and get the maximum compensation for our clients. We have more than 20 years of experience handling these cases and will work hard to win your case. Contact us for a free consultation. We will sit down with you and discuss your case and explain what you can expect from the legal process. We have offices conveniently located on Long Island and in New York City.

New York Car Accident Lawyer: Another Long Island Hit and Run Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)69204 — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

This past week saw yet another hit and run accident on Long Island, this time killing a Stony Brook University student who was riding his bicycle near the campus. According to Suffolk police, the driver-who they were able to track down thanks to witnesses who got his license number--was under the influence of drugs and pills were found in his possession when he was arrested. Just a few weeks ago a construction worker and an Irish barman were killed in separate hit-and-run accidents.

When drivers of cars and trucks are involved in an accident, it is their legal and moral responsibility to stop at the scene and assist in any way they can. Hit-and-run drivers ignore these laws, cowardly fleeing the accident instead of taking responsibility, providing assistance, and notifying authorities.

It is important to know that if you or anyone you know is injured in a hit-and-run accident, you have rights. It is possible to collect compensation, even when the driver is not found. We have written an article--5 Actions You Need to Take If You're a Victim of a Hit and Run Accident--that details everything you need to know.

Many people don't realize that sometimes their own insurance can be used. Another resource is the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), which was established in New York specifically to help provide another source of coverage for those in accidents with unidentified or uninsured drivers.

A competent attorney understands the laws and can help you collect compensation you deserve. If you or someone close to you has been injured by a hit-and-run driver, contact our experienced lawyers for a free consultation. We'll sit down with you and explain your case, answer any questions you have, and walk you through the legal process. Most importantly, we'll fight for your legal rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Long Island Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)69019 — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Our Long Island personal injury law firm has the experience, compassion and dedication to represent child rape and sexual abuse victims and their families.

No one can prepare you for the overwhelming devastation, anger and frustration you may feel when you learn that your child was sexually abused in any way. You may feel alone, lost, confused and even ashamed. We are here to provide what help we can through legal recourse. We have helped numerous courageous survivors and their families take back their lives, including adult survivors whose abuse occurred decades ago. It may not be too late to pursue legal action.

The recent Penn State scandal illustrates that sexual abuse knows no socioeconomic barriers and its abusers are often the most trusted adults in a child's world-a coach, teacher, boy scout leader, church official, neighbor, relative or family friend. It also knows no geographical boundaries. There have been too many cases here on Long Island, including a Wantagh teacher who was arrested for having sex with a student and a West Islip teacher who was charged with sexually assaulting a girl.

We know how hard it can be to come forward and we will be with you every step of the way. As a small, personal firm, we take time to answer all our class and we will help you in any way, whether to listen or refer you to other resources to help in your family's recovery.

We understand how hard it may be to pick up the phone and we are here for you when you are ready to contact us. Our lawyers will sit down with you for a completely free, no obligation discussion. We will listen to your story, answer all your questions, and let you know what you can expect from the legal process. We have offices conveniently located in Nassau County, Suffolk County and midtown Manhattan.

Long Island Skateboard Accident Attorney

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)68233 — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Long Island skateboarders share the roads with cars, trucks, and other vehicles with much more speed, weight and power, which is why it is so important for them to take extra precautions to avoid accidents, like following traffic laws and wearing helmets and elbow/knee pads. One of the biggest dangers is a head injury, as took the life of a recent Syosset skateboarder. Other serious injuries include spine and neck injuries, facial injuries, broken bones and bruises.

In addition to wearing protective gear, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following suggestions for safe skateboarding:

Children under 14 should not ride in the street.
Only perform complicated skateboard tricks in parks with specially designed areas
Only one person per skateboard
Never hitch a ride from a car, bus, truck or any other vehicle
Learn the proper way to fall in an accident, which may help reduce your chances of being seriously injured. This can be taught to your child: they should crouch down on the skateboard so they don't have as far to fall; try to land on fleshy parts of the body; and try to roll rather than using arms to absorb the shock of the fall.

Skateboarders have rights on the roads and sidewalks. When they are in accidents due to broken sidewalks or other path impediments, or drivers who fail to follow traffic laws they may be entitled to monetary damages for their injuries, pain and suffering.

If you or someone in your family is injured on a skateboard due to someone else's negligence, you can sue for monetary damages. The accident attorneys at Goldstein and Bashner have experience handling cases on Long Island's roadways, parks and sidewalks, and they can help you get the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Contact our lawyers for a free consultation.

Why Doesn't My Lawyer Answer My Phone Calls?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)67331 — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Have you been trying to contact your personal injury lawyer with no success? If the phone keeps ringing or you are constantly being told they are not available right now, you probably won't be hearing back from your lawyer anytime soon.

Here's why your lawyer is not taking your calls:

1.) Personal injury lawyers are not paid by the hour, but get a percentage of the settlement if the case is won. Therefore, he or she is not getting any extra money for sitting on the phone with you. A good lawyer takes calls, however, because they want to have good communication with their clients and keep them updated on any progress with their case.

2.) Your lawyer doesn't think your case is worth enough of his time to answer your calls. Because personal injury lawyers get a percentage of the settlement, some lawyers will sign up every case they can yet not give the smaller, "less valuable" cases the attention they deserve. Once again, a good lawyer has time to communicate with ALL their clients and makes time for them whether they are involved in a case worth several hundred or hundreds of thousands.

3.) He or she doesn't like to talk on the phone. Some lawyers just want to work on the case themselves and do not like talking on the phone. These lawyers don't understand the importance of communication both as a way to keep clients more comfortable and at ease with their case, and also to make sure they are on the same page as their client and accurately representing their interests and needs.

If your lawyer is not answering your calls, it may be time for you to start looking for a new lawyer. Our new report, "How Do I Change My Lawyer," explains just how easy it is to change your lawyer and not pay any extra fees.

Remember, you the client are in charge. If you don't like your lawyer because he doesn't return your calls or for any other reason, you have a right to change your lawyer on the spot and not have to incur any additional charges.

New York Hazing Lawyer: When Can You Sue?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)66513 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Our law offices have been getting more and more calls about high school and middle school hazing incidents. While hazing must not be tolerated at any age, it is even more alarming that it is becoming more common and brutal at younger ages. Approximately 1.5 million high school students are the victims of hazing each year, yet according to studies a very small percentage report the incident.

Hazing has been entrenched in our culture as a bonding ritual, but this is a myth. Hazing actually weakens, rather than builds a team. It leads to low self-confidence, mistrust, apathy and alienation. It is important to teach the dangers of hazing--hazing rituals have led to severe injuries and death. In New York, hazing is a crime and those who witness hazing should report the incident to officials.

Can You Sue For Pain and Suffering?
We have been asked by parents if they can sue for any injuries as well as pain and suffering due to a hazing incident. If your son or daughter is assaulted--and hazing is an assault--you have the right to sue the responsible party. A school has an obligation to keep your child safe, and if you don't think they lived up to that expectation than you have a right to sue then as well as the assailants and any other responsible parties--such as a club or organization.

If this was a college fraternity hazing, did the school already know there was an issue with hazing and choose to ignore it? Did they have ample security? If the hazing was from a fraternity, sorority or local chapter of a club, you may also be able to sue the organization if they in any way were aware of hazing in their organization and did not act to ensure their members' safety.

If your child was the victim of hazing, our experienced and compassionate lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and get the compensation deserved for any medical bills as well as pain and suffering. Contact us for a free consultation and we will answer all your questions and let you know what you can expect from the legal process.

Long Island Lawyers: Why we Care About Bullying

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)64677 — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Here on Long Island, as well as all over the country, bullying has become a tremendous problem both in the schools and now at home through text messaging and social networking sites like Facebook. When we first decided to get involved in creating an anti-bullying campaign, we started a Facebook discussion group called STOP Bullying on Long Island, published a helpful resource for parents entitled Bullying-Fighting Back: A Legal Guide for Parents of Bullied Children and posted useful articles on our website. We were interviewed for other articles, including Avvo's Ask a Lawyer: How to Stop Cyberbullying.

But even we were not prepared for the flood of calls we get from parents with questions about bullying and specific incidents involving their children. The stories all carried a similar theme: kids being abused and tormented repeatedly while frustrated parents felt that school officials and staff either ignored their complaints or did not do enough in response to previous incidents.

If your child is being bullied at school, we urge you to empower yourself and take action! Learn more about your legal rights and fight back. Our article What You Need to Do If Your Child is Being Bullied provides an 8-step checklist for you to follow, and our free report which can be ordered directly from our website provides further information.

If your child has been seriously injured, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our offices if you have any questions or think you have a legal case. We will sit down with you for a free consultation and answer any questions you have, let you know the legal process and what you can expect from your case. We have handled many bullying cases and our lawyers are sensitive to the emotional issues involved with bullying and understand how difficult these cases can be for a child as well as their parents.

Further Resources:

Long Island Lawyer Gets High Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)64318 — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Drunk driving on Long Island is a huge problem, and our law firm gets lots of calls from accident victims who say they've been hit by a driver who was drunk. As lawyers experienced with drunk driving cases, we have seen the horrors that can result when someone chooses to get behind the wheel drunk. It's usually not the drinker that is harmed, but innocent drivers and passengers on the road.

Many times, these drunk drivers do not have sufficient insurance policies to cover the injuries as well as pain and suffering endured by the victim. But our firm is prepared to do everything we can to see that drunk driving victims get the compensation they deserve. Our firm is prepared to go after the drunk driver personally as well as through the insurance company so we can collect additional compensation for our client. In addition, we are prepared to investigate and possibly go after a third party in certain situations. We were recently able to obtain a very high 6-figure settlement for a client from a third party-in this case it was a well-known Long Island seafood restaurant that served the defendant drinks even after he was noticeably drunk. The key that helped us win the maximum compensation for our client was that we found out that surveillance cameras had captured the driver at the bar being served too many drinks.

This case shows how important it is to thoroughly investigate and review the entire case. Thanks to our expert investigators, we were able to determine where the defendant had been and discover that there was video evidence of him being served drinks after being intoxicated.

If you or someone you know was in a car accident with a drunk driver, contact our firm for a free consultation. We'll sit down with you to discuss your case, let you know what to expect from the legal process, and answer all your questions. We have three offices conveniently located on Long Island and in New York City.

Long Island and New York City Lawyer: Wrong-Way Accidents

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)62317 — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

In just the past several years, there have been more than 20 serious wrong-way driving accidents on Long Island. Most recently, a 26-year-old Queens woman drove six miles the wrong way on Interstate 95 before slamming into another car, killing a New Jersey man New York. These accidents are way too common, scary, and all the more enraging because usually the drivers are either drunk or high on drugs Now State Senator Charles Fuschillo has proposed bill to make it a felony, instead of the misdemeanor it currently is, to driver the wrong way and is urging the Assembly to pass his bill.

Too many innocent lives are taken in these fatal and often avoidable accidents. Last November, an off-duty police officer was killed on the Northern State Parkway. In a tragedy that made headlines around the country, Diane Schuler went the wrong way on the Taconic State Parkway back in 2009 and crashed into an SUV, killing eight people, including herself, her daughter, three nieces and three men in another car. As is too often the case, toxicology reports showed Schuler was driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Fuschillo's bill is passed, it would make wrong-way driving a felony, either knowingly or because of intoxication.

"The current charge is only an unclassified misdemeanor which is absurd, our penalty in New York State must be stronger, it must be felony charge to serve as a greater deterrent for those who choose to recklessly drive the wrong way on parkways," Fuschillo told 1010 WINS.

What should you do if you see a wrong way driver

Pull over to the shoulder and stop. If there is not shoulder, slow down and move safely to the far right of the road.
Sound your horn and flash your lights.
Call 9-1-1

Contact Us Today
If you've been injured in a car accident that was caused by wrong-way driving, get the help and expertise you need to collect the compensation you are owed. Contact our experienced car accident lawyers for a free consultation. We'll sit down with you and take the time to review your case, discuss everything you need to know, and let you know what to expect from the legal process. Most importantly, our expert lawyers will make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Long Island Injury Attorney--NY Finally Enforcing Bus Safety Laws

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)60898 — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Recently, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, revoked the operating licenses of 8 New York bus companies for failing to meet safety regulations. The enforcement of strict bus safety standards has been a long time coming.

For instance, in March, a bus accident caused the death of 15 of its passengers.

The stricter enforcement of safety laws will likely help to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The iniative already seems to be paying off, as it has kept about 100 buses and other vehicles off the roads for failing their respective safety inspections.

Our Long Island Personal Injury lawyers think that it's great that New York is taking action to keep New York bus riders safe. It seems that the City is finally giving the issue some serious attention. For example, in the past 4 months, the City has completed over 3,000 inspections. In 2010, a total of only 615 inspections took place.

Hopefully, New York's efforts will help to prevent any bus related accidents from occuring in the future. At our personal injury firm, we have respresented the victims of such accidents for many years. If you have been the victim of a bus accident, please visit our vehicle accident page or contact our New York and Long Island personal injury attorneys.

Long Island Lawyer--How to Stay Safe in the Heat

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)60266 — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

With the recent heat wave in the area, there's sure to be an increase in heat related medical emergencies. Therefore, our attorneys are offering the Long Island and New York communities some advice for how you can beat the heat:

1) Stay in the AC - Try to remain within the confines of an air conditioned home. If your home doesn't have AC, try spending time at a public facility with AC, such as a library.

2) Dress Right - Wear light colors and clothes with thin materials. Also, by wearing a hat, you can protect your face from the sun.

3) Hydrate- Make sure that you consume plenty of liquids throughout the day.

4) Be Smart When Outside - Take it easy and try not to over exert your body. Also, spend as much time in the shade as possible.

5) Be alert - Understand the symptoms of heat stroke and dehydration, and recognize when you may be experiencing these conditions.

By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy a happier, healthier, and safer summer. For more information on summer safety, read our blog, "3 Things Not to Do this Summer."

New York Bicycle Accident Lawyer—Bicycle Accidents Too Common on LI Roads

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)59792 — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Long Island roadways are the deadliest in the New York metropolitan region for bicyclists, according to a recent Newsday analysis. According to federal data, at least 64 cyclists have been killed on Long Island in bike crashes since 2005. Why are the statistics so high? One reason is Long Island's roadways were not designed with bicyclists in mind. More than a quarter of the accidents occurred on high speed, multilane roads such as Sunrise Highway and Hempstead Turnpike. These roads have also been recently called out as among the most dangerous for pedestrians as well.

Other contributing factors to the bicycle accidents included drunken motorists, cyclists who failed to stop at red lights, and drivers who said they didn't see the bicyclist until it was too late.

We've been seeing a high rate of injured bicyclists at our office. Bicyclists and motorists need to both show caution and learn to share the roads safely. Cyclists especially should show caution and make sure they are visible to drivers by wearing bright colors and having reflectors and lights, especially in the evening and at night.

Several groups on Long Island, including the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, are pushing for Governor Cuomo to sign "Complete Street" legislation that would require the designers of major road reconstruction and construction projects to consider all users of the road, and incorporate such elements as bike lanes, longer crossing lights and pedestrian islands. We support such legislation and believe it would make the roads safer for all users.

Were you or someone in your family injured in a bike accident that was someone else's fault? Whether it's a careless motorist, a defective bicycle, or poor roadway construction, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our lawyers for a completely free case evaluation. We'll listen to your case, answer all your questions, let you know what you can expect, and work our hardest to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Long Island and New York City Lawyer: Free Legal Support to Same-Sex Couples

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)59487 — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

As supporters of equality for members of the LBGT community, our firm welcomes the new legislation that will allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in New York State, beginning July 27, 2011. With New York's recognition of gay marriage comes some legal questions and concerns about a number of tort rights and other benefits of marriage.

Being legally married in New York has always included legal and financial benefits for couples. Now these rights and protections have been expanded to include those in same-sex marriages. This includes a number of tort rights, such as the right to compensation over the loss of spousal services due to the fault of a third party. In other words, when a spouse wins a personal injury case, sometimes if the injury greatly impacts the marriage, than the spouse can sue for compensation as well.

Another impact of the new same-sex marriage law for gay couples who marry is the right to sue for damages if a spouse dies. Previously, a gay partner would have no rights to any damages in a case involving the death of their partner-who may have been a huge wage earner. Now the gay spouse may be entitled to all the loss of income, which can amount to a huge financial benefit in a very difficult time.

Goldstein and Bashner celebrates the new legislation that allows the rights and benefits that have long been enjoyed by heterosexual couples to now be enjoyed by same-sex married couples as well. We urge all same-sex couples thinking about marriage to learn more about the laws and rights that affect them.

To help with this, our firm welcomes anyone from the LGBT community with questions, concerns or in need of legal advice to contact us for a free consultation. We are supporters of this historic legislation, and we want to help and guide anyone who has any questions.

We look forward to protecting the rights of all married couples in New York. If you, your husband, or your wife, has sustained any injuries, please contact our lawyers for a free consultation. We will sit down with you and discuss your rights, answer all your questions, and help you get the compensation you may deserve.

Long Island Gay and Lesbian Couples get Equal Rights in Personal Injury Cases

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)58580 — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On June 24th, New York became the 6th state to adopt same sex marriage. For gay and lesbian couples on Long Island, such legislation will mean a world of change. Starting on July 26th, gays and lesbians in New York will be able to get married for the first time. Same sex couples will also obtain the same legal rights as in male-female marriages.

This will result in big changes for personal injury lawsuits--specifically in a personal injury case where a spouse recovers money for pain and suffering. Under previous law, a heterosexual spouse could make a seperate claim for loss of service. With the Marriage Equality Act in place, a gay or lesbian spouse could recover such a claim. Additonally, a lesbian spouse can now recover for dependent income if the injured spouse dies as a result of another's negligence.

Therefore, the Marriage Equality Act will ultimately give gay and lesbian couples increased legal rights and increased protection under the law. At Goldstein and Bashner, we look forward to defending these long suppressed rights.

If you, your husband, or your wife, has sustained any injuries, please give our Long Island personal injury lawyers a call.

Nassau County Is a Deadly Place for Older Pedestrians

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)57259 — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Nassau County is one of the most dangerous places in the country for pedestrians age 60 and older, according to a recent study by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. According to the study, 5 out of every 100,000 people in this age group will get struck by a car and die. This number is more than twice the national average for that age group. The odds are even worse on Sunrise Highway and Hempstead Turnpike--two major six-lane highways.

The report also found forty-five percent of the 87 pedestrians killed in Nassau County from 2007 through 2009 were 60 or older. "The older population, they're being disproportionately killed while walking in their own communities," said Bill Ferris, New York State lobbyist for the AARP. "That's unacceptable."

One way safety advocates want to help make the streets safer for all users is to adopt Complete Streets legislation in New York, which are laws aimed at making the roadways safer for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and riders of public transportation. Complete Street designs would incorporate ways to help slow cars as they approach intersections and help pedestrians cross safely. Methods would include shorter crossing distances, crosswalk countdown signals, narrower lanes, and pedestrian islands. So far, 25 other states have adopted Complete Streets programs. A bill has passed the New York Senate Transportation and Finance committees but has not yet been introduced in the assembly.

Advocates also called for the state DOT to make good on its pledge to expand its SafeSeniors pilot program, which began on Long Island in 2009 and included improvements at intersections on Main Street in Smithtown and on Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, Franklin Square and Hempstead Village.

Have you been injured as a pedestrian in a traffic accident?
If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Want to learn more? Contact the experienced accident lawyers at Goldstein and Bashner for a completely free case evaluation. We'll sit down and discuss your case, answer all your questions, and let you know what to expect from the legal process.

10 Ways for Long Island Rail Road Riders to Avoid Gap Accidents

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)56474 — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

This week's news that a 92-year-old man fell into the gap while exiting a train at the Great Neck Long Island Rail Road Station is a reminder of the dangers those wide gaps between the train and platforms pose to riders.

A scathing Newsday investigation back in 2006--spurred by the death of 18-year-old Natalie Smead at the Woodside Long Island Rail Road station--found that about 38 percent of station platforms had dangerous gaps and that LIRR, its parent agency and state and federal oversight officials had done little to address a problem that had injured hundreds of riders.

As a result of Newsday's report, the LIRR began a "gap remediation" project that is expected to be finished in 2012 and will leave a maximum of 5 inches between the train and the station platform.

Here are some ways to ensure you and your family are safe when boarding or exiting a train:

1. Allow sufficient time to board your train
2. While waiting for the train, remain behind the yellow safety line
3. When the train pulls in, allow passengers to leave the train before you board
4. Be aware of any gap between the train and station and take care in stepping over it
5. Hold a child's hand when entering or exiting a train
6. Mobility impaired customers can ask a crewmember for help-a sturdy, steel bridge plate can be placed across the gap for easy movement on and off trains
7. Move inside the car as you enter the train to allow others behind you to enter safely
8. Never lean on the doors
9. Never touch the train doors when they are opening or closing
10. Never try to keep the doors from closing by sticking an arm, leg, briefcase or other object in the way

Have You Been Injured at a Train Station?
The personal injury firm of Goldstein and Bashner has a long history of successfully representing both train passengers and workers who have been injured in train or train station accidents. Our lawyers provide personalized attention to each client and work hard to get the maximum compensation their case deserves. If you've been injured, contact our lawyers for a completely free consultation. We'll sit down and discuss your case, answer any questions you have, and let you know what you can expect from the legal process.

Concert Injuries Becoming More Common in New York City and Long Island

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)56193 — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

As eight hard rock bands riled crowds at the annual K-Rock Dysfunctional Family BBQ over the Memorial Day weekend, fans got rowdy, security was kept busy and three arrests were made. Our law offices have been seeing more concert injuries, especially at these types of all-day music festivals, which often involve alcohol, mosh pits, and crowds of young people who've been packed together for hours.

If you're not familiar with moshing, it is an extremely physical form of dancing, usually to heavy metal or hardcore punk music, where dancers freely push, bump and run into each other in an area known as a mosh pit. Moshers can get very aggressive and at times the pushing and shoving can spill out beyond the mosh pit and injure bystanders.

We've seen some wild videos of aggressive moshers, and while concerts have security, it sometimes seems from the videos that the security is only interested in protecting the bands and not the concert crowd.

Because moshing is such a physical form of dance that almost seems made for injuries, it is often hard for willing participants to win a case. However, many times innocent bystanders are injured.

Other concert injuries usually involve fights or injuries due to poor crowd control. It is important for these concerts to provide some safety measures, including adequate lighting, security and crowd control. Bands have also been known to unnecessarily incite crowds to get wild.

If you or someone in your family has been injured at a concert, an experienced lawyer can help you determine if you have a case. At Goldstein and Bashner, we have handled concert injuries throughout the New York metro area, including incidents at Madison Square Garden, Nassau Coliseum, and The Meadowlands. We've written a free report on concert injuries. Contact us for a free consultation and we'll fully discuss your case, answer all your questions and help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. We've also written a free report on concert injuries which can be ordered from our website.

Floral Park Lawyer--Car Accident Highlights Need to Raise Driving Age

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)55910 — Fri, 27 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

The recent death of nine-year-old Andrew Burrous, who was struck on the sidewalk in his Floral Park, NY, neighborhood by a 16-year-old driver, has highlighted the risks young teen drivers present when they get behind the wheel. Here at the offices of Goldstein and Bashner, we have seen too many car accident cases caused by teens, mainly because they lack the experience and maturity to understand the risks of driving, foresee potential dangers on the road ahead, and make life-saving snap decisions in the face of unexpected events or circumstances. We don't let 16- and 17-year-olds drink, buy guns, or smoke cigarettes. What makes anyone think they should be in control of one of the most deadliest weapons, a car?

The statistics for the youngest teen riders on the road are staggering:

One out of every five licensed 16-year-old drivers will be in a vehicle crash (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
In 2009, eight teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.
Between 1995 and 2004, there were 30,917 fatalities in accidents that involved 15-to-17-year-old drivers (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)
Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen fatalities. About 44% of all teen deaths in 2003 were attributed to vehicle crashes - more than triple the number of teen suicides and more than double the number of teen homicide victims (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
Teenagers far exceed all other age groups in terms of per capita deaths relating to vehicle crashes, both as drivers and passengers (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety).

The issues we have seen with teen drivers relate both to their young age--risk-taking behavior, dangerous speeding and thrill-seeking stunts, peer pressure--as well as their lack of experience, decision making skills, psychomotor skills, and their perception of hazards.

Last year, New York introduced graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems that put stricter restrictions on 16- and 17-year-old drivers, including how many passengers they could have, an increase in supervised driving hours before getting licensed, and the elimination of the junior learner's permit. But do these requirements go far enough? The 16-year-old girl that hit and killed Burrous was legally on the road with her parent in a highly trafficked and populated neighborhood. This is not necessarily the place to learn at age 16 how to drive as it puts every other driver, pedestrian, and biker at risk.

Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, has said that though raising the driving age is "a tough sell...The bottom line is that when we look at the research, raising the driving age saves lives."

We don't think it's unreasonable to wait until kids have a little more life experience and finish high school before being allowed on the road. It may be inconvenient to parents who don't want to carpool their kids around, but studies have shown that raising the age will save lives.

Have You or Someone You Love Been Injured in a Car Accident?
Car accidents can cause serious injuries, including whiplash, neck and spinal injuries, broken bones, and head injuries. Victims often find themselves with large medical bills and sometimes are left unable to do their job. Insurance agents will try to minimize damages. If you have been severely injured in a car accident in New York, it is important to have lawyer with your best interests at heart who knows how to deal with the insurance agents.

Contact Goldstein and Bashner Today
Contact the accident lawyers at Goldstein and Bashner are experienced handling car accidents and can help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation and we will sit down with you to discuss your case, answer all your questions, and let you know what to expect from the legal process.

Long Island Lawyer--Hotel Sexual Assaults More Common Than We Know

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)55919 — Fri, 27 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

The alleged sexual assault of a New York City hotel maid by former IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn has raised concern about sexual assaults in hotels. For the hotel's housekeeping staff, cleaning a room might mean walking in on a potential sexual predator. Hotel guests might find themselves alone with an assaulter in a quiet hallway, staircase, or alcove.

Following the news of the Strauss-Kahn arrest, many hotels are taking a close look at their security and safety procedures. The alleged Strauss-Kahn assault is not an isolated case. In fact some hotel workers have come forward in the news with their own stories of unwanted sexual advances or assaults.

A retired housekeeper who worked 30 years at the Grand Hyatt in Manhattan recalled several occasions when she went into a room to clean, only to have a male guest emerge from the shower in his bathrobe which then suddenly opened.
A worker with 17 years of experience in a luxury hotel told reporters how men would put money on the pillow asking for sexual favors and how one guest bugged her for days about having a threesome with his wife.
Another housekeeper told of how she was cleaning a bathroom when a guest asked her to change the sheets. She arrived with sheets to find him lying naked on the bed, watching her and touching himself, she said.

Hotel security has improved greatly over the years with the introduction of electronic key cards, as well as having key-operated elevators, closed-circuit televisions in hallways and elevators, and instructing front desk employees to not say a guest's room number out loud. It is important for guests and staff to be alert and take precautions. Try to stay with at least one other person at all times and avoid dark and isolated areas. New York Assemblyman Rory Lancman recently proposed a bill requiring hotels in New York to give workers who regularly enter room a panic button that would notify hotel management of an emergency.

Goldstein and Bashner
Have you been the victim of a sexual assault? Our firm has helped to serve victims as both a close companion and as competent legal advisers. We have helped numerous assault victims overcome the terrible wrong doings that they have had to encounter. In doing so, we have assisted victims in recovering monetary compensation for the physical and emotional injuries that they may have sustained. If you or somebody you care for has been the victim of a sexual assault, please contact us for a free consultation.

Plainview Construction Accident Lawyer--Electrocution Illustrates Dangers

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)55159 — Mon, 16 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last year a construction worker was electrocuted while working on a new home in Plainview, NY, when his aluminum ladder touched a power line. Unfortunately, this type of construction accident happens all too often. Electrocutions are the second leading cause of construction accidents (falls are the most common), and they can occur any time a tool or piece of equipment comes into contact with a power line.

Many times construction companies, site owners and workers either overlook or are unaware of potential electrical hazards on the site, making it even more dangerous. Faulty wiring, defective equipment, and improper safety measures can also lead to electrocution. In some cases, electrocution accidents may involve multiple people when one person tries to help another and in the process becomes injured.

The outcome of an electrocution accident can be catastrophic, causing deep tissue burns, internal organ damage, heart failure, neurological complications and, in worst cases, death. Those that survive often have lifelong injuries that will affect their overall health and ability to work and earn a living.

When construction companies and site owners overlook electrical hazards and safety measures to cut corners and save time and money, it often leads to injuries on the site. These accidents are avoidable and can cause lifelong hardship to workers and their families. If you or someone in your family was injured at a construction site due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

The experienced lawyers at Goldstein and Bashner can help guide you through the legal process so that you can receive compensation you deserve and peace of mind. Our construction accident lawyers know firsthand what it is like to be affected by a serious injury, as we have watched family members cope with disabilities. We are passionate about helping our injured clients receive the full and just compensation they deserve.

Contact us for a free consultation and we will sit down with you to fully examine your case, answer all your questions, and let you know what you can expect from the legal process. We have represented construction accident cases throughout New York, including Long Island, New York City, Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County and Suffolk County.

Katy Perry Concert Injuries--Long Island Lawyer

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)55033 — Fri, 13 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Several Katy Perry concert-goers were injured and one was taken to the hospital after they were attacked at two separate concerts in New Zealand this past week. According to witnesses, people were pushing when fighting broke out, with some attackers using their stiletto heels as weapons.

One of the injured concert-goers, Alex White, described the scene: "Everyone's pushing, everyone's pushing me, people were getting pushed. Next minute you've got fists in your face, you've got heaps of people throwing punches, kicks and whatever else." Ms. White says the injuries were inflicted by girls throwing punches, and the experience was terrifying. "I don't think security there was tight enough," she added.

We have seen an increase in injuries at our office from concerts at Nassau Coliseum, Jones Beach Theater, Madison Square Garden, and The Meadowlands. If you or a family member were injured in a concert, you may be entitled to compensation. Some questions to ask:

Did the concert have adequate security?
Was there proper crowd control?
Was the lighting adequate?
Were there accessible exits?

Injuries at concerts can result in liability to different parties--such as the owner of the venue, the promoter, the performers, and the security company-- so it is important to document the incident. Save you ticket, try to get names and numbers of witnesses, take pictures of injuries and get a medical report. The experienced lawyers at Goldstein and Bashner will provide a free consultation and help you collect any compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Offices Today!
We'll sit down with you and discuss your case, answer all your questions, and let you know what you can expect from the legal process. We have offices conveniently located on Long Island and in Manhattan.

New York City Construction Accident Lawyer Lauds Safety Campaign

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)54522 — Thu, 05 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

New York City construction accident attorney Neal Goldstein is praising the New York City's buildings commissioner Robert LiMandri's new multilingual campaign that emphasizes the importance of using fall harnesses, guardrails, and netting on construction sites.

"As a construction accident attorney who has represented workers throughout New York City, I see the tragic results of accidental falls from ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops. But what's more tragic is that many of the devastating injuries and deaths that result could have been avoided if the workers were provided a safe environment and were using proper and working safety equipment," said Goldstein, owner and partner of the firm Goldstein and Bashner. "In many cases, these workplace accidents are the result of contractors who try to cut corners with no regard for the safety of our city's construction workers," Goldstein said.

According to NYC Buildings Department data, 42 percent of all construction accidents reported to it in 2010 were falls, and 16 construction workers have died since 2008 because they lacked basic fall protection. "Hopefully this campaign will send a message to construction owners that workplace safety violations will not be tolerated, as well as to workers to make sure they are given safety equipment and use it."

The new campaign was timed to coincide with the annual Construction Safety Week. The event included panel discussions on such topics as accident prevention, safety innovations and the safe use of scaffolds.

Contact Us Today!
Goldstein and Bashner has been representing construction workers for more than 20 years. We are passionate about helping our injured clients receive the full and just compensation they deserve. If you or a family member has been injured on a construction site, contact our experienced attorneys for a free consultation. We will sit down with you to discuss your case, answer all your questions, and let you know what you can expect from the legal process.

Cross Bronx Expressway Death Trap- Long Island Accident Lawyer

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)54389 — Tue, 03 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday I was driving up to Albany on the Cross Bronx Expressway. I have done this hundreds of times through the years and always knew it was a tough place to drive. In the past it was always about the constant congestion even at 2AM! It was always the dread of going to New Jersey because of all the traffic that moves at a snails pace. Well, yesterday was different. I was heading North in the left lane of the parkway and the moment I passed the overpass at Undercliff Avenue I heard...BOOM! For a split second I thought a gunshot had blown out my back window. In fact there was major construction going on at the Undercliff overpass and something must have gone through my back window and blasted out the window. Now, forgetting for a moment that a fraction of a second later would have caused the front window to bear the brunt of the damage(as well the driver,me!) what is going on with this Parkway? After doing my own little research here is why I have found out:

                                                     1.The Cross Bronx Expressway is one of the few if not the only parkway that allows commercial traffic. Indeed at any given time of the day there are tons of trucks including tractor trailers speeding along the parkway. It makes it a dangerous place for the average motor vehicle driver.
                                                      2. The Cross Bronx Expressway has more potholes than it know what to do with it. There are numerous stories of articles of accidents from potholes along the parkway which make it dangerous and a major cause of car accidents in The Bronx.

                                                      3."The Chute" of the Cross Bronx Parkway which begins at the the Northen part of the New Jersey Turnpike and catapults you onto the narrow lanes of the parkway is particularly dangerous for drivers.

                                                      4. Finally, you have multiple overpasses which creates opportunities for objects to be thrown onto the parkway(sometimes intentional).

There are many alternatives to the Parkway. You can take the Grand Central Parkway up to the Bronx(through the Triboro Bridge); the Hutchison Parkway; the Bronx River Parkway; and the Sheridan Expressway. Pick any one. It has to be better than the death trap otherwise known as the Cross Bronx Expressway.

What's Wrong with These Drivers? Long Island Bus, Limo Drivers Issued Violations

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)54111 — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A limo driver with a twice-suspended license, a party bus barreling down the highway with a flat tire, and a casino bus driver whose falsified logbook already included entries through the next day. These are just some of the 22 drivers issued tickets at a bus checkpoint set up one random Saturday in April at a Park and Ride in Melville off the Long Island Expressway. These professional drivers who are paid to safely transport passengers were all found with violations, in fact four vehicles were placed out of service for "serious mechanical defects," police said. Six drivers were placed out of service for not accurately recording their hours of driving, and one driver was placed out of service for a suspended license. This is just one random day at one checkpoint in Suffolk County where 20 vehicles were stopped and inspected.

The checkpoint was inspired by the fatal bus crash in the Bronx that killed 15 passengers on the New York State Thruway. The inspections, which take about 20 minutes, checked to make sure that drivers had the proper licenses and that their vehicles met safety standards for categories such as turn signals, tires and emergency exits, said Mallin, of the motor carrier safety section. Drivers must also keep log books of their travels. The law restricts how long a driver can drive without rest.

When drivers fail to pass these inspections they put their passengers and everyone else on the road at risk. Safety regulations are established for a reason, and its drivers like these that cause horrible accidents that seriously injure or kill their passengers and others on the roads.

If you or someone in your family has been in an accident caused by a bus or limo driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Both the driver and the bus or limo company are responsible for making sure that they their vehicle would pass inspection, the driver is properly licensed, is keeping an accurate logbook of hours, and is following the traffic rules.

Contact Our Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Our lawyers have more than 20 years of experience handling New York accident cases, and we would be happy to sit down with you for a free consultation. We will thoroughly evaluate your case, walk you through the legal process, and answer any questions you have. Goldstein and Bashner has offices conveniently located in Manhattan and Long Island.

Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Bicyclist in Bethpage

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)52750 — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A hit and run truck driver in Bethpage struck two bicyclists on Wednesday morning, killing one and leaving the second in serious condition. According to police, 32-year-old Stephen Marano and another man were bicycling southbound on Hicksville Road when a white box truck struck them and fled the scene at 6:05 a.m. Both men were taken to an area hospital where Marano was pronounced dead a little over an hour later.

"We've been seeing a lot of hit and run accidents around Long Island. It's just a terrible, cowardly act to leave an accident you caused," commented personal injury lawyer Neal Goldstein. "It's important for witnesses and anyone with information to notify police. If you don't want to give your name, you can also call crime stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS-all calls to this line remain anonymous."

These calls can make a difference. "We recently settled a hit and run case where a witness was able to give a description of the car and a license plate number. Every tip can help find these cowards so it's crucial to call if you think you have any useful information," said Goldstein.

It's also important to know that if you are a victim of a hit and run accident, even when the perpetrator can't be found, compensation can be still be pursued through other sources. Sometimes the injury victim's own uninsured motorist insurance can be used. In New York, the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) was established to help provide another source of coverage for those in accidents with unidentified or uninsured drivers. Our article, Actions You Need to Take If You're a Victim of a Hit and Run Accident, provides essential information you'll want to know.

Contact Goldstein and Bashner today!
If you or someone close to you has been injured by a hit-and-run driver, contact our experienced lawyers for a free consultation. We'll sit down with you and explain your case, answer any questions you have, and walk you through the legal process. Most importantly, we'll fight for your legal rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

New York City's Worst Landlords Identified on Craigslist

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)52637 — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

New York City's worst landlords are now getting called out on Craigslist. A new link to "NYC's worst landlords," appears on the apartment search page, providing information and maps that highlight landlords with the worst inspection records. This website enables tenants to easily check their current landlord and search out potential landlords by name, address, neighborhood, or number of violations.

So who's the absolute worst landlord in New York City? According to the site it's Lisa Dreshaj of Queens with a whopping 2,047 violations!

As personal injury lawyers who have seen many cases based on illegal apartments and code violations, we applaud this collaboration between craigslist, Google maps and Bill de Blasio, New York City's public advocate. It is part of an eight-point proposed package that is meant to empower tenants and compel landlords to act more responsibly.

Other initiates in the plan include:

Depriving landlords with questionable records of certain taxpayer subsidies.
Establishing mandatory minimum fines for the most severe category of housing violations, like failing to provide heat.
Enabling partnerships with private law firms to provide pro bono help in housing court.
Helping landlords get access to capital so they could repair shoddy buildings more quickly.
Cutting red tape in the certification and inspection process.

"Apartment codes and laws are there to protect tenants. When landlords try to cut costs by not meeting codes, they put their tenants' safety at risk. We see cases time and time again where tenants are injured due to illegal gas and electrical systems, unsafe plumbing and heating conditions, improper windows and ventilation, and lack of an exit for an illegal apartment. Arming apartment hunters with names and locations of those that have violations can only help them."

NYC's Worst Landlords website, which in addition to the craigslist link can also be accessed through the public advocate site, gets about 500 hits a day--a number that should grow as more people become aware of the site through Craigslist.

How does your landlord measure up? If you are injured or suffer damages in your apartment due to shoddy conditions you may have a case against your landlord. Contact us for a free consultation. We'll answer all your questions and let you know what to expect from the legal process. Our lawyers are experienced and will help you get the full compensation you deserve.

Long Island Lawyer Explains What You Need to Know About Teens and Texting

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)51956 — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

It's incredibly easy for a young teen in love to text her boyfriend a sexy picture-many of Long Island's tech-savvy teens walk around with all the technology they need at the touch of their smart phones. But it is just as easy for that picture to get sent, resent, and soon everyone has seen it. Teens sext in order to look cool and sexy to someone they find attractive, but too often end up embarrassed, humiliated, and depressed.

A recent case detailed in The New York Times shows just how disastrous the results could be--an eighth-grade girl sent a nude picture to her new boyfriend. When they broke up, he sent the picture to a former friend of the girl who then sent it to every contact on her phone with this vicious text message attached:
"Ho Alert! If you think this girl is a whore, then text this to all your friends."

So many people forwarded the message it went viral not only in that school, but in the surrounding four middle schools. As a result, students were arrested, parents mortified, and the young girl humiliated as it soon became apparent everyone had seen her photo.

"It's so important for young people to realize that while it is so easy to send a sexy picture, there are countless consequences that can occur, explained personal injury lawyer Neal Goldstein. "That picture can be posted on Facebook, MySpace, a website, or texted throughout a neighborhood. Kids need to be educated to learn the consequences these actions can have because there are many."

As the New York Times case shows, the original photo can be manipulated or accompanied by text that makes the photo far more devastating to its subject. If the subject is under 18, those that send, forward, or in any way help distribute the photo can be arrested under child pornography laws and may also be liable for damages caused by their actions. Claims can be brought for invasion of privacy, intended infliction of emotional distress and negligence.

"As cell phones become even more sophisticated and widespread among even younger kids, our office has seen a sharp rise in calls relating to sexting," said Goldstein. "Photos can be posted instantly across the Internet and sent to hundreds, even thousands, of recipients in no time."

If someone distributes racy pictures of your child, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our offices for a free consultation. We have experience working with child victims of these types of cases and will do everything to make your child feel comfortable and ensure that their rights are protected.

15 Killed in New York City Bus Accident—Was Driver Fatigue to Blame?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)51285 — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

It was a scene of horror on I-95 in the Bronx when a bus returning overnight to Manhattan's Chinatown from Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut flipped on its side and crashed into a metal pole, slicing off the top of the bus and leaving 15 passengers dead and injuring the remaining 17 riders. The latest reports may point to driver fatigue as the cause of the accident, with witnesses reporting that the bus was speeding and swerving off the road in the moments leading up to the accident.

The bus company, World Wide Travel, is based in Brooklyn and has been cited five times in the past two years for driver fatigue. The driver, Ophadell Williams, had left the casino at 3:45 am after arriving at approximately 10pm the previous night. It will be important to see what kind of fatigue management the bus company has in place and what kind of driving schedule Williams had in the 72 hours prior to this accident. Also, officials will look into the casino's records to see whether Williams checked into guest room and got any sleep while the passengers were in the casino. So far there is no evidence, as the Williams had originally claimed, that the bus had been struck by a tractor-trailer, causing it to veer off the road.

Chung Ninh, a 59-year-old passenger, told reporters "A man was screaming who had two arms cut off. A lot of people dead. A lot of blood all over the people." Limousine driver Homer Martinez, who was driving on the highway in the moments after the wreck, said, "People were saying, 'Oh my God. Oh my God,' holding their hands on their heads. I saw people telling other people not to go there, saying 'You don't want to see this.'"

Driver fatigue is a serious and dangerous problem, significantly with truck and bus drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimate that there are 56,000 sleep related road crashes annually in the USA, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities. If you or someone you love was in an accident caused by someone else falling asleep at the wheel, you may be entitled to compensation. It is important to know your legal rights and get proper representation.

High Speed Drunk Driver on Long Island Puts Everyone Else's Life at Risk

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)50573 — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Just two days after a pair of street racers going 140 mph on the Long Island Expressway were arrested, a drunk Smithtown woman was clocked at the same high speed on the Sagtikos Parkway. Linda Camps, whose blood-alcohol was twice the legal limit, was charged with drunken driving and other traffic violations. Crazy drivers who race at these terrifyingly high speeds-whether it's due to alcohol or daredevil thrills-have one thing in common. They put the lives of everyone else on the road in danger, causing serious injuries and even death to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Drinking and speeding often go hand-in-hand, and there's no excuse for either behavior. Anyone who chooses to drink and drive doesn't care about the risks and dangers involved and chooses to put every other driver on the road at risk of injury or death.

We have seen far too many cases in our office of passengers and other drivers who were very seriously injured by a drunk driver, while the drunk driver walked away with little more than a scratch. That's why Goldstein and Bashner works hard to make sure the victims get the compensation they deserve.

Have you or someone in your family been injured by a drunk driver? Our lawyers have extensive experience handling legal claims for drunk driving victims on Long Island and New York City and we understand both the law and how to work with insurance companies, who try to pay out the least possible amount of financial compensation. Their representatives may encourage you to agree to a fast, cheap settlement offer, but it's important that you protect yourself and know your rights..

Contact Us Today

Our law firm is dedicated to helping clients recover the maximum amount of financial compensation. We work to protect your rights get the full compensation you deserve. Contact us our offices for a free consultation. We will sit down with you to discuss your case and make sure all your questions are answered. Our experienced lawyers will give your case the personal attention it needs and get maximum results.

Our law firm has offices conveniently located in Manhattan and Long Island. We represent cases throughout New York, including Long Island, New York City, Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County and Suffolk County.

Nassau County Officer's Death Shows Importance of New York's "Move Over" Law

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)48525 — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

On February 4, Wantagh resident and Nassau County Police Officer Michael J. Califano was killed when a flatbed truck plowed into his patrol car, which was pulled over to conduct a traffic law stop on the westbound side of the Long Island Expressway at exit 39 in Old Westbury. Califano's tragic death illustrates the importance of the "Move Over" law that went into effect across New York State on January 1, 2011. This new law requires all drivers to slow down when they see an emergency vehicle and move over if they are on a multi-lane highway, as long as it is safe to do so.

The Searles-Ambrose Move Over Act was created to protect the law officers who risk their lives every day to keep our highways safe. In the past decade, more than 150 U.S. law enforcement officers were struck and killed along America's highways. Common sense would tell drivers at the very least to slow down when they see flashing lights at the side of the road. On a highway, it may be difficult to see emergency workers and officers on the side of the road. Moving over when red lights are flashing ensures the safely of these responders.

It's tragic that Califano's death was completely avoidable. The 12-year veteran left behind his wife, Jackie, and their three young children, Michael, 13, Christopher, 11, and Andrew, 6.

Signs along the highways have been flashing the new law to educate drivers. Ignorance of the law is no excuse!

At Goldstein and Bashner, we've been representing car accident victims for more than 40 years. If you have any questions about a car accident, contact our experienced attorneys for a free case evaluation We'll answer all your questions, guide you through the process, and help make sure you collect the compensation you deserve.

New York City Commuter Crushed By Moving Subway Platform Sues the City

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)48299 — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A New York commuter who was crushed by a moving subway platform at the Union Square Station in Manhattan is now suing the city for $15 million. "This is a horrible accident," commented Long Island personal injury lawyer Neal Goldstein. "The question is should safety measures have been in place to prevent this type of accident?"

The accident occurred on December 10 as 41-year-old Michael Dion waited for the 4 train at the 14th Street-Union Square station. That station, which is sharply curved, features a moving platform that narrows the gap after the train has pulled into the station. Dion accidently slipped down the gap as the train was pulling into the station. As he tried to pull himself up, the platform closed in and trapped him against the train. It was a full half hour before subway workers managed to free Dion, who fractured both sides of his pelvis and suffered significant internal damage to ‘virtually all of his internal abdominal organs.'

Mr Dion, 41, spent a month in hospital recovering from his injuries and now plans to sue New York's Transit Department, which runs the subway.

"He may have a case," said Goldstein. "How many injuries have occurred at this station? Are there any safety measures in place to protect commuters and subway workers? Why did it take so long for help to arrive and free Dion? These are all important questions in determining if Dion is entitled to compensation from the city."

Goldstein and Bashner represents railroad injury cases throughout New York City and Long Island. If you've been injured and think you have a case, contact our expert lawyers for a free consultation. We'll sit down with you to discuss your case, guide to you through the legal process, and answer any questions you have.

Is Your Child's Dorm Safe?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)47692 — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 26-year-old man from White Plains, New York, recently broke into a dorm room at SUNY Purchase and attempted to rape a female student living there. The suspect, Dante Beamon, is not a student at the school and did not know the victim. He allegedly walked into the dorm and went into the student's room, where he demanded that she remove her clothes and told her they were going to have sex. When the victim told him to leave, he allegedly choked her with an article of clothing before she managed to escape and alert authorities. Beamon was arrested and is currently in the Westchester County Jail facing five felony charges that also include burglary and sexual abuse. Did the school do enough to protect their student's safety and do they hold any responsibility in this crime?

When an incident happens in a college dorm, the school is acting as a landlord and so is held to the same standards of responsibility and reasonable actions that any landlord would be. The school is required to take reasonable steps to provide a safe environment for students that live on its campus. Questions to ask in this case:
• Was the dorm room adequately lit?
• Were there locks at the entrance to the dorm or any other form of security measures?
• Did the student's room have a lock that worked properly?
• Was the campus on notice that there was a danger to the residents of the dorm and, if so, did they take reasonable actions?

Following this incident, the campus's student affairs office sent a message to all students informing them that a non-student had been apprehended after he "entered an unlocked campus residence and attempted to assault a student." This helps put students on notice and remind them to be extra cautious in their dorm rooms.

If you or your child has been injured on a college campus, you may be entitled to compensation. At Goldstein and Bashner, we have experience handling cases such as these and want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will guide you through the legal process, let you know what to expect, and answer any questions you have.

Long Island Mother Drives Drunk with Her Child in Car

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)47533 — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

As a parent, it's heartbreaking to read yet another story of a Long Island mother driving drunk with her child in the car. But Samantha Alfaro, a 19-year-old mother from Bay Shore, not only drank enough to far exceed the legal limit, she then drove without putting her 3-year-old daughter in a child safety seat. Alfaro passed out behind the wheel as she rode up South Oyster Bay Road in Syosset, crossing lanes into oncoming traffic before slamming into a tree. The impact broke her daughter's neck and severed her spine by approximately five inches, leaving her paralyzed and unable to breathe. So now this 3-year-old girl is a quadriplegic and dependent on a respirator for life. Her name is Yhoalibeth and she has been robbed of many of life's pleasures because her mother chose to drive drunk and not even have her in a car seat. Alfaro recently pleaded guilty to this accident, which happened last March, and will be sentenced on February 28.

How can a mother do this? The question has been asked over and over. Each time we read a new headline, we hope the lesson will be learned. In 2009, New York's Leandra's Law was signed into law with full support from DA Kathleen Rice, making it an automatic felony to drive drunk with a child under the age of 16 in the car and providing stiffer penalties in drunk driving crashes where children are injured.

"It is heart-breaking that this innocent young girl has to pay the price for her mother's reckless choice to drink and drive," Rice said about Alfaro's daughter. "Horrific cases like this are why I lobbied so hard for the successful passage of Leandra's Law. Children deserve every possible level of protection we can provide."

Hopefully stricter laws will prevent someone from getting behind a wheel after drinking, especially with a child in the car. "I hope this will be a lesson for anyone who reads about this case," said Alfaro's lawyer, Dennis Lemke of Mineola, "Samantha would have preferred to lose her own life to have spared her daughter."

As lawyers experienced with drunk driving cases, we have seen the horrors that can result when someone chooses to get behind the wheel drunk. It's usually not the drinker that is harmed, but innocent drivers on the road. If you have any questions about a drunk driving accident you were involved in, please feel free to contact our firm for a free consultation. We'll discuss your case and answer any questions you have.

The One Thing Never to Give Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)47335 — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

You're in love and you know it will last forever. So you give your special someone the perfect present, sexy photos that will definitely keep him thinking of you. But then the relationship ends, and he turns out to be a creep. A creep with really embarrassing pictures of you. That's why it's so important not to take and share pictures you would not want posted and seen by everyone you know. Because these days, a simple click of a button and those pictures can be emailed to everyone in town and posted all over the Internet on Facebook and other social networks.

But do people have a right to take private photos from a relationship that is now over and distribute or sell them? Jenni Farley, a Long Island native known better as JWoww on MTV's "Jersey Shore," doesn't think so. She learned late in 2010 that her ex-boyfriend and former manager, Tom Lippolis, was planning to market and distribute "numerous nude and/or partially nude digital images and videos of her" without her consent to publish or sell them. This past week, a Mineola judge put a temporary ban on any distribution of the pictures and will let an arbitrator settle the matter.

You may not have the fame of JWoww, but racy pictures of anyone can be distributed and sold, and you may not know in advance to have time to stop it. The best thing to do is not allow anyone to take pictures you would not want anyone and everyone to see. This includes:
1. Your family
2. For students, all your teachers, professors, and school administrators
3. For anyone who has a job or plans to ever have a job, your employer and future employers (because once something is on the Internet, it is nearly impossible to completely delete it)
4. Your friends and acquaintances
5. Your future friends and acquaintances
6. Everyone in your community from your mailman to the waiter at your favorite restaurant to the neighbor you see every day walking his dog.

If you are going to do it, have a written agreement that the photos are not to be distributed without your consent-not very romantic, huh? So the answer really is-don't do it at all!

If someone does share pictures or videos of you without your permission, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our offices for a free consultation. We have experience with privacy cases such as these and will do everything to make you comfortable and let you know if you have a case.

Long Island Moshing-Long Island Lawyer says "Give Me A Break!"

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)47135 — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have seen any of my blogs on moshing then you know that I really dont get it. If you have seen any Youtube videos of people moshing or doing the "wall of death" then you can't really believe that there is a "safe" way to conduct this type of "dancing". Well Stuart MacKay writes about the proper etiquette for moshing and how you should help somebody up if they fall or if you get hit with an elbow not to start a fight.Sure we can all hope for nice manners but, Stuart, have you seen these kids slamming into each other? Oh and what about Stu's instruction "not to cop a feel" while moshing. Mmmm maybe that can work but you think these moshers (mostly young guys) will abide by that rule when the one or two girls decide they want to slam their bodies in the mosh pit? Look I will admit that I think this dancing is crazy and I would advise anybody who is going to a concert to stay away from these "teenage jungle gyms on steroids". However if you decide that you want to experiment slamming your body parts against somebody else do not expect any Emily Post etiquette.

If you have been injured from a mosh pit or other concert related accident we have the experience in handeling these matters. Contact us or download our special report "Hitting Rock Bottom"

Should Queens Construction Site Owner Be Behind Bars?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)47049 — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

How safe are construction sites for the workers? Not very safe at all if the developer is Thomas Huang, a convicted felon known for his shoddy work throughout Queens, NY. Just recently, one construction worker was killed and three others were seriously injured when a concrete wall came crashing down on them at one of Huang's construction sites in Elmhurst, Queens. "I saw the wall collapse on top of the guys," said Gerardo Escalon, a fellow worker. "One of the guys was not moving at all. I panicked."

At this Elmhurst site alone, Thomas Huang and companies he owns or uses have racked up 20 hazardous building code violations and $42,000 in unpaid fines, according to the New York Daily News. It cost the life of Hedilberto Sanchez, a 27-year-old father from Corona. "I want his permit taken away," said Sanchez's widow, who is six months pregnant and has two children.

Though Huang and his family have a reputation for building too quickly and cheaply, ignoring building codes, using unlicensed workers, and flouting zoning regulations, they continue to build. They have been sued repeatedly and have had dozens of formal complaints filed against them.

"Tommy Huang should be behind bars, and his family and his companies should all be prohibited from doing construction in New York forever," said Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), who has fought with the developer for decades.

New York has very specific and strict construction laws to keep workers safe. When these regulations are violated, as Huang's companies have done for decades, it puts everyone on the site at risk.

Employers, owners, contractors and their agents are obligated to provide safe working conditions and can be held liable for construction injuries. There are specific laws for construction sites that can be confusing and difficult to understand. At Goldstein & Bashner, we have been working on construction cases and have represented workers injured in:

* Crane accidents
* Labor law construction accidents
* Elevator construction accidents
* Demolition accidents
* Scaffolding accidents
* Falls

If you've been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, financial distress, lost wages, medical expenses and other costs associated with your injury. Contact our offices today for a free consultation. We will examine your case, answer any questions, and let you know what you can expect from the legal process.

Injured on a Long Island Golf Course--Can You Sue?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)46022 — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Long Island is filled with beautiful golf courses, from the public courses at Eisenhower and Bethpage State Parks to the many private clubs including Garden City Golf Club and Rockville Links Club. But beyond the fun of this popular pastime is a game rife with lawsuits. "Golf is probably towards the top of the list of sports-related lawsuits", noted New York personal injury lawyer Neal Goldstein. "There are thousands of slip-and-fall suits, claims by homeowners or passing motorists hit by flying golf balls, and lawsuits alleging injuries from faulty course design and discrimination suits."

Crystal Timpanaro of Emerson, NJ, sued the Owls Creek Golf Course in Virginia for $1 million after she was hit by a shanked drive from an adjacent tee box. Dr. Azaz Anand sued the Dix Hills Golf Course after getting hit with a shot in the eye. The important question is whether the injuries were a result of the golf course owner's failure to properly secure the course, rather than just an injury that resulted because of the many risks of playing golf.

When a golf course is poorly designed and lends itself to errant shots that may injure a player, victims may be entitled to compensation from the owner. It is a golf course owner's duty to make sure the playing area is as secured as possible, that tee areas are well-placed and fairways are designed safely. When there is a high-risk area on a course, or an area that have already been the scene of accidents, a course owner should either look to make design changes or install safety netting to catch runaway shots.

Course owners are not responsible, though, when players fail to follow the rules or for well-intended shots that just miss their mark by a lot. The course's exposure to liability is typically limited only to the conditioning of the course itself or equipment failure.

If you've been injured on a golf course, it is important to ask, "Could my injury have been avoided if the course owner took precautions?" If so, you may be entitled to compensation. At Goldstein and Bashner, we have experience handling cases such as these and want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will guide you through the legal process, let you know what to expect, and answer any questions you have.

Drunk Fans Cause Injuries at NFL Football Game—Who's Responsible?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)45923 — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

What happens when you combine football, beer, and 70,000 avid fans? Someone is bound to get hurt, which is what happened to Rebecca Dunn at a Cincinnati Bengals game. The scene is one that could easily play out at any Jets or Giants game--Dunn claims two drunk fans, who were served several drinks at the stadium, fell on her and broke her nose and finger and caused bruises, sprains and other injuries. Now she is suing the two fans as well as the Bengals, the beer vendor, and the county-owned football stadium for negligence, alleging they continued to serve alcohol to "noticeably intoxicated" fans at a 2009 NFL game. Does she have a case?

She just might have several cases. Certainly it is easy to argue that the two fans are partially to blame for their own actions, but what about the others? When sports teams play games, they have an obligation to ensure their fan's safety. This means having proper crowd control, security, and safe conditions. If alcohol is served, providers may be held partially responsible for damages that result from an overly intoxicated individual. Many arenas now have measures in place concerning alcohol. For example, Madison Square Garden trains its staff in alcohol management and has policies regarding alcohol purchase. Yankee Stadium and Citifield have special alcohol-free seating sections.

In this case, was there enough security at the stadium? How long were these fans pushing, shoving, and acting recklessly without anyone stopping them? Did the same beer vendor continue to serve these fans drinks knowing they were over the limit of what they could handle? Just how well are vendors walking around a stadium able to monitor each of the fans? And for that matter, how much is too much to drink? Some fans might handle six beers without a problem while others might pass out at two. Also, whether sports fans are rowdy because they have had too much to drink is not always clear-cut, as we have seen many sober fans at stadium act just as senselessly.

These are just some of the questions that need to be asked in cases such as this one. It can happen just as easily at Madison Square Garden or Nassau Coliseum . Over the years, Goldstein and Bashner has dealt with many cases involving alcohol vendors and negligence throughout the New York and Long Island areas. We have helped to see that these accident victims have received compensation for any damages that they may have sustained. If you've been injured at a sports event or anyplace else due to an alcohol-related accident, there may be numerous parties liable. Please contact us for a free evaluation. We'll discuss your case, let you know what to expect from the legal process, and answer any questions you have.

New York City Caught Unprepared for December Blizzard Raises Questions of Accountability

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)45847 — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman with stroke symptoms in Midwood, Brooklyn, waited six hours for an ambulance and had telltale signs of advanced brain damage by the time she arrived at the hospital. In Crown Heights, Brooklyn, a mother in labor who started calling 911 at 8:30 am on Monday did not get an ambulance until 6 pm, too late to save the baby. As New York City struggled to recover from December's blizzard, many residents were left aggravated by the city's slow response and blamed the administration for the inability of emergency vehicles to respond to calls in a timely matter. When a storm of this magnitude hits, how much can we expect from the city? Are they liable for injuries and conditions exasperated by the dangerous conditions left from the storm?

When a storm hits, people expect the streets to be cleared and made usable. In New York and Long Island, counties and towns have a responsibility to respond to a storm in a reasonable manner, but what is reasonable? Certainly, winter storms are expected each year, but this one was especially vicious, with 20 inches of snow and high winds that left huge banks of up to three feet in some areas.

Added to this were the abandoned cars left by people who had attempted to drive in the unsafe conditions despite warnings from officials. However, many agree the city should have done a better job. At least 200 ambulances got stuck on unplowed streets or were blocked by abandoned cars, according to city officials, and the backlog of calls to 911 reached 1,300 at its highest point.

State Sen. Carl Kruger of Brooklyn slammed the city's response, saying too many streets around the city were unplowed Monday afternoon, leaving emergency vehicles and others delayed or stuck in the snow. "Forecasters predicted this blizzard days in advance," he said in a statement. "There was clearly insufficient planning, and New Yorkers are paying too steep a price. Someone has to be accountable."

If you've been injured as a result of the storm, you may have a case. Goldstein and Bashner has experience with cases throughout Long Island and New York City and will help you collect the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

An unplowed street in Soho, New York City

Long Island Lawyer Explains Employer Liability in Broadway Musical Injuries

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)45267 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Spiderman can swing, climb and cast webs in an instant, but can he help save the show's cast from harm? It seems since the new $65 million Broadway show, "Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark," began production, it has been plagued with injuries. Most recently, stuntman Christopher Tierney plunged 30 feet into the orchestra pit during a preview performance and was rushed to the hospital with seriously injuries. This follows three previous injuries on the show's set. The lead actress, Natalie Mendoza, who plays Arachne, suffered a concussion when she was hit with equipment while waiting in the wings during a preview performance. The show, which is not even due to open until February, has also seen an aerialist break both of his wrists and another actor break a foot on the set. Is the show liable for these injuries?

Because of worker's compensation laws, Tierney and the other injured actors are unable to bring a lawsuit against their employer, in this case the Spiderman production company. However, with most workplace accidents, if there are other parties that might have been negligent, the injured party could file a suit against them. For example, in this case, was there an outside company brought in to handle scenery that was negligent? Were the accidents due to foreseeable dangers that were the responsibility of the theater? Was an outside company handling stunts and special effects that did not take reasonable safety measures to protect the cast and crew?

Since Tierney's injuries follow the injuries of three fellow actors, any responsible third party has already been put on notice that there were some dangers involved in this production. So it is equally important to ask: Are the cause of her injuries similar to the other actors? Have any changes been made or additional safety measures put in place since the previous accidents to ensure the actors' safety?

At Goldstein and Bashner, we have handled a wide variety of work-related cases, from office injuries to construction site accidents. Our labor law attorneys have successfully represented injured workers across the New York and Long Island area. If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses that may have come as a result of your injury. Contact us today and let our experienced attorneys provide you with a free case evaluation.

New Safety Standards Will Make Long Island Driveways and Parking Lots Safer

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)44969 — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Drive on any Long Island highway or neighborhood streets and they are omnipresent--minivans, SUV's and pick-up trucks, all vehicles with limited rear-view visibility. Nearly 300 deaths and 18,000 injuries are estimated to result each year from drivers backing up. What's worse is that so many of these accidents occur when a parent leaves their own house and backs up over one of their own children, a horrible scenario too devastating to think about. So now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed groundbreaking rear-visibility standards for all new passenger vehicles.

This is a much-needed safety measure that will hopefully result in a significant drop in these devastating accidents. In data collected by the advocacy organization, KidsAndCars.com, they found that in more than 70 percent of these cases involving a child, the driver is a direct relative of the victim. Also very young children are disproportionally affected--80 percent of the fatalities involve children age three and under, and 43 percent of those are one-year-olds. What's worse is that these accidents are completely preventable. Unlike accidents where someone is else is speeding through a light or careening drunk down the wrong side of the road, this accident usually involves a loving and sober parent who simply could not see what was behind his or her vehicle.

So most probably car manufacturers will provide video systems so drivers will know exactly what is behind their vehicle below the rear window. This is sure to be a huge safety improvement on Long Island, where it is commonplace for minivans and SUVs to be backing out of driveways, school parking lots, neighborhood parks, and other places where kids may wander behind a car.

At Goldstein and Bashner, we completely support this proposed safety standard. It is important to realize, however, that even with full visibility, it is essential to:
* Look carefully before backing up
* Teach children not to stand or play behind cars
* Know exactly where any nearby kids are when backing up
* Never leave keys and/or remotes within reach of children
* Never leave young children alone in or around cars.
If you or someone you know has been injured in any type of car accident, please contact us. We'll give you a free consultation, let you know what to expect, guide you through the process, and answer any questions you have.

Have a Few Drinks on a Cruise, but Don't Tell Passengers to %$#! Off

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)44861 — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Cruise ships are known for their abundance of food and alcohol. Drinks are available wherever you turn--on every deck, by every pool, at each activity, in the bars and dance clubs, and pretty much any other place you go. Cruise ships make a lot of money off their alcohol and have no problem with well-behaved drunks, but there are limits to what is acceptable, and from a safety and legal standpoint, there are important things not to do, especially if you’ve been hitting the bottle:

1. Don't wreck the ship: Cruise ships are not frat houses, and their personnel frown highly on passengers wreaking havoc on their ship, even in the name of good ol’ drunken fun. Smashing bottles and wrecking furniture are definite no-no's, and you will certainly be held responsible for any damage you cause.

2. Don’t tell others to #%&! off: An important point even for sober passengers. In fact a very wealthy and prominent, elderly couple was thrown off the Cunard ship this past October for what the cruise line officials stated were “multiple incidences of disrespectful and disruptive behavior towards crew members and other guests.”

3. Don’t get into a drunken brawl: Getting into fights is not only a good way to spoil a vacation, but can get you tossed off the ship. This past August, after a night of drinking at the Caliente Club on Carnival's Dream cruise ship, a group of young people began fighting, allegedly over a song. There were several injuries, one serious, as well as massive damage caused to the ship. The ten passengers were kicked off the ship that morning.

4. Don't have sex in a lifeboat: Cruise ships have cameras everywhere. Stick to the privacy of your room, especially if it is not your spouse.

5. Don't climb over the railing: There are numerous stories and even clips on YouTube—drunk passengers climbing over the railing and either falling or intentionally jumping off the ship. Some are found dead, others remain missing, and those that survive usually have serious injuries and are arrested. If the passenger jumps while the boat is in restricted waters, they can face federal charges as well.

7. Don't bring drugs aboard ship: This is a sure-fire way to get arrested. As soon as passengers disembark, DEA's dogs sniff suitcases on the pier and will find any drugs, no matter how well hidden.

Drinking and acting in a mature and safe manner is a must, but even if you follow these tips, accidents happen all the time on ships from others' drunk behavior. If you need any advice or have been injured on a cruise ship, contact Goldstein and Bashner for a free consultation. We'll let you know your rights as a passenger and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Familiar with the Wall of Death? The Fun and Danger of Moshing

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)43736 — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Pushing, shoving, trampling, flailing limbs, and crashing bodies. Welcome to the mosh pit. What some call fun is the very dangerous practice of crowding to the very front of a heavy metal or hard core punk concert and basically banging and crashing into each other. There's also thrashing, crowd surfing, and--if you're at a really hard core mosh pit--the Wall of Death, where the moshers split into two groups on either side of the pit and run into each other. Now that's a good time.
(Check out this video if you want to see the Wall of Death for yourself).

So as you might realize, mosh pits are not the safest places. Bodies are tossed around, pulled in separate directions, banged into, and trampled over by hordes of steel-toed Doc Martins. They've caused broken limbs, concussions, serious gashes, cracked ribs, and in the worst cases, even death.

Our law firm has done a lot of research into this area and created a free report, Hitting Rock Bottom, which explains everything you need to know to protect your legal rights following an injury at a concert. We've been handling cases in this area and know exactly what is needed to get the due compensation for mosh pit injuries. If you, your child, or someone else you know has been injured at a concert, please contact our offices for a free consultation.

Two Days, Two Drunk Driving Accidents on Long Island--Will This Madness Stop?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)43579 — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two days, two nearly identical headlines on Long Island--a drunk driver speeding the wrong way down a major highway in the dark hours of the early morning crashes into the car of an innocent victim. What could be scarier than driving to work and seeing headlights speeding straight at you? When are people going to take the dangers of drinking and driving seriously and stop risking the lives of the many innocent fathers, mothers, and children whose only mistake is being in the path of the out-of-control car?

The first crash, which occurred at approximately 5:00 am on the Northern State Parkway, killed 35-year-old NYPD officer Andre Menzies, who was also a loving husband and the father of five children ranging in age from 7 to 15. Michael Bowen, who was charged with driving while intoxicated, suffered only minor injuries and was taken into custody.

Nearly 24 hours later, a series of frantic calls were made to 911 from drivers on the Long Island Expressway who noticed a car going west in the eastbound lanes. Katelyn O'Connell of Westbury crashed into an unidentified 27-year-old father of three from Queens. Luckily neither driver in this accident suffered life-threatening injuries.

Both these accidents come on the heels of another suspected drunken-driving accident in which a 17-year-old girl was struck by an out-of-control pickup. We are outraged that these accidents continue to happen. A driver who drinks and drives chooses to put every other driver and passenger on the road at serious risk of injury or death. At Goldstein and Bashner, we are experienced in handling drunk driving cases and have been successful in getting large claims for our clients. We will do what it takes to get our clients the compensation they deserve, whether it means battling insurance companies or going after other parties that might also be responsible, including a bar or restaurant where the drunk driver may have been served alcohol. If you've been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, contact our offices for a free consultation.

Long Island Bullying Lawyer- Cyberbullying Conference

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)43296 — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

On December 2 2010 Hofstra University will be hosting a conference that will focus on bullying and internet safety for our children. We at Goldstein and Bashner have written much about bullying here on Long Island as we feel that our kids are not being afforded the protection that we demand both in school and on the internet. We plan on attending the conference and if you let us know that you are going we would like to know. If you would like to know what we learn at the conference we will be preparing a summary report and will be glad to send it to you. Please let us know by joining our Facebook group and leaving your comments.We, of course, are always available to answer your questions about school safety. We are familiar with all the school districts in Nassau and Suffolk County as well as the New York City School System.

Long Island Injury Lawyer- Cyberbullying Conference

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)43297 — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Speeding in the Late Hours after Midnight Takes Another Long Islander's Life

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)42546 — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

In a scenario that has played out all too often on the Long Island roadways, an off-duty New York City police officer was killed and another man critically wounded when their speeding car careened out of control and crashed into a tree early Thursday in Westbury, police said.

The crash occurred at about 2:30 am, when the black 1994 Honda was headed north on Carman Avenue at "a high rate of speed," according to Nassau police spokesman Det. Lt. Keven Smith. Smith said the Honda hit a curb and a tree, spun around and slammed into another tree. The car was crushed with the officer trapped inside. The other man was ejected 50 feet into the air before landing on a Westbury sidewalk and suffered serious head injuries.

Police are not sure which man was the driver, but luckily, no other cars or pedestrians were involved. Our office sees too many cases involving speeding drivers that kill or seriously hurt their passengers, occupants of other cars, and pedestrians. When cars speed at night, is especially dangerous because visibility is reduced and headlights can often blind other drivers and cause confusion.

If you've been injured in a car accident, our experienced lawyers are here to help you collect the compensation you deserve. Contact Goldstein & Bashner for a free case evaluation. We’ll let you know what to expect, guide you through the process, and answer any questions you have.

Was that Hidden Camera in Her Bedroom Really For Security?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)42208 — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Can a landlord really install a camera inside a bedroom and claim it is for security? Michael Muratore did just that when he rented an apartment in his Franklin Square two-family home to a Hofstra student and her friend. It took only one day for her to learn that the smoke detectors in each bedroom were actually hidden cameras that had recorded her dressing and undressing when she thought she was alone.

Muratore was arrested and pleaded guilty to unlawful surveillance of the plaintiff. The Hofstra student started a civil action against him for assault and invasion of privacy for the damage she said she suffered. Being filmed unknowingly by her landlord left her feeling violated and too anxious to rent her own apartment again. She moved back to her childhood home, which was approximately 90 miles from Hofstra University.

It's hard enough for a victim of any sexual crime to go to criminal court, but to have to face their violator in civil court and explain their physical and emotional pain further draws out the healing process. At Goldstein and Bashner, we understand how difficult this process can be. We know how to get the evidence needed to quickly win cases such as this one. We want to help anyone who has been violated by voyeurism to get the compensation they deserve. We put the time and research into each case to get through the red tape and get a winning verdict.

Beware! That Facebook Update Can Be Held Against You In Court

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)40708 — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sitting in the comfort of your den posting pictures on Facebook, commenting on MySpace, and chatting on AIM, you may feel like your messages are private. But don't be fooled by the solitude of your home or by privacy settings on websites. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, you post on the Internet is private, and, as a motion in the recent Long Island court case Romano v Steelcase shows, anything and everything can be used against you in court. In this particular case, the defendant claimed she was so severely injured when her chair collapsed that she was limited in her activities and that the accident damaged her "enjoyment of life." But material she posted on her public MySpace and Facebook pages appeared to contradict her claims by showing her on family trips and smiling happily outside her home in various locations. She apparently did not believe the chair company would find her postings.

The judge ordered Romano to authorize MySpace and Facebook to turn over all their historical records of her pages--including nonpublic portions and those she might have deleted. I will repeat that last part--even those she deleted. Because believe it or not, nothing is ever really deleted in the World Wide Web. Once you put something out there, it's always somewhere and someone can find it when you may not want them to.

So what can you do to protect yourself?
1. Post only thing you don't mind everybody and anybody seeing. You never know who will repost it and who will have access to see it. That topless picture sent to a boyfriend may prove your boob job really wasn't all that botched.
2. Don't post jokes or Photoshopped pictures that can be misinterpreted or taken seriously.
3. If you are involved in a case, be truthful with your lawyer and don't post anything that contradicts what you have told him.
4. Don't post anything that can cause misinterpretations about your character or your actions. For example, one of our clients had posted a picture on MySpace shooting a toy machine gun.
5. Most importantly, be smart and use common sense. The Internet is a powerful tool but it can cause as much damage as good.

At Goldstein and Bashner, we know how important the Internet has become in finding evidence, and we work with our clients to ensure they understand that everything they post can one day find itself used as courtroom evidence. If you have any questions or need a lawyer you can talk to, please contact us today.

Who's Responsible for that Cracked Sidewalk You Just Tripped On?

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)40448 — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Every time you go for a walk in the neighborhood, you're bound to see them somewhere--those huge sidewalk cracks, lifts, and occasional jungle of weeds that grow from somewhere mysterious within. You can try to jump over them (and risk looking like a four-year-old), walk around them (while avoiding traffic and equally hazardous, unkempt lawns) or, if you are wearing three-inch heals, you probably want to just turn around and avoid them altogether. But if you're not careful in avoiding sidewalk cracks, or if you don't see them to begin with, you can trip and fall, risking injury. Sidewalk fall injuries can be anything from mild cuts and scrapes, to broken bones, to serious head trauma. It is important if you have an accident due to a broken sidewalk, that you know whose responsibility it is to maintain that sidewalk. And it might surprise you to learn that the answer differs from town to town. On Long Island, each town has its own law stating who is responsible and pays for any injury that results from a damaged sidewalk. So if you trip over a sidewalk in Hempstead and are injured, you need to contact the homeowner. However, should your fall take place in Mineola, it is actually the town of North Hempstead that is responsible. It is important to know that filing a claim against a town is a very different process from filing against a homeowner, and each has different time limitations.

If you have any questions about an injury caused by a damaged sidewalk, Goldstein and Bashner can help you determine who is responsible and collect the damages you are owed. Some cases might have time limitations, so contact our slip and fall lawyers today for a free case evaluation and to answer any questions you may have.

Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer discusses sexual assault on cruises

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)40474 — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Are cruise line companies responsible for sexual assaults committed on their ships? Because cruise ships are one of the few places that have no police officers or any other law enforcement figure within a car ride away, they need to take special precautions to ensure that their passengers are safe.

Does the cruise ship hold any responsibility and can they be sued for physical and emotional injuries? There is no clear-cut answer, but how liable the company is depends on the answers to several questions:

1. Was the ship well lit and were passengers provided with adequate and properly functioning locks on their cabin doors?
2. Was the ship adequately staffed with personnel and security guards?
3. Were ship employees well screened with thorough background checks? The victim on the Disney cruise followed the assailant because she thought he was a security guard. In this case she was mistaken, but according to Cruise Line News, sexual assault by crew members are not uncommon and ships rarely report crimes involving their crew, potentially making them more liable in the future.
4. Did the cruise ship have previous knowledge that a particular passenger was causing trouble or was dangerous, either through passenger complaints or from a prior incident on that cruise? If so, were any steps taken to prevent any future incidences with this passenger?

The most important thing a sexual assault victim can do is seek immediate medical attention and report the crime to ship personnel. The FBI and U.S. Coast Guard should be contacted immediately. Once the victim is home, a legal expert can assist in providing information and compensation for injuries, both physical and emotional.

If you have any questions about an assault that took place on a cruise ship, Goldstein and Bashner can help you determine who is responsible and collect the damages you are owed. We have extensive experience in dealing with sexual assault cases and understand that sexual assault victims have serious emotional injuries in addition to physical injuries. If you or somebody you care for has been the victim of a sexual assault, please contact our lawyers today for a free case evaluation and to discuss any questions and concerns you have.

Motorcycle Accidents-Long Island-Think You Know It All- Think Again!

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)39291 — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

In their most recent article Goldstein and Bashner tells motorcycle accident victims what they need to know. They cut through all the B.S. and tell you some things that may help you understand your accident case. In fact the 3 essentials that they tell you about are the types of things that most motorcycle victims simply don't know. Its hard to say if some lawyers just skip some of this stuff when they talk to their clients or they simply just don't know the law. As an example one of the items explained is that most people still view motorcyclists as roughneck gangsters. Can't get much sympathy from those folks. But how many lawyers will tell their clients "you got one strike against you" even if the accident was not your fault? Its important to educate clients so they know what to expect from any lawsuit.

In another example of what victims of motorcycle accidents need to know the accident lawyers explain the meaning of serious injury and why the law makes these cases much easier than others. In fact many lawyers who would not take a small injury car accident case may take the small injury motorcycle accident case. However, there is one area that is very bad for motorcycle accident victims so its important to read the entire article and call if you are in accident.

In the motorcycle practice area the Long Island Accident Lawyers have more articles, blogs and even the most recent news about motorcycle accidents on Long Island.Since Long Island has a huge following of motorcycle riders this area of the law firm has been expanding rapidly.

What to Know About New York Motorcycle Accident Cases

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)37423 — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

So, you're a motorcyclist and you've been in an accident. Now what? Well, first and perhaps most importantly, you should become familiar with New York's No-fault law. Many motorcyclists falsely believe that the No-fault law is the same for car and motorcycle operators. However, No-fault treats these two groups very differently.

For car drivers, No-fault will cover some of your accident related expenses such as hospital bills and lost wages. Although No-fault will cover car accident victims, the law makes it difficult for these victims to put forth lawsuits for pain and suffering. In order to go forward with one of these lawsuits, any accident related injuries must be "severe." No-fault essentially defines severe"damages" as a fracture, loss or limitation of a body part, the death of a fetus, or a death.

For motorcycle accident victims, the case is extremely different. Because No-fault sees motorcycles as inherently dangerous, No-fault doesn't cover motorcyclists. Therefore, motorcyclists must use their private insurance (if available) in order to pay for any accident related expenses. However, unlike car drivers, motorcyclists can sue without having to meet a "severe" injury threshold. This makes motorcycle accident lawsuits much easier to put forth.

It's important for motorcyclists to truly understand how they are covered, and what steps they should take after an accident has taken place. Our New York and Long Island motorcycle accident attorneys have helped numerous accident victims throughout the area. If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, please contact our New York or Long Island personal injury law offices.

What Every Long Island Motorcyclist Needs to Do to Avoid Road Rash

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)37431 — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A lot of motorcycle accident victims come to our Long Island personal injury law office, and one of the most common injuries we see is road rash. Road rash, a term used to describe severe skin wounds, often results after a motorcyclist has taken a fall off of his or her bike while moving at high speeds. The biker's body typically skids across the ground--often for very far distances--resulting in road rash, a skin condition that nearly mirrors the type of damages that come along with third degree burns. Road rash is such a severe injury, that it sometimes takes years to heal, and in some cases, even requires surgical procedures such as skin grafting.

The good news is that there are ways to help prevent or minimalizie the damage. Here are some safety tips that can help keep all bikers safer:

1) Wear a Helmet- In New York, the law states that motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets. In addition, if you are to sustain an accident, wearing a helmet can significantly reduce your risk of severe injury or death.

2) Dress Properly- What you are wearing during an accident can make a big difference. If you have on long pants and long sleeves, your skin will be less exposed if your body happens to skid across the ground. Also, the thicker and tougher your clothing, the better. Leather is recommended, as this thick material can help prevent road rash.

3) Be Alert- Remember that motorcycles are more sensitive to slight changes in road conditions and the weather. Keep this in mind while riding. Being careful can help keep you on your bike and off of the ground.

Road rash and other motorcycle accident related injuries can be extremely painful, costly, and both physically and emotionally damaging. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to obtain compensation for some or all of your accident related expenses and damages. Our New York and Long Island motorcycle accident lawyers can help you to obtain monetary compensation for your injuries. Please contact our New York or Long Island offices for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll sit down with you and answer all your questions, discuss your case and let you know what you can expect from the legal process.

Why New York Slip and Fall Cases are so Difficult

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)37034 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

"Slip and fall" cases may sound quite simple and straightforward, however, they are often among the most difficult and complicated types of cases to prove. I've recently come across a slip and fall case in which the hidden complexity behind these matters was clearly demonstrated. The case, titled Goldin v. Riverbay Corp, dealt with a plaintiff who brought about a lawsuit after slipping and falling on a friend's slippery wood floor. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff looked to sue the friend and the maintenance company that had installed and polished the new wood floor with paste wax. The plaintiff believed that the paste wax made the new floor too slippery and thus caused him to fall and become injured. However, like many slip and fall cases, this claim was hard to support.

In order to back an injury case, you must be able to show negligence. Proving negligence is absolutely essential. In this case, the plaintiff had difficulty doing so. The plaintiff was unable to show that the maintenance company had negligently applied the paste wax nor that the wax had a history of making floors overly slippery. With many slip and fall cases, it's necessary to hire an an expert engineer to examine the area where the accident has taken place. In this case, an engineer was hired to find the coefficient of friction for the floor. The engineer's findings failed to carry much weight though because it was impossible to show that the same conditions had existed 3 months earlier, during the time of the accident. Because of a lack of strong evidence, the plaintiff's case was rejected.

The Goldin v. Riverbay Corp case helps to show just how complicated slip and fall cases often become. Proving negligence is a tough task, and the need to bring in engineers and other experts only goes to show the hidden complexity behind these cases. Despite such difficulties, our New York and Long Island Personal Injury attorneys have been extremely successful at obtaining monetary compensation for slip and fall victims throughout New York City, Nassau and Suffolk County. If you have been injured, please contact our slip and fall lawyers for a free case evaluation.

L.I. Personal Injury Attorney Tells Why Negligence is so Important in Accident Cases

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)36868 — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Several months ago, we wrote a blog about a woman who called our firm in regards to a treadmill accident. The woman had fallen off the machine, injured herself, and was looking to sue. However, when we asked how she had fallen, she couldn't identify a problem with the treadmill. The woman had simply fallen on her own. This call depicts a misconception that many people have. Many believe that just because they have been injured, there are sufficient grounds for a civil lawsuit. This is wrong. In order to sue, there must be negligence or liability on behalf an individual or company. So what's negligence? Negligence is the failure of an individual to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well-being of another. In order for a slip and fall, or any other type of accident victim to sue, there must be some type of negligence.

So what are some situations in which there may be traces of negligence? Many of the calls we receive that fit this criterion are in regards to slip and fall cases. So for instance, a restaurant owner may have failed to fix a large crack in the flooring, causing a customer to trip, fall, and get injured. In this case, the negligence is clear--the restaurant owner had failed to do something about the damaged floor. Another example may be, an individual slipping and falling as a result of an apartment complex owner failing to have the property's walkways cleared of snow. Once again, the negligence is pretty apparent--the property owner failing to do something about the snow covered pathways. As you can see, negligence is important when proving a slip and fall accident case. However, negligence isn't always as clear as in the cases that I have detailed above, and sometimes negligence can be extremely difficult to prove. Therefore, its often important for accident victims to look for skilled and experienced lawyers when dealing with these types of cases.

Given that negligence can lead to some pretty serious injuries, our Long Island Personal Injury attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims to obtain compensation for the damages that they have sustained. If you have been injured as the result of negligence, please contact our New York or Long Island offices for a free case evaluation.

Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer- "School Buses, How Safe Are They?"

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)36788 — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recently, our firm posted a news story in regards to two yellow bus accidents occurring on Long Island within a single morning. Unfortunately, yellow bus accidents are not a rarity. Over the past several years, there have been numerous cases reported in which school buses have crashed or rolled over, resulting in serious injuries and even passenger fatalities. Also frightening, is the fact that federal law does not require seat belts on board of buses. It's left up to the states to decide, and thus far, only several states have mandated that seat belts are used. Combine this with the fact that about 25 million students are taken to and from school on yellow buses each year, and you will probably be left with some frightening scenarios in your head.

Fortunately, in the state of New York, seat belts ARE required on school buses. But, aside from a federal seat belt mandate, what else can be done to ensure the safety of students? Some have suggested that bus operators should have to face tougher certification exams. Others have called for a federal law that requires background checks on bus drivers. Several parents have even called for parent-driver meetings, in which the parents of the students would get a chance to meet and evaluate the children's bus driver. Regardless of which plan is followed, I think its needless to say that changes have to be made. In 2006, one study suggested that 17,000 children are hospitalized each year as a result of some type of school bus related injury.

School bus safety is a nationwide problem that is quite evidently effecting students within our own local neighborhoods as well. If you, or your children have sustained a school bus related injury, please contact our Long Island personal injury attorneys. Our lawyers can help you and your family to recover compensation for any injuries that may have been sustained.

How Long Island Boaters Can Avoid Accidents and Injuries

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)36546 — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Boating is often an extremely relaxing, fun, and enjoyable summer activity. In particular, many Long Island residents have taken an interest to boating, as the area is literally surrounded by various bodies of water. However, although a day out on the water can often often be a day well spent, boating can also be extremely dangerous. Here are some ways to stay safe and injury free during this boating season.

Monitor the Weather- Before heading out on your boat, check and double check the weather forecast. You never want to be out on the water during a storm. Also, forecasts can often change quickly, so be sure that you give the weather forecast another look before taking your boat out.

Ensure That Your Radio Works- While out on the water, a VHF radio can be the difference between life and death. In the event of an emergency, these radios can be used to call for help. Therefore, its extremely important that your radio works. Always test your radio before leaving the dock.

Always Have Your Life Jacket On- Life Jackets may not look cool nor fit comfortably, but they may just save your life. If a boating accident occurs, a life jacket can prevent you from drowning. According to statistics form the U.S. Coast Guard, of those who drowned as the result of a boating related accident, 90 percent of victims were not wearing life jackets.

Don't Drink and Drive- While on the open water, you may be tempted to drink and drive. However, doing so can be just as dangerous as it is for you to operate a car while under the influence. Driving a boat while drunk has even become illegal, and is known as a "BUI." The U.S. Coast Guard has found that alcohol is the primary cause of deaths in boating related accidents.

As a Long Island Personal Injury firm, we want to see that residents in the area remain safe while boating. If you have sustained an injury because of a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation as the result of another individual's negligence. Following a boating accident or injury, please contact our New York or Long Island offices to ask about what rights you may have.

Long Island Lawyer- "Cruise Ship Safety Bill Great for Travelers"

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)35619 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recently, a bill known as the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act has been signed into law. The law was created in order to protect cruise ship passengers from sexual assaults, theft, and other dangers. Previously, when crimes were committed on international waters, no report on behalf of the cruise line had to be filed. The new law mandates that all crimes are reported and that all cruise ships have rape kits and at least one forensic expert on board at all times. The law will also ensure that all ships have security cameras and that ship guard rails are at least 42-inches high.

These changes should come as great news for cruise goers, as the improvements will likely dramatically improve on board safety. However, as great as the changes are, it strikes me as odd that these safety standards took so long to be brought about. It seems logical that a cruise ship company should do all in its power to protect its passengers. Under premise liability laws, property owners are responsible for maintaining premises that are safe and fee of hazards. For cruise lines, it should be no different. Regardless, at Goldstein and Bashner, we are glad to see this legislation passed. Our firm has been dedicated to protecting the safety and rights of the public for years, and the cruise safety law only helps our fight. If you have been injured as the result of negligence on behalf of a premise owner, our New York and Long Island personal injury attorneys can help you. Please contact our offices for a free case evaluation.

What to Know About "Moshing" and Concert Injuries

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)36113 — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

The latest craze in dancing at live rock concerts is known as "moshing." While moshing, concert goers violently slam into one another in an area that is referred to as a "mosh pit." These mosh pits have turned concert going into a real danger. Crowd Management Strategies Inc, reported that between 1994 and 2006, there were 9 deaths that resulted from mosh pit related accidents. The organization also estimates that at major music festivals, anywhere from 100 to 200 injuries typically occur as the result of moshing. Interestingly, experts state that those whom are closely observing the mosh pits are injured at a much higher rate than those whom are actually doing the moshing.

Despite such dangers, moshing will not likely end anytime soon. At concerts, bands often promote moshing in an effort to excite the crowd, and venue managers often give the 'okay' for the activity to go on. In preparation for a concert that is expected to include moshing, venue management may take out costly insurance plans and work on training security to better manage the crowd. Some have suggested that moshing can become more safe if designated moshing areas are created during concerts. This would keep many onlooking bystanders from being harmed. However, this quick fix will do little to stop moshing related injuries and deaths. As long as venues allow for the activity to go on, people will continue to be harmed.

Simply put, moshing is reckless and dangerous. Music venues should ban the activity, and those who don't should held entirely liable when accidents do occur. Under premise liability laws, property owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who populate their premises. Concerts should not be an exception. Our firm recently took on a case in which a 15-year old boy was injured while attending a concert at Long Island's Nassau Coliseum. Our New York and Long Island Injury Lawyers want to ensure the safety of the pubic. Hopefully civil actions against those who are in charge of the music festivals will encourage change for a better and a safer concert going experience. For those who have sustained a concert related injury, contact our offices for a free case evaluation.

Social Host Laws: What New York and Long Island Parents Should Know

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)35697 — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Social host liability refers to the idea that an event host can be held responsible for an intoxicated guest's actions. So if one of your drunken guests gets into a car accident, you, as the host, may be responsible. You may even be liable for other criminal actions such as an assault or rape on behalf of an intoxicated guest. Sounds like a lot to be held accountable for, right? Well, it's true, and its extremely important for people to be aware of--especially now as we are in the thick of the summer....also referred to by many as a 'time to party.'

As important as it is for parents to be aware of these laws , it may be even more vital that parents pass this information on to their children. I've heard about numerous cases in which parents went out of town, left their children, and had their homes transformed in an under age drinking party. Then, as you may have predicted, one of the intoxicated guests caused trouble, and the parents were held responsible. Many times, this resulted in a civil lawsuit against the parents. This means that your hard earned home and money may be put at risk.

Parents, too, are not immune to these types of cases. There have been incidents in which parents had other adults over for cocktails, only to be hit with a lawsuit after an intoxicated guest caused some type of harm to others.

So how can social hosts protect themselves?

-Take everybody's keys as they enter your home. Make sure that nobody is able leave and then drive while still intoxicated.

- Arrange a cab, or some type of alternative sleeping situation for an intoxicated guest.

- Ensure that you have an "umbrella" insurance policy. This means that if you are sued for an amount that is higher than your home owners insurance protection plan, then the umbrella policy will kick in and pay for any damages that exceed your initial coverage. Although this policy may cost more to obtain, it may be well worth it for those who frequently have gatherings at their homes.

At Goldstein and Bashner, we want to see that you have a safe and enjoyable summer. We advise you to protect yourself and make smart choices before having events at your home. If you have any questions about social host liability laws, please contact our personal injury attorneys at our New York or Long Island offices.

Long Island Attorney- Alcohol and Energy Drinks Are a Deadly Mix

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)35460 — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

As if there wasn't already enough for parents of college kids to worry about, you can now add the dangers of mixing alcohol and energy drinks to the list. Combining these two types of beverages has become extremely popular. According to studies, 78 percent of drinkers under the age of 25 have admitted to combining alcohol and energy drinks within the past month. Those who consume these beverages in combination with one another, claim that they feel more aware and less tired while they are out.

While energy drinks may allow a drinker to party longer without tiring, these drinks may also hide the effects of alcohol. This can bring along severe consequences. Because an energy drink makes a drinker feel less drunk, the individual is often unable to recognize his or her own drunkenness. This may lead an individual to reach dangerous levels of intoxication. In addition, since energy drinks make drinkers feel more aware and less drunk, those who are intoxicated may convince themselves that they are capable of driving. Unfortunately, this leads to an increase in drunk driving accidents.

As you can see, combining alcohol and energy drinks can be extremely dangerous. Mixing the two can lead to unsafe levels of intoxication (and all the dangers that can come along with being overly drunk), and an increase in drunk driving accidents. As a personal injury attorney, I have dealt with many alcohol related accidents across the Long Island and New York areas. Young adults in these areas are no different than those elsewhere--they often drink too much and make poor decisions. At Goldstein and Bashner, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting those who have been injured in alcohol related accidents. Our lawyers have helped these injury victims to recover monetary conpensation for the damages they've sustained. If you have been injured as the result of an alcohol induced accident, then please contact our offices for a free case evaluation.

Long Island Worker Dies, Legal Battle Continues

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)35158 — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

In 2008, Black Friday turned deadly at one of Wall-Mart's Long Island locations. As eager shoppers rushed the store's entrance in hopes of taking avantage of store wide sales, a Wall-Mart employee was trampled and killed. Following the incident, Wall-Mart was hit with a $7,000 fine. Since, Wall-Mart has spent over a million dollars in legal fees in order to battle the fine.

Wall-Mart claims that 'crowd trampling' was not a forseeable danger. Therefore, Wall-Mart has put a lot of time and money into fighting the fine. The company worries that if the fine sticks, then they will be subject to increased oversight by the Occupational Safety and Health Organization. In such a case, OSHA would be able to oversee any future major sales events. I ask, why is this at all bad?

A Wall-Mart employee was killed, so obviously the store was doing something wrong. How is 'crowd trambling' not reasonably forseeable? If 2,000 over-excited shoppers are ready to rush an entrance in order to get their hands on great deals, then you'd almost expect for danger to follow. In Wall-Mart's case, they failed to adequately protect their employees from such seemingly obvious danger.

Under labor laws, companies are responsible for providing their employees with safe and hazard free work conditions. Had Wall-Mart met this standard, then a tragic death may have been able to be prevented. At Goldstein and Bashner, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights and the health of workers. Our attorneys have represented injured workers across the Long Island and New York areas for over 20 years. We have helped these injured workers to recover compensation for any injuries that they may have sustained. If have been hurt, please contact our offices for a free case evaluation.

Study Shows Long Island's Hempstead Turnpike is Among the Most Dangerous

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)35180 — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent study shows that Hempstead Turnpike is among one of the most dangerous roads for pedestrians in the entire Tri-State area. Between the years 2006 to 2008, 13 pedestrians were killed on Hempstead Turnpike as a result of car collisions--more than any other road in the region. To me, this unfortunate statistic does not come as any great suprise, as my office has dealt with many accidents that have occured on this road.

City leaders have taken notice of this danger and have tried to put more money into improving the safety of the road. Some have even considered installing more red light cameras. In addition to these hopeful safety improvements, I encourage that pedestrians be smart and only cross the street at defined intersections and try to avoid walking when it's dark out or difficult to see. I think that 13 pedestrian fatalities on a single road within a 3-year span sounds like way too high a number. I want to see this number lowered, and I want to see Long Island residents remain safe.

At Goldstein and Bashner, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting and representing injury victims. In the past, personal injury attorneys have helped to encourage change that has effectively worked to protect the public. Lawyers have helped to bring about seatbelts and airbags, and in this case, our attorneys hope that they can encourage drastic safety improvement along Hempstead Turnpike. If you have sustained an injury as the result of a car accident, let our experienced Long Island lawyers help you. Please contact out offices for a free case evaluation.

Accidental Death for Long Island Worker, Battle Continues

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)35009 — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

In 2008, Black Friday turned deadly at one of Wall-Mart's Long Island locations. As crowds stormed the store's entrance in hopes of taking advantage of store wide sales, one Wall-Mart employee was trampled by the mass of shoppers and killed. Nearly two years later, Wall-Mart is still battling a 7,000 thousand dollar fine that was put upon the store following the accident.

Wall-Mart claims that 'crowd trampling' was not a forseeable occupational hazard. In fact, Wall-Mart has gone so far as to spend over a million dollars in legal fees in order to fight the fine. Wall-Mart worries that if the fine sticks, then the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will be able to have increased oversight on the company during all future major sales events. But, I ask, why is this at all bad?

An employee died, so obviously Wall-Mart was doing something wrong. I fail to see how 'crowd trampling' is not reasonably forseeable. Anytime 2,000 super excited shoppers are lined up and ready to rush an entrance in search of bargain bottom deals, then logically some amount of danger presents itself. In this case, Wall-Mart failed to adequately protect its employees from seemingly obvious dangers.

Under labor laws, Wall-Mart is responsbile for providing its employees with a safe and hazard free work environment. Because Wall-Mart failed to meet this standard, they should be liable for paying the fine and they should be subject to increased oversight. At Goldstein and Bashner, we are dedicated to enforcing labor laws and protecting the rights and health of workers. Our attorneys have represented injured workers across the Long Island and New York areas for over 20 years. If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to recover compensation for any damages that you sustained. Please contact our offices for a free case evaluation.

Long Island Worker Killed, Legal Battle Continues

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)35014 — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

In 2008, Black Friday turned deadly at one of Wall-Mart's Long Island locations. As eager shoppers rushed the store's entrance in hopes of taking avantage of store-wide sales, a Wall-Mart employee was trampled and killed by the crowd. Following the incident, Wall-Mart was hit with a $7,000 fine. Since, Wall-Mart has spent over a million dollars in legal fees in order to battle the fine.

Wall-Mart claims that 'crowd trampling' was not a forseeable danger. Therefore, Wall-Mart has put a lot of time and money into fighting the fine. The company worries that if the fine sticks, then they may be subject to increased oversight by the Occupational Safety and Health Organization. In such a case, OSHA would be able to oversee any future major sales events. I ask, why is this at all bad?

A Wall-Mart employee was killed, so obviously the store was doing something wrong. How is 'crowd trampling' not reasonably forseeable? If 2,000 over-excited shoppers are ready to rush an entrance in order to get their hands on great deals, then you'd almost expect for danger to follow. In Wall-Mart's case, they failed to adequately protect their employees from such a seemingly obvious hazard.

Under labor laws, companies are responsible for providing their employees with safe and hazard free work conditions. Had Wall-Mart met this standard, then this tragic death may have been able to be prevented. At Goldstein and Bashner, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights and the health of workers. Our attorneys have represented injured workers across the Long Island and New York areas for over 20 years. We have helped these injured workers to recover compensation for any injuries that they may have sustained. If have been hurt, please contact our offices for a free case evaluation.

New York Accident Lawyer Explains Why all Trip and Fall Cases are Not the Same

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)34683 — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you slip and fall, you may find yourself deeply embarrassed, and in some cases, severely injured as well. While people tend to associate a 'slip and fall' with minor injuries such as a sprained wrist or a bruised knee, sometimes such accidents can cause life changing damages.

One such case has recently been brought to my attention. In 2007, a man in Queens, NY, fell down a step after his foot was caught on the taping of one of the stairs. The man fell, hit his head, and obtained severe spinal injuries. He then filed a civil lawsuit against the property owner in hopes of recovering damages and received a $2.8 million dollar settlement. Yes, you read that correctly-- a multi-million dollar settlement for a slip and fall case. I wanted to bring this case to your attention in an effort to show that all slip and fall accidents are different. It's true that many of these accidents result in minor injuries and settlement figures that don't exactly make headlines, but it's also true that these cases can bring along settlements similar to the one just discussed.

Property owners are reponsible for keeping their premises safe and free of any potential hazards. Under premise liability laws, when owners fail to meet these standards, they may be responsible for any accidents that occur. So whether you've sustained minor or life altering injuries on behalf of a property owner's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Goldstein and Bashner, our attorneys have represented injury victims in New York and Long Island for over 20 years. If you have been injured, contact our offices for a free case evaluation.

Long Island Employee Injured At Work

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)34007 — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

When you go to work each morning, you don't expect to get injured. Unfortunately, for an employee in Long Island, this was not the case. While working at his job for an aerospace company, the man had his hand caught in a machine, and he subsequently lost seven of his fingers. The man was only left with his thumbs and part of one of his pinkie fingers. The Occupational Safety and Healthy Adminsration is looking further into the accident.

At Goldstein and Bashner, we frequently see cases similar to this one. Unfortunately, many employees are exposed to hazardous work conditions. However, we are committed to protecting the health and rights of workers. Our labor law attorneys specialize in handling injury cases across the New York and Long Island areas. We have successfully represented numerous clients in the often dangerous industries of construction and railroad building.

If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other expeneses that may have come as a result of your injury. Let our experienced attorneys provide you with a free case evaluation. Also, read a free report we have published about how you can battle insurance companies in the New York area.

When New York and Long Island Bars Are Responsible For Your Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)33026 — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

"Sir, I think you've had enough to drink." These words may save bar employees their jobs, and a bar owner from potential civil lawsuits. How so? Commercial vendors, including bars and taverns can be held liable for damages that result from an overly intoxicated individual. That means that as vendors supply alcohol, they are also responsible for monitoring those whom they serve.

Although it may be difficult, bar employees are liable for judging when somebody has had one too many. If a person is judged to be overly drunk, then they should immediately be cut off. If employees continue to serve an already intoxicated individual, and the person later causes damages, the bar can be held liable for these damages. In addition, bars can face lawsuits in cases where damages have resulted from minors whom were served alcohol and in situations where liquor was supplied without proper licensing. Bars and taverns must follow responsible serving practices. Studies show that somebody dies every 31 minutes from an alcohol induced car accident. Holding vendors responsible, and enforcing safe serving practices can help to reduce this figure.

Over the years, I have dealt with many cases in which liquor vendors have been negligent and have been responsible for accidents throughout the New York and Long Island areas. At Goldstein & Bashner we have helped to see that these accident victims have received compensation for any damages that they may have sustained. If you have obtained injuries as the result of an alcohol related accident, there may be numerous parties liable. Please contact us for a free case evaluation.

Escaping New York This Summer? Tips To Be Safe and Smart

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)33051 — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

As the summer months approach, people have begun to engage in their various travel plans. While experiencing a new city or country can be a highly enjoyable experience, the process of getting to these destinations can often be dangerous and painstaking. Therefore, travelers should take heed of the following advice, as doing so can make you a safer and smarter traveler this summer.

What To Do Before and During a Flight
- Book flights from airlines that originate in developed countries. These airlines are more likely to have better safety and legal regulations.
- Look for non-stop flights. These flights are statistically safer as the majority of plane accidents happen during take off and landing.
- Plan to bring drinks and snacks for the flight. You never know how long you may have to wait.
- Before leaving for the airport, double check to see that you have all necessary pieces of documentation

Know your rights!
- The passenger bill of rights ensures that travelers have adequate water, food, ventilation, and bathroom facilities during a flight delay. It also states that travelers have the right to deplane after an airline has remained grounded for more than 3 hours.
- Passengers should be familiar with rules number 240 and 260 of the Airline Rule Guide. In summary, these rules say that an airline may be responsible for covering overnight hotel fees and for re-booking flights.

Believe it or not, many travelers don't know about their passenger rights. However, some of the few who are aware, have filed civil lawsuits aginst major airline companies for becoming stranded and for failing to be provided with adequate waiting conditions. At Golstein & Basnher, we want to see that travelers are safe and knowledgable. Not only do we want to see travelers being protected, but other consumers as well. We work to protect people against saftey hazards, mistreatment, and negligence. In doing so, we represent consumers throughout the New York and Long Island areas. If you feel you have sustained injuries or damages as the result of negligence please contact us for a free case evaluation.

What to Know About STDs and Sexual Assaults on School and College Campuses

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)32791 — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Each year, nearly 19 million people will contract an STD. About half of this grossly large population is between the ages of 15-24 years old. The spreading of STDs has been done through both consensual and non-consensual sexual activities. Regardless, STDs and sexual assaults seem to be extremely prevalent on college campuses. It seems that teens are too busy submitting to their hormonal urges than to safe sex practices and to the careful monitoring of their bodily health. It has been shown that neglecting to engage in such practices can put a real dent in your wallet. How so? Recently, there have been numerous legal cases in which people have filed civil lawuits against a partner who may have given the accuser an STD. So before heading back to the college campuses next fall, here are some things college students should know about the spreading of STDS.

One can be held liable for spreading an STD in several different ways:

1) If an individual knowingly has an STD and engages in sexual activites with a partner, the individual can be charged with fraud, battery, and negligence.

2) If a person gives his or her partner an STD with no knowledge of previously having any sort of infection, that individual can still be held liable. A person who unknowingly spreads an STD can still be charged with fraud and negligence.

3) Although it may be a more extreme case, one can also be liable for spreading an STD through the sexual assault of another individual. In this scenario, a person can be held responsible for the spreading of an infection as well as sexual assault. For more information on sexual assault cases click here.

Whether you were knowingly given an STD or not, through consensual sex or through sexual assault, you may be able to collect monetary compensation for any physical and emotional damages that you have sustained. In the past year there have been numerous large settlements in which those infected with STDs have been compensated for damages. Damages include but are not limited to physical injuries, an increase in medical expenses, sterility, difficulty giving birth, and emotional troubles.

At Goldstein & Bashner, we have extensive experience in handling these types of cases throughout the New York and Long Island areas. If you have been given an STD, please contact us so we can evaluate if there is fault and negligence on behalf of the partner who has given you the infection. Our consultations are free, and we can help you to obtain rewards for the terrible life changing diseases that you have been unjustly exposed to.

Three Things Not To Do This Summer on Long Island

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)32285 — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Summer Safety: 3 Things To Not Do This Summer

The summer months often yield warm weather, golden tans, and time off from both work and school. While the summer may be a time to "kick-back and relax," one must also be aware of the numerous risks and hazards that arise while having fun under the sun. Before partaking in the vaious summer acitvities that the New York and Long Island areas have to offer, one should take heed of the following dangers in order to enjoy a safe, happy, and healthy summer.

Drinking and Driving- The summer months often bear an increase in party going and in alcohol consumption. Naturally, this leads to immense amounts of drinking and driving accidents. In 2008 alone, nearly 12,000 fatalities in the U.S. resulted from alcohol related accidents. Because of the perils that drinking and driving presents, one should think twice this summer before getting into a car while under the influence. For more information on drinking and driving accidents click here

Swimming without Lifeguards- While the scorching sun may tempt us to seek refreshment in the pool or ocean, one should check that there are lifeguards present before deciding to dive in. The article, "No Lifeguard of Duty? No Swimming!," speaks of the dangers that come along with swimming without a lifeguard. According to the article, one is at least five times more likely to drown when swimming without the watchful eye of a lifeguard. Even adults and experienced swimmers are at risk. Therefore, this summer, don't dive in unless a lifeguard is watching!

Carelessly Operating a Boating Vehicle- As the weather warms, the boats begin to come out. Because of the vast emptiness of the open waters, boat operators fall under the false impression that it's alright to drive without experience or attention, and while under the influence of alcohol. A great amount of accidents occur each year as drivers recklessly abandon the wheel of their boats and drive while drunk. These accidents result in thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths. This summer, be sure to operate your boat with attention and care. For more information on boating accidents click here.

Will New York and Long Island Restaurants Be Able To Sue BP For Oil Spill

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)32482 — Sat, 29 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

ATTENTION! - RESTAURANTS OWNERS IN NEW YORK AND LONG ISLAND

It appears that the BP oil spill is much larger than first expected. In fact estimates are now that there may be up to 25,000 gallons of oil being leaked into the Gulf. The original estimate was 5,000 gallons a day. As of today the most recent effort to contain the spill is having , at best, modest results. This has already been declared as the worst oil disaster in United States history. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 created after the Exxon Valdez spill creates liability for damages from oil spills but caps damages at 75 million dollars This could be a problem since the current disaster is sure to surpass this amount very quickly. There are ways to get pierce this cap depending on BPs negligence. There also is a fund created by the Government that could assist in damages. Experts warn that The Loop Current, which pushes into the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean and then moves clockwise toward Florida, could potentially carry oil into the powerful Gulf Stream. Should that happen, the effects of the spill will spread to the Florida Keys, Florida's Atlantic beaches, and even futher north along the Atlantic coast.

If you own a restaurant or business in seafood industry in New York or Long Island it may be too early to know if your business will sustain any damages. However its not too early to sit down and talk to a lawyer about what your rights may be. If you are interested in talking to a lawyer concentrating in the area of negligence call Goldstein and Bashner at 516-222-4000

New York and Long Island Social Host Liability-When Being the 'Cool Parent' Goes Wrong

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)32423 — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Who doesn't want to be known as "the cool parent?" You know--the hip adult who lets their children and their children's friends drink. The parent who turns a blind eye to underage drinking parties and is a real pal to their kids. Every parent wants the 'cool' title. But sometimes being a cool parent can also turn you into a criminal.

While many parents are busy trying to be liked by their children, they often neglect what are known as social host liability laws. Social host liability refers to the notion that parents can be held responsible for providing minors with a drinking environment. Not only can parents be punished for knowingly allowing minors to consume alcohol, but they can also be held accountable for any later actions that may result from those who may be intoxicated.

So when the party ends, and the drunken teenagers disperse, guess who's liable for that entirely preventable drunk driving accident? Yes, you! When these type of accidents occur, parents can face both criminal and civil sanctions. This means that you can be sued for any damages and injuries that may result. As in the rest of the country, the New York and Long Island areas have their share of underage drinking. So, parents, the next time your underage child asks you if its alright to have some friends over for a few beers, don't be 'cool,' be responsible.

If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident, please contact Goldstein & Bashner or you can download our free report by clicking here

Will My Insurance Protect Me When I'm Sued

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)31694 — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

At Goldstein and Bashner, we primarily respresent injured people. We sue when we are unable to resolve matters with insurance companies. We try very hard to resolve cases without putting our clients through much of a headache. Do insurance companies think the same way? I doubt it. We recently experienced a case that reminds us all that insurance companies for the most part are only interested in what they can save for their company regardless how it affects the client.
Our client was a homemaker from Long Island who was a passenger in a car that was involved in an accident with another vehicle insured by Allstate. Our client suffered a badly broken wrist which required surgery. She was later diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy. We litigated the case for several years and a few moths before trial, Allstate decided to make us an offer that was very very low. In fact it was a sum of money that you would expect to get in a neck or back case. No explaination, no negotiation just "Here's our offer,take it or leave it". We decided to leave it.
During the trial Allstate increased their offer ,we gave them a demand(which was within their policy limits)and they decided not only not to negotiate but to withdraw their offer. A very gutsy move and one that Im sure did not include consulting with their insured. We took a verdict which resulted in Allstate quicky settling the case. I am unable to give more details but let's just say that Allstate took a real chance with their insured and policyholder by not resolving this matter in a timely and reasonable way. Unfortunately, we have dozens and dozens of cases where people get sued and let their insurance company handle everything. That would be ok except that my experience tells me that most people don't realize that they can be on the hook for "big money" if their insurance company acts foolishly and without regard to the people they are suppose to protect.
At our office, for reasonable fees we will act as your personal attorney to make sure that your insurance company and their lawyers are protecting you and not their own pockets.

Three Websites You Can't Be Without If You Have A New York Accident Case

blog@www.eglaw.com (Blog Author)31632 — Sat, 15 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Back in the old days if a client wanted to find out about his case he would call his lawyer and the lawyer would tell him something like "Your case is on the calendar" and the client would have to accept his word. On the rare occasion the client wanted to verify what the lawyer was saying they would have to go the courthouse where the case was pending and pull the court file which,most of the time, was in some old basement. Heaven forbid you wanted to find out a little more about your lawyer. That was almost impossible. Well things are changing and we now have some records sitting right at your fingertips. So follow these links to 3 websites that you must have:

Avvo- This national website is a database of every lawyer in the country. Lawyers who claim their status will have the ability to have much information about them presented online. Lawyers who dont claim their status will still have information about them but it may not be to their liking. The lawyers are rated and you are immediately warned if the lawyer you are looking at has had problems with the bar. It is a very consumer friendly site giving the client the ability to ask questions and search for a lawyer. It will also tell you much more about your lawyer. It will tell you about what kind of cases he has handled and even articles that he wrote that may be helpful to you. It may also have reviews from other clients which I think is very important. Check it out, it's a great resource.

New York Uniform Courts- The New York State Uniform Courts has developed an online system which has taken the records from the basement and put them at your fingertips. If you type in your name or the index number of your case, you can get access to all sorts of information. For instance you can find out about court dates, types of hearings coming up, and even copies of motions and decisions on your case. Some individual courts have better databases than others.

ELaw- This website was developed by a private company to lure lawyers to use their "pay services", however, anybody can use their services. All you need to do is register for a free account and you have access to their database of cases in the State of New York. Many of the items you get at the official New York State site you get here but the layout is different and is easier to view cases in one screen. As an example, the case status screen will tell you in one sitting what is going on with your case and many times it will give you much more detailed information regarding hearings and motions. It will also tell you when your case will be expected to be called for trial also known as "the standard and goals date". Very good tool to have for New York accident victims.

These are great resources that you should always have in your back pocket especially when your lawyer tells you"Ahh don't worry your case is on the trial calendar."

Construction Accidents-Who Is Responsible

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)28769 — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

When you are involved in a construction accident in New York or Long Island there is usually multiple parties that could be responsible for your accident. There are owners, contractors, general contractors, sub contractors, construction managers,tenants,management companies and numerous other possibilities. What happens when an employees of a municipality like an inspector looks the other way on violations which ultimately cause personal injuries in a construction accident? In the case of James Delayo, a former crane inspector for the City of New York he was arrested and has now plead guilty to accepting thousands in cash according to a New York Post report. In these type of cases the City is exposing itself to paying for any negligence that resulted from the violations uncovered. At Goldstein and Bashner we have had experience litigating construction accident cases with excellent results. We offer you FREE information including detailed reports on how to hire an accident lawyer and what to expect from insurance companies in New York.

Railroad Employee Accidents-The One Thing You Need To Know

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)28771 — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

I have been litigating railroad FELA claims for over twenty years and the most shocking thing that I find from all the calls I get is this:

Many railroad employees don't think they have a case because they believe the accident was their own fault and the railroad is not responsible!

All I can say when I hear that is bullsh*t! There are a few times when there may be no responsibility of the railroad but the majority( and I mean like 95%) of the calls I take involve some railroad responsibility. In fact after hearing the details of the accidents from the prospective client I have to remind them:

You are working one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States!

In fact the original statute which congress passed and gave railroad employees the legal right to sue their employer(most employees cant sue their employer for workers compensation reasons)was done so because the railroad industry was considered inherently dangerous. The law which was enacted also made it much easier to find the railroad responsible for employee accidents. This was done so that the railroad would adhere to strict safety standards. We have had very successful recoveries for railroad employees who were burned from electrical explosions as well as back injuries from lifting accidents. All of these clients thought they did not have a case because of what they believed was their own fault in the accident. What any railroad employee needs to know is:

Most railroad employee accidents are due in part to the fault of the railroad.Don't assume you don't have a legal case until you speak to a railroad accident lawyer!

Slip, Trip And Fall Accidents On Long Island Increasing

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)28731 — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

In the last two years I have seen a big increase in the number of calls and contacts on the website regarding accidents where people trip or slip and fall. Many personal injury lawyers don't like these cases but I can say that my firm actually has developed a concentration in this area. I think that with an aging baby boomer population it is critical to know an attorney that understands this area of law. Statistics reveal that almost all of us will get into an accident in which we sustain an injury. Many of us will sustain a serious injury and as the baby boomers get older we can expect a significant increase in these accidents. While not all accidents occur because of someone's negligence many times an accident for a slip and fall occurs because a property owner fails to take reasonable care of his/her property. When looking for a lawyer who handles slip and fall accidents (or premises cases) keep the following checlklist in mind:

-Experience Counts- Sounds simple enough but many lawyers simply are not forthright and some can be dishonest. Ask the lawyer how many 'fall" cases he has handles in the last two years. If he handled 10 twenty years ago and only two in the last two years that may tell you that he may not be completely up on the latest decisions involving these cases. The law changes rapidly and if you do handle these cases often enough you could be missing some new and important area of law affecting a case.
-Complex Cases- Don't kid yourself. These cases for the most part are difficult. Generally speaking they involve owners, tenants, mamagement companies and sometimes construction companies and additional vendors(maintenance companies, snow removal companies,landscaping ,etc.). These cases involve contracts and leases. They could involve buiding codes,municipal regulations and other ordinances. Understanding what lies ahead is imprtant for any lawyer who handles these cases. What can you do? Use your common sense. Talk to the lawyer about your case. Ask him if this will be an easy or complex case. Be wary of the "easy" answer. Ask him if he thinks any of the other parties that I mentioned may be involved. See if he stumbles in his answer since most of the time there are "other players" involved.
-Get The Green Out- Many times an expert is reqiuired to help soldify the case. Expert engineers wether electrical, mechanical or one of a hundred different kinds can very costly. We have has bills from experts for 3,4 and sometimes 5 thousand for an on sit inspection. Many times these accidents require an on site inspections(especially if they are indoors or on private property)and a court order is necessary. Ask your potential lawyer if he is prepared to hire somebody immediately to inspect the area and will a court order be necessary. If he says no get another opinion. Many lawyers don't have the funds to start this type of litigation or just don't want to lay out the money.
In sum it is critical for you to know somebody who you can call when an accident from a fall occcurs. Similar to having a good estate lawyer in your contacts you should have a good slip and fall lawyer. Ask for our FREE report on how to hire an accident lawyer. Visit the Goldstein and Bashner website for more information.

Accident Lawyers-What They Say Behind Their Client's Back!

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)28243 — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

All good personal injury lawyers need to do talk about clients. I mean it's what we do. We sit with a client for 2 or 3 hours finding out everything about him or her and then we gossip. In our recent article we discuss what we talk about when the client leaves the door. Now dont get too excited--we don't say anything nasty or mean. We do, however, talk about some things about the client such as: The client's personality, the client's disposition (happy or not) and the overall appearence of the client. While we dont make any particular judgements we would be remiss in our obligations if we did not evaluate the client and project his appearence at a deposition or even a trial. So if you really want to peak into our closet and see what we talk about click here.

Accidents In Restaurants-5 Things You Must Know!

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)27275 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

When you go out to eat at your favorite restaurant you dont expect to walk out and get hurt. It does happen and you need to know what to look out for because accidents in restaurants present different risks and challenges. In our recent article we go through the 5 things that you you should know BEFORE you go to a restaurant. When going into a restaurant the lights,floors,steps and chairs around the table may all play a role in the saftey of the patrons. Our clients have slipped, tripped and have even fallen on broken chairs at their favorite Long Island and New York restaurants. If you have been involved in an accident at a New York restaurant contact us.

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

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)26059 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recently we wrote an article on how to leave your lawyer without hurting your case. If your not happy with your accident lawyer then leave. If you can't work it out then leave. There is no point in staying in a relationship that your not happy with. Your lawyer may be well qualified and very bright but if you don't like him then why are you still with him? Dont go for the "dont worry about his personality as long as knows what he is doing".Maybe that works when your looking for a top neurosurgeon(and even then I think its a bunch of B.S.) but not when you are a hiring a lawyer to represent you in front of other people. If you dont get a "good vibe" from him/her other people probably feel the same way. Don't hang around a relationship your not happy with.

What Happens When Your Love Life And Lawsuit Intersect?

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)25538 — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Loss of services claims for spouses can be difficult. Although we have handled hundreds of them there are certain things you must always know if you are going to bring these claims. We just wrote an article with six points to keep in mind when considering these claims. These claims can be tricky as you must present the proper proof if you are going to substantiate a loss of services, loss of work due to the care of an injured spouse and/or a diminished sex life due to the injury of a spouse.
There are questions to be answered, reports to be shown to defense attorneys and insurance companies all of which can be potentially embarrassing. Read our six points and if you have any further questions you can always contact us.

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

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)25380 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sure it does not happen to often. In fact in my twenty years of practice I have seen it only a handful of times. What I have seen is that the municipalities often litigate as though there were no rules for exchange of discovery. When my adversary is a representative of a municipality or an authority(like the Transit Authority), I really feel like there is only one person playing by the rules. What makes matters worse is when the tactics of my adversary are presented to a court, too often they are not treated the way I might be treated if my firm exhibited the same tactics. Now I would be remiss if I didn't say that there are some judges who really enforce the rules of discovery. However, that is the exception and not the general rule. Judge Robert Miller of Brooklyn Supreme Court is the exception. In a written decision he ordered the Transit Authority to pay $15,000.00 to the plaintiff's attorney for their work in attempting over a three year period to get documents relating to an accident case. You can read about the details of the case here. Judge Miller stated in his opinion that the Authority had a total disregard for their obligations under New York's discovery rules.

Father and Son Firefighters from Long Island Have Special Bond

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)24756 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

John Mooney from Williston Park and Sean Mooney from North Massapqua are father and son. However their bond goes beyond father and son. They are both New York City firefighters. But thats not all. For the first time in the Fire department's 145 year history they were promoted at the same time. Joh Mooney became promoted to deputy chief assistant of the academy and son, Sean, became a lieutennant. To set the record straight there are hundreds of father and son firefighters but none that have received promotions at the same time.
At our office we have represented firefighters for injuries on the job, car accidents and other incidents which have caused injuries.We can say that without question these men and women have a special character trait that,quite frankly, is missing from most of us. These people run into burning buildings when the rest of us are running in the opposite direction.They thrive on saving the lives of human beings in horrible situations. Having had our former New York City office only 3 blocks from the World Trade Center we saw first hand the bravery of these public servants. It is an honor to salute John and Sean Mooney. If you are a member of the fire dpartment and need our assistance for a legal matter including injuries from an on or off the job accident visit us at our website.

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

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)23586 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

I just finished reading Hug Your Customers by Jack Mitchell and I have to say I really love mistakes. No I'm not talking about the type of mistakes that jeopardizes a client's case since that would be malpractice. We do not like those type of mistakes at all. However, because we are human beings and the people that we work with are human, from time to time mistakes happen. Its inevitable and anyone that says they don't make mistakes is lying. The question becomes what do you do when a mistake happens? Mistakes should be looked at as challeneges. When we make a mistake we try extra hard to make up for it and in the end, for the most part, our relationship with our client is even stronger. Jack Mitchell who is the CEO of a well know clothing store says in his book "Hug Your Customers" that relatonships that are strong become stronger when a mistake happens and the right thing is done to make sure the mistake never happens again. As Jack has said "we dont go around looking for people to make bloopers" but life is a bunch of wins and losses, perfections and imperfections, good and bad and along the way you are bound to make mistakes.
When a mistake occurs in our office it usually results in a new and better policy which creates a better and stronger relationship with the client. As an example a few years ago when a couple of our clients felt that their phone calls were not being returned promptly we decided to have all phone messages written in a memo book and in the computer which is then sent directly to the lawyer handeling the case. Another example of a mistake was when a client called and wanted some information on his case.The prior policy was that only the lawyers would give out that information. That would leave a client frustrated if no lawyers were in the office at the time. As a result now our legal assistants can give the clients some limited information even when the lawyer is not around.
Of course Jack Mitchell says the number one way of fixing a mistake is....apologizing. Sound simple,right? It does not happen as often as we would like to see. In our office if we make a mistake an apology is the first step in regaining our client's trust and its very often that's all the client wants to hear. If you enjoy working with people as we do mistakes should be taken seriously and looked at as an opportunity to better the client relationship.

Uniondale Personal Injury Lawyer- Even The Small Cases Count

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)23236 — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A parent's worst nightmare is to bury their child. The thought of having a child pass before his or her parents is terrible. Now imagine for one moment if that parent visits the grave of their child and finds something strangely wrong. In fact that's what happened to Nicole Pailliere when she was visiting her son's grave at Greenfield Cemetary in Uniondale Long Island. When visiting her son's grave she noticed fresh flowers and disrupred soil. It appears that the cemetary mistakenly buried somebody on top of her son. The Town of Hempstead said that an official at Greenfield Cemetery in Uniondale has been suspended and reforms will be put into place because of a string of mistakes at the cemetary. Now I hear about a Freeport woman who is filing a Notice of Claim against The Town of Hempstead because her husband was reburied without notification to the family. Now my first thought was this is terrible but why bring a legal claim. What are the damages for a lawsuit? How much can you really get and how much will a lawyer make litigating this type of case. However after a little more thought I said to myself "This is very bad and what kind of message would we be sending if a legal claim wasn't started? I am not talking about the car accident where the victim goes to the doctor one time and has a scratch on his finger. I guess the question all accident and personal injury lawyers must ask themselves is the following: Are there some cases even though there are minimal damages( small fees for the lawyer) that should be handled for the sake of justice and fairness. I think there are and I think that most lawyers that I know here on Long Island and New York have taken on these type of claims. Your child or spouse being reburied is one of those claims.

Are Long Island Residents Ready For Another Black Friday Accident?

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)22338 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

At Goldstein and Bashner we are concerned about what "deals" are worth risking your life and well being. As far as we are concerned no deal is worth it. Remember the security guard that was literally trampled to death by a Black Friday crowd on Long Island last year? Do you really think stores get it? Do you think that as a result of the madness last year which resulted in the death of Jdimytai Damour and four shoppers,including a woman eight months pregnant being injured changed the way stores operate for Black Friday?

Indeed while some stores have tried to put into place crowd controls this year(and many have not) keep in mind for many retailers this may be the most important day of year for them. Do you really believe that theses huge department stores will do anything to tone down the"fever" of Black Friday? Of course department stores and other retailers always remain responsible for forseeable injuries that take place on their property but for the big companies it was and always will be a numbers game. How much do they loose by an injury or even a death versus what they gain by the "big crowd"? Our advice? Shop Online. Many retailers will offer great deals online and the comfort and safety of online shopping can't be beat. Why not go shopping in the days after Black Friday? Do you realy thing the deals will be gone? Some of the best deal will come within two weeks of the holidays. If you really feel compelled to go out at 5AM to wait on line for the deals wait in the back of the line. Lets the nuts go in first. Spend a few dollars more save yourself the grief and maybe more. If you are injured in an accident in a department store you can read about what you can do and if you would like to contact our office click here.

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

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)22032 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Well, Well Well. Can it be true? Has The State of New York is about to sign into law Senate Bill #66002 otherwise known in my office as "is this really possible" bill. The guts of the bill provides protection for accident victims who get hit by thier health insurance company for monies that the insurance company paid out for treatment related to the underlying accident. For example, a person who has been very badly hurt in a car accident and uses up his or her no-fault benefits may then use thier private insurance to cover the balance of treatments. Somebody who is hurt because of a broken sidewalk or involved in a construction accident may use thier private insurance for all treatments. If the victim is able to get any money from any legal claims brought on thier behalf the health insurance companies used to stick thier nose into the lawsuit and get all their money back. Seems unfair? Well it was. In some cases the client was left with little or no money. To make matters worse different courts in New York were deciding this issue differently. Now Governor Patterson can clean this unfair mess up with his signature. We hope that he makes the right choice. Its about time somebody stands up fights for whats right!

What's Going On With These Long Island Lawyers?

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)19008 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

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.

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

Goldstein@eglaw.com (Blog Author)18094 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

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

New York Construction Worker Dies in Ceiling Collapse Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)29819 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A New York construction worker was killed last week when a ceiling collapsed on him during renovation work in a Syracuse office building.

Steven Pallotta, 25, was removing a concrete and lathe ceiling from the ninth floor of an office building in downtown Syracuse when a large portion of the ceiling collapsed on him, according to police.

Police said Pollatta was standing on a ladder removing the ceiling when a 15 by 15 foot section fell on him. Pallotta was taking to a local hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident.

Girl, 14, Struck in Medford Hit and Run

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)29417 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 14-year-old girl was struck by a hit and run driver in Medford on Monday night as she walked along the shoulder of eastbound County Road 16, Horseblock Road, police said.

The girl suffered a broken leg and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The vehicle was believed to be a pickup truck or sport utility vehicle, Suffolk County police said.

Wantagh DWI driver winds up in creek

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)29414 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A drunken driver crashed his jeep into a creek alongside the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway Monday evening in Seaford, according to police.

Richie Walker, 42, of St. Regis Street in Wantagh, drove his maroon 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee into the creek bed just off the southern end of the expressway—off the exit ramp to Merrick Road, Nassau County police said.

The crash occurred at about 7:30 p.m. Walker was treated at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow and released into police custody, where he was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, police said.

Brooklyn Teenager Critically Injured in Forklift accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)28913 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A teenager was critically injured Sunday night after he crashed a forklift inside the 47^th Regiment Armory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Yanky Stein, 17, of Williamsburg, was part of a crew dismantling a stage inside the state-owned armory on Marcy Ave. near Heyward St. following a Jewish celebration.
He backed the into a metal beam and was wedged behind the wheel of the forklift, witnesses said. A neighbor said he suffered chest injuries.
The injured teen was taken to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, where he was listed in critical condition, police said.

New York City Ad Exec Killed in Elevator Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)28770 — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Suzanne Hart, a 41-year-old executive at Young and Rubicam, was stepping into the elevator at her Midtown office building Wednesday morning, when it suddenly lurched up with its doors still opened. It dragged Hart until she was pinned between the elevator and the wall, between the first and second floors, according to police, and instantly killed her.

At the time, there were two passengers in the elevator, who could only watch on in horror. They were trapped in the elevator for an hour before being taken out. Neither was physically hurt but both were taken to the hospital and treated psychological trauma.

Ms. Hart was declared dead at the scene, and workers spent hours before they were able to remove her body nearly nine hours later.

Investigators are looking into what caused the accident. The elevator, one of 13 at 285 Madison, had electrical maintenance performed on it only hours before the tragedy.

Records from the city’s Department of Buildings show there were 14 open violations involving the building’s elevators, two of them dating to last year. But a spokesman for the agency said none of those violations were for hazardous conditions.

“This particular elevator was last inspected in June 2011, and no safety issues were found at that time, and no conditions were found that would be related to this accident,” the spokesman, Tony Sclafani, said.

The elevator had been taken out of service in 2003 after Department of Buildings inspectors found a “hazardous safety violation,” a city-government source said. But that unspecified problem was corrected long ago, said the source.

Massapequa High School Bus Crashes with Two Cars

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)28578 — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A school bus headed to Massapequa High School collided with two cars on Merrick Road this morning.

Nassau County Police say there were 34 Massapequa High School students on the bus when the accident occurred at 7:30 am on Friday. None of the students were seriously injured, but they were all taken to the hospital as a precaution, according to police. One of the cars involved in the accident flipped over, and that driver was also taken to the hospital.

Stony Brook Student Killed in Hit and Run

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)28117 — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 21-year-old Stony Brook University student from Flushing was struck and killed in a hit-and-run accident Thursday evening, Suffolk County police said.

Police identified the victim as Seong Hoon Baek, who they said bicycling west on the shoulder of Route 347 just west of Pond Path when he was struck by a westbound 2001 Ford F-350 pickup truck. Baek was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center, where police said he died at 11:07 p.m. on Thursday evening.

Witnesses gave responding officers the license plate of the fleeing vehicle, said police, who arrested the driver, Michael J. Tarduno Jr., 30, of Setauket about three hours after the fatal hit and run. Tarduno was impaired by drugs, and pills were found in his possession, Det. Lt. Gregory McVeigh said. He said police had reason to believe that Tarduno had taken drugs before the accident and he was unsteady on his feet at the time he was found.

McVeigh said the victim was returning from a part-time job when he was struck.

Tracing the license plate of the pickup, police found it on Thompsons Hay Path in Setauket at 12:40 a.m. Friday, police said. Tarduno was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, driving while ability-impaired by drugs and with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Skateboarder in Syosset Fatally Struck by Car

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)27816 — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 15-year-old boy was struck and killed by a car while riding a skateboard on South Oyster Bay Road in Syosset on Sunday afternoon.

Nassau County police said the victim was skateboarding with traffic on the shoulder of the road when he was hit by a southbound Chevrolet Impala near the corner of Parkfield Court at 1:05 p.m.

The victim, whose name was not released, collided with his friend before hitting the ground and suffering a severe head injury, police said. He was taken to North Shore Syosset Hospital and pronounced dead a half hour later. The other boy was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a fractured ankle.

The 32-year-old driver was not charged. His car was impounded from the scene for safety inspections.

Construction Worker Killed in Bronx Building Collapse

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)27664 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A construction worker was killed on Saturday when a building he was working in collapsed and buried him under six feet of rubble in the Bronx, the police said.

Muhamed Kebbeh, 51, of Story Avenue in the Bronx, died at Jacobi Medical Center shortly after the accident. About a dozen pillars in the basement of a two-story commercial building had given way, causing the structure to collapse. Two other construction workers escaped unharmed, a spokesman for the New York Police Department said.

Firefighters worked with their bare hands to try and dig Mr. Kebbeh out from under the rubble, said Jim Donlevy, an FDNY deputy chief from Division 6. "He was buried under six feet of bricks and other debris," Deputy Chief Donlevy said. "He was hurt pretty bad." The chief said that a construction crew was doing "active demolition" in the basement of the building at the time.

Bellmore Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)27611 — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Motorcyclist Sean Goebel of Bellmore was killed Wednesday when he collided with a car in East Meadow, according to Nassau County police. Goebel, 44, was traveling northbound on Newbridge Road at 7:08 p.m. Wednesday evening when he was struck by a 2004 Mazda making a left turn onto Lawn Drive, police said. He was thrown from his motorcycle and pronounced dead at a hospital at 7:40 p.m., police said.

The 18-year-old operator of the Mazda, who was taken to a hospital for observation, was not identified. Police said it appeared no criminality was involved.

Hempstead Man Arrested for Hit-and-Run

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)27475 — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Hempstead man is under arrest for allegedly being involved in a hit-and-run accident over the weekend. According to Nassau County police, 21-year-old Lloyd Davis, Jr., was driving his vehicle northbound on Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead on Saturday afternoon when he struck a female pedestrian at the corner of Front Street and fled the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital where she is listed in serious condition.

Davis surrendered Third Precinct detectives on Sunday. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with serious physical injury and will be arraigned on Nov. 8 at First District Court in Hempstead.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Freeport

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)26825 — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Lindenhurst man died Saturday night after his motorcycle crashed in Freeport, Nassau County Police said.

Ernest Kittel, 42, was riding a Suzuki motorcycle eastbound on Mill Road around 8 p.m. on September 24 when he failed to negotiate a bend in the roadway, police said.

Kittel was thrown from the bike when it hit the curb and struck a utility pole at the intersection of Buffalo Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the hospital an hour later. A passenger on his motorcycle, a unidentified 29-year-old female, is listed in critical condition.

Construction Accident: Scaffolding Collapses onto NYC Bus in Harlem, Injuring 17

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)26599 — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A construction accident in New York City caused scaffolding and bricks to fall down on a city bus, injuring 17 people. The accident took West 125th Street and Frederick Douglas Boulevard in Harlem on Tuesday morning, the Fire Department said.

The scaffolding had been erected at 301 West 125th Street, a five-story brick building that was being demolished, the Department of Buildings said. Bricks from the building littered the street.

A police spokesperson said it appeared from preliminary accounts that during work on the elevator shaft in the building, bricks fell from building onto the scaffolding, knocking it down.

A spokeswoman for the buildings department, Jennifer Gilbert, said that the demolition project had permits and that the department received a complaint about the demolition on Sept. 7, but that inspectors sent to the site found nothing amiss. Officials at the company doing the demolition, Disano Demolition of Queens, were at the site behind police tape and could not immediately be reached for comment.

Drunk Driver In Meadowbrook Parkway Accident Loses Appeal

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)26532 — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The drunk driver in the devastating accident on the Meadowbrook Parkway back in 2005 that killed a 7-year old flower girl as well as a limo driver lost his appeal in a state appellate courtroom this weekend in a 3-1 decision to uphold his conviction of depraved-indifference murder.

The girl, Katie Flynn, and her family were returning home to Lido Beach from a family wedding in Bayville when Martin Heidgen, then 24, who had three times the legal limit of alcohol in his blood, sped the wrong way down the parkway and crashed into the limousine, prosecutors said. Katie and the limo driver, Stanley Rabinowitz, 59, of Farmingdale, were killed.

"The evidence presented to the jury established that the defendant engaged in reckless conduct, which created a 'grave' risk of death, thereby evincing a depraved indifference to human life," the majority decision said.

Neil Flynn, Katie's father, said: "Justice has been served. The jury rendered a proper decision. They applied the law to the facts of the case . . . My family is relieved to see that justice has been done at the appellate level."

Heidgen, of Valley Stream, is serving 18 years to life in an upstate prison. His lawyer, Jillian Harrington, of Manhattan, said she would ask the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, to review the case.

Harrington said in her appeal that Heidgen deserved at the most a manslaughter conviction, a lesser offense, because he was too drunk to act with depraved indifference. "We will continue our fight to prove that Martin Heidgen was convicted of the wrong crime and that the court's obvious errors denied him a fair trial," Harrington said.

NYPD Cop from Long Island Killed by Drunk Driver in Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)26318 — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A three-car fatal accident caused by a drunken driver closed part of the Southern State Parkway Sunday morning, September 11, and killed an off-duty NYPD cop from Massapequa.

The officer, Kevin Jessup, 25, was driving a Nissan Maxima eastbound when he was struck by a second Nissan being operated by Jonathan Lopez, 20, of East Meadow, NY.

Lopez then rear ended a third vehicle being operated by Dawn Smallwood of Melville, NY.

Jessup and his passenger, Crystal Simons, 30, of Valley Stream, NY were transported to NUMC where Jessup was pronounced dead.

Simons was admitted for non-life threatening injuries.

Lopez and Smallwood were treated and released from area hospitals.

Lopez was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Vehicular Manslaughter, Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, 3rd Degree Assault (2 counts) and speeding.

Long Island Cops Targeting Drunken Drivers over Holiday Weekend

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)26145 — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Nassau and Suffolk County officials said they would be deploying extra officers to the roadways and waterways and setting up checkpoints in efforts to arrest drunken drivers who drive over the Labor Day weekend.

In Nassau last Labor Day there were 68 DWI arrests, acting police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter said. Comparable Suffolk statistics weren't immediately available.

The Coast Guard will also be out on the waters patrolling for people who operate boats and other vessels while intoxicated, the Coast Guard said in a news release. Additionally, the Coast Guard warned, floodwaters from Irene mean "boaters and paddlers need to be particularly careful this weekend."

Freeport Man Accused of DWI with Boy in Vehicle

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)25820 — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early Sunday morning, a 48-year-old Freeport man was arrested for drunken driving with a 15-year-old boy as a passenger on the Southern State Parkway in North Merrick, New York State police said. Because of the underage passenger, he was charged with driving while intoxicated as a felony, rather than a misdemeanor, under Leandras’ Law, endangering the welfare of a child.

Troopers pulled over the vehicle driven by Hector Barrientos at 2:19 a.m. for making unsafe lane changes westbound on the parkway near exit 24, Merrick Avenue, police said. He was given an alcohol test and found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.13 percent, police said.

New York City Teacher Accused of Sex with Student in Long Island Motel

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)25375 — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A New York City schoolteacher is accused of having sex with a student at a Lynbrook motel, Nassau County Police said. Tara Driscoll, 33, of Bayshore, N.Y., was arrested Friday morning in Bethpage and charged with rape, authorities said.

Driscoll, who is a teacher at Campus Magnet High School in Cambria Heights, Queens, drove a male student— identified only as being younger than 17 — to the Capri Motel in Lynbrook on March 19, 2011, and had "sexual relations" with him, according to police. They say the victim remained quiet until his mother found out and contacted authorities.

Police made the arrest because of an interview with the boy, phone records, and a videotape, according to the criminal complaint filed with the court.

Driscoll was arraigned Friday, August 5, in First District Court in Hempstead on charges of third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sexual act, police said. She is due back in court August 15.

Police said Driscoll has not been suspended, but is not working with children.

LI Lawyer--Hampton Bays Woman Drives Wrong Way, Charged with DWI

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)25344 — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

On August 4th, a woman driving in Hampton Bays, Long Island, was stopped by police as she was driving down Flanders Road in the wrong direction.

Police found that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Because the woman had a previous conviction for DWI within the past 10 years, she is being charged with a felony.

Long Island Attorney--Man on LIE Caught Going Over 100 MPH

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)25338 — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Recently, a man from West Babylon was stopped by police for driving at an excess of 100 MPH while on the Long Island Expressway.

In addition, the man was attempting to block other speeding vehicles from passing him, tailgating, and was excessively changing lanes without signaling,

As a result, the Long Island man is beign charged for multiple driving violations. He is expected to appear in First District Court in Mid-August.

Drunk Long Island Driver Causes Damage to 3 Vehicles and McDonald's on Hempstead Turnpike

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)25335 — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 24th, a Long Island man was driving while intoxicated on Hempstead Turnpike, when he crashed his car into three vehicles. One of the vehicles that was struck was an MTA bus. The force of the crash caused the bus to strike a McDonald's restaurant that was located to the side of the road.

All the drivers involved in the incident were hospitalized with none life threatening injuries. Additionally, although the McDonald's sustained much damage, nobody inside of the restaurant was injured.

The drunken driver was also driving with a suspended license and an uninsured vehicle.

New York Senator Looks to Make 'Wrong Way Driving' a Felony

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)25331 — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Charles Fushillo, a New York Senator from Long Island is now looking to make 'wrong-way driving' into a felony. Fushillo's bill recently went before state law makers. He is now pleading legislators to pass his bill.

Only several days ago, a 'wrong-way driving' incident took the life of a man from New Jersey after a woman drunkingly drove on the wrong side of the I-95.

In the past several years, there have been about 20 'wrong-way driving' accidents in Long Island.

Currently, 'wrong way driving' is labeled as a misdemeanor in New York.

Long Island Attorney--Two Injured in Construction Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)25148 — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 27th, two contruction workers were wheeling soil on to the roof of an underground basketball court, when the roof yeilded, and the two men fell down more than 40 feet.

The facility was being constructed for a private home owner in Brookville. Following the incident, the two men were freed from the debris by a team of fire fighters, and the men were then taking to the Nassau University Medical Center for treatment. None of the sustained injuries were life threatening.

For more interesting stories on construction accidents, read our New York and Long Island Construction accident blog.

Long Islang Man Charged with DWI, Crashes into Police Car

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)25137 — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 28th, a police patrol vehicle was rear ended by a drunk driver on Hempstead Turnpike. Ironically, the patrol car was a replacement vehicle for a car that had previously been totaled by a drunk driver in 2009.

Following the recent incident, both the drunk driver and the police officer were taken to the hospital. They each sustained only minor injuries.

The driver is now being charged for DWI.

For more news on drunk driving incidents in Long Island, read our lawyers' drunk driving accident blog.

Long Island Lawyer- Another NY Construction Worker Death

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)25129 — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 27th, a man from Vermont was working at a construction site in Port Kent, New York. There, he was using an auger to put piping into the ground, when he lost control of the drill and found himself trapped underneath it.

The man was helped by another construction worker, and taken to the hospital, however, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. Officials are still looking into the incident.

Long Island City Truck Accident with Moving LIRR

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24921 — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Wednesday, a west bound LIRR was nearing it's destination in Long Island City, when the train was backed into by a local garbage truck.

The incident occured early in the morning and luckily only 20 passengers were on board at the time. Nobody on the train was injured, nor was the driver of the garbage truck.

Long Island Attorney--Hempstead Safety Official Allegedly Involved in DWI Death

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24906 — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 14th, a Long Island public safety official was answering to a report that a group of Hempstead children were swimming after dark, when his vehicle struck a pedestrian on Hempstead Turnpike. The 50-year old man who was hit by the vehcile was immediately taken to the nearby Nassau University Medical Center. However, shortly after, the man was pronounced dead.

The incident occured while the official was driving a marked Jeep. Following the crash, police suspected that the driver may have been intoxicated, as his eyes appeared glassy and there was a smell of alcohol on his breath. As a result, the man was arrested for manslaughter and DWI, and has been suspended from his position as a public safety official.

For more news about drunk driving incidents, read about a Long Island Mother who drove drunk with her child in the car, or view our drunk driving accident page.

Long Island Man Injured in Motorcycle Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24688 — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 12th, a man from Long Island was riding his motorcycle on the I-95 in New Rochelle, when he lost control of his bike and crashed into a concrete barrier. The man lost control of the motorcycle as he reached back in order to close his half opened bookbag.

As a result of the crash, the man subsequently lost his right arm. He was taken to Sound Shore Medical Center for treatment.

Thus far, Police have found that the man didn't have a proper motorcycle license nor a proper license plate for his vehicle.

Long Island Lawyer--Another Stadium Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24682 — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last week, a 39-year man died at a Texas Rangers' baseball game. The man was reaching for a ball that was thrown into the stands, when he leaned over the railing, and susbequently fell to his death.

The incident has prompted Major League Baseball teams around the country to revaluate safety standards within ther respective stadiums. Such standards are influenced by the local laws that each of the stadiums fall under.

The Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig, has come out and said that teams would review their stadiums in search of areas where safety can be improved.

Boating Accident off of Long Island Coast

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24677 — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 10th, two boats collided off the coast of Long Island. A water taxi and a private boat were involved in the accident. The crash occured at about 2:30 AM, and it resulted in 3 passengers being injured.

There were several other passengers on board of each of the boats during the incident, however, the individuals remained unharmed.

Suffolk County Officials brought both of the boats back to shore, and they are looking into the accident in order to find out how it occured.

Long Island Lawyer--Car Accident Kills Hauppauge Woman

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24524 — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On June 27th, a 62-year old substitute teacher in Hauppauge, Long Island, was killed on the Sunrise Highway as a result of a high speed police chase. The chase began after three robbery suspects were chased by police after the men supposedly stole more than $4,000 worth of merchandise from the Tanger Outlets.

As police followed the suspects' car, they collided with a 2011 Subaru. Inside of the car were Mr. and Mrs. Sachar. Mrs. Sachar was killed by the crash, and Mr. Sachar was sent to the hospital with a punctured lung.

For more information relating to Long Island Car Accidents, take a look at our Car Accidents practice page.

Male Hit and Killed by Long Island Railroad Train

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24521 — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 7th, a Montauk bound Long Island Railroad train struck an unidentified male near a West Islip crossing. The man was killed, and the train was delayed for over 2 hours.

Police are still looking into the incident, as they are unsure of how the crash occured nor of the identity of the dead male.

Investigators are looking to use dental records in order to indentify the man. Results are not expected until next week.

For more articles on Long Island Railroad accidents, please read our story about a 92-year old Man who Fell Through the LIRR Platform Gap.

New York Motorcyclist Dies after Accident in NY Helmet Protest

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24520 — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 3rd, over 500 motorcyclists met in upstate New York to protest state wide legislation that mandates motorcyclists to wear helmets. As part of the rally, the motorcyclists engaged in a 30 mile ride together. During this ride, a 55-year old man's morotcycle flipped over, and the man proceeded to hit his head on the ground. The man was later declared dead at a nearby hospital.

The death may have been avoided if the man were wearing a helmet. Studies have found that helmet usage can reduce one's chance of death by about 40 percent.

New York is only 1 of 20 states to mandate that motorcyclists wear helmets.

For more information on motorcycle accidents and regulations, please read out New York Motorcycle Accident blog.

Long Island Man Injured After Firework Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24517 — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 4th, a 33-year old man from Long Island was injured after a firework explosion. The accident occured about an hour into the man's firework display that he had been putting on for guests.

As one of the man's fireworks wasn't lighting properly, he went to peek into the firework's tube and the firework proceeded to explode in his face.

He was later taken to Stony Brook Hospital, and he now remains in stable condition.

Last July 4th, a similar accident occured as a Long Island man lost his arm while setting off fireworks.

Long Island Mother Backs Vehicle into Two Children

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24348 — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On June 26th, a Long Island mother was backing out of her driveway when she struck her two children with her vehicle.

Both of the children, ages 10 and 2 years old respectively were injured. However, neither of the sustained injuries were life threatening.

The driver's vehicle is currently undergoing a brake examination.

Long Island Gay and Lesbian Couples Get Marriage Equality

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24341 — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On June 24th, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, passed the Marriage Equality Act. Cuomo put the bill into law after the New York Senate voted 33 to 29 in favor of the proposal. New York is now the 6th state to adopt same sex marriage.

Public sentiment towards the law has been extremely varied. For instance, in regards to the general public, voters are split about 54 to 40 percent in favor of the legislation. Additionally, for those whom are under the age of 35, about 70 percent are in favor of marriage equality. Lastly, in suburban areas such as our very own Long Island, about 52 percent of residents support the new law.

July 26th, will be the first day in which New York gay and lesbian couples will be able to get married under the Marriage Equality Act.

Long Island Car Accident Leads to New Safety Legislation

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24143 — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

On September 22nd, 2010, a 14-year old female was fatally injured after being hit by a vehicle as she attempted to cross Long Island's Sunrise Highway.

Since then, her mother has led an effort to improve the safety of road side pedestrians. After gathering thousands of signatures for new pedestrian safety legislation, such a bill has recently been passed by New York legislatures.

The law is known as the "Complete Streets" policy. It urges crosswalk signals that display 'countdowns,' larger medians and pedestrian islands, and narrower lanes to encourage slower speeds.

Future roads in New York that are constructed using government money will be enocuraged to adhere to this new policy.

Woman Killed in Long Beach Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24131 — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman passenger was killed and three injured in a three-car collision in Long Beach on Tuesday afternoon. Long Beach firefighters were forced to cut two of the drivers from their vehicles after the crash, which took place at East Park Avenue and Maple Boulevard at about 4:20 p.m., according to Fire Chief Richard Corbett.

Ethel Bernstein, 78, of Long Beach was taken to Long Beach Medical Center and pronounced dead at 7pm. The drivers of all three vehicles were taken to Long Beach Medical Center and South Nassau Community Hospital with serious injuries.

According to witnesses and the police, a man driving a Honda, with Bernstein as a passenger, was going westbound on Lido Boulevard and lost control, striking a brick median and a power line before careening to the east side of East Park Avenue and Maple Boulevard, where the car slammed into a Ford Taurus and then a white van.

The car hitting the power lines caused a brief power outage, which affected some homes in the vicinity.

Hit-and-Run Driver Kills 25 Year-Old Merrick Man

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24088 — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 25-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run outside of his home on Babylon Turnpike in Merrick on Monday morning, according to police. William Long was walking near his home when he was struck by a car that fled the scene, according to officials.

Long was transported to Nassau University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead shortly before 6am. Police are looking for the suspect and believe Long was hit by someone driving a maroon-colored 2007-2008 Nissan Altima that has damage to the driver's side and driver's side mirror.

Officials are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.

Woman, 82, Killed in Woodbury Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24087 — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

An 82-year-old woman from Huntington Station was killed and two others were injured Tuesday afternoon when a car collided with two other vehicles in Woodbury, Nassau police said.

The woman, whose name has not been released, was a passenger in a 1983 Buick driven by an 82-year old man on Jericho Turnpike. The accident occurred at 12:30 pm, detectives said, when the westbound Buick collided with another westbound vehicle and then crossed into the eastbound lane and collided with a Toyota SUV.

The woman hit her head and was pronounced dead at a local hospital sometime later, according to police. The driver of her car and a 57-year old woman who was driving the Toyota SUV were both taken to the hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries

Police shut down Jericho Turnpike for about a mile down, re-directing traffic to alternative routes.

East Islip Teen Killed in Go-Kart Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)24000 — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

18-year-old Joseph A. Mastrangelo, of East Islip, was driving his go-kart south on Pauchogue Avenue south of Route 27A in East Islip when he struck the rear of a parked 1993 Dodge Intrepid, according to police. The accident happened at approximately 4:40 p.m. on Sunday, June 19. Responding officers removed Mastrangelo from underneath the Dodge and he was taken to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

Motorcyclist Killed in Huntington Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)23855 — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcycle crash claimed the life of a 23-year-old man in Huntington early Monday morning, June 13. Suffolk County police said officers responded to report of a man laying on the ground next to a motorcycle at 4:10 a.m.

Investigators said Benjamin Koche, of Centerport, was riding a Honda motorcycle eastbound on Route 25A when he apparently failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway and struck a pole just east of Carley Avenue. He was pronouned dead at the scene.

Koches death marks the fifth fatal motorcycle crash on Long Island in the past 5 weeks. Second Squad detectives are continuing the investigation and ask anyone with information about this crash to call them at 631-854-8252.

92-Year-Old Man Falls through LIRR Platform Gap at Great Neck Station

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)23619 — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 92-year-old man was injured Sunday night at the Long Island Rail Road Station in Great Neck while exiting the train when he fell into the gap between the car and the station platform, authorities said.

The man and his wife had boarded the 8:19 p.m. train at Penn Station in Manhattan. He was hurt about 9:01 p.m. after the train stopped in Great Neck, said LIRR spokesman Aaron Donovan.

The train was delayed for 13 minutes as staff members helped the man and called for an ambulance, Donovan said. He was taken to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, where his condition was unknown. Authorities did not release the man's name or the nature of his injuries.

Airborne Inflatables at Oceanside Soccer Festival Leave 13 Injured

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)23616 — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A soccer festival in Oceanside became a scary scene for kids when three bouncy rides that were brought in as entertainment became airborne at the same time. Police say a total of 13 people were rushed to area hospitals after the bouncy rides whipped around with people inside. Only one person suffered serious injuries. Cathleen Hughes, an Oceanside resident, remains in critical but stable condition after suffering injuries to her head and spine.

Witnesses say when the bouncy rides took flight, several men rushed to the scene to help bring them down, including one person who grabbed a knife and slashed one of the rides to empty it of air.

Read How Safe Are Those Party Inflatables? for tips on how to keep your family safe on bouncy rides.

Over 100 DWI Arrests on Long Island over Holiday Weekend

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)23587 — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Despite repeated warnings of police checkpoints and crackdowns, authorities around Long Island arrested at least 122 drunken drivers over the Memorial Day weekend.

In addition to monitoring road traffic, Suffolk County set up checkpoints in the waterways for boaters and used helicopters to help both land and sea patrols monitor drunk driving incidents.

According to the Long Island Press, Nassau County police arrested 53 people for driving while intoxicated over the holiday weekend while Suffolk County police arrested 46 suspects for DWI and driving while ability impaired. In addition, New York State Police charged 12 drivers with DWI and police forces on the Island's East End made over a dozen arrests.

Three Arrested at K-Rock Music Festival

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)23519 — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Several fights broke out and three arrests were made at the annual K-Rock Dysfunctional Family BBQ which took place at the New York State Fairgrounds near Syracuse over the Memorial Day weekend. According to local sheriff Sgt. Richard McCarron, a 22 year old woman was escorted out by security after she got into a fight with another woman near a mosh pit. She was charged with resisting arrest, trespassing and disorderly conduct. A man was charged with third-degree assault after biting another man's hand and biting off a chunk of skin. A third person was charged after fighting with another patron. Police said a dozen other smaller scuffles took place at the festival.

Rosie Perez suing for injury suffered on set of Law and Order: SVU

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)23321 — Wed, 25 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Actress Rosie Perez is suing the producers of "Law and Order: SVU" for a neck injury she allegedly suffered on the set during the taping of a 2009 episode called "Hardwired" According to her lawsuit, Perez was injured when an extra "recklessly pulled, grabbed, yanked, wrenched and/or manhandled" her while filming a scene. In that scene, Perez plays an upset mother who reaches into another car and starts choking the driver. A school crossing guard intervenes and that's when the actress was allegedly injured.

"The thing to do was taking someone who knows what he's doing to make it look violent without being violent," said her lawyer to the New York Daily News. This person was not a stunt man, he was just an extra." He also claims she was pressured to continue taping, which may have exacerbated her injuries. "She's still suffering severe pain, numbness of the arms, and she'll never be the same despite the surgery."

The Brooklyn-born actress suffered a herniated disc that required two surgeries after an extra forcibly shook her while shooting a scene for the popular NBC crime drama in September 2009, a lawsuit charges. So far, Perez has already undergone two surgeries, one involving a spinal fusion when bone marrow from her pelvis was transplanted into her vertebrae. As a result, she has not been able to work for about a year and sufferes severe pain and numbness in her arms, said her attorney.

PATH Train Crash Injures 34 Passengers

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)22968 — Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A PATH train pulling into the Hoboken train station in Hoboken crashed into the platform injuring 34 riders, officials said. The train was arriving on Track No. 2 around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, May 8, when it hit the spring bumper at the end of the tracks. Eyewitnesses said the accident happened suddenly. The train was screeching and then hit a barrier, said Humberto Roque, one of the passengers, through an interpreter. Mark Rabson, spokesman for the Jersey City Medical Center, characterized the injuries as "minor" scrapes and bruises. He said the patients at the hospital - five men and one woman - are all conscious, talking, and being checked for broken bones. The accident is being investigated.

Dix Hills Pedestrian Killed on Northern State Parkway

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)22369 — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A sixteen-year-old girl was struck and killed late last night while crossing the Northern State Parkway in Dix Hills. State Police said Taylor Ann Cavaliere of Dix Hills ran in front of an eastbound car driven by Mathew D. Sinclair, 31, of Holbrook, about 11:30 p.m.

The accident occurred near Exit 42, Route 231-Deer Park Avenue, police said. They said Sinclair remained at the scene and alerted emergency services. A Dix Hills Fire Department paramedic pronounced Cavaliere dead at the scene.

No charges have been filed against Sinclair, who claims that the teen darted in front of his vehicle. Police and authorities are urging anyone with more information to contact the police.

Young Girl Hurt In Patchogue Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20529 — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Jennifer Vera, age 7, was seriously injured in a crash in East Patchogue on Sunday January 30. She was a passenger in her mother Martha Vera's car. Paul Decarlo, age 20, was driving his 1998 Nissan Pathfinder when he tried to make a left turn on Dunton Avenue. His vehicle hit Jennifer and her mother's car. Jennifer was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center in critical condition. She is suffering from head and eye injuries. Paul Decarlo told police that his ability to see was blocked by a snow pile. He was ticketed for failure to yield right of way.

Mastic Beach Woman Killed By Snow Plow

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20476 — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Doris Metz, age 64 from Mastic Beach, was killed by a snow plow on Wednesday January 28 in the afternoon. Doris was a driver at the First Student Charter Bus Rental Company in Center Moriches. She was leaving work on Wednesday when the accident occurred. Edward Grundstrom, age 47, from Manorville, also an employee at the Bus Rental Company, was plowing snow in the parking lot. He was using a company owned 2003 Ford F-250 pickup truck with a plow attached in the front. Mertz was walking to her car and Grundstom did not see her. She was taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in Patchogue, where she was pronounced dead. Family members are all in shock, they say Doris was a very caring woman.

Work Related Accident Results In Death Of Immigrant In Brooklyn

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20414 — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Juan Baten was killed yesterday in the tortiila factory that he worked in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Bate,22, was fatally crushed when one of his arms got caught in the waist high tub at the Tortilleria Chinantla factory. Video cameras showed Baten reaching in and trying to press the dough and speed up the mixing. The machine pulled him inside and crushed his head and chest.
OSHA officials as well as the NYPD are investiagting.He leaves behind a family including a seven month old daughter.

At Goldstein and Bashner we are experienced at handling work place accidents . If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident at work contact us for FREE information.

West Sayville Long island Resident Killed In Car Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20396 — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

29 year old Jeanine Rescigno was killed when the vehicle she was driving southbound on the William Floyd Parkway struck another car at an intersection. The driver of the other car Amanda Zawada was treated for injuries. Both vehicles are being looked at for safety issues.

New York City Fashionista Killed in Truck Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20395 — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

First Avenue and Ninetieth street was the scene of a fatal accident that involved Laurence Renard a fashion stylist for Victoria's Secret and other top brands. Ms. Renard was right outside her apartment building when a private carting truck was turning and struck her. Other pedestrians were screaming for other cars to stop so that they would not run over a fallen Ms. Renard. The driver of the truck, Diego Tapia-Ulloa was arrested at the scene for driving without a license.

Mother Drives Drunk with Child In Car

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20353 — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Mother, Samantha Alfaro from Bay Shore was arrested for driving drunk. Her three year old child was in the car at the time of the crash. The child, age three, was in the back seat. She was not in a car seat. Alfaro left her cousins house in East Meadow to make her way back home. She was on South Oyster Bay Road when she passed out at the wheel and crashed into a tree. As a result of the crash her daughter is now a quadriplegic and breathes with the help of a respirator. The crash happened March of 2010. Alfaro now pleads guilty to driving drunk with her child. She could be in jail for three to nine years. She will be sentenced February 28, 2011. When police showed up at the scene Alfaro's alcohol level was at 0.11, the legal limit being 0.08.

Dix Hills Car Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20348 — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Anthony Padovano, age 44, of Dix Hills died in a crash on January 23. He was driving a 2006 Ford Escape at around two in the afternoon when he crossed the yellow line into oncoming traffic on Larkfield Road. The reason for this is still unknown by Suffolk County Police. Anthony's truck hit a 2005 BMW when it crossed the line. The driver of the BMW, Sharon McCune, age 46, and a passenger were taken to Huntington Hospital. They suffered non life treating injuries. Anthony was pronounced dead at Huntington Hospital shortly after the crash.

Pedestrian Hit By Car

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20304 — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A pedestrian attempting to cross the William Floyd Parkway was pronounced dead after being hit by a 2005 Dodge Caravan. The crash took place at 5:20 am on January 19, 2011 near Lawrence Road in Shirley. Emanuel Verdi, age 64, of Mastic Beach the driver of the van was not injured in the crash.

Wrong Way Drunken Driver in Bohemia

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20302 — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Scott Coutts, age 40, hit two cars while driving drunk on Sunrise Highway. He turned off of Oakdale Bohemia Road eastbound onto the westbound lanes of Sunrise Highway. He first hit a Chevrolet SUV which was stopped at a red light. He eventually turned his car around but then hit a Ford F150. At the site of the second accident he was stopped by police. None of the people involved in the accidents were hurt. Coutts was arrested by Suffolk County Police and is being charged with driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Melville Long Island Accident Lawyer

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20260 — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Jaqueline Koslosky and Fran Ross were both injured when Koslosky lost control of her vehicle near Vanderbilt Parkway near Winthrop Drive in Dix Hills. At this time it is not known what caused her to lose control over the vehicle but the accident caused both women to be admitted to Huntington Hospital. It may be weather related and the investigation continues.Recent warmer temperatures is causing melting snow to contribute to slick road conditions.

Bronx Man Falls Though Grate

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20112 — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Eric Pagan, age 20, of the Bronx was hired to clear snow outside a city Department of Sanitation garage in Inwood. Eight men including Pagan were hired for the job. Eric was clearing snow in from of the garage on W. 216th Street. He stepped on a ventilation grate and fell down the shaft. The accident happened at around 4:30pm January 12. He hit his head on the way down, but thankfully he was wearing a hard hat. He was quickly pulled up by response teams and taken to Harlem Hospital. He is currently in stable condition. Peter Lopez, who was also hired to clear snow, was standing right next to Pagan when he fell. He said it could have happened to anyone, the gate was in a bad condition.

Motorcyclist Killed In Rego Park

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20065 — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Motorcyclist Dwan Gonzalez, age 44, was driving a Harley Davidson on the Long Island Expressway in Rego Park. Near Junction Bouldvard, at about 1 am, he was rear ended by a Mercedes. The driver of the Mercedes left Gonzalez to die on the highway and fled the scene. Police arrived, finding Gonzalez already dead on the highway. Police found the driver of the Mercedes, Shamel Campbell, age 26, of Freeport, eleven miles away in Rosedale. Campbell was taken to the police station, where his blood alcohol level was taken. It was more than double the legal limit. Campbell is being charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident and aggravated unlicensed operation.

Fatal Car Crash in Westbury

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)20009 — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Francesco Posillico, age 17, was driving his two friends Joseph Scaperrotta and Daniel Roche, both age 16. At the intersection of Salisbury Road and Bowling Green Drive, Posillico ran a stop sign according to police and crashed into another car. Francesco died instantly, Scapperotta is in serious condition at Nassau University Medical Center and Roche is in a medically induced coma in critical but stable condition at Winthrop University Hospital. Posillico hit a 24 year old woman driving a Chevy cobalt. The woman was taken to Nassau University Medical Center where she was treated for minor injuries and released. The three boys attended Clarke High School, which is part of the East Meadow School District. Family, friends, classmates and teachers have gathered in front of the accident site, morning the lost of Frankie and praying for Joey and Dan.

Dix Hills Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19981 — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 8:30 this morning an accident took place on the Long Island Expressway near Dix Hills. The accident was between a box truck and a car. Police are still unsure what happened in the eastbound lanes of the LIE. A witness said that the truck was rear ended in the right lane which caused him to swerve crossing three lanes of traffic. The truck then hit another car, smashed into the divider and flipped over before stopping. The driver of the truck was taken to Huntington Hospital, where his condition is currently unknown. The accident interrupted the morning commute.

Employee at St. Luke's Hospital Charged with Assult

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19928 — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

An employee at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City is being charged with sexually assaulting a patient. Sylvester Chase, age 41, who is an x-ray technician at St. Luke’s sexually assaulted a 59 year old female who was in his care. The incident occurred the morning of January 2nd. Administrators from the hospital are cooperating with the NYPD and state that “the employee in question has been temporarily suspended pending further investigation”. Sylvester Chase is due back in Court at the end of the week.

Long Island Wrong Way Driving Continues

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19901 — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Wrong way driving has become a more common offense nowadays. There have been at least fifteen drivers arrested for this crime in the last few weeks. The most recent was a Port Washington man who was arrested early this morning for driving drunk and the wrong way. An on duty ambulance technician for Nassau County, spotted Evan Jay's 2010 Toyota Corolla traveling east in a westbound lane of Sunrise Highway in Bellmore. He quickly called in to the police who shortly after pulled Jay over on the Wantagh Parkway. Jay is being charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated and failure to stay in single lane.

Car Chase Results in Injuries in Shirley

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19864 — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police found themselves in a 15 mile police chase with a drunk driver from Nesconset after the driver crashed into a police car injuring an officer. The chase began in Ronkonkoma and ended in Shirley. Drunk driver Steven Keating did not give up without a fight. The chase began when police were attempting to pull over the Ford Ranger driven by Keating on the southbound side of Hawkins Avenue. Keating, age 44, would not pull over and merged on to the Long Island Expressway. Police tried using stop sticks at exit 66, which caused Keating’s tires to come off, but he still continued to drive with just rims. He exited the LIE at exit 68. His truck finally came to a stop when he crashed into a stopped vehicle near the William Floyd Parkway. Keating, the office he initially hit and the stopped motorist were all taken to the nearest hospital and treated for minor injuries. Keating was charged with multiple felonies, he also had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Long Island Accident Lawyer

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19725 — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A driver of a blue Chevrolet was sideswiped after a white Toyota attempted to illegally pass them by driving on the unpaved shoulder. The incident occurred southbound on the Wantagh Parkway near the exit for Hempstead Turnpike. The driver of the white Toyota, Eddy Napoleon, age 20, fled the scene. He was later found by police in Bellmore. The driver of the blue Chevrolet was taken to Nassau University Medical Center and was treated for a knee injury. Napoleon is being charged with reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, reckless driving and other traffic violations.

Mount Sinai Teen Killed In Car Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19624 — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Jonathan Havlick, age 19, was killed in a one car crash. His friend Krystle Rivera was driving when she lost control and slammed into a tree, which caused the car to overturn. Havlick was in the backseat of the 1988 Mercedes traveling east on Middle Country Road. Rivera and two other passengers were treated for injuries at Stony Brook University Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. Police say alcohol was not a factor in the accident.

Drunk Driver Kills Patchogue Father of Three

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19622 — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Scott Albrecht, age 43, was killed by a drunk driver Friday December 17, 2010. He was on his way home from work, when he was killed by a drunk driver. Scott worked with the computer software for Stop & Shop Supermarkets. He was driving on Montauk Highway when Steven Tolar of Shirley crossed the center line and slammed into his work van. Scott died shortly after the accident at the scene. Tolar, age 53, was taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center to be treated for minor injuries. He has a previous record for an array of criminal misdemeanors. He was charged with driving while intoxicated. Scott Albrecht left behind a wife and three young children. He will be missed during this holiday season.

Wrong Way Driver In Suffolk County

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19592 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

William Morgan of Shirley was charged with traffic infractions after police arrested him. He was arrested for driving his 1996 Chrysler the wrong way near an entrance to the Sagtikos Parkway. Morgan was also drunk at the time. His BAC was 0.14 percent. The legal limit is 0.08 percent. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

New York Trip and Fall Lawyers

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19581 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Trooper M.J. Curly from Gaston County, North Carolina, was injured after he fell down a flight of stairs. He was attending a law enforcement social function in New York City. He is currently in Elmhust Hospital and is unconscious and on life support. He is the father of two.

Brooklyn Teacher Dies in Car Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19311 — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Moshe Berkowitz, age 25, died Monday night after he was in a car crash with a drunk driver. The drunk driver ran a red light and smashed into his car. The accident occurred on Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn. Anel Kolenovic, age 23, hit Berkowitz head on. He is being charged with DWI, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and ignoring a red light. Police are still investigating if Kolenovic was involved in racing a friend before the crash. Berkowitz was a teacher at Yeshiva Birchas where he taught middle school english. Many of his students were at his funeral, remembering a man that they will never forget. He made an impact on many of his students.

Amityville Teen Killed By Drunk Driver

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19305 — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Tyniele Silvera was crossing Sunrise Highway to return home after tutoring a student when she was hit by a drunk driver. Her death occurred just before 9 PM on Wednesday night. She was returning home from tutoring a student in Brooklyn. She was walking home from the Amityville train station. She crossed in the crosswalk but was hit by a 46 year old drunk man. Kenneth Serwan, was under the influence when he smashed into her. Police say she died instantly. Kenneth Serwan is a husband and father to three teenage kids. Serwan released is set at $100,000 bail, but Tyniele friends and family still say that is not enough for the lost of such a wonderful girl.

Wyandanch Mother Drives Drunk

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19195 — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Thanksgiving Night, a 30 year old mother was arrested after getting into a car crash. She was drunk at the time of the accident. Her two year old daughter was in the car with her. The crash happened around 9:15 Thursday night on North 18 Street in Wyandanch. The mother hit another vehicle traveling alongside her. The two year old child was taken to the hospital and was treated for minor injuries. The driver of the car is being charged with driving while intoxicated and child endangerment.

Selden Women Drove Drunk with Kids in Car

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19095 — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Suffolk County Police arrested Jennifer Mintz, age 38, late Saturday night. Police said she was driving drunk with her two young children in the car. Her children are age six and four. Jennifer was arrested on northbound Nicolls Road in Holtsville. She is being charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated under Leandra’s Law, aggravated DWI and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The children were unharmed and were released into the custody of their grandparents.

New Jersey Transit Accident After Jets Game

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19070 — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

After the Jets games, a few people were injured riding an escalator. They were riding a 25-foot escalator at New Jersey Transit’s Secaucus Junction Train Station when it suddenly came to a stop. A man and a woman were taken to Jersey City Medical Center with head injuries. Other injuries included two men with knee injuries and another woman hurt her ribs. A spokesperson for New Jersey Transit said that the injuries sustained are not life-threatening. After the incident all 31 escalators at the station were turned off. They were all inspected and found to be working properly. The one escalator that caused the incident remains off and under investigation.

Dix Hills Accident Lawyer

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)19038 — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

An NYPD cop was killed on Monday November 15, 2010. His car was hit by a drunk driver from Brooklyn who was driving the wrong way on the Northern State Parkway. Officer Andre Menzies was on the Northern State Parkway in Dix Hills at 12:05 AM. Michael Bowen was heading west in the eastbound lane when he crashed into Officer Menzies car. Police suspect that he was killed on impact. Officer Menzie was a nine year NYPD veteran, and is leaving behind a father, wife and five children. Michael Bowen, age 50, has a wife and two children. He is charged with driving while intoxicated and reckless driving. He was treated with minor injuries. Police are still investigating where Bowen got onto the highway.

Spring Gardens Accident, Children Injured

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18950 — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two children were hit by a car on their way home from the store with their father. The incident occurred on Sunday November 14, 2010, just before 5 p.m. The incident occurred on North Conduit Avenue and 160th Street in Springfield Gardens, Queens. Eleven year old Teajon Sylla and his four year old sister Aicha were walking right in front of their house when a car jumped the curb and hit both of them. Fortunately, their father escaped injuries. The two children were taken to Long Island Jewish Medical Center. The brother is listed in stable condition but the sister is in critical condition. Police suspect that the 1998 Mercury Sable drove up on the curb and lost control after the two people in the car began arguing. The diver was arrested for violating an order of protection. The incident is still under investigation.

Off Duty Cop Killed in Car Crash in Westbury

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18897 — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

An unidentified off-duty NYPD cop was killed in a car crash in Westbury. He was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an unidentified person. The vehicle was speeding and speed was a definite factor in the crash. The speeding vehicle lost control and jumped the curb. The crash ended with the vehicle wrapped around a tree. The men were in a 1994 Honda. The unidentified man was ejected 50 feet into the air, where he landed on a Westbury sidewalk. He was pronounced dead at Nassau University Medical Center. The cop was trapped mangled in the wreck. Investigators are still trying to identify the man who was driving the vehicle.

Saratoga Springs Motorcycle Accident - Man Injured

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18738 — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A twenty year old man was injured in a motorcycle accident in Saratoga Springs. The accident occurred at 4:25 pm on Tuesday November 2, 2010. William Varley the young man in the accident was airlifted to Albany Medical Center Hospital with life threatening injuries including serious injuries to his legs. He collided head on with a pickup truck near the entrance to Kohl's department store on Weibel Avenue. Police say that Varley was struck by a Dodge Dakota driven by Robert Dougal, age 58. Police are still investigating and potential charges are pending.

Northport Women Killed on Train Tracks

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18712 — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A twenty year old women who graduated Northport Highschool was killed early Wednesday morning. She was hit by a Long Island Railroad Train a little after 5 am. The train orginated from Port Jefferson. It stuck the women who apartently was standing on the tracks near Elwood Road. She was not at the crossing. The accident is still under investigation and police are considering it a possible suicide.

Long Island School Bus Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18536 — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Piters Calixte a Westbury Long Island resident was driving an empsty school bus yesterday when it struck an oil tanker on Sunrise Highway in Amityville. Calixte was pinned under his school bus as resuce workers and firefighters tried to free him . The oil tanker had just loaded waste oil from a plant in Amityville when it was turning onto Sunrise Highway when the accident occurred. Piters was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital with a broken jaw.

Freeport Car Accident -

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18535 — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Steven Sturm was driving in Freeport Long Island when his car crossed the road and hit a tree. The accident happened om North Main Street and as of now the cause of the accident is still being investigated. Mr. Sturm was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have indicated that Sturm who was driving alone may have been speeding and did not appear to be wearing his seat belt.

Drunken Driver Kills Passenger in Brooklyn

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18078 — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Jesses Astor age 25, has had his driver's license suspended several times and has a pretty bad driving history. Last weekend he was driving David Morales age 21, when he lost control of his car. Astor was drunk at the time of the accident. When he lost control of his 1999 Honda his car hit the metal median. Morales died at the scene of the accident. Astor was taken to Long Island College Hospital in serious condition. He is being charged with criminally negligent homicide and driving while impaired.

New York Man Admits to Sexually Assaulting a Girl

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18077 — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Almost four years later a man admits to sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl. Lucas Wickes from Rochester admits to abusive sexual contact with a young girl on a Disney Cruise Ship. Wickes could serve up to 10 years in prison. According to the girl, she believed Wicks was a security officer, but soon found out she was wrong when he took her to the rear of the ship where she was assaulted.

Bronx Man dies in Motorcycle Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18076 — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A motorcycle accident occurred on the Taconic State Parkway southbound. The accident occurred between Shrub Oak and Peekskill/Yorktown Heights exits. Elvin Porcel age 33, from the Bronx was driving his motorcycle in the center lane when he lost control of it. He crossed over the left lane and hit the the center guardrail. Elvin flew from his motorcycle also hitting the guardrail. Porcel was taken to Westchester Medical Examiner's Office, since police continue to investigate this crash. One witness told police that he had seen a group of motorcyclists pass him riding at very high speeds weaving in and out of traffic. Once traffic stopped due to the crash the group was on the side of the road in distress. Police are looking into this.

Nesconset Man Fled After Striking Another Vehicle

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18075 — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Robert Watson, age 24 from Nesconset struck a vehicle that was stopped at a red light in Bohemia early Sunday October 3, 2010. Watson left the scene but police arrested him within a few hours. Watson struck a vehicle with three people in it. Driver, Allan Collins age 57, and his daughter Stephanie Collins age 24, were taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital and treated for shock. Their backseat passenger, Kevin Mead age 26, was also taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital but in critical condition. He suffered head and chest trauma. Watson is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, DWI and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Tire Crashes Through Window Injuring Four

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18063 — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Passengers in the Hampton Jitney, a coach bus, were on the LIE when all of a sudden they were surprised. A tire from a car going eastbound crossed the median and smashed into a passenger window. Four passengers suffered minor injuries from the glass and were taken to a local hospital. This incident took place Wednesday September 29, 2010, at 8:20 in the morning near exit 57.

80 Year Old Women From Commack Killed In Car Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)18060 — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Veronica Omerza, age 80 was killed in a car crash in Smithtown. Collin Smith age 22 was driving a 2003 Ford Econoline van when he drove over the solid yellow line. He was driving eastbound on Jericho Turnpike about 100 feet west of Meadow Road. He lost control of his vehicle and drove over the solid yellow line where he hit two vehicles that were traveling westbound. He first hit the car that was being driven by Veronica Omerza, a 1999 Mercury. He then hit Penelope Kouklakis age 38, who was driving a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. Ms. Omerza was taken to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Ms. Kouklakis was also taken to St. Catherine's with non-life threatening injuries. Police say that drugs and alcohol are not a factor in this crash, but they are looking into if Smith was speeding.

Farmingville Crash Kills Two

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)17906 — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Friday Night, September 14, a crash occurred in Farmingville. Joseph Correa age 19 was driving a 1997 Acura when he lost control. He was driving southbound on County Road 83. As he lost control he crossed over to the northbound lane where he hit a 2009 Suzuki being driven by Madeline Vicich age 62 from Selden. Joseph was taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. A passenger in his car broke their arm. Madeline was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Police are still investigating why Joseph lost control of his vehicle.

Wantagh Teen Killed Crossing Sunrise Highway

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)17861 — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Brittany Vega, a 14 year old teen from Wantagh was killed while crossing Sunrise Highway. Brittany usually took the bus, but on Wednesday she decided to go to school early and walk. Police say that Brittany thought the coast was clear when she crossed the street. The driver that hit her had the right away. Her parents and friends were in a state of shock. Friends could not believe that Brittany would ignore the light. Police say they have no plans to charge the driver.

Intoxicated Deer Park Man Kills Passenger

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)17571 — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Juan Cruz of Deer Park was driving on the wrong side of the LIE at 4:45 in the morning. Witnesses saw the mini van driven by Cruz hit the sign abutment which led to it crashing. The passenger, Mauricio Visoso-Ornelas of Queens was transported to Nassau County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Police have proved that Cruz was intoxicated during the time of the crash. He will be charged with manslughter, reckless driving and driving while intoxicated.

Bay Shore Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)17357 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Sunday August 22, 2010, a motorcycle crash claimed the life of a 27 year old man. Efrain Villon from Bay Shore was riding his motorcycle with his friends early Sunday morning. Villon went to pass a Toyota Scion when he misjudged his clearance causing him to hit the vehicle and lose control. He then struck one of the other motorcycles, both then crashing to the payment. The third motorcycle also lost control trying to avoid the crash. Villon was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other two injured were taken to Southside Hospital.

Bay Shore Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)17192 — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Sunday Efrain Villon a Bay Shore Long Island resident was killed in a motorcycle accident. The accident occured on the Southern State Parkway in the vicinity of Central Islip. It appears that Villon's motorcycle struck the rear of a Toyota Scion at which point he lost control and struck the pavement.Villon was airlifted to StonyBrook Hospital where he was pronounced dead an hour later. The other drivers Hriftodoulo Filippatos and Nikloaos Milatos were taken to Southside Hospital for multiple abrasions.

Mastic Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)17191 — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 48 year old Mastic Long Island Man was airlifted to Stonybrook Hospital after he was injured in a fire Saturday August 21. Suffolk County Police and Mastic Firefighters responded to the house fire. Neighbors helped in the effort to rescue Christopher Murphy from the house. He is listed in stable condition. His wife Janet Murphy and son Sean Murphy were seen for smoke inhalation. Arson Squad Detectives determined that the fire was caused by the failure of a box fan in the room.

New York Police Officer Killed in Motorcycle Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)17026 — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

On August 15th, an off duty police officer in Petersburgh, New York, was riding his motorcycle on Route 2 when he lost control of his bike. After losing control, the motorcyclist crashed into an oncoming vehicle. The crash killed the 42 year old New York Officer. Investigators are looking into the accident to see how the man may have lost control of his motorcycle.

Two Motorcycles Crash in Biden's New York Escort

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16966 — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

On August 5th, two police motorcyclists crashed as they were working to transport Joe Biden to Kennedy airport. Despite the accident, nobody sustained any serious injuries, and Joe Biden's vehicle remained untouched. In the past, there have been other motorcycle accidents that have come during police escorts. For instance, in 2008, a police motorcyclist crashed while escorting Sarah Palin, and its been reported that during George W. Bush's time in office, escorting related accidents led to two deaths.

Bronx Car Accident Kills One, Injures Several Others

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16923 — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Tuesday morning, in Kingsbridge Heights, Bronx, a minivan struck a cab, forcing the cab to lose control and drive into a bus stop. One man was killed during the accident, and one lady had to have her leg removed after injuring it so severely. Neither the driver of the minivan nor the driver of the cab were seriously hurt. After the accident, the cab driver expressed how helpless he felt as his out of control vehicle approached a bus stop full of pedestrians.

Women Killed at Sayville Train Station

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16905 — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Representatives from the Long Island Railroad, tell us that a woman was struck and killed by a train near the Sayville Station. It is unknown why the woman was on the tracks. The incident caused some delays.

Drunk Man Arrested in a Bellport Hit and Run

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16873 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sunday August 8, 2010 at about 10PM, a nine year old boy was seriously injured when a truck hit him while he was riding his bike. At an intersection in Bellport, New York, a man was driving a pickup truck with no headlights. He was also drunk at the time. The man slammed into the nine year old boy making him fight for his life. The man left the scene but was later arrested by the police.

Long Island Man With Infant Passenger Charged With DWI

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16782 — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

On August 4th, a man from Greenlawn, Long Island, was charged with DWI. To make matters worse, the man also had an infant child in the car with him while he was driving. The man was on Jericho Turnpike, when he was pulled over by police for his tinted windows. The Suffolk County police then discovered that the man had been driving while under the influence. Criminal charges against the man include DWI and endangering the welfare of a child. The man's girlfriend, who was also the mother of the infant child, was also charged with endangering the child, as reports say that she knew the man had been driving drunk. Since the incident, the child has been put under the care of his grandparents.

Two School Bus Accidents on Long Island Within One Morning

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16773 — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

On the Morning of July 28th, two school bus accidents occurred on Long Island within a matter of minutes. First, a school bus got into a minor accident with two other vehicles while driving in Nassau County. There were 12 students on the bus at the time, and one student sustained an injury. Soon after, another school bus suffered an accident. Eight of the passengers on board were sent to the hospital for precautionary examinations.

Car Accident on Northern State Parkway Takes Two Lives

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16770 — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

On July 31st, a man was driving west on the Northern State Parkway when he lost control of his vehicle. After losing control, the car was redirected towards an adjacent patch of woods. Soon after, the vehicle collided with a tree. The man's father, wife, and young child were also passengers in the car. Unfortunately, the father and wife were each pronounced dead at North Shore Hospital. The driver and the child survived and they were both treated for severe injuries. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation is looking into the matter.

New Crane Laws Look to Reduce New York Construction Worker Accidents

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16622 — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

On November 8th, 2010, OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, will put new crane operation rules into effect. The new regulations will require crane operators to obtain certifications. In addition, on site general contractors will be mandated to keep work sites free of any potential hazards while cranes are being utilized. The law will also call for cranes to be thoroughly inspected before being put to use. All these regulations come in response to the many crane related deaths and injuries that have occurred in the past several years. It's estimated that crane and derrick related accidents take the lives of about 100 people each and every year. Officials believe that the new legislation will decrease the amount of annual fatalities by about 20. Overall, many believe that these new rules will make the construction industry much safer for workers.

Three Floral Park Teens are Killed in Car Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16358 — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Five teens driving on the Meadowbrook Parkway were involved in a single car accident. The teens were driving to their summer job, where they work as camp counselors for Camp Anchor. Camp Anchor is a town run camp in Lido Beach. It is a camp for about 600 adults and children with disabilities. Camp Anchor stands for Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation. The accident occurred on Thursday July 15 at around 8:45 in the morning.
The car was being driven by 20 year old Justine Mulhall. In the front seat was her brother Michael, who died in the crash. In the back seat were sisters Jamie, age 22, and Paige Malone, age 19, both died in the crash. Kelly Murphy, age 20, was also in the back seat. Kelly and the driver were the only two that survived the crash. They were both treated at Nassau County Medical Center with injuries.
The crash occurred when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The cause of the crash is still not determined. Police have ruled out alcohol.

Long Island Accident Lawyer Authors Article in Long Island Press

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16344 — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Goldstein & Bashner's senior partner, Neal Goldstein, writes article for Long Island Press.

Greenport Resident Dies in Dirt Bike Collision

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16342 — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Jefferson Treadwell was riding his dirt bike westbound on a private road in East Marion. He collided with Terrence Lawrence who was riding eastbound. Southold police arrived and rushed both men to the hospital. Jefferson Treadwell age 23 was pronounced dead when he arrived due to injuries from the accident. Terrence Lawrence age 29 was transferred to another hospital for treatment.

Southampton Man Charged with DWI

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16217 — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Timothy Hughes, age 21, was at a Southampton club when he got into an altercation with another person. Hughes left acting outraged and speeding through the parking lot. He hit Mitchell Bloxon, age 28, and then ran into a fence. Bloxon was badly injured and was airlifted to the hospital. Timothy Hughes was charged with reckless endangerment, DWI and assault among other charges.

Bay Shore Man Killed in Car Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16216 — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A forty six year old man from Bay Shore is killed in North Lindenhurst. Witnesses told Suffolk County Police that a Nissan Maxima went out of control on the east bound side of Sunrise Highway. It then struck two poles near the intersection of 44th Street. The car flipped over and finally came to a stop in a nearby parking lot. Driver, who was identified as Eric Shaw, was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The vehicle was impounded for a safety check and investigation. Police are asking for help with this investigation.

Islip Terrace Man Loses Arm in Firework Blast

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16212 — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Former Linderhurst High School football star, Mr. Smith, now of Islip Terrace lost his arm in a firework accident. Mr. Smith, age 36, was setting off illegal fireworks in front of his home. This is a tradition he does every year at his annual Fourth of July party with friends and family. The problem occurred when he lit the fuse of a skyrocket in a three foot mental launching tube, but for some reason was unable to get away from it fast enough. Mr. Smith landed across the street after the huge boom with his arm lying next to him. Friends and family called for an ambulance, applied pressure to his wound and packed his arm in ice as they waited for help to arrive. When Mr. Smith arrived at the hospital, doctors found that his arm could not be reattached because of the damaged caused to it by the blast. Friends and family say that Mr. Smith will be alright.

Car Strikes Pedestrians on Hempstead Turnpike

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16205 — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

On July 10th, two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Hempstead Turnpike. The incident occured around 11:30 PM, as the 84-year old driver of the vehicle crashed her car into the two men, each in their 20's. Both men were taken to the hospital and treated for severe injuries. The woman's car has been impounded and inspected. Thus far, there haven't been any criminal charges against the driver.

Long Island Man Loses Arm In Firework Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16120 — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

At a July Fourth party, a 36-year Long Island resident was setting off fireworks when one of the skyrockets exploded before the man was able to move out of the way. The firework explosion blew off the man's arm. Party-goers and several neighbors tried to preserve the man's arm in ice, however, after receiving treatment at the Nassau University Medical Center, doctors explained that they were unable to reattach the arm. Doctors stated that the limb was unfortunately too damaged. One close friend added, "the accident shows the destructive force of fireworks."

Drunk Driving Accident on Long Island Expressway

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)16118 — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

On July 5th, 2010, a drunk man driving down the wrong side of the Long Island Expressway, crashed his Mercedes-Benz into an airport shuttle bus. Both the drunk driver and the shuttle operator survived the initial collision, however, they each sustained severe injuries. According to reports, the impaired driver had a BAC of more than twice the legal limit. Following the accident, the two men were sent to New York Hospital Queens for treatment. The driver of the Mercedes has been charged with a DUI and reckless endangerment.

Man Arrested for Sleeping in Running Car in Hicksville

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15901 — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Tyrone Davis, age 36, was arrested Tuesday June 29, 2010 when police found him sleeping in a running car on the Northern State Parkway. A state trooper was called to the scene of the accident after he received a call that a Red Nissan Pathfinder slammed into the left lane barrier. The accident occurred at around 5 PM in the east bound lanes of the Northern State Parkway near Exit 35, Hicksville. The trooper reported to the car finding Davis asleep and found three aluminum foil wrappers. Police suspect both crack and marijuana. Davis was arrested and charged with fourth, fifth and seventh degree possession of a controlled substance.

Met's Player Allegation of Sexual Assault Dismissed

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15741 — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Johan Santana's, New York Mets player, case has been closed on a sexual assault allegation. Santana was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Florida in October of 2009. The incident took place on October 27 at a golf course in Lee County. The woman claims that Johan Santana forced himself on her in a sexual manner. The state attorney office dropped the case due to the fact that there was not a sufficient amount of evidence to prosecute either party. The case has now been closed.

Three Year Old and Nanny Die in Lawrence

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15731 — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Loewna Canales-Mejia, age thirty-two was the caretaker of three year old toddler, Naama Markovits when a horrible accident occurred. Police that investigated the scene believe that the Nanny slipped into the deep end of the pool, which led to her dropping the child. An older child told a nearby worker who tried to bring the women and toddler back to life before paramedics could arrive. The toddler was pronounced death at the scene and the Nanny died hours after arriving at the hospital.

Syosset Taxi Cab Driver and Passenger Trapped Inside Burning Cab

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15692 — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

An accident occurred yesterday June 22, causing train service to be shut down between Hicksville and Huntington. A taxi cab driver from Syosset was driving a passenger to their wanted destination when he lost control of his cab. The taxi cab driver blames faulty brakes for losing control, which caused him to crash through a fence and end up on the third rail of the LIRR. The cab then caught on fire with the driver and passenger still inside. Firefighters pulled both from the burning vehicle. Both, driver and passenger, were taken to Syosset Hospital with minor injuries.

Garden City Work Accident Leaves Man with Two Fingers

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15688 — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Manuel Rosario was working at Hughes-Treitler, an aerospace company in Garden City. The machine he was working on slammed shut before he could pull his hands away, leaving him with two thumbs and a portion of his right pinkie finger. Manuel has taken an optimistic view on his accident and believes he just has to be strong and take care of himself. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is conducting an investigation.

Four Car Collision in Sagaponack

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15680 — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Robert Damiecki, age sixty four was charged with a DWI after a four car collision in Sagaponack. He was driving eastbound on Montauk Highway at about one in the afternoon. He lost control of his 1985 Chevrolet pickup truck and swerved into the westbound where he collided with two vehicles. One of the vehicles he hit then hit another vehicle stopped at a red light. One of the vehicles that he first hit crashed into a utility pole which came crashing down. This caused about one hundred seventy five houses to lose power for about three hours. Robert Damiecki and one of the other drivers suffered minor injuries and were taken to Southampton Hospital.

Freeport, 18 Year Old Faces 59 Years in Prison

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15678 — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Kayla Gerdes, an 18 year old from Freeport faces up to 59 years in prison. She had been convicted of the death of a 69 year old woman named Rebecca Twine-Wright who was a doctor. Kayla Gerdes is charged with manslaughter, for attacking the women and running into her property. At the time of her arrest, Gerdes had prescription medication in her system. The defense argues that there is no proof of the drugs in her system because a toxicology report was taken four hours after the arrest. Gerdes is also charged with grand larceny for stealing her mother's jewelry to pay for her drug habit. Currently, Kayla Gerdes is being held on bond, she is in and out of the prison's medical ward.

Car Accident Takes Life of Hempstead Resident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15677 — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

During the early morning hours of June 21st, a man lost control of his acura and proceeded to crash into a light pole positioned on the side of the Southern State Parkway. The driver, a resident from Hempstead, died as a result of the collision. Three other passengers were in the vehicle during the crash and each sustained injuries that were not life threatening. The surviving passengers were treated at Nassau Univeristy Medical Center.

Copiague Man Killed in Hit and Run

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15674 — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Natalio Mosso was walking to get dinner with his cousin, when he was killed by a hit and run driver. The two cousins were only two blocks away from their house when the Toyota Avalon went up on the sidewalk and killed Natalio Mosso. His cousin was not hurt. Witnesses saw the driver of the car get out and flee the scene. Police are still searching for a suspect. Witnesses have helped in the search by providing the license plate and a brief description of the suspect. Natalio Mosso was living in the United States for the past six years, trying to make a better life for himself. He worked two jobs and sent most of the money he earned back to Mexico where his mother lived. Leaders of Mosso's community are raising money, so his body can be sent back to his country.

BP to Pay 20 Billion in Compensation

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15611 — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

BP has agreed to establish a 20 billion dollar compensation fund for those who have been affected by the horrific oil spill. The 20 billion dollars will be put into an escrow account that will then be managed by an independent third party. The account will be used to compensate the many small businesses, fishermen, and regular day people of the Gulf region who have been adversly affected by the spill. The agreement came after the public pressured BP to do more in order to help those whom the company has hurt.

Small Plane Crash in Bohemia

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15457 — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

David Rowe, age 51, a student in a flight class was practicing "touch and go" landings at Long Island MacArthur Airport when the flight took a wrong turn and ended up crashing into two industrial building in Bohemia. David Jansen, the instructor of the fight class received second degree burns. The student David Rowe received burns to over fifty percent of his body. A nearby EMT worker, Bonnie Mincler, was first on site when she heard the crash. She called for a helicopter to airlift the student to the hospital. David Rowe was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital. Both are currently in stable conditions.

Ronkonkoma Women Dies in a Factory

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15337 — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Yolanda Gonzalez, a Ronkonkoma woman dies at L & S Packing in East Farmingdale. She was labeling canned tomatoes when nearby pallets loaded with bottles of vodka sauce fell on her. Several coworkers tried to help her. The accident occurred on Tuesday June 1, 2010 at 6:30 PM. Ms. Gonzalez, age 39, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sun Bather run over by Cop SUV in Long Beach

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15217 — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A forty year old man was relaxing on the beach when he was run over by a Cop SUV responding to a call. The man was taken to Nassau County Medical Center where he remains in stable condition with internal injuries. The Beach Cop was responding to a surfer in distress, when he ran the man over. The beach cop was racing to the water and did not see the man in his low chair. Sand dunes also blocked the view.

Accident on Set in New York City

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15216 — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

The shooting of the movie "The Smurfs" has been taking place in New York City. On Thursday May 20, production was stopped due to an accident on set. The accident occurred at around 6:30 AM. They were working in the famous toy store FAO Schwarz during the night shooting a scene. A man working on set fell from a 30 foot set lift. Paramedics were called to the accident and the man was taken to Bellevue Hospital Center. The man is now in stable condition.

Four New York Teens Hurt When Driver Faints

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15215 — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Three 19 year olds and a 16 year old were driving upstate. They decided to see if they could hold their breaths as they drove through the city of Garbutt. Garbutt is a rural city in the Rochester area that is claimed to only be just three-tenths of a mile long. Police say that the driver fainted and lost control of the car, crashing into a boulder. None of the teens were injured seriously. They were all treated at a hospital and released.

Three Huntington Residents Die in Houseboat

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15156 — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Tuesday May 18, a woman and two men were found unconscious on a houseboat located in Huntington Harbor. They were taken to Huntington Hospital where they were pronounced dead. Suffolk County Police blame carbon monoxide for the deaths. When police searched the boat they found a portable generator, which they believed could be the source of the fumes that killed the three.

Four Teenagers Hit By Driver in Garden City

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)15048 — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Four girls age sixteen from Herricks High School were crossing Old Country Road when they were hit by a driver. One girl was seriously injured with a head injury and received 170 stitches in her head. The three others were taken to a hospital with less serious injuries. Steve Loverde chased down the driver and was able to write down the license plate number. Thanks to his help the driver was caught and has to appear in court to face charges of assault, reckless driving and four counts of endangering the welfare of children.

Elderly Man from Huntington Killed in Car Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)14559 — Thu, 06 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Ulysses Taylor of Huntington, a veteran, churchman, gardener, farmer, father and grandfather died in an accident on April 28, 2010. He was coming home in an ambulette from a program for senior citizen in Kings Park. The accident occurred just off Jericho Turnpike in East Northport when the ambulette collided with a car. His son says his father should not have left us this way.

Stony Brook Student Killed In Car Crash

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)14412 — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Paul Richards, a Stony Brook student from Georgia and formally from Snata Cruz, was killed in a car accident. He was a passenger in a 1998 Nissan Altima. He, along with two other friends were driving to Penn State when their car snacked into the back of a tractor-trailer at about 12:33 am. Pennsylvania State police are still investigating the cause of the accident. Paul was a fun loving kid obsessed with sports especially basketball.

Fatal Railroad Crash in University Park

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)14237 — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Katie Lunn, age 26 was killed on Friday April 16, 2010 when an Amtrak truck slammed into her vehicle. She was on her way home from a dance competition when she approached the railroad tracks in University Park. The gates and warning signals designed to alert motorists of nearby trains did not function and there was nothing to notify her of an oncoming train. An investigation is taking place to find out whether this was an intentional act or a malfunction. An Amtrak official has cleared their employees even though, the morning of the accident they were working on the tracks at the same spot of the crash.

Jennifer Convertible CEO Killed Queens Man

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)14150 — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

On April 15, 2010, the CEO of Jennifer Convertible, Harly J. Greenfield, was arrested for driving under the influence. He struck and killed a man who was crossing the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. Greenfield was driving a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt when he hit Rohman Mohammed, a 54 year old resident of Queens, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fatal Hit-and-Run in Roslyn Heights

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)14148 — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Monday, April 19, 2010, a hit-and-run accident occurred in Roslyn Heights on Long Island. The car which fled the scene was heading eastbound on Warner Avenue when it struck a elderly women and left her dead at the scene. Police are still investigating the accident and trying to find the light colored car that hit the women and a parked car.

Hit and Run Car Accident in Smithtown

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)13961 — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

On November 24, 2009, 11 year old Courtney Sipes and her brother were crossing the street when a vehicle struck her, killing her and left the scene. The driver Maureen Lambert was able to be tracked down with the help from surveillance cameras. Monday March 29, 2010, Maureen Lambert's charges were upgraded to manslaughter after toxicology reports that heroin was in her sytem during the time of the accident.

Amagansett Man and Daughter Survived Car Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)13960 — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Pascal Dangin and his daughter Cecilia were on their way home from the airport after their Caribbean vacation when another driver smashed into their vehicle. Neither, Pascal or his daughter were harmed in the accident. The other driver was arrested and will be charged with suspicion of driving while intoxicated. However, she was rushed to the hospital for the injuries sustained in the crash and will be formally charge upon her release.

Bethpage Multi-vehicle Car Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)13957 — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Wednesday March 31, 2010, a multi-vehicle crash occured on a dangerous intersecton in Bethpage. The crash claimed the lives of a women and her 11 year old daughter. Police officers of Nassau County said a tractor trailer and at least four cars were involved in the crash. A local resident said she felt her house vibrate 100 feet away and told the police that she has seen many vehicles run the light at this intersection.

Long Island Man is Awarded Millions For Lost Leg

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)13706 — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Brooklyn Federal jury awarded 16.6 million to Thomas Hartman for the loss of his leg when a squad car ran over him. In 2004 Hartman was wanted for making harrasing phone calls to his wife. He was trying to run away when a detective ran him down crushing his legs.The jury concluded that the detective acted with an evil motive and callous disregard for Hartman's rights.

Bronx Ironworker In Construction Accident Wins Big Decision

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)13614 — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

On June 28th of 2003, Hugh Gallagher, an ironworker at a Bronx construction site, fell through a floor while he was attempting to hold onto a jammed power saw. He started his lawsuit against the owner of the property and he attempted to file a motion for suumay judgement which the Supreme Court denied. The reasoning had to do with a prior accident and whether Mr. Gallagher returned to work prematurely which could have been the sole cause of the accident. The Appellate Division agreed with the Supreme Court based on a diifferent reason. It was their belief that the testimony was conflicting as to whether Mr. Gallagher should have used safety equipment which was supposedly on the property. The Court of Appeals reversed and said summary judgement should have been granted for Mr. Gallagher as there was no evidence that he was aware of any safety equipment on the premises and thus owners were in violation of Labor Law 240 which provides strict liabilty against the owner for failure to provide safety equipment.

If you have been involved in a construction accident on Long Island or in New York City call our office for a FREE report on How To Hire An Accident Lawyer.

Bronx Accident Critically Injures Young Boy

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)13599 — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Four year old Joshua Delarosa was critically injured when a pedestrian sign fell on him while he was walking to daycare with his mother. The sign falling was caused by a car accident between a cab driver and a delivery truck. The cab driver was forced to swerve when the truck driver cut him off. The police are charging neither driver. The boy is now in critical condition at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Family members cannot understand how it is no one's fault.

If you have been involved in an accident, contact the firm of Goldstein & Bashner, P.C.

Long Island Accident Injures Celebrity News Caster Matt Lauer

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)13503 — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Matt Lauer, Co-host of the Today Show, was bike riding on Long Island when a deer jumped in front of him. This casued him to fall and dislocated his shoulder.

Hicksville Long Island Accident at Daycare Results in Death

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)13301 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Carousel Daycare owner Eugene Formica and assistant director Kathryn Cordaro are being charged with the death of a 2 years old after she choked on a carrot on March 17, 2009. They are being charged with several charges including felony reckless assault of a child by a daycare provider, which they have pleaded not guilty to. Prosecutors are pursuing the felony under the "Jeremy and Julia's Law. This law was used in 1998 when infants died in Albany and Florida daycares.

Bethpage Man Killed in Car Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)13250 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Thursday evening, March 4, 2010, a Bethpage man was killed in a car accident. Richard Horan was driving on Silber Avenue heading south, when he went into cardiac arrest. He immediately lost control of his car. His car finally stopped when it crashed into the bleachers on the athletic field of Bethpage High School. Richard was taken to Plainview Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Fortunately no one else was injured.

If you have been involved in a car accident, contact the firm of Goldstein & Bashner.

Queens Man Killed By Hit and Run Drunk Driver

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)12816 — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Queens delivery man for a chinese restaurant was killed in a hit and run accident February 12 2010. After the man was dragged the police was caught up with the driver who was charged with drunk driving and leaving the scene of the accident. It was later learned that the man had been previously charged with DWI. The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he died of his injuries.

Firefighters Injured In 2001-Cases Presented For Settlement

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)12691 — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

In December of 2001 New York was rocked by a titanium explosion at 1 New York Plaza. It was thought at first that the explosion was another terror attack. It was not. But 38 firefighters suffered very bad injuries and some could not go back to the job they cared so deeply about. The case was handled by many different lawyers and made its way through the court system. There were dozens and dozens of depositions, federal court litigation, numerous motions before the state court and finally the case was presented to a State Supreme Court Judge to Conference the matters for resolution. Many of these cases have been resolved. Our office is proud to have represented one of the firefighters who had a career ending injury.

Long Island Fatal DWI Crash Centereach Teen Charged

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)12604 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Centereach Long Island teenager was charged with DWI after she lost control of her vehicle and slammed into a tree. Two men from Hauppauge were killed in the accident. Two other men inside the car were taken to Southside Hospital with internal injuries. The driver was arraigned and charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

Drunk driving accident victims can get more information here.

Bronx Lawyer-Dean of School is hit with sex abuse lawsuit

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)12294 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A lawsuit was filed in the Bronx Supreme Court against James West former school dean of Cardinal Hayes High School for sexual abuse of a student. According to the legal papers the dean unzipped the 19 year old student's zipper and tried to touch him. The claim is also that the dean offered to perform oral sex on the student. West was arrested last year and plead guilty to second-degree harassment and given a conditional discharge. The High School's former pricipal Christopher Keogan was forced out in February of 2008 for having inappropriate images on his computer and a former spanish teacher pleaded guilty to having sex witha 16 year old student in 2003. If you would like to more information please contact us at our website.

New York Train Injury Lawyer-Judge Whacks Transit

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)12280 — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Supreme Court Justice Robert Miller has hit the New York City Transit Authority with a $15,000.00 penalty. It has taken three years for the Authority to turn over data related to an accident that took the life of Ronald Wilson from Brooklyn. Judge Miller stated that "If the actions were not willful,they were inept and evinced a total disregard for the NYCTA's discovery obligations under the CPLR". The closes the Authority came to responding to the outstanding discovery was to turn over a one page non-responsive document. The Judge awarded the plaintiff's attorney $14,500.00 in fees for all the time they had to put in to get the documents and $500.00 for costs. It started in October of 2006 when the plaintiff's attorney requested all forensic documents and in April of 2008 the Court ordered the Authority to turn over the documents within forty five days which they failed to do. Finally the Court said it had enough and penalized the Authority with the $15,000.00 award. If you have been involved in train accident contact us immediately.

Long Island Car Accidents and Texting

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)12136 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to the Frederal Department of Highway Transportation nearly 100 teenagers from New York City and Long Island have died from texting. According to Senator Charles Schumer half of those teenagers are from Long Island. The ban which became law in New York on November 1st 2009 should be extended nationwide so says Schumer. The announcement by Schumer came during the Distracted Drivers Summit in Washington D.C.. The summit was organized by the Department of Transportation which is looking for different ways to combat a nationwide growing problem.

Long Island Driver Arrested- Drunk Driving-Leandra's Law

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)12027 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

It appears that a 50 year old Riverhead Long Island man has been arrested and charged with breaking Leandra's Law. The arrest took place in the Throgs Neck section of The Bronx when the man was driving with his 3 year old daughter in the backseat. The police say the man was seen driving at high speeds which resulted in the pull over. Under the Cild Protection Act otherwise known as Leandra's Law, it is a felony for anyone to drive while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs with children 15 years or younger in the car. Previous to Leandra's Law it was a misdemeanor to drive while intoxicated and then it could be reduced to a traffic violation.

Accident Victims Looting The City of New York

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)12014 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The New York Post reports that The City of New York has paid a record $563 million in lawsuits. This appears to be substantially higher than the $528 million paid out last year. The Post reports on the largest payout to ferry crash victim James McMillian who recieved $18 million for his quadriplegic injuries. Overall $45 million went to ferry crash victims. Most of the 7,000 cases were setlled out of court. In fact only a few dozen went to a verdict as the City does not take its chances with the jury pool. Of course The Post also reports on the $150,000 settlement of a police brutality case involving an alleged drug dealer. The City has changed its tactics from many years ago in which they never settled cases to now in which they attempt to make fair offers instead of going to trial. Fay Leoussus, head of the Law Department, says "Instead of risking a very large verdict, a descision is sometimes made to settle".

Bay Shore Accident Lawyer- Long Island Victim Served In the Army

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)11736 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Gregory Prince a Bayshore Long Island resident was killed in a hit and run accident on Saturday morning while walking to a convenience store. The victim was taken to Southside Hospital where he died on Sunday from the injuries he sustained. Investigators have determined that an SUV may have struck the victim. The family of Mr. Prince is distraught as the driver of the vehicle did not have the decency to stop after the accident. Mr. Price served in the United States Army and also the Salvation Army and was loved by his entire family.

East Meadow Accident Lawyer- Charges Added to Driver Who Killed Two

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)11684 — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

James Farr, 33, was arrested during the early morning hours on Aug. 23 following a crash that claimed the lives of Thomas Occhiogrosso, 27, of Riverhead, who was crossing Hempstead Turnpike near Conti Square Boulevard with his brother, 28-year-old Joseph Occhiogrosso of East Meadow, when they were both hit by the BMW driven by Farr.Investigators said Farr had a blood alcohol content of .21 percent, more than twice the legal limit .
On Monday, Farr was indicted on two additional charges of second-degree manslaughter and two counts of criminally negligent homicide. Farr's attorney is claiming that since Hempstead Turnpike is one of the most dangerous roads on Long Island that the accident was unavoidable. He also claims that the victims were intoxicated. A funeral was held for both brothers in Westbury .The brothers had grown up in East Meadow and still took care of their mother who lives there.

Long Island Estate is Sued by Accident Victim's Estate

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)11679 — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two victims of the wrong-way crash that killed eight people on a New York highway have filed a lawsuit against the estate of Diane Schuler. The estate of Guy and Michael Bastardi have filed suit against the estate of the Long Island mother who was blamed for the July 26th crash. The collision with the Bastardis' SUV killed Schuler, her 2-year-old daughter, three young nieces, the Bastardis and their friend Daniel Longo, 74. Schuler's 5-year-old son, Bryan, survived. The lawsuit was filed in White plains and claims that the victims suffered tremendous pain and suffering before they died. Although Diane Schuler's husband has refused to act as administrator of her estate the Public Administrator will step in and and will be the named defendant. The defendants clearly want to question the Diane Schulers husband and ask him what he knew about his wife's drinking and specifically what she may have consumed (either alcohol or drugs) prior to the accident.

Brentwood Long Island Construction Worker Injured in Cesspool Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)11660 — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A worker building a cesspool in an East Hills, Long Island home was resued after being trapped for five hours in a thirty five foot hole. Mario Flores of Brentwood was listed in stable condition at Nassau County Medical Center in East Meadow.Although the accident occured on Long Island, Con Edison of New York City sent over special trucks to try and vacum the dirt from the cesspool which had covered Mr. Flores up to his chest. Although the dirt kept falling back into the hole rescue workers finally built a wooden box out of 2 by 4s and plywood. Neither the employer or the owner of the could be reached for any comments. If you have been involved in a construction accident on Long Island or in New York City visit here.

Bronx Car Accident Lawyer- Bruckner Expressway Possible Construction Debris

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)11616 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

On December 4th 2009 Suejas Eastrada was killed when she was driving on the Bruckner Expresssway. Tom Brokaw the former NBC newcaster was also involved in the accident. It appears Ms. Estrada was attempting to get out of the way of some construction debris and/or a reel of cable when the accident occured. It is unknown wether the spool of cable was accidentally placed in the roadway or was part of some construction debris.Mr. Brokaw and his wife were not hurt in the car accident. A Postal Service truck was also involved and the driver of the truck was released from Westchester Medical Center. The accident occued where the Bruckner Expressway merges with the Sheridan Expressway. Police are still investigating.

Staten Island Hit-and-Run Accident

blog@www.eglaw.com (News Author)11544 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Staten Island couple were walking across the street to their church for a Thanksgiving eve service when they were struck by a vehicle and killed. Mr. Sabados, 78, and Mrs. Sabados, 77, were both taken to Staten Island University Hospital. Mr. Sabados died within 45 minutes of the accident, Mrs. Sabados died early the next morning. Mr. Sabados was a retired pharmacist and his wife worked a local college. Both were well known to the community and will be missed by all that knew them. Allmir Lekperic was driving his Ford Econoline van when he hit the couple as they crossed the street to enter their church. He turned himself into the police the day after the accident. His license has been suspended at least 29 times since 2006 and has been pulled over for not wearing a seat belt and driving while talking on his cell phone numerous times.

If you have been in an accident, please contact Goldstein & Bashner.