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!
Often times in Personal Injury cases, the injury itself becomes an issue. Not all injuries are sufficiently damaging to be considered “serious” under New York Insurance Law, section 5102(d). The facts of each particular case will determine whether or not each claimed injury meets the threshold of a “serious injury” under this statute. In order to cross the threshold and satisfy the statute, the nature of the injury itself must be a “permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member” or “significant limitation of use of a body function or system.” These standards were interpreted by the Court in Toure v. Avis Rent a Car Systems, Inc., 98 N.Y.2d 345, 350, 746 N.Y.S.2d 865 (2002) and later strengthened by the Courts in Perl v. Meher, 18 N.Y.3d 208, 936 N.Y.S.2d 655 (2011) and Adler v. Bayer, 77 A.D.3d 692, 909 N.Y.S.2d 526 (2d Dep’t 2010). Patrick Higgins, Esq. discusses the significance of these cases in great detail in The Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Action in New York State.
Understanding the categories of injuries and the way in which the law views each type of injury can be a daunting task. It is in your best interest to consult with an attorney to help clarify any questions you may have about whether or not your injury will pass the threshold of a “serious injury” under New York Insurance Law, section 5102(d).
Just for informational purposes; there also exists a 90/180 rule. This rule includes injuries that cause an injured victim to miss 90 out of 180 days from work. This particular post is not directed towards explaining this category but it is important to be aware of.
As always, if you need assistance with any aspect of your Personal Injury case, including threshold questions, please call (516) 858-2620 to speak to a Personal Injury attorney today!
Filing Notice of Claim in Personal Injury Lawsuit
A Notice of Claim must be served on any Municipality or Department of a Municipality before an action can be commenced against that Municipality. It is important to remember that The Uniform Notice of Claim Act took effect on June 15, 2013. Several rules were amended regarding properly serving a Notice of Claim.
There are a few unique aspects of a personal injury lawsuit against a Municipality. The Notice of Claim and shortened Statute of Limitations however are the most important to know. Failure to serve a Notice of Claim or serving a Notice of Claim to the wrong entity can permanently preclude your ability to bring the action. It is therefore in your best interest to discuss the serving of a proper Notice of Claim with an attorney.
Personal Injury Attorney in Long Island
As always, if you or a family member have been injured due to the fault of a Municipality, call (516) 858-2620 to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney today!
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