Everybody knows the construction industry is dangerous due, in large part, to the great heights at which individuals must work. It is for this reason basic safety laws exist. The workers deserve to be protected. Yet according to the most recent Deadly Skyline report, falls remain the top cause of fatalities on construction sites. In addition, fall protections account for the most frequent construction site violation cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. All of this underscores the continued need for the Scaffold Law. Why...
What is the brightest color for a cyclist?
As a cyclist, you put your life in the hands of the drivers that you share the road with on every ride. But under New York law if a driver hits you, even if it was their fault, the clothes you wear may diminish your final compensation. The injury statute in New York makes it clear that if both parties in an accident are at-fault, then the final compensation may decrease. This is comparative negligence. So, even if a driver hits you because they turned right in front of you, they could claim “I didn’t see them because of their clothes” and...
What should you know about post-concussion syndrome after a slip and fall?
Head injuries are a common problem after slip-and-fall accidents. Even a mild concussion can make a victim feel pretty miserable for a few days, due to the associated headaches, nausea and dizziness that’s common. But what if you don’t get better in a few days? While the symptoms of most mild concussions fade away over the course of a week or so, some victims experience problems that go on and on -- often for months. If the above description sounds familiar, you may have post-concussion syndrome. Post-concussion syndrome isn’t associated with...
Spring may bring new driving hazards
Spring is right around the corner, and east coast residents are itching to shed off their winter gear and embrace warm weather once again. However, with the beginning of spring comes the aftereffects of winter weather on New York highways and roads. According to AARP, drivers should anticipate several potential hazards before exploring the warmer conditions this spring. Wet conditions Spring is known for its rainy weather and slippery roads. It's critical that drivers compensate for slippery conditions by slowing down and increasing the...
Avoid these bad driving habits
Most people haven't been in drivers-ed for quite a few years. While many motorists know the basic rules of the road, they may have developed some habits along the way. Unfortunately, any driving negligence could end up seriously hurting the driver or others. The most common bad driving habits While New York adopted new distracted driving laws back in 2017, that doesn’t mean every motorist will abide by the rules. Here are some of the things some drivers do that can put themselves and others at serious risk: Driving with headphones on:...
Watch out for parking lot hazards during the holidays
‘Tis the season for families and celebration as the holidays are upon us. But for thousands of people in New York and across the country, it can be a tragic time as the festive atmosphere of holiday shopping can turn dangerous or deadly. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that hundreds of people die as a result of motor vehicle crashes in parking lots and garages, and thousands more suffer devastating injuries. Insurers report claims spike on Black Friday and remain above average throughout the holidays. Drivers admit to a multitude of...
New campaign compares tackle football to smoking
There have been many studies, and countless stories regarding the danger concussions have upon victims. Football and youth football have been particular targets for raising awareness among players and parents. Nevertheless, a new public service announcement in Massachusetts is making national news. The spot shows kids playing football until one is thrown to the ground. Then the music turns ominous, and the coach starts passing cigarettes out to his young players. The voiceover features a young voice stating: “Tackle football is like smoking....
Fall on the job and a 134-year-old New York law could catch you
They say it isn’t the fall that hurts you– it’s the sudden stop. Injury happens at impact, whether you’re the falling object, or the falling object hits you. An old law could cover any falling that occurs on the job. New York state law looks to hold owners and contractors liable in the event of a gravity-related event with Section 240 of the New York State Labor Law, known as the Scaffold Law. Meant to protect construction laborers in New York City as buildings began topping 20 stories, these protections still stretch over to Western New York...
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS AGAINST CATHOLIC CHURCH INCREASED
State to Approve Child Victims Act for Survivors of Abuse The Buffalo News has reported that the State Assembly and Senate will pass a law raising the statute of limitations for claims against the Catholic Church, their employees and other who were involved in the abuse of children. This will include a one year “look-back” period for victims of any age to bring lawsuits over alleged sexual abuse no matter how long ago the events occurred. This will finally provide New York survivors with an opportunity to pursue justice for the unfathomable...
Drunk Driving May Be One of Many Factors In a Fatal Car Accident
New York prosecutors assert that a pickup truck driver was likely legally intoxicated when his vehicle collided with a limousine and have charged him accordingly. However, the accident may be more complicated than claims of a drunk driver causing a car accident. The preliminary evidence regarding the crash implies that the driver of the limousine may have contributed to it. Reportedly, the limo was attempting to make a U-turn when the pickup slammed into it. According to a witness, when the limo began its turn, it did so directly into the...
