Car Accident Verdict
Barclay Taylor v. Ilenia Cangelosi & Joseph Robles, No. 15650/12 (Kings – Supreme)
Plaintiff alleged that he was driving east across New York’s Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, when the rear of his vehicle was struck by a car being driven by Ilenia Cangelosi. Plaintiff alleged that his vehicle was pushed forward and struck the rear of another vehicle. Plaintiff sued the driver for negligent operation and the vehicle owner for vicariously liability.
Plaintiff claimed that he sustained a herniated disc and two bulging discs. He underwent about 12 months of physical therapy and several injections of painkillers. He eventually underwent a percutaneous discectomy (a procedure that involved removing part of a disc). Plaintiff also claimed that, as a result of his injuries, he was unable to work for four months, suffers permanent residual pain and can’t lift heavy objects or perform rigorous tasks. He also said he must use a cane, may need to have a pain-relieving device implanted in his spine and may need undergo spinal fusion.
Plaintiff sought recovery of $15,000 for past medical expenses, $850,000 for future medical expenses, $885,000 for past pain and suffering, and $1.35 million for future pain and suffering.
Defense counsel argued that Plaintiff did not sustain a serious injury and his current pain may be caused by diabetes and/or obesity.
The jury found that Taylor sustained a serious injury and determined his damages totaled $1.5 million.
Not every car accident verdict will be seven figures. But not every injury will warrant seven figures. The important thing is that your car accident verdict compensates you for your degree of injuries sustained in the car accident.
Car Accident Attorneys
Car accident cases are very common in New York. The volume of cars on New York roadways will only mean that car accidents will continue to occur in very high numbers If you or a loved one are involved in a car accident and need legal assistance, call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC at (516) 858-2620 today!
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Gravity and Construction Sites
The obvious thought that comes to mind when thinking about how gravity can play an important role in construction site injuries is a construction worker falling to the ground from an elevated position. An equally important and equally dangerous scenario arises when objects fall from an elevated position. The New York Courts have placed an emphasis in ensuring that adequate safety devices are employed when hoisting or lifting materials so that the materials remain secure and the danger to the workers below is decreased significantly. Rocovich v. Consolidated Edison Co., 78 N.Y.2d 509, 577 N.Y.S.2d 219 (1991).
In a perfect world, proper safety devices would always be used on construction sites. In the real world, however, construction companies are focused on maximizing profits. This means that timelines must be followed and deadlines must be met. Sometimes in all the haste, safety protocol and procedures are ignored. The New York Courts have taken an interesting perspective on the harm caused by falling objects on a job site. In Runner v. N.Y. Stock Exch., Inc., 13 N.Y.3d 599, 604, 895 N.Y.S.2d 279, 282 (2009), the Court of Appeals turns the focus of whether “..the harm flows directly from the application of the force of gravity to the object.” Under these guidelines, actually being struck by the object may not even be a prerequisite to a cause of action.
Labor Law Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction accident, please call The Law Firm of Vaughn & Weber, PLLC at (516) 858-2620 to speak with a Labor Law attorney today!
Construction Injury
Recently, we have fielded some phone calls regarding workplace injuries. There seems to be some confusion as to when an employer can be sued. There are also several misconceptions with regards to bringing suit against property owners, general contractors and subcontractors. These questions are answered statutorily by New York Labor Law. Sections 200, 240, 241 are 241-a in particular will control the construction litigation lawsuits in New York. These laws attempt to set the guidelines for a safe work environment for all construction workers. Unfortunately, however, accidents happen. Injuries occur. Often times, these injuries are catastrophic in nature. Large construction companies often “cut corners” to maximize profits. Safety protocol can be compromised in these cuts. The injuries caused by the cut corners can deprive a victim of their life or limbs or ability to care for themselves for the rest of their lives. When these injuries occur, it is important to know your legal rights and remedies. The faster you act, the better you can position yourself to obtain a large award.
It is very important to know that although Worker’s Compensation Law (especially section 11) can be restrictive in terms of seeking contribution or indemnification from a victim’s employer, there are types of injuries that will allow for such a claim to be successful. It is important to consult with an experienced Labor Law attorney when faced with aftermath of such an accident.
Labor Law Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in a workplace accident, call The Law Firm of Vaughn & Weber, PLLC at (516) 858-2620 to speak with a Labor Law attorney today!
Car Accident Injuries
An interesting decision was made in Cattan v. Sutton, 2014 Slip Op 05764 (8/13/14). The case involved an automobile accident in which Defendant made a motion for summary judgment. The full case can be read at the aforementioned site. The ruling in this case points to the fact that a driver having the “right of way” does not necessarily mean that the driver is exempt from being a proximate cause of an accident. The possibility exists that there can be more than one proximate cause of an accident. It is important to note that a duty for each driver exists. That duty is to see what there is to be seen through the proper use of the driver’s senses. This duty exists even when the driver has the “right of way.”
This ruling is important in evaluating a personal injury case stemming from an automobile accident. Just being injured by another driver who engaged in improper conduct on the road is not enough. Comparative fault must be eliminated. By doing so, a Plaintiff’s case is made stronger and the likelihood of success is increased.
New York Personal Injury Attorneys
As always, if you have been in an automobile accident and seek the assistance of an experienced attorney, please call The Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC at (516) 858-2620 today to schedule a free consultation!
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