Construction Worker Falls 8 Stories and Survives

A construction worker cheats death after he survives a fall off a building he was working on in New York. Construction accident lawyers know just how lucky he is. The construction accident occurred when a plank snapped under the feet of the worker. Scaffolding eight floors below the location of his fall is credited with breaking the construction worker’s descent and saving him from death. David Perecman comments about this “Miracle on Eighth Avenue”. Following this accident, the construction company was ordered to halt all construction on the site by the New York City Buildings Department. New York construction accident lawyers are supporting that call.

New York Man Killed in Tragic Tugboat Accident

New York personal injury attorney David Perecman comments on a recent tragedy in which a worker on a tugboat is crushed to death after he gets tangled in some cables. As investigators look into what caused this fatal accident, attorneys know there is much to look into. Factors contributing to the death can include everything from carelessness to lack of safety equipment to, even, improper training. In New York, personal injury attorneys at The Perecman Firm help their clients – and the court – determine which party is to blame by doing evidence gathering of their own.

The Holidays are Here!

The holidays are here once again. As Christmas and New Years are quickly approaching, people can get caught up with the holiday spirit and can put their safety at risk. These holidays are a happy time which are spent with family and friends to spend some quality time together. Like every holiday, many people will travel to see their loved ones.

Unfortunately, holidays such as Christmas and New Years have an increased amount of auto and truck accidents in New York. The joyful holidays can turn tragic if there are any type of accidents including construction, automobile, and truck accidents. New York auto accident lawyers want to remind everyone to stay alert and safe during the holiday season.

May everyone have a safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

First Snow Storm of the Season Brings Dangerous Conditions In New York

The first snow storm of the season hit New York City this weekend. The snow created dangerous conditions after Manhattan recorded 11 inches of snow. It has created dangerous conditions that can cause slip and fall accidents. As people try to dig themselves out of the snow and try to get around the city, they are urged to make sure to pay attention to where they walk and to be careful of the conditions around them.

Snow and ice create slippery conditions which can cause slip and fall accidents in New York. These accidents result in injuries such as broken bones, neck and back injuries, paralysis, and sometimes even death. A lot of these accidents are preventable. Snow and ice removal can make sidewalks and streets safer. Sometimes, these hazards can be attributed to negligence on the part of property owners.

U.S. Airliner Overshoots Runway and Crashes

An American Airlines flight from Miami with more than 150 passengers on board overshot a runway while landing during a heavy rainstorm in Kingston, Jamaica on December 22, 2009. The crash injured more than 40 people and miraculously, everyone survived. Flight 331 skidded across a road at Norman Manley International Airport and stopped at the edge of the Caribbean Sea. According to the Associated Press, the nose of the jet was less than 10 feet from the water.

Approximately 44 passengers were taken to nearby hospitals with broken bones, cuts, and bruises. Four people were seriously injured. According to an American Airlines spokesman, the plane's fuselage was cracked, its right engine broke off from impact and the left main landing gear collapsed. New York construction accident lawyers think that it was a miracle that everyone survived the crash.

Fatal Crash in Brooklyn has Pedestrians Demanding Changes at Busy Intersection

A fatal crash on a busy Greenpoint street has sparked demands that the city make changes to the neighborhood’s busiest and most dangerous intersection. The death of Solange Raulston on December 13, 2009 has shown the risk of crossing at the intersection of McGuinness Boulevard and Nassau Avenue. Ms. Raulston was on her bicycle going west on Nassau Avenue when a truck driving in the same direction sideswiped her.

Accident tracker Transportation Alternatives said that were 34 crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists from 1995-2005 at Nassau Avenue and McGuinness Boulevard, which made it the most dangerous intersection in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The intersection is dangerous because it is the meeting point of cars and trucks speeding down McGuinness Boulevard with a large number of pedestrians walking down the busy Nassau Avenue.

According to the New York City Department of Transportation, there were accidents involving 14 pedestrians, including one deadly crash last year. According to the New York Daily News, the city will begin reconstructing Nassau Avenue next year in a project that will improve safety by shortening the distance it takes to cross the street. Auto accident lawyers think that safety should be the top priority.

Not so independent medical examinations

I was shocked a few days ago, after I spoke with my client, who is a victim of a motor vehicle accident, when I learned that a doctor, hired by defendant's insurance company, to "independently" evaluate the client's medical condition, prepared a sworn report that was completely false. What was really outrageous was that he would discuss my client's range of motion with specific percentages and numbers, as the doctor said himself, statements to be true under penalties of perjury, while his less than 10 minutes long evaluation was limited to a conversation while both the doctor and the client were sitting at the doctor's desk. He did not perform any medical exam and did not perform the range of motion test that he mentions in his report. In fact he did not even ask him to get up from the chair and yet he wrote a sworn report with very specific range of motion figures! That report is a complete lie.

The so called "independent" medical examinations, performed on request of the insurance companies of either the defendants or no fault carriers, are common in all kinds of accidents including to name just a few, motor vehicle cases, workers' compensation and construction accidents. The exams are most of the time very brief and end with a report in favor of the insurance company that wants to show that the injured person has recovered.

These medical exams, although not independent by any definition, are very important elements of every case and often are a tool for the defendants in the settlement negotiations process. If you were subjected to such an exam, where you were asked to fill out some questionnaires and than had a brief conversation with a doctor to amplify your responses, but you had no thorough physical exam, you should immediately notify you attorney. You can always contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer for a free consultation.

Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Unlicensed Truck Driver in New York

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a truck in Manhattan on December 21, 2009, when an unlicensed delivery truck driver ran a red light and caused a chain-reaction crash. Catorino Solis, 48, was waiting to cross Park Avenue at 50th Street at around 5:15 a.m. when the driver of the truck, Everildo Quevedo, ran a red light.

According to the New York Daily News, Quevedo was traveling south on Park Avenue and was turning left onto 50th Street when his truck smashed into a Nissan pick-up truck heading north on Park Avenue. Quevedo then struck Solis, who was standing on the northeast corner of the intersection. Solis was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The pick-up truck driver was in stable condition after being treated at Bellevue Hospital for a back injury.

New York truck accident lawyers understand the effects that accidents have on the victims. Truck accidents involve an entirely different level of potential for injury due to the size and weight of these trucks. Therefore, truck accidents are incredibly dangerous. It is not unusual for victims of these truck accidents to have permanent injuries and disabilities.

2009 Manhattan Snow Storm Leaves Big Mess of Snow and Ice

In New York, personal injury attorneys know, slip and falls occur regularly due to the ice and snow brought on by winter conditions. Now, in one day alone a powerful snowstorm dumps close to a foot of snow on Manhattan. As New Yorkers know, there may be more to come and what is there now, will be there for days, melting and messy. As New York residents go about their business, they should be mindful of where and how they walk. Snow and ice increase the risk of having a slip and fall tremendously, and pedestrians can be responsible for their own injuries. However, when falls happen as a result of negligence or misconduct on the part of the property owner or property manager, the injured individual may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.

Multiple Auto Accidents in One Week Mean a Typical Week

Every week the local newspapers deliver stories of auto accidents in New York. Auto accident lawyer David Perecman can’t even remember a week where not one person was killed or injured by a car or truck. This past week, New York auto accident lawyers followed the hit and run death of a grandfather and the death of a Brooklyn DJ, sideswiped by a truck while riding her bicycle. There were numerous other auto accident reported as well. Cars, trucks, bike riders and pedestrians are all mindful that they are sharing the road and all need to take even more caution. Mutual courtesy and alertness is something all drivers and walkers need more of, according to New York auto accident lawyers.

Drunk Driver in New York Punished Under Leandra's Law

A man in Staten Island has become the first person in New York to be punished under the tough guidelines of Leandra’s Law because he was caught driving with a blood alcohol level of three times the legal limit. Bernando Gonzalez, 41, will have to use an ignition lock on his car for at least six months under a provision of the new law.

Leandra’s Law mandates that anyone convicted of felony DWI needs to use devices which force drivers to blow into a tube to prove they are sober before their car will start. The law is named after Leandra Rosado, 11, who was killed while riding in a car with a drunken driver operating it. The law is best known for giving out strong penalties on anyone who drives drunk with a child in their car. Auto accident lawyers in New York agree that this law will benefit everyone.

New York Hit and Run Accident Kills Pedestrian

A well liked dentist was mowed down by a hit and run driver and then fatally struck by a second car near his Brooklyn office. Harry Lewner was crossing Fourth Avenue in Bay Ridge on December 17 when a Kia smashed into him, causing him to land across the lane and into the path of an oncoming Honda.

Karissa McFaline, 21, was the driver of the Kia that initially fled the scene of the accident but turned herself in approximately 90 minutes after the accident. McFaline was charged with leaving the scene of an accident. The driver of the Honda remained at the scene of the accident and was not charged. According to the New York Daily News, Mr. Lewner’s patients loved him and are stunned that this accident occurred. Auto accident lawyers in New York understand that vehicle accidents involving pedestrians can result with serious `injuries or even death.

Teen Sues Softball Coach for Sliding Injury

A high school softball player is suing the city, claiming she broke her ankle because her coach never taught her how to slide properly. 15-year-old Alina Cerda says she has not been playing for seven months due to her injury and wants the New York City Education Department and the Francis Lewis High School softball coach to be held accountable.

The lawsuit was filed by Alina’s personal injury lawyer in New York State Supreme Court, Queens county. It states that Alina needed six screws and a metal plate to fuse the ankle she broke while sliding on a muddy day during a practice. Alina missed her freshman season due to the injury.

Her personal injury lawyer states that the coach was not supervising the sliding drill and had some of the team’s experienced players teaching the new players how to do it. Alina’s ankle twisted when her cleat got caught in the mud. She has been going to physical therapy to regain the strength and flexibility so she can play this upcoming Spring.

Man Burned in Fatal Fire Plans to Sue the City

A man who was badly burned last month in a fatal fire in Queens, where firefighters were sent to the wrong address plans, to sue the city with the help of his personal injury lawyer in New York. Shari Ahammad spent 18 days in a burn unit after his hair caught on fire as he tried to alert his fellow residents of the fire in the Woodside home.

His personal injury lawyer is stating that the Department of Buildings should never have let the house be split illegally into five apartments. The lawyer also claims that the Fire Department should not have sent fire engines to the wrong house. By doing so, the firefighters arrival took longer than 5 minutes. The delay occurred because a dispatcher typed the wrong address into a computer. Three people died and four others were injured in the fire.

Construction Worker Killed By Granite Slabs

New York personal injury attorneys take notice of a recent news story in which a worker in a New York City construction supply store is killed by falling granite slabs. The question in all their legal minds is whether this was truly a freak accident or an accident caused by a violation of safety regulations. With all the possible causes and theories, the investigation needs to be completed by officials of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration before that question can be answered. New York personal injury attorneys know, If the accident was not the worker’s fault, and if someone else was, at least partially responsible for the falling slab, the claim for compensation will be tremendously different then if the worker is found to be entirely at fault.

Winter Safety Tips for Construction Workers

For New York construction workers, especially those who must spend part or all of their time outdoors, winter weather conditions increases the risk for injury and death greatly. Bone chilling winds, temperatures that can reach negative numbers, snow, ice, and freezing rain can cause workers to suffer from cold related injuries including hypothermia and frostbite. Despite the long list of hazards and accidents associated with the cold, there are steps both construction workers and their employers can take to minimize on-the-job risks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers comprehensive and recommended tips.

New York Worker Killed by Falling Granite Slabs

A construction worker was involved in an accident in Brooklyn on December 14, 2009. Yuquan Chen, 47, was killed when a load of granite tiles fell on top of him. This tragic construction accident occurred at 9:30 a.m.

The tiles were stacked on top of each other from the floor up at First Choice Supply in Borough Park. Some of the granite slabs fell on Mr. Chen’s head, instantly killing him. Mr. Chen’s co-workers quickly tried to use a fork lift to rescue him from under the heavy granite slabs.

According to the New York Daily News, this construction accident is being investigated by the NYPD and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA will be looking for violations of workplace safety standards.

Firefighter Saves Woman's Life after Car Accident

An off duty firefighter from New York City prevented a tragic accident from occurring on December 12, 2009. Firefighter Vinny Sottile sprung into action and saved a woman trapped in her burning car after a crash on a Connecticut highway. Mr. Sottile was driving on Interstate 95 after spending a day at Mohegan Sun Casino when he seen the accident.

Mr. Sottile jumped out of his truck and gathered his firefighter gear out of the rear of the vehicle and proceeded to extinguish the fire in the car. The woman was identified as Janice Vaillancourt. She regained consciousness in the ambulance and is expected to survive.

According to the New York Daily News, Mr. Sottile said, “I left Mohegan Sun up $5 and I saved a woman. Not a bad day.” Thanks to this quick-thinking firefighter, a fatal accident was prevented.

Hit And Run Accident in New York

A grandfather, who had four children and two grandchildren, was killed after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver as he attempted to cross the street in Brooklyn. 73 year-old Hugo Janssen was struck by a dark Chevrolet Suburban. Mr. Janssen was left bleeding in the street after attempting to cross Fourth Avenue near 46th Street in Sunset Park. Mr. Janssen later died at Lutheran Medical Center.


This is classified as a hit and run accident because the driver did not stop to provide their information. Any person involved in an accident is required to stop and provide information. Failure to stop after an accident is seen as “hit and run" and can have serious consequences ranging from fines to prison time. New York auto accident lawyers fight for the injured people.

Brooklyn DJ Killed In Car Accident

A Brooklyn DJ died on December 13, 2009 when she was sideswiped by a truck as she rode her bike in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. 33-year-old Solange Raulston, known as DJ Reverend Soul, was scheduled to play a gig on the same day of the accident. Ms. Raulston’s tragic accident occurred on Nassau Avenue as she rode her bike to her day job at a florist. New York auto accident lawyers know that Nassau Avenue is a busy street used by many cars and trucks.

Ms. Raulston moved to New York five years ago. She was known to be the life of the party, and a dancer and socialite in London and Israel according to her friend Jesse Graham. Her roommate said Ms. Raulston was outrageously kind, genuine and a very creative person. On the night of her accident, one of Ms. Raulston’s bands, Soul Survivor, played a tribute to her at Bembe, a music club in Williamsburg.

MTA Releases Accident Report of Crossings

The MTA released a new report on December 9, 2009, showing accidents and injuries at various crossings. New York auto accident lawyers think this report will inform commuters of which bridges and tunnels have a large number of accidents occurring. The Verrazano Bridge saw the biggest increases with 57 more accidents and 17 more injuries in 2009 than 2008. The Robert F. Kennedy bridge saw the biggest decreases with 78 less accidents and 10 less injuries in 2009 than 2008.

MTA officials said they will provide more personnel on the Verrazano to help decrease the amount of accidents and injuries. The Bronx-Whitestone, Cross Bay, Marine Parkway and Throgs Neck bridges and the Queens Midtown Tunnel saw modest accident increases. The Brooklyn-Battery tunnel and Henry Hudson Bridge saw decreases.

Here are the differences from 2008 to 2009 by crossing:

DIFFERENCES FROM 2008 TO 2009 BY CROSSING

Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel
Difference in accidents: -30
Difference in injuries: -4

Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
Difference in accidents: 8
Difference in injuries: -9

Cross Bay Bridge
Difference in accidents: 8
Difference in injuries: 4

Henry Hudson Bridge
Difference in accidents: -10
Difference in injuries: -2

Marine Parkway Bridge
Difference in accidents: 3
Difference in injuries: 1

Queens Midtown Tunnel
Difference in accidents: 10
Difference in injuries: -7

RFK Bridge
Difference in accidents: -78
Difference in injuries: -10

Throgs Neck Bridge
Difference in accidents: 7
Difference in injuries: -3

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
Difference in accidents: 57
Difference in injuries: 17

Man Falls into Train Gap and Gets Crushed

A man sustains injuries after falling into a gap between the subway station platform and a train that has just arrived. New York personal injury attorneys are almost all familiar with these “Watch the gap” cases. The attorney for the man who fell will face the uphill task of proving that the Metropolitan transit Authority was at fault. Usually these lawsuits are filed due to falls at Long Island Rail Road stations so attorneys are particularly curious to see what the details are surrounding this case, and then, based on those circumstances, what the outcome is.

Tom Brokaw Escapes Unhurt in Fatal Car Crash

NBC news veteran Tom Brokaw and his wife, Meredith, are involved in a fatal three-car crash in the Bronx. Both walk away from the auto accident uninjured, however, their involvement makes the story big news outside of New York. Auto accident attorney David Perecman is deeply sad for the victim and her family, but glad for the star power. After reading this tragic story, someone may just think twice before heading out on the highway without wearing a seatbelt or checking more than once that the cargo loaded on the outside of their vehicle is tied down correctly and securely.

Great news for injured workers!

Last month, New York Governor, David A. Paterson, signed a new law that prohibits private health insurance companies to seek reimbursement from the proceeds of a settlement in a personal injury action for medical treatment pertaining to the settled action. This law took effect immediately and is applicable to all pending cases.

As a New York personal injury attorney, it was always very difficult for me to explain to my clients, injured workers and victims of accidents, that after they settle their case, if any portion of their medical treatment for injuries sustained in their accident was paid for by their private medical insurance, that insurance company could have right to seek reimbursement from the proceeds of that settlement. Many of my clients were furious that they had to pay huge premiums every month to have medical coverage and in addition to that they had to pay back out of their pockets the amounts covered by that insurance. Now, it is no longer an issue!

This new law does not apply to statutory liens such as Medicaid, Medicare, Workers' Compensation and excess no-fault benefits. If you were injured at work or were a victim of an accident always contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer for a free consultation.

Winter Weather Increases Auto Accidents in New York

As the winter season is quickly approaching, it brings dangers of snow and ice for drivers. As if drivers did not have enough hazards to worry about without the dangerous weather conditions. Once a snow storm passes, everyone in New York City knows that there will be madness. The chance of an accident occurring increases drastically when snow or ice are involved.

The best advice an auto accident lawyer from New York gave me for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all if you do not have to. People should not go out until snow plows have done their jobs. Before driving in the snow, one must have the proper equipment and supplies in the car, such as:

- Snow Shovel
- Scraper
- Tow Chain or straps
- Tire chain
- Flashlight
- Salt
- Jumper Cables
- Warning device (such as a flare)
- First Aid Kit

Many people will agree that winter is the most difficult driving season. You have to deal with snow and ice, and there are less hours of daylight. Before the snow arrives, one needs to make sure that the vehicle’s tires are in good condition. Even if your car is in good condition and the tires are new, the driver of the vehicle must drive slowly and cautiously to avoid an accident.

Auto Accident at Dangerous Queens Intersection

A number of months ago, Queens Transportation commissioner Maura McCarthy rejected a plan for an all-way stop for a hazardous Middle Village intersection. A week ago, a bus carrying preschoolers was struck by a car and overturned. The auto accident occurred at the same intersection.

The New York City Department of Transportation studied car and pedestrian volumes, accidents, and other factors at the intersection of 76th Street and 69th Road. According to the New York Daily News, City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) had warned the New York City Department of Transportation by sending four letters and asking them to investigate whether “traffic calming measures” would improve safety at the dangerous intersection.

New York auto accident lawyers are outraged that no action has been taken. This dangerous intersection should have more safety regulations to prevent car accidents. Ms. Crowley said she will demand a four-way stop sign at the intersection as soon as possible to prevent more accidents from happening in the area.

Manhattan Beach Residents say Concrete Pots are Causing Accidents

Manhattan Beach residents are complaining that the concrete flower pots and other decorative displays on Oriental Boulevard are an accident waiting to happen. The residents are irate over the fact that New York City broke a promise to remove concrete flower pots that create a blind spot for drivers. The concrete pots have flowers growing in them that are about 4 feet tall. This obstructs the view of oncoming traffic for drivers turning from Oriental Boulevard onto the side streets in Manhattan Beach.

According to the New York Daily News, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation officials told the residents that they would move the oversized pots to the sidewalk instead of keeping them at the median. The officials said that this would be done by the end of September, but now are saying that they do not have the equipment to lift the heavy pots.

New York City Department of Transportation records show that there have been 10 reported car accidents on Oriental Boulevard this year. Auto accident lawyers in New York are concerned with the high probability of accidents occurring on the boulevard. Residents are urging that this dangerous situation be taken care of immediately.

Couple Killed in Hit and Run on Thanksgiving Eve Outside Church

A driver commits a hit-and-run driver after killing an elderly Staten Island couple. He then tells his sister to lie to police about what happened to his van, before turning himself in - five hours later - on the morning of Thanksgiving. David Perecman and other New York personal injury attorneys are sadden to learn that the driver’s license has been suspended more than two dozen times since 2006, as motor vehicle records reveal. Ironically, as happens in New York, personal injury attorneys note that, on the same day of the accident, community leaders met with city officials and representatives from the Department of Transportation to discuss the dangerous traffic conditions near the church.

New York City Cracks Down on Pedicabs

New York personal injury lawyers like David Perecman offer their support to the city and police as officials begin to strongly enforce rules for pedicabs. The bill to regulate the pedicab industry was passed by the City Council in late February of 2007. The new rules include a rigorous 16-point inspection process and require insurance that will cover drivers and passengers. While there has never been a fatal accident involving a pedicab in New York, personal injury lawyers are in general agreement that the 300-pound three-wheeled vehicles are no match for 3,000 pound cars, and being safe is far better than being sorry.

Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Car on Black Friday in New York

Black Friday is known as the most popular shopping day of the year. It is also happens to fall on a holiday weekend that is more accident prone than other days. Black Friday is always a hectic day as shoppers rush to the stores to buy heavily discounted items. With all of the excitement and joy of shopping for the upcoming Christmas season, people tend to act carelessly and accidents can happen.

One woman, Sonya Gayle Powell, was returning home from shopping with her fiance on Black Friday, November 27, 2009, when she was struck and killed by a driver in the Bronx. Ms. Powell was crossing Baychester Avenue when the tragic auto accident occurred. Ms. Powell was pronounced dead at Jacobi Hospital. According to the New York Post, Sheldon Reid, the driver of the vehicle, will be charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving a fatality and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

According to New York lawyers, auto accidents have become too common. Especially on holiday weekends such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, the probability of an accident occurring is increased. The holidays are supposed to be joyful celebrations but they can quickly turn into tragedies if people are injured or killed in an auto accident.

As Winter Approaches, Construction Becomes More Dangerous

If you are a construction worker, there are a variety of different accidents that can occur during your time on the job. New York construction accident attorneys understand the dangers of being a construction worker because workers use heavy machinery, lift heavy equipment, are high up on heights, and are exposed to other hazards while working. The workers might be using defective equipment or slip and fall, and both of these types of accidents can result in serious injuries to the construction worker.

As winter is approaching, construction workers are exposed to more hazards due to the cold and strong winds that mother nature will bring. All construction workers should be reminded about the potential dangers of the winter season and the risks of working outdoors during this time must not be ignored. Construction workers often work high above the ground on scaffolds on windy and extremely cold days. This type of weather changes a normal construction site to a more dangerous construction site.

If a worker has a construction accident, a lawyer can help advise the injured party of which actions can be taken. An accident can leave you seriously hurt and unable to return to work sometimes for a couple weeks and sometimes for the rest of your life.

New York Auto Accident Kills One Woman

Edith Schaller was killed after two cars crashed into each other and one of them jumped the curb, striking her in Brooklyn on November 30, 2009. Ms. Schaller was an 87-year-old former city school employee. She was walking on Avenue U near Hendrickson Street in Marine Park at 3:35 p.m. when the accident occurred. According to the New York Post, a Lexus slammed into a minivan and the minivan went onto the sidewalk and struck Ms. Schaller.

Ms. Schaller worked as a payroll secretary and substitute teacher with the old Board of Education. Ms. Schaller’s sons were in shock after the accident occurred. Both of the drivers stayed at the scene of the accident.

Auto accidents in New York involving pedestrians have become too common. When cars collide with pedestrians, there is a high possibility for serious injury. Pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents are a serious problem in New York City as well as other urban areas.