New York Injury Talk Blog

Accidents Remain the Top Cause of New York Traumatic Brain Injuries

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:43:11 -0500

Accidents, including falls and motor vehicle crashes, remain the number-one cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in New York, according to statistics compiled by the New York Department of Health. Traumatic brain injuries often leave lingering disabilities, including problems with memory, communication, and motor skills, with severe traumatic brain injuries frequently resulting in death or permanent disability.

Falls that cause traumatic brain injury are the leading cause of hospitalization among children ages zero to four and adults over 25, as well as the leading cause of death for adults over 45. Falls can occur in a wide range of situations. A New York slip and fall accident can cause a serious traumatic brain injury, as can falling in a workplace setting like a construction site or a manufacturing facility. Even a fall in an office building can cause serious harm, depending on the circumstances. Many falls, and the TBIs they cause, can be prevented.

The second most common cause of TBI in New York is car accidents. The New York Department of Health estimates that, on average, four New York residents lose their lives in car accidents each day. The combined cost for those injured in car accidents is over $700 million. TBIs are among the most expensive car accident injuries to treat. They often require an extended hospital stay and more follow-up, rehabilitation, and therapy appointments than other kinds of injuries.

If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident of any kind, the experienced NY traumatic brain injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin can help. We’ll fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need in the months and years to come. For a free case evaluation, call our office today at (212) 222-4336.

Human Error, Vehicle Malfunction, Environment All Play Role in New York Car Accidents

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:33:49 -0500

Over 300,000 car accidents occur in New York each year, according to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Over half of these accidents, luckily, don’t result in injuries or deaths. Those accidents that do cause injury or death, however, can result from a wide range of causes, which can be broken down into three categories: human error, vehicle malfunction, and environment.

Accidents caused by human error include distracted driving accidents, speeding-related accidents, drunk driving crashes, and other situations in which the driver’s accidental or deliberate behavior results in a crash. Some drivers cause accidents via negligence, while others cause accidents through events beyond their control, like a sudden medical emergency.

Vehicle-malfunction accidents in New York include situations in which a defective or broken vehicle part or system leads to an accident. Failing brakes are the most common cause of these types of accidents, followed by a tire failure such as a sudden flat. A vehicle malfunction may be simply due to wear and tear, or it may be caused by a defective part or a bungled repair.

Finally, environmental causes also result in crashes. Animals that leap into the road, snow and ice, and dangerous roadway conditions all cause accidents that can be categorized as “environmental.” Like other accidents, negligence may or may not play a role in an environment-related accident.

Any car accident can have one or more causes, many of which may stem from the negligent actions of another person or company. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, figuring out what happened may seem overwhelming, especially as you try to recover from your injuries. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our skilled New York car accident attorneys can unravel the details and hold any negligent parties accountable, so that you can focus on getting well. For a free case evaluation, call us today at (212) 222-4336.

Understanding New York Drowning Risks

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:36:23 -0500

Drowning is a risk around any body of water, even small containers like buckets. When water is part of summer fun, like visiting beaches and swimming pools, the risks of drowning increase.

New York is home to over 7,400 public swimming pools and 1,300 public beaches, according to the New York Department of Health. Thousands of private swimming pools and beaches also have visitors every year. Operators of public swimming pools and public beaches are required to report any accident that results in a death, requires CPR to be performed, requires the injured person to be sent to a hospital or doctor’s office for treatment, or involves a water-borne illness.

Despite the high number of public pools and beaches in the state, New York’s rates of drowning injuries and death at public beaches and pools is much lower than those at private pools and beaches. While a risk of drowning is always present, public beaches and pools are often better-regulated, which helps reduce the risk and allows everyone visiting to enjoy a safe and fun time. Public beaches and pools average just over seven drowning incidents each year in New York, in contrast to private beaches and pools, which average more than 100 drowning incidents each year.

Drowning or near-drowning can cause death and serious injuries, including permanent disabling brain injuries. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our trained New York drowning accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured people and their families understand what happened and get the compensation they need to heal. Call our law offices for a consultation on your case at (212) 222-4336.

Tips for Teen Motorcycle Safety in New York

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:55:58 -0500

Teens who have valid driver’s licenses may also earn their motorcycle endorsement and drive motorcycles under New York law. If your teen is considering a motorcycle, here are some safety tips to consider, courtesy of the New York Department of Health.

Speed is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents among 16- to 19-year-olds. If your teen will be riding a motorcycle, set strict rules for speed that consider the conditions of the road as well as the legal speed limit.
Motorcycles are more difficult to control than cars, requiring greater coordination, agility, and balance. If you suspect your teen doesn’t have these skills, postpone allowing them to get a motorcycle endorsement.
Consider prohibiting passengers on your teen’s motorcycle. Riding with a passenger is more difficult than riding alone and passengers can cause dangerous distractions.
New York requires motorcyclists to wear helmets and face protection. Choose a helmet that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) requirements and have it properly fitted for your teen’s head.
Make sure the motorcycle fits your teen. The driver should be able to place both feet on the ground while sitting on the bike. Hand controls and readouts should be easy to see and operate.

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries, especially when a bike collides with a fast-moving car. If you or someone you love is hurt in an accident, the knowledgeable New York motorcycle accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin can help. Call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free, confidential consultation.

What Treatments Can Help a Spinal Cord Injury?

Fri, 04 May 2012 07:48:36 -0500

Spinal cord injuries include any damage to the spinal cord, the bundle of nerve fibers that transmits signals from the brain to the other parts of the body. Even though it is protected by the spinal column, any type of serious accident can cause a spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injuries are often devastating, but not well understood. Nevertheless, there are several types of treatments available for spinal cord injury patients that may reduce the severity of the injury or the disabilities it may cause, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Some spinal cord injury treatments work best when they are administered within a few hours of the injury itself. For instance, the NIH notes that in some studies, giving spinal cord injury patients doses of steroid medications helped, as long as the medication was given within eight hours of the injury.

For nearly all spinal cord injury patients, rehabilitation is a long process, but it can help the injured person regain needed skills. Physical therapy to help with movement, occupational therapy to help a person regain important job skills, and other types of therapy and rehabilitation can all help a person with a spinal cord injury recover the maximum skills possible.

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our trained New York spinal cord injury attorneys are dedicated to helping those with severe injuries get the compensation they need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses associated with the harm caused. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury and need help, call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free and confidential telephone consultation.

Bronx Minivan Crash Kills Family of Seven

Wed, 02 May 2012 17:43:31 -0500

An auto accident on the Bronx River Parkway sent a minivan crashing down a ravine onto the grounds of the Bronx Zoo, resulting in the deaths of seven family members riding in the van at the time. Investigators have not yet determined what caused the New York fatal car accident, which occurred when the minivan lost control, skidded across several lanes of traffic, and rolled off the roadway and down the side of the ravine.

The stretch of road on which the accident occurred has long been listed in the top five percent most dangerous stretches of roadway in the state. The annual “Five Percent Report,” which identifies the stretch of the Bronx River Parkway on which the accident occurred, also lists plans to improve safety on that area of road, which spans the area from the Bronx Zoo to the intersection of the Cross Bronx Expressway. These plans include $8 million in repairs to improve visibility on the southbound side of the parkway. Three bridges in the area are also scheduled for repairs beginning in 2016.

Roadways that lack barriers, visibility, signals, or other necessary guides to safe driving can pose a serious danger to motorists. If you’ve been injured on a stretch of defective or badly designed roadway, please don’t hesitate to call a knowledgeable Bronx auto accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin. We can help you get the compensation you need, giving you the time and rest needed to get well. Call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free and confidential consultation.

Staten Island Boating Accident Leaves One Dead, Four Injured

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:16:59 -0500

One boater was killed and four more were injured recently when their boat capsized off Staten Island, according to a recent article in The New York Post. Unable to pull themselves out, they had to wait for rescue from a passing boat.

The injured boaters were eventually rescued from the water off Ward Point, near Arthur Kill, the waterway that separates Staten Island from the mainland. Witnesses who helped pull the injured boaters from the water and recover the body of the deceased said that it appeared all five people had been in the water for some time when rescuers arrived.

The four surviving boaters could not say how their boat had been overturned and investigators are still looking into the accident. They had one lifejacket among the four of them when they were rescued.

The first boat on the scene was heading to Sandy Hook, New Jersey when it was waved down by a passing dredger and redirected to the scene of the capsized boat. The Coast Guard arrived a few minutes later to help complete the rescue and treat the injured boaters. Upon being returned to land, the injured boaters were taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where they received further treatment for their injuries. No update has yet been released on their condition.

Boating accidents can have many causes. When another’s negligence results in boating-related injuries, don’t wait: call an experienced Staten Island boating accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin for a free, confidential telephone consultation. Our number is (212) 222-4336.

42nd Street Car Crash Injures Several Pedestrians

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:10:29 -0500

A recent auto accident on 42nd Street near Times Square left at least eight pedestrians injured and three with critical injuries requiring stays in hospital intensive-care units, according to an article in The Washington Post.

Witnesses said that the Manhattan auto accident was triggered when a vehicle sitting at the intersection of 42nd Street and 6th Avenue was rear-ended by a Jaguar traveling at a high rate of speed. The Jaguar bounced off the back of the rear-ended car, hit a nearby taxi, and then tipped onto its side onto the sidewalk, crushing several newspaper distribution boxes and injuring several pedestrians. The Jaguar finally came to rest against a tree near where it turned onto the sidewalk.

Overall, about 12 people were injured in the crash, including passengers in the various vehicles and pedestrians in the area where the Jaguar tipped onto the sidewalk. Three of those injured are in critical condition at local hospitals, and another three are listed in serious condition. Two more people hospitalized for their injuries are expected to be released soon and to make a complete recovery.

Car accidents can harm anyone involved in a collision, whether it’s those in another vehicle, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident of any kind, call the experienced New York pedestrian injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin for a free and confidential case evaluation. Our number is (212) 222-4336.

Study Finds Age and Sex May Be Factors in Runaway Car Accident Cases

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:15:13 -0500

Sixty percent of all drivers involved in all car accidents throughout the United States each year are men, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But two-thirds of all drivers involved in “runaway” accidents where the driver hits the gas instead of the brakes are women - and most are over age 75 or under age 20, according to the NHTSA.

Runaway accidents are also most likely to happen in parking lots, where speeds may be lower, but risks of injury or death are still high. Several related fatal New York car accidents in recent months, including an Amherst crash where a woman drove her car through the front wall of a restaurant, causing the deaths of two people. In California in 2003, an 86-year-old man accidentally plowed into an open-air market when he stepped on the wrong pedal and then panicked, killing ten people and injuring 63 more.

Many accidents occur due to driver distraction or a simple mix-up as to which pedal is which. Researchers say one reason young and elderly drivers are especially at risk for these types of accidents is because young and old brains lack executive functions needed to drive safely. The increase in women drivers may simply be because women outlive men, making them more common in elderly populations.

Runaway car accidents aren’t always caused by poor driving. A defective vehicle part or botched repair may also cause a gas pedal to stick. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our skilled Manhattan car accident attorneys can help you investigate your accident case and get the compensation you need from any negligent parties involved. Call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free and confidential case evaluation.

New York to Increase Inspections of Unsafe Bus Companies

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:09:49 -0500

After a sudden increase in injury-causing commercial bus accidents, the New York legislature has set aside $1 million in 2012 to cover the costs of increased inspections of bus companies and their vehicles, with special focus on companies whose safety records have been poor in the past, according to a recent article in The Boston Globe.

Last year, several bus crashes took the lives of multiple passengers in New York or in adjoining states through which passengers were traveling on New York-based buses. At the time, the Department of Transportation (DOT) ordered eight charter bus companies placed out of service - taking over 100 buses off the road - after the companies failed multiple safety inspections within a six-month period.

This year, these companies and others with poor safety records will face multiple inspections, some of them unannounced. The additional funding will create a system in which the bus companies with the worst safety records will receive the most scrutiny. However, even the best-ranked bus companies in terms of safety will still have their buses inspected at least twice this year, according to the state DOT. Overall, state inspectors perform approximately 160,000 bus inspections each year, a number that will increase in 2012.

Bus accidents are not as common as car accidents, but when a bus accident does occur, many more people can be seriously injured or even killed than in a typical passenger car crash. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, an experienced New York bus accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin can help. Call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free and confidential telephone consultation.

CPSC Says Not All Companies Report Product-Related Injuries

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:47:45 -0500

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has the responsibility of creating regulations for product safety and for issuing recalls and other corrective measures when a defective product does hurt consumers. However, the CPSC noted recently that not all companies report injuries their products inflict on consumers, making the agency’s work to notify the public and issue a product recall more difficult.

In 2010, only two companies were fined for failing to report problems with their products; however, in 2011 that number jumped to 10 companies, which faced combined total fines of over $4 million dollars for their failures to comply with federal law, according to the CPSC. One of the companies fined was a manufacturer and distributor of lawn care equipment, including a “weed-whacker” that injured nearly 160 people when it came apart during use, sending pieces of machinery flying at high speeds.

The CPSC says that when a company is in doubt, it should always report a safety incident. Consumers can also report injuries or problems to the CPSC by visiting www.saferproducts.gov. Consumers can also call the CPSC at (800) 638-2772 (or use the TTY service at (301) 595-7054) to report a potential product hazard.

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our experienced New York product injury attorneys have helped many injured people and their families hold negligent manufacturers and sellers accountable when a defective product hurts someone. If you’ve been injured by a defective toy or other product, call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free, confidential consultation.

Three Workers Rescued After Hudson River Tugboat Accident

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:41:37 -0500

A tugboat overturned recently near Liberty Island, sending three workers flying into the cold Hudson River waters. Luckily, the workers suffered no serious injuries in the accident and are expected to make a full recovery.

The tugboat’s crew members were using a crane on the boat to lift cargo off a larger vessel when the boat tipped and then turned on its side, knocking three of the workers into the water. Luckily, the accident was seen by a passing ferry, whose captain immediately maneuvered the ferry so that he could help in the rescue. The ferry lowered its attached cradles into the water, which allowed the workers to climb onto them and be lifted aboard the boat.

The three injured New York workers were taken to local hospitals for treatment of minor injuries, then were all released to home in order to recover.

The ferry captain who helped bring the workers to safety was also involved in rescuing the passengers of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, which had to ditch into the Hudson River in 2009 after a collision with a flock of geese disabled its engines. All 155 passengers and crew in that accident were rescued safely.

Workplace accidents are more common in industrial or heavy-machinery-intensive jobs like cargo transport, but they can happen in any workplace. If you’ve been injured in a boating work accident, call a skilled New York maritime accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin. Our number is (212) 222-4336, and your initial telephone consultation is free.

Manhattan Crane Accident Kills 1, Injures 4 at No. 7 Subway Line Extension Construction Site

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:04:45 -0500

A 30-year-old worker is dead and four others are injured as the result of a construction boom crane falling on April 3 at the Manhattan construction site for the No. 7 subway line extension project. According to The Huffington Post, the investigation run by the Department of Buildings and police concerning the crane collapse in Manhattan in which an 80- and 40-foot section of the boom fell is ongoing. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority stated it will work with all appropriate authorities to carry out a methodical investigation into the fatal accident. One city official suspects that failure in the back of the crane may have caused it to snap and become unbalanced.

In examining the events that lead to the 170-foot crane collapse, officials have stated that the crane was on the second of three levels at the construction site and it is probable that one of the workers was hit by the crane’s boom. It was determined that the operator of the crane as well as another worker suffered injuries. The deputy chief of the FDNY EMS stated that rescuing the workers from the construction site, which was approximately 60 feet below street level, was “extremely dangerous” and construction material “wasn’t stable.”

Construction site crane accidents are not only tragic, but often involve complex legal matters since multiple parties may be responsible. For instance, the owner of a crane, the operator of a crane, a construction worker, a contractor, a subcontractor, or a construction company are all capable of various forms of negligence that can contribute to causing a serious injury or deadly crane collapse.

This accident is all too familiar for New Yorkers as they remember a crane accident in March 2008 that killed seven people and resulted in the chief of the city’s Department of Buildings resigning after receiving criticism for giving the okay to a project that didn’t adhere to zoning regulations. In May of the same year, another crane accident killed two people, initiating the creation of new rules that required the filing of plans before cranes were set up or broken down in addition to crane operators completing 30 hours of training with an eight-hour review course every three years.

A New York crane accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin understands the severity of construction site crane collapses. With decades of experience protecting the rights of individuals injured and family members of those killed, we have the resources and skills to help our clients hold negligent parties liable and obtain the compensation that is due to them. For a free consultation, call (212) 222-4336 today.

Dog Bite Study Examines Breeds Most Likely to Bite

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:38:42 -0500

A study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looks at dog bite cases over a 15-year span to determine what types of dogs are most often involved in dog bites, and which breeds of dogs cause the most serious injuries or deaths when they bite. Although the CDC warns that lawmakers should not rely on the study when making policy decisions, the information it provides can help dog owners or families seeking to adopt a dog make better decisions about the right pet for them.

According to the study, about 800,000 people per year seek emergency medical help for dog bites, and about 16 of those bites prove fatal. Of the 228 cases studied in which a death resulted, the researchers found that purebred pit bulls and Rottweilers were involved in more than half the fatal dog bites. Additionally, purebred dogs of any breed were more likely to cause a fatal dog bite than cross-bred or “mutt” dogs. The cross-bred dogs most likely to be involved in a biting-related death were nearly always dog-wolf hybrids, although cross breeds of other large dogs like German shepherds and huskies were also involved in at least 10 cases each over 15 years.

In all cases, large dogs were more likely to cause fatal dog bites than small ones, though even a small dog’s bite can be extremely painful and cause infection, scarring, and other medical complications.

Dog bites can cause serious injuries and even death, although deaths are fortunately rare. If you or someone you care for has been hurt by a dog bite, the knowledgeable New York dog bite attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin can help. Call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free evaluation of your dog bite case.

Icy Roads in Upstate New York Cause Crashes

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:33:48 -0500

Black ice and other slippery weather conditions have created injury-causing crashes on several roads in Syracuse, Rochester, and other cities and towns in upstate New York over the past weekend, according to a recent article in The Wisconsin Rapids Tribune. The sudden change in weather has surprised many drivers, who had relied on the unseasonably warm temperatures to conclude that winter weather driving risks had passed.

One fatal NY car accident outside Rochester took the life of a 75-year-old woman. The woman was driving her car when it slid on black ice on the road, left its lane, and hit another car traveling in the opposite direction. Rescue workers rushed her to a nearby hospital, but her injuries proved fatal before she arrived.

Many parts of the U.S. have had unseasonably warm spring weather, with sunshine and temperatures that seem more like summer than the average March or April. For many of these days, upstate New York has been no exception. Over the past weekend, however, temperatures have dropped, creating winter-like driving risks when people are simply not expecting them. Safe driving in winter often requires lower speeds and more attention to shaded or unplowed areas on the road, and when drivers aren’t paying proper attention, serious injuries can result.

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our knowledgeable New York car accident injury attorneys work hard to provide excellent representation in every case we handle. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car crash, call us today at (212) 222-4336 to learn more about your legal options. The call is free and completely confidential.