New York Injury Talk Blog

Salmonella Linked to Huge Egg Recall

2010-08-27T22:32:19Z

The products of two Iowa egg plants have been confirmed to be contaminated with the same strain of salmonella that has caused a nationwide outbreak of illness, according to the Washington Post.

Eggs from two farms in Iowa, Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms, were suspected to have been the cause of a recent outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis, a disease that causes diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. The disease is rarely life-threatening. About 1,500 cases of Salmonella enteritidis have been linked to the outbreak and more cases are expected.

Investigators from the FDA visited the farms in question and found the strain of salmonella in two barns at Wright County Egg, and in feed that Wright County Egg supplied to Hillandale. Animal feed is heated to kill germs so the feed could have been contaminated after arriving at Wright. Until the salmonella contamination is contained, the egg producers will sell their eggs to a company that will pasteurize them, in order to kill salmonella.

This egg recall is the latest of many recent food recalls. It is the responsibility of food producers to keep their products safe for consumers. If someone becomes sickened or dies as a result of eating tainted food, the food’s manufacturer, distributor or retailer can be held liable.

Have you become sick as a result of eating tainted food that you thought was safe? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and more. Contact the experienced New York food-borne illness attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP. We will ensure your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve.

Three Motorcycle Riders Killed in Two Accidents in New York City

2010-08-25T12:39:29Z

Three individuals riding on motorcycles were killed in two separate accidents in the New York City area, according to CBS New York.

An 18 year old riding a Suzuki motorcycle was killed in lower Manhattan around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 22. His passenger was also killed. Only 22 minutes later, a 36 year old motorcycle rider in Queens was killed when he hit a guard rail and then struck another motorcycle. The other motorcycle driver suffered non-life threatening injuries.

There is no denying that motorcycles are dangerous. The fatality rate for motorcyclists is much higher than for automobile drivers or passengers. In order to decrease your chances of having a serious accident on a motorcycle, follow these safety tips:

Always wear a helmet and other protective gear. Helmets greatly decrease the likelihood of serious injury or death from an accident.

Keep your motorcycle in good operating condition.

Take a motorcycle safety course to learn safe riding techniques.

Turn on your headlights. This will enable you to be more easily seen by other drivers.

Never drink and drive.

Always maintain a safe following distance.

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident as a result of someone else’s negligence? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer today to learn more about your rights. The attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP are experienced in all aspects of New York personal injury law. Contact us today at 212-296-7353.

FDA May Recall Blood Pressure Drug

2010-08-19T12:00:19Z

The Food and Drug Administration is considering the recall of a blood pressure drug that has not been proven to help patients, according to an article by the Associated Press.

The drug ProAmatine, which is produced by Shire Laboratories, has been on the market for fourteen years. It was designed to help stimulate patients with extremely low blood pressure. The drug was approved in 1996 based on results from a study in which ProAmatine was used by individuals with very low blood pressure.

However, the company has never submitted a subsequent follow-up study, as required. The FDA is giving Shire Laboratories a chance to schedule a hearing on the drug. This will be the first time the FDA has pulled a drug off the market because of missing follow-up studies.

For the past twenty years, the FDA has allowed drugs to be placed on the market quickly based on initial studies that show that the drugs will make significant improvements in patients’ health. However, critics have pointed out that many drugs do not actually live up to the hype. Since 1993, the FDA has requested 144 follow-up studies, and almost one-third are still pending.

Have you taken drugs that have later been recalled due to dangerous side effects? Or have you been regularly taking a drug, such as ProAmatine, for a serious medical problem that the drug has actually not been proven to treat? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical conditions. Contact the experienced New York pharmaceutical injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation at 212-296-7353.

Cab Crashes into Bronx Bus Stop

2010-08-18T00:08:48Z

A man was killed and six people were injured when a van made an illegal u-turn, causing a cab to try to avoid a collision with the other vehicle. The cab crashed into a Bronx bus stop, according to the Wall Street Journal online.

The accident destroyed the bus shelter and left people trapped under the taxi. A woman’s foot was severed from her leg and another man’s lung was punctured. An elderly man was pinned between the destroyed shelter and the bumper of the taxi. The man later died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

The taxi driver was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital. He was not charged with a crime and has a flawless driving record. A spokesman said the accident was not something he could have prevented. The driver of the van was given a citation for an illegal u-turn. Investigators are still looking into the accident.

This tragic accident began with an individual violating a traffic rule, and ended up with an elderly man dead and several other individuals seriously injured. Accidents like this occur all too often, as a result of another driver failing to obey traffic laws.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, help is available. Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, time off work, pain and suffering, damage to his or her vehicle, and more. Contact the experienced New York auto accident attorneys of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro. Our legal team can help answer all of your questions. Call today for a free consultation at 212-296-7353.

Signs of New York Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

2010-08-12T12:00:19Z

Nursing homes play an important role in caring for the elderly. Nursing facilities are given the responsibility of providing safe housing, healthy meals and adequate medical care for seniors. Many of these homes take wonderful care of their residents and provide a level of attention that cannot be matched at home. Sadly, not all homes provide the level of care needed and some facilities employ workers who abuse and neglect the elderly.

There are few things in our society as unconscionable as the physical abuse of the elderly. If you witness any of these indicators of physical neglect or abuse of your loved one who is in a nursing home, you should contact the authorities and a New York nursing home abuse attorney right away. There are a number of signs and symptoms that shownursing home neglect and abuse. Bruising is the most common indicator of force. Scratches, burns, cuts and pinch marks are also signs of abuse that require prompt attention.

Neglect can be difficult to detect, but there are telltale signs. If your loved one appears unkempt, appears malnourished or dehydrated, smells bad or has bed sores – those are all signs that they are being neglected at their nursing facility. Nursing home neglect and abuse often occur as a result of under-staffing or lack of trained, qualified staff at nursing homes. If you suspect that a loved one is being neglected or abused, it is critical that you contact an experienced New York nursing home neglect attorney to discuss your situation. Please contact Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP at 212-296-7353 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We are here to help.

When New York Auto Repair Work Causes An Accident

2010-08-10T12:01:01Z

We put a lot of trust in our auto mechanics. Having a properly maintained vehicle is crucial to being safe on the road. The only thing more frustrating than an unexpected auto repair bill is a bad repair that leads to more problems. Hopefully you will never be in this situation. But if you do get in an auto accident as a result of a malfunction caused by a poorly repaired vehicle, then remember, that you do have legal rights.

There are times when the work your mechanic does makes things worse. Mistakes can happen and with any luck your mechanic will recognize the mistake right away. It is best to return to the same shop as soon as possible. Speak directly to the manager in charge and whoever serviced your car. It sometimes helps to go on a test drive with your mechanic to point out the exact problem. In most cases the repair shop will offer to fix the issue. If they don’t, you can always corroborate your accusation by getting a second opinion from another car repair shop and by utilizing small claims court.

There are laws that protect consumers against faulty repairs. In such cases, you would be well-advised to contact a New York auto accident attorney to help you recover compensation for injuries and losses. In some cases, an official demand letter from an attorney can be enough to recover damages from a repair shop. If that isn’t enough, a civil lawsuit may be necessary. In all car accident injury cases, the at-fault party can be held responsible for the damages. A reputable auto accident lawyer can examine the case from all possible angles to help prove that the repair work was what caused your accident. A majority of car repair shops have insurance to cover this kind of claim.

Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP represents victims of New York car accidents. If you believe that your recent auto repair caused your accident, please contact us at 212-296-7353 to discuss your legal rights and options.

Defective Products That Cause Burn Injuries

2010-08-05T12:00:00Z

The American Burn Association conducts yearly reviews to monitor burn injuries and burn fatalities in America. They report that on an average about 500,000 people require medical treatment for burns each year. About 40,000 of those burn injury victims require hospitalization and 4,000 burn victims die each year from their injuries. Burn injuries are among some of the most painful injuries you can suffer and the treatment is often difficult and costly.

There are many different causes for fires. Burn injuries can be a result of explosions, hot liquid burns, car accidents, industrial accidents, flammable materials and household fires. Another common reason for such serious personal injuries is when a defective product causes a fire. Defective toasters, microwaves, water heaters, washers, dryers or dishwashers are common fire hazards. Any electrical device, which is designed or manufactured poorly with substandard parts, can start a fire. Defective industrial equipment can also cause a fire in a relatively short amount of time.

]]> When defective products cause serious injuries, the manufacturer and/or distributor of the faulty product can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses. Holding a corporation responsible for their defective product is not only important for compensation purposes, but also to ensure that such faulty products are recalled or removed from the market to prevent injuries to others.

If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries or other serious personal injuries as a result of a defective product, please contact the experienced New York products liability lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation. We will help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries and losses and also help hold the manufacturer of the defective product accountable.

What to Do If You Are Injured In a New York Taxi Accident

2010-08-03T20:10:58Z

New York City relies on its taxi drivers. There are tens of thousands of taxicabs, limousines and town cars serving the city alone. When you choose to ride in a taxi, you are assuming that the driver will be safe and attentive. If you are involved in a taxi accident in New York, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses.

With the help of a NY personal injury attorney you may recover losses for:

Lost Wages – This includes time away from work because of the accident and your injuries.

Medical Expenses – This includes all doctor's bills that are a direct result of the taxi crash.

Suffering and Pain – This may depend on the extent of your injuries, the trauma of the event or if you lost a loved one in the incident.

If you are ever in a taxicab crash you should be sure to:

Collect the driver’s name and contact number. Get the taxicab's registration number and the information for the taxi company.

You should also collect information from the other driver or drivers involved.

If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.

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Take photos of the scene of the accident, even if you only have a cell phone camera. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, where the accident happened and how the cars are positioned.

Seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you feel fine after the crash, it’s important to see a doctor should injuries from the crash show up later and to document any minor injuries.

Take photos of your injury after the incident and during the healing process.

Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP protects the rights of all types of injury victims. Our New York auto accident injury attorneys have been helping victims earn fair and just compensation for years and have the experience and knowledge to help you need to move forward. Call us at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your NY injury claim.

Boy Injured in New York Bicycle Accident

2010-07-26T12:00:00Z

A 12-year-old Sandy Creek boy was hit and injured by a car that officials say was driven by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Post-Standard, the boy sustained injuries which were considered non-life threatening. Police are currently investigating the New York bicycle accident. Officials say they suspect the involvement of alcohol, but no charges have been filed yet.

Alcohol is a common contributing factor in many bicycle and auto accidents. Drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol endanger everyone around them. It is fortunate that the injuries in this case are considered non-life threatening. Often when a drunk driver collides with a bicyclist, the results are catastrophic. Victims of serious bicycle accidents often suffer brain trauma, spinal cord injuries and broken bones. Many of these injuries can be life-altering and tend to be extremely costly. In New York, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level for 0.08 percent or higher.

]]> Generally speaking, there are many precautions you can take as a bicycle rider to lessen the chance of an accident. Always remember to have reflectors on your bike and a bright light on the front of your bike for when it’s dark. Never assume that a motorist sees you until you make eye contact. Be sure to ride with traffic, not against it. Wear bright clothing and a reflective vest. Always remember to wear a helmet to reduce your chances of sustaining a serious head injury if an accident does occur.

If you or a loved one is involved in an injury bicycle accident, the New York bicycle accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP can help. We have been assisting auto accident and bicycle accident victims obtain fair compensation for decades. If you have been injured as a result of someone else's negligence, please call 212-986-7353 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Queens Scaffolding Accident Proves Fatal

2010-07-21T19:22:50Z

A 50-year-old man fell to his death while working with scaffolding at a construction site in Queens. NY1 news reports that the worker tried to "pull a scaffold up from the roof when he fell six stories" to his death. The Queens construction accident occurred at a work site located at 34th Ave and 89th Street in Jackson Heights. There is no word yet about the cause of this fatal construction accident. The job site has been shut down while an investigation takes place.

Construction sites can be dangerous areas to work. Some factors that can lead to a tragic accident include unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, broken machinery, inexperienced co-workers and lack of proper training or supervision. If you are injured while working in New York, you can file a New York personal injury claim to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.

In addition to NY worker's compensation, families of deceased workers can also consult an experienced Queens injury lawyer to determine if they have a third-party claim against an entity other than the employer. Such entities may include contractors, sub-contractors, equipment maintenance contractors or manufacturers of defective products.

The New York construction scaffold accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP help construction workers and their families obtain fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Call us today at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

New York Beef Recalled Over E. Coli Concerns

2010-07-19T12:50:15Z

A Bay Shore, New York, company is recalling 3,700 pounds of ground beef over food poisoning concerns. The recalled items include the W. B. Stockyard brand of burgers, ground and lean beef. U.S. Department of Agriculture officials say lab testing has shown the presence of E. coli bacteria in these products. So far, no illnesses or deaths have been reported as a result of this product recall. If you have eaten these beef products and feel ill, it is important that you seek medical attention right away.

Many strains of E. Coli are known to be harmless while others may produce lethal toxins. It is the responsibility of food companies to provide safe products that do not endanger consumers. When food becomes contaminated - whether it is during manufacturing, storing or processing - it may become a serious risk to anyone who consumes it. The most common symptoms of an E. coli food infection are bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to this bacterial infection. In extreme cases, E. coli infection can result in kidney damage or even death.

If you or a loved one has endured a food-borne illness due to a contaminated food product, please contact Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP at 212-986-7353. We are a New York personal injury law firm that represents victims of faulty and unsafe products. Our NY foodborne illness lawyers will review your case at no cost and advise you about your legal rights and options. Call us today to find out how we can help.

23 Passengers from New York's Chinatown Injured in Bus Crash

2010-07-16T23:45:43Z

The Star-Ledger reports that 23 passengers of a bus traveling from New York's Chinatown were injured after their vehicle crashed in Atlantic City. The bus skidded as it braked and struck a car. A 57-year-old man from Brooklyn, who was driving the bus, was thrown through the front windshield and suffered facial cuts and a broken left arm. The bus apparently hit two vehicles and then skidded against a retaining wall for about 80 feet. There were 50 passengers on the bus and 23 of them required hospitalization.

If you have been involved in a New York bus accident, you need to speak promptly with a NY personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options. It will be important to determine what caused the accident and who was at fault. Were the brakes poorly maintained? Did the bus meet safety standards? Was the driver inattentive, impaired or otherwise negligent? A skilled injury lawyer in New York will help bolster your case and assist you in dealing with insurance companies.

If you have been injured in a bus accident, it is important to immediately seek medical attention. It is also crucial for you to obtain copies of your medical records and document your injuries. A bus accident attorney can review all of your medical records and bills to determine the value of your case and ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Pursuing damages after a bus accident can be complicated. Please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP at 212-986-7353 to find out how we can help your pursue your rights. We always offer a free and comprehensive consultation.

Speaking with an Insurance Company after a New York Auto Accident

2010-07-09T19:47:20Z

Insurance companies are highly profitable corporations that need to reduce the amount of money they pay out in order to maintain their profits. When dealing with someone else’s insurance company or even your own, you have to be very careful about what you say. If you are injured in a New York auto accident, you may need to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered. The insurance companies involved may either refuse to offer you a settlement or they may offer you an amount that doesn’t cover your expenses.

Insurance companies often offer settlements based on who is at fault for the crash. When an insurance company does not offer a fair settlement in your case, a lawsuit may be filed to recover rightful compensation. As a general rule, it is never a good idea to speak with an insurance adjuster about an accident without first speaking to a personal injury attorney in New York who will look out for your best interests. If you somehow admit fault for an accident, you may greatly reduce your chances of getting a fair settlement. If you accept a settlement prematurely, you will never again be able to file a claim with regard to that case.

]]> Personal injury cases can be complicated. It is important that you have an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney review all angles of your case to determine the best course of action. The New York car injury accident lawyers of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP have been fighting for the rights of victims of car crashes for decades. Let us review your case for free. Give us a call at 212-986-7353 before discussing your claim with an insurance company. We know how to get the settlement you deserve. Call us to ensure that you do not make a costly mistake while dealing with an insurance company in the aftermath of a New York auto accident.

Government Liability in Accidents Involving Dangerous Roadways

2010-07-07T19:40:12Z

There are many factors that can lead to an injury auto crash. In addition to negligent and reckless driving, very often, accidents can be caused as a result of poorly maintained or badly designed roadways. When an accident occurs or injuries are caused by dangerous roadways, the liability for that accident falls on the governmental entity that is responsible for maintaining that roadway. Most states have statutes of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death claims filed against governmental agencies, which is why it is important to get an experienced New York personal injury attorney on your side as soon as possible.

Common examples of dangerous roadways include:

excessive potholes;

poorly designed intersections;

poor visibility; and

lack of proper signage, signals or crosswalks.

In such cases, the injured victims are required to prove that the dangerous condition existed on the public roadway, that their injuries were directly caused by that dangerous condition and that the governmental agency had adequate notice of the problem and could have fixed it at a reasonable time period and reasonable cost.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York auto or pedestrian accident involving a dangerous roadway condition, please contact the experienced NY auto accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation. Our skilled attorneys aggressively pursue the compensation their clients deserve. Call us at 212-986-7353 today to discuss your personal injury case.

CPSC Warns of Fireworks Injuries During Independence Day Weekend

2010-07-01T20:16:56Z

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, several New Yorkers have already begun celebrating with fireworks and other devices. While having a patriotic spirit is not out of the question, far too many citizens disregard or overlook safety when using these potentially treacherous objects.

A new study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals that fireworks-related incidents were responsible for two deaths in 2009 and approximately 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries. According to the CPSC, throughout the 30 days near last year’s holiday, about 6,000 injuries involving fireworks were reported in which half of the injuries related to firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.

Consumers below the age of 20 are the most prone to fireworks injuries; however, the risk of serious injury or even death still exists for anyone within close proximity of fireworks or other pyrotechnics. Some common fireworks injuries and hazards include burns to the face, head and hands, lacerations, loss of limbs, residential fires and wrongful death.

Parental supervision is extremely important when legal fireworks are being used. Never allow young children to light or toy with fireworks, sparklers, or bottle rockets. It is also important to never throw or point fireworks at another person. Refer to the CPSC’s website for more important consumer fireworks safety tips.

At Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP, our New York personal injury attorneys cannot stress enough the significance of consumer safety during the Independence Day holiday. Take every necessary safety measure to help prevent injuries this Fourth of July.