Personal Injury Attorney

Punitive Damages for DWI Causing Injury

On April 13, 2017, in Criminal, Message/News Board, Motor Vehicle Accident, Personal Injury, by John A. Weber IV, ESQ.

Personal Injury Actions Involving DWI’s May Lead to Punitive Damages

Individuals who are injured by a person driving while intoxicated may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the compensatory damages that awarded. The New York Appellate Division, Second Department ruled in Chiara v. Dernago, 12 A.D.3d 999; 11 N.Y.S. App. Div. Lexis 4367; 2015 NY Slip Op 04444, that in certain situations, punitive damages are warranted. The excerpt from the decision is as follows:

“Whereas compensatory damages are intended to assure that the victim receives “fair and just compensation commensurate with the injury sustained,” punitive damages are meant to “punish the tortfeasor and to deter this wrongdoer and others similarly situated from indulging in the same conduct in the future” (Ross v. Louise Wise Servs., Inc., 8 NY3d 478, 489, 868 NE2d 189, 836 NYS2d 509 [2007]; see Sharapata v Town of Islip, 56 NY2d 332, 335, 437 NE2d 1104, 452 NYS2d 347 [1982]; Walker v Sheldon, 10 NY2d 401, 404, 179 NE2d 497, 223 NYS2d 488 [1961]; Western N.Y. Land Conservancy, Inc. v Cullen, 66 AD3d 1461, 1463, 886 NYS2d 303 [2009]). Evidence that a defendant was driving while intoxicated is insufficient, standing alone, to justify the imposition of punitive damages (see Rodgers v Duffy, 95 AD3d 864, 866-867, 944 NYS2d 175 [2012]; D’Angelo v Litterer, 77 AD3d 1373, 1374, 907 NYS2d 917 [2010]; Trudeau v Cooke, 2 AD3d 1133, 1134, 769 NYS2d 322 [2003]; Deon v Fortuna, 283 AD2d 388, 389, 724 NYS2d 450 [2001]). However, driving while intoxicated may support an award for punitive damages where there is additional evidence that the defendant engaged in “wanton and reckless” conduct evincing heedlessness and an utter disregard for the safety of others (Shragel v Juszczyk, 43 AD3d 1375, 1375, 844 NYS2d 532 [2007]; see Parkhill v Cleary, 305 AD2d 1088, 1089, 759 NYS2d 262 [2003]; Taylor v Dyer, 190 AD2d 902, 903, 593 NYS2d 122 [1993]; Sweeney v McCormick, 159 AD2d 832, 834, 552 NYS2d 707 [1990]; see also Deon v Fortuna, 283 AD2d at 389). An evaluation of whether punitive damages are warranted must be made “on a case by case basis taking into account the nature of the actor’s conduct and the level of his intoxication” (Sweeney v McCormick, 159 AD2d at 834).”

Retaining an attorney that understands how to prosecute a personal injury action can make all the difference in your case. When you or a loved one are injured by someone driving while intoxicated, please know that we are here to help you. Call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC at 516-858-2620 to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney.

Industrial Code Violations

On April 10, 2017, in Construction Accident/Labor Law, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, by John A. Weber IV, ESQ.

INDUSTRIAL CODE VIOLATIONS

New York Courts are littered with Labor Law 241(6) claims that hinge on whether the correct industrial codes have been plead and supported with admissible evidence.

For a person injured in a construction accident, industrial code violations are probably the last thing on their mind. Having a personal injury attorney familiar with Labor Law cases is obviously extraordinarily important in these situations. Knowing what questions to ask and what evidence to track down can make the difference between a successful Labor Law claim and a failing one.

Construction accidents are often the result of a contractor or subcontractor’s failure to comply with the industrial code. The industrial code exists to provide a safe work environment for construction workers as well as for those people who may be on or near the work area for other reasons.

Industrial Code violations are usually due to construction companies rushing to complete a job by a deadline or cut costs to increase profitability. In New York, construction jobs are so competitive. It is important that contractors do not put profit over safety.

Often times, construction accidents result in horrific injuries. It is only right that the injured party be fairly compensated for their injuries.

Labor Law Attorney

When you or a loved one are injured in a construction accident, we will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. Please call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC at 516-858-2620, where an attorney with a proven track record of holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence can speak with you about your case.

Train Derailment

On January 4, 2017, in Personal Injury, by John A. Weber IV, ESQ.

(Image from CBS New York)

TRAIN DERAILMENT

For the second time within one year, the New York Tri-State area has seen a train derailment due to human error, poor maintenance and otherwise negligent behavior cause serious injuries to patrons who are simply trying to get to work.

Whether the train conductor fell asleep at the controls, the controls malfunctioned or the train hardware was defective, working men and women are put at risk for serious injury when a train derails and goes off its’ tracks.

Back in September of 2016, an out of control train crashed into the platform killing one young mother and injuries dozens more. In May of 2013, a Metro-North Passenger train derailed in Fairfield Connecticut and injured over 65 of the 250 people on board.

Today, a Long Island Rail Road train derailed and crashed into the platform injuring over 100 people. Since these trains are operated by government, state and quasi state agencies, the time to file a Notice of Claim against these agencies is limited and quick. If you were injured in a train derailment or any other train accident, contact us immediately to preserve your rights. Waiting too long to contact an attorney can jeopardize and/or bar your claims.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/LIRR-Train-Derails-in-Brooklyn-409638225.html

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/01/04/recent-train-derailments/

http://abcnews.go.com/US/connecticut-commuter-train-crash-fbi-finds-foul-play/story?id=19207987

Train Accident Attorney

When this happens to you or a loved one, you need someone who will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. Please call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC at 516-858-2620, where an attorney with a proven track record of holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence can speak with you about your case.

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Notice of Claim Requirement

On September 21, 2016, in Construction Accident/Labor Law, Litigation, Medical Malpractice, Motor Vehicle Accident, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, by John A. Weber IV, ESQ.

NOTICE OF CLAIM REQUIREMENT

Before one can bring a lawsuit to collect damages against a city, town, or a public agency in the state of New York, a notice of claim requirement must be satisfied. A claimant has ninety days during which to file and comply with the notice of claim requirement or they will be barred from bringing the action. This is not the same as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations against municipalities is one year and ninety days as opposed to the normal statute of limitations for personal injury matters in New York which is three years.

One of the main purposes of the notice of claim requirement is to give the government a thirty-day time window upon receipt of the notice of claim to request a “50-H” hearing. This hearing is somewhat like a deposition and it is an advantage that non-government entities do not receive. It gives the government an extra opportunity to acquire information and testimony it may use to defeat a claim. The government may also request a medical examination during this thirty-day time period. Every municipality has the power to designate who must be served with the notice of claim and if the notice of claim requirement is not satisfied, the claim itself will be barred forever.

It is important to determine who it should be served on before attempting to serve a notice of claim.

It is advisable to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before attempting to comply with the notice of claim requirement. The barring of the action for failure to comply with the notice of claim requirement is a strict penalty and not worth the risk of attempting this task pro se.