How to PREVENT Sports Injuries

For many high school students, fall not only means a return to class, but a return to the field. Whether it’s for the school team or an intramural league; whether football, cheerleading, soccer, field hockey or any other sport; knowing how to minimize the chance of injury is vitally important. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention right?

In the weeks before classes start, many athletes are already taking to the practice field. Two-a- days are tough for any athlete; for teenagers they can be dangerous. The number one way to stay safe on a hot August afternoon is to stay hydrated. Athletes should make sure to drink plenty of fluids (without caffeine!) and watch for warning signs of heat-related problems, such as dark- colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, cramps, excessive sweating or a cessation of sweating. If one experiences any of these symptoms, they should immediately take the break to cool down and rehydrate.

A general way to lessen the chances of athletic injury is to have a warm- up and cool down routine. Coaches should work with athletes to develop such routines. Coaches should also be encouraging athletes to train during the offseason. Showing up in shape will benefit in many ways, including making injuries less likely.

Properly fitting pads and helmets are another key to injury prevention. Make sure to have any protective equipment fitted at purchase. If you suspect an improper fit, ask the coach to take a look. While no helmet or pad can completely protect against injury, a proper fit will minimize the risk of serious injuries like concussions.

DID YOU KNOW? Scammers targeting hotel guests

The federal Trade Commission has issued a warning about scams targeting hotel guests. Next time you’re on the road, be aware of the following three dirty tricks. Be aware and you won’t become the next victim.

1. The late night, front desk phone call.  This scam starts with a ringing phone. It’s late at night and when the victim answers, the voice on the other hand of the line says he’s from the front desk. “There’s a problem with your credit card,” the voice says. “Could you give us the number again?” Of course, it’s not the front desk, it’s a scammer. The hotel would not likely bother a guest in the middle of the night. They would deal with the issue at the desk in the morning.
2. Pizza special! A hotel guest finds a flyer slid under their door. Great deals on pizza! They deliver to the hotel! Sounds great! Unfortunately, the pizza place isn’t real ( or at least the number isn’t), and when you order with your credit card you get no pizza, only fraudulent charges.
3. Wi-Fi fake out. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi service, for free or for a fee. Scammers know this and have been known to create their own Wi-Fi networks, with names that sound just like the official hotel network. If a guest logs on, they risk losing personal information to a crook. Guests should always check with the hotel to make sure they are accessing the authorized network.

RECALL ALERT: Graco Strollers Amputating Baby Fingers

Graco Strollers and Travel Systems

Model names: Aspen, Breeze, Capri, Cirrus, Glider, Kite, Literider, Sierra, Solara, Sterling, and TravelMate

For listing of Model Numbers, see www.gracobaby.com
The stroller’s folding hinge poses a laceration or amputation hazard.  Child Injury.  Causes serious injury to children.

Contact Graco immediately for a free repair kit.
Repair kits will be available at the beginning of December 2014.
Until you receive a free repair kit:

• Exercise extreme care when unfolding the stroller
• Ensure hinges are firmly locked before placing a child in the stroller
• Immediately remove the child if the stroller begins to fold to keep fingers away from the side hinge area

For more information contact Graco at: 1 (800) 345-4109 or visit www.gracobaby.com

Some Of The Top Warning Signs Of Elder Abuse Are...

When the time comes for our aging loved ones to move into a nursing home or assisted living facility, we are faced with the difficult task of finding just the right place.  We speak with neighbors and friends, ask for professional recommendations, and tour the different facilities.  Even after the most careful search, unforeseen problems can arise.

Most nursing homes and assisted living facilities provide safe, caring environments, staffed by hard-working professionals.  Sometimes, however, problems arise.  Elder abuse is a disturbingly-common problem across the country.  The law protects the safety and dignity of the elderly in these facilities, but to enforce these laws the authorities need to know there is abuse taking place

If you have a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, keep a watchful eye on these 7 warning signs during your visit:

1. Sudden weight loss or dehydration
2. Bruises, burns, and other unexplained injuries
3. Bedsores
4. Use of restraints
5. Staff inattention
6. Unsanitary/unsafe conditions
7. Financial issues

If you suspect that a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse contact our office immediately at 1-800-669-4878.

Purchasing Auto Insurance: Most Common Questions

Purchasing auto insurance seems easy enough just sign on the dotted line, start paying premiums, and hit the road! It’s more complicated than that. When the time comes to file claim, many drivers are surprised to find that they are not protected as they thought. When making a decision on a new policy or a renewal, knowing the answers to the following common questions will help you make the best choice.

What is liability coverage?
Liability coverage protects you if you are at fault in an accident. The injured party will not be able to come after your house, car or other property.  Your insurance company will pay damages up to the limits of your policy.

What is Uninsured Motorist coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protects you when the other party in an accident is at fault and they are uninsured. Even though it is required by law to carry insurance, many drivers do not. If one of these uninsured drivers causes an accident that you are involved in, the UIM coverage will protect you. Your insurer will pay up to the limits of your policy (see more on this below)

What does $50,000/$100,000 mean?
Two dollar amounts expressed like this ($50,000/100,000) tell you the limits of your policy. The first number is how much coverage you have for each person in the vehicle. The second number is how much coverage you have in total for the accident. For example, using limits, if you are in an accident and there are three of you in the vehicle, each person would be covered up to $ 50,000, but all three would have to share a total of $100,000. There can be different amounts for different types of coverage, such as liability and uninsured motorist .

How much coverage should I buy?
Buy as much as your insurance company will sell you or that you can afford. If you ever need it, you don’t want to be in a situation where the insurance payout isn’t enough to cover the costs of the accident. It is generally not much more expensive to add more coverage. While the difference varies from company to company, you will not, for example pay twice as much for twice the coverage. Ask your agent how much it would be to add coverage. You may be surprised at how little it is!

List Of The Most Dangerous Dogs: Insurance Dog Breed Blacklist

More than one third of all homeowner's insurance liability claims paid out in 2013 were related to dog bites.  The average claim was about $30,000, adding up to about $490 million for the year.  Insurance companies are concerned about these costs, so it has become common for them to blacklist certain breeds of dog.  While each company has a different list, the following fourteen breeds were the most common to be excluded from coverage:

1. Pit Bull Terriers
2. Staffordshire Terriers
3. Rottweilers
4. German Shepherds
5. Presa Canarios
6. Chows Chows
7. Doberman Pinschers
8. Akitas
9. Wolf-Hydribs
10. Mastiffs
11. Can Corsos
12. Great Danes
13. Alaskan Malamutes
14. Siberian Huskies 

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured by a dog call the experienced Dog Bite attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878.

Is it a concussion? Learn how to determine the severity of your Brain Injury...

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability and death among those ages 1-44.  While the severity of TBIs varies from mild to moderate to severe, every victim of TBI should be evaluated by a physician.

The most common type of TBI is a concussion.  The most common symptoms of concussion are attention and memory problems, headaches, and fatigue.  Other symptoms include dizziness, vomiting/nausea, and trouble balancing.

To find out if a patient has a concussion, a doctor will ask about these symptoms and evaluate the patient's alertness, attention, speech, memory, and reaction time.  A CT Scan or MRI may also be ordered.

In most cases, the prescription is rest, both physical and cognitive.  Generally, recovery times vary from a few days to a few months.

The Ten Most Dangerous Jobs In America

10.  Construction Laborers
9. Farmers, ranchers, agricultural managers
8. Drivers/sales workers, truck drivers
7. Electrical power line installers and repairers
6. Refuse, recyclable materials collectors
5. Structural iron and steel workers
4. Roofers
3. Pilots, flight engineers
2. Fishers, fishing workers
1. Loggers

What Type Of Car Insurance Should I Have In New York?

The insurance coverages that are mandatory and most often apply after an auto accident in New York are:

Bodily Injury Coverage
Bodily injury coverage protects you if you cause an accident in which another party is injured. In NY it is required to have Bodily Injury coverage.

Personal Injury Protection
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory coverage that pays for medical expenses and lost wages due to injuries sustained in a car accident. This coverage applies despite who is responsible for the accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you or your passengers are injured in an accident due the negligence of someone who is either uninsured or underinsured then Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured (UIM) coverages will protect you and the passengers in your car.

Property Damage Liability Coverage
Property damage liability coverage protects you if you are held responsible for damaging someone else’s property in a car accident. Property damage liability coverage will help to compensate the party for their damaged property.

Most Common Questions Asked By Car Accident Injured Victims...

What are some of the most common motor vehicle accident questions clients ask an attorney?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AS IT RELATES TO CAR ACCIDENTS...

• Do I have a case?
  Anytime someone suffers serious injuries as a direct result of another persons negligence that injured victim may have a case. Here are a just a few of the factors an attorney may consider when determining if a someone has a case:  1) Who and how many defendants are responsible.  2) Was it work related and was it caused as a result of negligence of your employer. 3) Is it as a result of a manufacturer or road defect? 
  
• Are there any time limits to file a lawsuit?
  Yes. The lawsuit must be filed before the expiration of the Statute of Limitations or the claim may be barred forever.
  
• What is my case worth?
  Each and every case is unique. Before giving an opinion of the value of any particular case, an experienced attorney will spend the time and resources necessary in order to properly conduct a thorough investigation of your case. The lawyer will obtain and review every document and record; and review the law relevant to your case. After careful consideration and evaluation of your case, an experienced attorney should be able to give you a potential range of what your case could be worth.
  
• How much money will I receive?
  The amount of money you may ultimately collect, whether by settlement or verdict, will vary depending upon the following factors: A) Details about the accident...how it happened, documented evidences (photos, witness statements) and expert testimony on liability and damages. B) The nature and extent of your injuries. Did you go to the hospital? Was medical treatment needed for recovery? Were there lost wages? 
  
• What happens if the insurance company says my car is totaled?
  If the cost to repair the vehicle is more than the car is worth, the insurance company will most likely “total” the vehicle and give you a check for what they believe the car is worth.  However, you may still be obligated to pay the car loan if you financed it.
  
  
• What if the person who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance?
  If the person at fault does not have insurance coverage for the damage they are responsible for, you may have to file an injury claim under your own insurance policy. The coverage is referred to as uninsured motorist insurance and is required by law to have in the state of New York.

Motorcycle Riding Tips For the Autumn Season: how to stay safe

Here are a few motorcycle safety reminders to help you stay safe and avoid a motorcycle accident, even as the leaves begin to change this autumn:

Check the Mechanics

Immediately after the summer riding season, your motorcycle may need a tune-up. Check that all parts on your bike are functioning correctly and that you have good tread and air pressure in your front and rear tires. Make sure your fluid levels are good and that all controls are working properly.

Wear Proper Clothing

Autumn has many temperature changes. It can be quite chilly in the morning and still reach the mid-70s or 80s in the afternoon, depending on where you are. The best thing you can do to adjust to the changes is to dress in layers. You should never wear cotton as a base layer. Use thermal underwear or something with a synthetic blend as your base layer. On top of the base layer, wear comfortable riding attire. AVOID wearing anything with a hoodie, but rather wear something with a zip-up sweatshirt or shirt.

Beat the Wind With Leather

It might be too hot to wear leather during the summer, but it's perfect for fall. Leather motorcycle jackets or chaps can protect you from the wind and keep you more comfortable while riding. They usually also have removable liners.

You can wear riding boots with synthetic liners and wool socks. This combination will let your feet breathe in case they get warm.

Finally, it's a good idea to wear a pair of synthetic glove liners underneath your leather biker gloves and pack fingerless leather gloves in a storage compartment. You'll be able to switch in the afternoon when you get too warm.

Switch to a Half- or Full-Visor Helmet

Cold air can be harsh on your eyes, so switch to a Department of Transportation-approved helmet.

Bring Your Rain Gear

A raw, chilling rain can cause hypothermia quickly, especially if you're not wearing the best riding attire. Always pack your rain gear, just in case.

Watch for Riding Hazards

Fallen leaves can be very slippery and cause accidents, and many deer are more active during autumn – especially during dawn and dusk. Keep your eyes out for any riding hazard so you have time to react.

Following these guidelines can help you make the most of your fall riding season and enjoy the weather before any snow sets in.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Get a Free Legal Evaluation Now

If you or someone you care about were injured in a motorcycle accident, you must act quickly. There are time limits to file a claim, and if you wait too long, evidence could disappear.

Call 1-800-669-4878, or submit your information for a free evaluation of your claim. Our experienced motorcycle attorneys are available 24/7 – get started today.

Amusement Park Injuries On The Rise

The consumer product safety commission reports that emergency-room injuries from amusement park rides rose almost 87% over the last five years.  While some cases involve serious trauma and wrongful death from attractions, many also involve lacerations, broken bones, or fractures caused by slip-and-fall accidents.

If you or a family member suffered an injury at an amusement park, water park, or on a carnival ride, you may be able to collect compensation for related expenses and punitive damages.

Here are some questions that a lawyer will explore when considering such a case:

• Negligence:  Did the park or operation display a lack of reasonable care that contributed to or caused an injury?  If the accident occurred on a ride, did the rider take an assumed risk?
• Product Liability:  Was an attraction inherently dangerous, meaning that maintenance and inspection still would not ensure safety?  It is expensive and difficult to prove that a manufacturer could have used a safer design for a ride.  A court will also consider assumed risk
• Premises Liability:  Did the owner take reasonable care of the construction, management, and maintenance of the facility and grounds?

40% Of All Fatal Car Crashes On Labor Day Involve A Drunk Driver

Did you know that on Labor Day in 2012 40% of all fatal car crashes involved a drunk driver?  The National Safety Council estimates 395 people will be killed and an additional 42,300 will be injured in car crashes during the Labor Day holiday  weekend. The period begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1.  
It also is estimated that 143 lives may be saved this Labor Day holiday period by buckling up, and an additional 99 lives could be saved if all wore seat belts. 
Be safe this Labor Day weekend.  Do not drink and drive or get in a car with someone who has been drinking.  Be smart, be safe!  The Labor Day holiday should be filled with fun and relaxation, not flashing lights and tragedy.

To ensure a safer Labor Day holiday weekend, NSC recommends drivers:  

• Refrain from using cell phones – handheld or hands-free – because there is no safe way to use a cell phone while driving.  Join the movement.... #ItCanWait

• Do not manipulate in-vehicle infotainment systems or electronic devices, including GPS systems, while the vehicle is in motion

• Make sure all passengers are buckled up and children are in safety seats appropriate for their age and size.

• Allow plenty of travel time to avoid frustration and diminish the impulse to speed

• Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during inclement weather

• Designate a non-drinking driver or plan for alternative transportation, such as a taxi

 

Play It Safe On The Side Of The Road

SAFETY TIPS:  When an how to properly move to the side of the road.

• Never pull over on an interstate unless it is a true emergency
• Stay calm, activate your hazard lights, and move the vehicle to the side of the road as far as it can go
• It's safer to be on the right shoulder than the left
• Call roadside assistance
• Don't get out of your car if you can help it
• Do no attempt to change a tire in an unsafe location.  Changing a driver-side tire on the right shoulder, just a few feet from cars and trucks going 75 mph, is not safe.
• It's always better to move - even if is slowly - to a safer spot, like a parking lot

Pope Francis' Family Die In Tragic Accident In Argentina

Three of Pope Francis' family members have died in a traffic car accident in Argentina. The wife of the pope's nephew and her two young children were killed and the pope's nephew was "seriously injured,".

Pope Francis said he was "profoundly saddened" by the news and asked that "all those who share in his grief join him in prayer."

NBC News, reports that the accident involved a cargo truck and a Chevy Spin. The network adds:

"The Chevy driver — Francis' 35-year-old nephew, Emanuel Bergoglio — was in intensive care in an induced coma after suffering a variety of injuries including liver trauma and a fractured femur, according to police. Bergoglio's wife, 36-year-old Carmona Valeria, and their eight-month-old son Jose died at the scene. Bergoglio's two-year-old, Antonio, later died at the hospital, police added."

What should I bring when I meet an attorney for the initial consultation?

When someone comes to our office, Buttafuoco & Associates, for an initial consultation, we want to do everything we can to help determine what his or her best course of action is.  To do this, we need information.  The items on the following list will help us determine whether or not there is a personal injury or medical malpractice case, how strong it is, and what sort of costs will be involved in pursuing it.  If you are meeting with us for an initial consultation, we like to see the following:

1. Any reports filed about the incident, from your employer, law enforcement, injury/accident report or any other applicable source.
2. Any related medical records, medical bills, physician reports, test results, prognoses, etc
3. Estimated future medical costs
4. Medical leave or lost wages records from your employer
5. Copies of any correspondence or forms received related to the case.
6. If there was property damage, photographic and video evidence of the dame
7. Policy information and any claims information for insurance.
8. A timeline of important dates including doctor's visits and treatments
9. A written narrative about the accident, including all the details you can remember.

If you have been injured and would like to schedule your initial consultation visit www.1800NowHurt.com or call 1-800-669-4878 today.

What Should Be In An Emergency Roadside Car Kit

The road can be a dangerous place.  Accidents and breakdowns will happen.  That's why drivers should be prepared with a roadside emergency kit.

By preparing an emergency kit and keeping it in the vehicle, a driver will make a dangerous situation (being stuck on the side of the road) much safer.

A little preparation goes a long way in an emergency.  Plan ahead now so you're ready for whatever the road throws at you.

SOME THINGS THAT COULD BE INCLUDED IN AN EMERGENCY KIT ARE:

• jumper cables
• extra engine oil
• bottled water and snacks
• emergency flares
• flashlight with extra batteries
• ice scraper
• spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
• tire inflator
• blanket, hat and gloves
• basic tool kit
• rags
• shovel
• first aid kit

$4 Million Settlement for DHL worker Struck By Forklift at Airport

A 31 year old delivery person from Suffolk County, New York was struck in the back by a forklift at a local airport severely injuring his neck and back.  The experienced attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates were able to obtain a video surveillance tape showing the actual accident.  Armed with the video, we were able to get a court order determining that the accident was 100% the fault of the forklift operator.  The delivery person was unable to return to work due to back and neck injuries which required surgery.  The case was settled at a mediation.

RECALL ALERT: Gree Dehumidifiers Recalled Due To Fire Hazard (165 reported incidents)

Dehumidifiers made by Gree Electric Appliances of China have been recalled due to serious fire and burn hazards. The recalled models are sold under the brand names Danby, De’Longhi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir and SuperClima.

The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, and catch fire. There have been 165 reported incidents, including 46 fires, causing $2.15 million in property damage.

Think Twice Before Posting ANYTHING On Social Media Sites

Millions of Americans are using facebook, twitter, instragram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and all the other social networking sites and that use is now affecting the outcomes of lawsuits all over the country.  If you have asked some of the following questions READ ON:  Can a court use pictures and posts on my account as evidence on my case?  Can a lawyer find something I posted online?  How do I keep my information private?  Should I use facebook during my case?  Can someone find a post that I previously deleted?  Could my posts hurt the value of my case?

In one recent case, a woman in Georgia was awarded only about ten percent of the damages she was seeking because the defense used her social networking posts against her.  The woman was the victim in an auto accident and suffered a concussion and other severe injuries, and was left with a scar on her forehead.  She sued for damages, including pain and suffering due to the decrease in her quality of life.  Her case was solid and it looked like she would receive a large award.  Unfortunately, a social media post about her having "an epic weekend" and another that said "I'm starting to love my scar" were used to convince the jury that her quality of life wasn't as bad as it was being made out to be.  Another post with a picture of the woman using her injured hand raised doubts over her claims of being unable to work.

Don't let this happen to you.  If you are involved in a lawsuit, the best thing to do is to suspend your social network accounts.  Even if you're not posting anything currently, there may be things from your past that can be construed as negative by a skilled attorney.  If you've checked all your past posts and decide to leave your account active, set your privacy settings to the most restrictive and be very careful about what you post.  Even your information that is not publicly-viewable can be used in court.  So can things your friends post.

Social networking can be a great thing, but be careful what you post when involved in a court case.

Every half hour, a falling TV injures a child

Normally when people talk about TV being harmful to children they aren't talking about physical harm.  That has now changed.  According to a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics, a child is injured by a falling TV once every half hour, on average.  That adds up to over 17,000 injuries per year that were severe enough to require a hospital visit.  While most of the injuries were not serious, some were lethal.

There seem to be few causes contributing to this problem.  There are more TV's sold now than ever before.  They are often placed on furniture, such as dressers, that are not meant to hold them.  Most important, flat screen TV's are lighter and carry most of their weight in the front, making them especially prone to tipping over.

To be safe, parents should make sure to secure or tether the TV to make sure it's stable.  It is also recommended that they do not place remote controls or toys atop the TV since this can encourage a child to climb it.

MORE Kugel Mesh Lawsuits....severe injuries reported

Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patches have been recalled several times over safety issues caused by product defects. The patches, which are used to treat ventral hernias, contain flexible rings that allow large patches to be folded for insertion through small incisions. Once the patch is in position within the abdominal cavity, the ring pops open allowing the patch to be fastened flatly in place. However, the Food and Drug Administration has received numerous reports of defective recoil rings breaking and exposing jagged, sharp edges. These sharp edges can cause serious internal injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered the serious side effects of a defective Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch, please contact the experienced defective medical device attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates today for a complimentary consultation who can help you recover the compensation you may be due.

Potential Injuries

When a Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch malfunctions, serious internal injuries can occur. Some of the injuries caused by malfunctioning Kugel Mesh Patches include:

• Intense abdominal pain
• Bowel perforation
• Intestinal fistulae, or abnormal passages between intestines

If you have been implanted with a Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, persistent abdominal pain, tenderness, or other unusual abdominal symptoms, seek professional medical help immediately.

Recalled Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patches

The following are the Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patches affected by the recall:

• Composix Kugel Extra Large Oval (7.7" x 9.7") Product code: 0010208
• Composix Kugel Extra Large Oval (8.7" x 10.7") Product code: 0010206
• Composix Kugel Extra Large Oval (10.8" x 13.7") Product code: 0010207
• Composix Kugel Large Oval (5.4" x 7") Product code: 0010202
• Composix Kugel Oval (6.3" x 12.3") Product code: 0010209
• Composix Kugel Large Circle (4.5" in diameter) Product code: 0010204

Proving Fault In Slip-And-Fall Cases: What is Reasonable?

To prove fault, the injured party must prove that the property owner/possessor did not act reasonably.  To do this, we suggest asking questions like:

• How long did the dangerous condition exist?
• Did the person responsible for the property regularly inspect or clean the property?
• Was there a precaution that could have been taken to eliminate the dangerous condition?

It is also important to make sure the injured party acted reasonably.  If the injured party was somewhere they shouldn't have been, was acting in an unsafe manner, or ignored warning signs, it is unlikely that they will have a winning case.

If you or a loved one was injured in a slip-and-fall accident, call us at 1-800-669-4878 so that we can review the situation and help advise you on a course of action.

How To Prove Fault In A Slip And Fall Accident/Case

Every slip and fall case is different, but in each one fault must be determined.  It is generally the responsibility of the injured party to prove that the accident was caused by a dangerous condition or negligence.

HOW TO PROVE FAULT

Proving fault in a slip and fall case can be difficult.  First, it must be shown that the injured party did everything that a "reasonable" person would have done to be safe.  We are all responsible for being aware of our surroundings and doing our best to avoid dangerous conditions.  Second, it must be shown that the property owner/possessor did one of the following:

• Knew about a dangerous condition on the property and did not fix it
• Caused a dangerous condition and did not fix it
• Should have known about a dangerous condition because another "reasonable" person in their position would have known about it.

Buttafuoco and Associates Seeks To File $300 million Lawsuit Against Con Edison on behalf of the Victims of the Fatal Harlem Gas Leak Explosion

New York, NY, April 3, 2014 — Daniel P. Buttafuoco and Associates filed the first in a series of personal injury/wrongful death lawsuits against Consolidated Edison (“Con Ed”) in relation to the tragic gas leak explosion at the Spanish Christian Church in Harlem. The suit seeks damages in excess of $300 million on behalf of the victims that were injured or killed in the March 12 blast.

The lawsuits, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, allege negligence against Con Ed and seek compensation for serious, life-altering injuries, death and loss of property. “Con Ed’s antiquated system of gas mains and pipelines continue to pose a threat to the City’s residents," said Daniel Buttafuoco. "The devastation caused by this horrific event was profound, permanent and could have been prevented if not
for the negligent behavior of those responsible for the maintenance of the city’s utility infrastructure."

Currently, a total of 10 separate actions, including five wrongful death lawsuits, two personal injury lawsuits and two property damage claims are being filed. Property damage cases will be handled on a pro-bono basis. Buttafuoco and Associates is also in the process of establishing guardianships and estates for the deceased and anticipate filing additional lawsuits.

APRIL is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Recognize April 2014 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Thousands die needlessly each year because people continue to use their cell phones while driving, handheld or hands-free. Join the National Safety Council this April in urging those you care about to:

• Stop using cell phones while driving
• Recognize that hands-free devices offer no safety benefit
• Understand the dangers of the cognitive distraction to the brain
• Tell others about the dangers of cell phone distracted driving 

NSC estimates almost 25 percent of car crashes involve cell phone use. Driving is a complex task that requires eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and the brain focused on the task of driving. Drivers engaged in cell phone conversations, handheld or hands-free, are cognitively distracted and can fail to see up to 50 percent of their driving environment including stop signs, pedestrians and red lights.

Pledge like a life depends on it. Because it does.

The experienced car accident attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates are committed to ending Distracted Driving. 

Join Buttafuoco & Associates fight to end distracted driving by PLEDGING to not use your cell phone while driving in any way, including:

• Having a phone conversation - handheld or hands-free
• Texting

50,000 Views and counting - The Personal Injury Law Blog

 

Today we reached a proud milestone.  50,000 views of our Blog!

We've come a long way since our injury law blog launch on Friday, October 20th 2006 (read 1st blog post here).   We recklessly jumped out of the starting gate armed with the good intentions of educating the everyday person on all things injury law as a means of helping them rebuild their lives or avoid a serious injury.  Sure, we were told there was something called "SEO" involved.  But we really didn't know what that was at the time.  We are an authority on personal injury and medical malpractice law and we were simply posting articles we thought were important on an irregular basis. 

In 2011, we were introduced to the prospect of formulating an intentional content strategy (thanks to digital marketing guru Rob Taormina).  This transformed our blog.  Here's a crazy stat:  85% of our total historical traffic came after this change.  MIND BLOWN!

Eight years later our mission remains the same.  Educating you, the reader, as a means of helping injured victims rebuild their lives and/or families avoid serious injuries.   Whether it be local news, recent children's toy recalls, medical statistics or a simple milestone celebratory blog......THANKS FOR READING.  We appreciate you.

Two Teenagers Dead After Long Island Car Accident

 Two Long Island teenagers were killed when their car lost control and struck a tree early Wednesday morning, police said.

The accident happened around 1:15 a.m. Wednesday in Roslyn Heights.

Steven Clancy, 19, was driving a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta northbound on Roslyn Road near Locust Lane when he struck a curb and then a tree in the back yard of an Oak Lane home, Nassau County homicide detectives said.

Clancy and his passenger, Javier Gonzalez, also 19, were pronounced dead. Both men were from Mineola.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

What Are The Important Statistics For Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. About 1 in 8 (12%) women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

 

The American Cancer Society's estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2014 are:

• About 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
• About 62,570 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
• About 40,000 women will die from breast cancer

After increasing for more than 2 decades, female breast cancer incidence rates began decreasing in 2000, then dropped by about 7% from 2002 to 2003. This large decrease was thought to be due to the decline in use of hormone therapy after menopause that occurred after the results of the Women's Health Initiative were published in 2002. This study linked the use of hormone therapy to an increased risk of breast cancer and heart diseases. Incidence rates have been stable in recent years.

 

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 36 (about 3%). Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.

 

At this time there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. (This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment.)

 

If you or someone you love has been misdiagnosed call the experienced medical malpractice attorneys of Buttafuoco & Associates at 1-800-669-4878

What are the odds of being involved in a plane crash?

What are the odds of being involved in a plane crash?

A. 1 in 500,000
B. 1 in 11 Million
C. 1 in 280 Million
Answer: B. 1 in 11 Million 

Last year's crash in San Francisco has left passengers questioning whether or not Boeing could have prevented the accident.  

A group of passengers who were aboard an Asiana Airlines flight that crash-landed last summer at San Francisco International Airport, filed a personal injury lawsuit against aircraft manufacturer Boeing, alleging that the airlines’ negligence contributed to the crash.

According to the lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court, Boeing knew or should have known that its ‘777’ passenger jet had inadequate auto-throttle control and low airspeed warning systems.

The suit also contends that Boeing knew or should have known that the airline’s pilots were not properly trained in basic landing and safety management protocols and that the pilots of Asiana Airlines flight 214 were not qualified to fly on July 6, 2013.

Approximately 100 plaintiffs, many of them South Korean or Chinese nationals, are listed on the lawsuit. There were 307 people aboard the plane when it crashed.

“As a result of the crash, each of the plaintiffs sustained injuries, including but not limited to, bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, medical treatment, loss of income, and medical expenses,” the suit states.

On Friday night, a Boeing spokesman was reached and stated that the manufacturer had no comment regarding the lawsuit.

“Boeing was aware that its low airspeed warning system was inadequate,” the suit states.

In addition, the lawsuit alleges that Boeing “failed to adequately train Asiana’s pilots” in its South Korean 777 training facility.

The wide-body commercial airliner tumbled across a San Francisco runway on July 6^th. Three passengers were killed and more than 180 passengers were injured. Other lawsuits have previously been filed in the case.

The National Transportation Safety Board has said Asiana pilots told investigators they realized the approach speed was low and set the auto-throttle to correct it, but realized too late that the aircraft speed never increased.

The lawsuit filed Friday claims that “The design of the auto-throttle control systems, the auto-pilot control systems, and/or the low airspeed warning systems on the subject aircraft, their improper installation, and/or their defects, resulted in dangerously inadequate warnings to pilots about low airspeed, a common cause of airplane crashes.”

Boeing retrofitted hundreds of its 737 jetliners with low airspeed warning systems that give audible commands after a 2009 Turkish Airlines crash, the lawsuit says.

“Yet Boeing has not installed such systems in its 777 aircraft,” the suit alleges.

“Boeing knew or should have known that the training procedures for Asiana pilots were not up to par, and were putting passengers’ lives at risk,” the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks unspecified damages.

For more information, contact one of our Buttafuoco & Associates attorneys at 1-800-669-4878