Attorney Blog

Firm Moves Case Out From Under Bankruptcy Stay

fdito@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)73946 — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Years ago, we started a lawsuit against General Motors Corporation and Island Chevrolet on behalf of a family injured in a single-car accident. The client’s car was brought into Island for service regarding the rack and pinion steering on their SUV. Apparently, a part was installed upside down into the steering mechanism. After the SUV was driven for about 1 mile, the pin fell out, causing all steering to be lost. The SUV crashed into a pole and fire hydrant, causing the occupants to suffer significant injuries.
We filed suit on the occupants behalf against Island Chevrolet for negligence in their repair of the steering mechanism and against General Motors for improperly training the mechanics, known as Goodwrench certified mechanics. At our first court appearance after the filing of the complaint, General Motors announced that they were declaring bankruptcy. Since GM was such a huge company, and the government had an interest in allowing GM to emerge from bankruptcy as quickly as possible, all the liabilities were left in a company called Motors Liquidation Company. This “company” held all the personal injury claims against GM. There was even talk about dismissing all personal injury claims until a group of lawyers representing those people severely injured or killed by GM products spoke out and stopped that idea.
What the bankruptcy filing did was to delay thousands of cases across the United States for years, without any hope of a quick resolution. When a company files for bankruptcy, no action can be taken against without an order of the court. All proceedings, regardless of the injuries involved, stop until the company emerges from bankruptcy. Recently, Motors Liquidation Company proposed a “take it or leave it” solution to the bankruptcy stay. The company “offered” $1,000 to settle individual claims against it, regardless of the injuries. The claimant would be able to counteroffer and if the counteroffer was refused, binding mediation would result. If a claimant refused to agree to those demands, the case would be lumped in with thousands of other unsecured claims for possibly years to come before any resolution.
After today’s meeting with the clients, we agreed to submit a counteroffer and submit to binding arbitration if the counteroffer is not accepted. So for the clients, after years of waiting for their case to be resolved, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Firm Settles Case on For Direct Selection of a Jury

fdito@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)73683 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

On Tuesday, we settled a case involving an elderly woman who tripped and fell on her way to the doctor's office. The case presented some unique legal questions as two seperate property owners were involved, as well as the City of New York. The location where the plaintiff tripped and fell was in front of a private house next to the parking lot of a medical center. When the client came to our office and told us how the accident happened, we knew that the City of New York may be involved as the case involved a broken sidewalk.

Once we know that a sidewalk is involved, we file a notice of claim with the Comptroller of the City within 90 days after the fall. Although discovery later revealed that the City of New York was not responsible, a Notice of Claim must still be filed. Once the 90 day time frame passes, it is very difficult to file a Notice of Claim without seeking approval from the court. Such approval is not often given without special circumstances. If we didn't file the Notice of Claim and we found out months later that the City of New York was responsible, we would be unable to bring a lawsuit and be unable to recover money for our client's injuries.

Ultimately, the City of New York was not responsible for the sidewalk as the home bordering the sidewalk was rented out. If the owner does not occupy the home and instead rents out the property for profit, the law states that he or she is responsible for injuries someone sustains on the sidewalk in the front of their home. We agreed to let the City of New York out of the case for $1500 and go after the remaining two defendants.

We discovered that a house used to stand on the parking lot for the medical center. When the defendant built the medical center, the house was demolished and a new sidewalk was poured all around the property. Instead of the new sidewalk ending with the property line, the new concrete was extended about 5 feet onto the adjoining property. It may have seemed like the neighborly thing to do at the time but years later, after the ground settled, it created a defetive sidewalk. Depending on how you look at it, the sidewalk in front of the house was either raised or sunken.

This case wasn't an ideal case to try as the plaintiff was very nervous about getting onto the witness stand. We tried our best to negotiate a settlement but since both the home owner and the medical center were pointing the finger of blame at each other, neither would offer any money.

Both eventually moved for summary judgment, asking the court to be let out of the case as they claimed they couldnt be held responsible. The judge denied the motion and the case was scheduled for a trial in January. When a definite trial date is set, insurance companies begin to take extra effort to try to settle the case. At a mediation, the case settled for $80,000 with both the property owner and the medical center each paying the plaintiff $40,000 for her injuries. They finally accepted their responsibiloity for causing the plaintiff to trip and fall.

Driver and Pedestrians Urged to be Careful as City Expects First Snow

fdito@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)73470 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The tri-state area is expecting the first significant snowfall of 2012 this weekend. I urge residents of Staten Island and Brooklyn to be careful driving and while walking outside. As the snow begins to fall, and before the salt trucks make it out onto the road, drivers are urged to take caution as the roads may be slippery, causing spinouts and traffic accidents. Allow enough time for you to reach your intended destination, wear a seatlbelt and reduce your speed according to the weather conditions. Gently apply the brakes and dont expect to stop like you would if the streets were dry.

When walking, wear proper shoes as ice can quickly accumulate onto sidewalks, Snow covers holes or broken concrete on the sidewalks, making them hazardous while walking. Broken bones and lower back injuries are all too common when the sidewalk becomes slippery.

Please be careful while driving and walking around your neighborhood tonight and tomorrow night. Snow and ice, especially black ice, and even shoveling, leads to many emergency rooms visits during the winter months. If you can avoid travelling, stay inside and enjoy the snowfall.

City of New York Modifies 911 System for Snake Hill Road

fdito@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)72973 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The City of New York has modified the "911" system to recognize "Snake Hill Road", as it is commonly known on Staten Island. The notoriously dangerous stretch of roadway, which winds up the hill towards LaTourette golf course, is officially known as Richmond Hill Road. Despite the frequency of calls to 911 relating to the all-too-common car accidents that occur on the roadway almost daily, some 911 operators failed to recognize the roadway by its common name, causing a delay in providing emergency help to the accident.

Symptoms of Autism That May Qualify for Social Security Disability in New York

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)66045 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Severe limitations of autistic disorders could qualify someone to receive Social Security disability in New York. To learn what your loved one's rights are when it comes to disability benefits, you should consult with a Staten Island disability lawyer.

For an individual with an autistic disorder to qualify for Social Security disability, there must be significant deficits with social interactions, communication and other daily functioning skills.

Autism Signs for Social Security Disability in New York

When you see these symptoms of autism, they may qualify for Social Security Disability:

hand flapping;
rocking;
head rolling;
compulsive behaviors;
ritualistic behaviors;
limited focus, interest and activities; and
self-injury.

These are just some of the symptoms that may indicate a need for Social Security disability. In order to qualify, you also will need medical documentation that demonstrates that these severe limitations exist.

If you are pursuing Social Security disability in New York for autistic disorders, you would benefit from getting legal counsel help. You should speak immediately with a Staten Island disability lawyer to learn what you can expect in the process of seeking benefits and what types of medical evidence will be necessary.

Contacting a Staten Island Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim in Staten Island, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Staten Island disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help with building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

7 Intellectual Disability Impairments That May Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)66044 — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

When your loved one is unable to work as a result of mental retardation or another form of intellectual disability, then you may be wondering if they are entitled to receive Social Security disability benefits. Know that you have the chance to speak with an attorney at your Brooklyn disability law firm who can take the time to sit down with you and discuss pursuing a claim.

7 Intellectual Disability Impairments for Social Security Disability Benefits

If your child falls under one of these impairments, seek your attorney to pursue a claim for disability benefits.

autistic disorder/other pervasive development disorders;
schizophrenia/other psychotic disorders;
substance abuse/addiction disorder;
affective disorders (bipolar, manic depression);
personality disorder;
anxiety-related; and
somatoform disorders (panic disorder).

There are specific criteria that must be met as set under Social Security Administration's (SSA) listing of impairments. The above medical conditions do not automatically guarantee an individual eligibility.

Obtaining Social Security disability benefits as a result of mental retardation or intellectual disability can be a challenge, which is why you would benefit from the help of a Brooklyn disability law firm. They can help you with the initial application or with appealing a claim that has been denied.

Contacting a Brooklyn Disability Law Firm

Before you file your Social Security disability claim in Brooklyn, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Brooklyn Social Security disability attorney at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help with building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

How Anxiety Disorder Can Restrict Filing for Disability in New York

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)63977 — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder that significantly affects your quality of life, then you could be entitled to take action in filing for disability in New York. It may feel like an overwhelming process, however with the help of Bronx Social Security disability lawyers you can have the assurance of someone working on your behalf.

While anxiety disorder is not an uncommon psychological impairment, it can become severe enough that it would lead to the need for Social Security. To qualify you will need to meet Social Security Administration's (SSA) criteria.

Proving Anxiety Disorder When Filing for Disability in New York

One of the components to qualify for Social Security is proving that your condition significantly limits your social, personal and work life:

you are unable to handle changes in a work setting;
you have difficulty with movements such as walking, lifting, carrying, pulling;
you are not able to handle common interpersonal situations with co-workers or employer; and
you are unable to understand or carry out basic instructions.

If you plan on filing for disability in New York because you have a severe anxiety disorder, then you should speak first with Bronx Social Security disability lawyers. They can determine if you qualify and should proceed with your claim.

Contacting Bronx Social Security Disability Lawyers

Before you file your Social Security disability claim in New York, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact Bronx Social Security disability lawyers at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help with building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

3 Ways to Prepare for Social Security Disability Hearing in New York

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)63974 — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

You should seek counsel from a disability lawyer in Staten Island if your claim for benefits was denied and you are now facing a Social Security disability hearing in New York. A lawyer can explain the types of things you will need and what you can expect to happen throughout the entire process.

3 Ways You Can Prepare for Social Security Disability Hearing in New York

Before your hearing you should:

collect all of the medical evidence that will demonstrate the severity of your medical condition and the resulting impairments;
bring a list of all the jobs you have held and a description of your job duties for the past 15 years; and
secure legal help from a lawyer who specializes in Social Security law.

There is a lot of work in preparing for a hearing but putting in the extra effort is worth it when it can increase your chance at a favorable outcome.

Preparing for a Social Security disability hearing in New York can feel like an overwhelming process. However, with the help of a disability lawyer in Staten Island, you can feel better about knowing ahead of time what to expect and what you need in order to better prepare for your hearing.

Contacting a Disability Lawyer in Staten Island

Before you file your Social Security disability claim in New York, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Staten Island Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help with building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

6 Steps in Filing a Social Security Disability Claim in New York

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)61523 — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

While your disability may seem obvious, it doesn't necessarily guarantee you will qualify for benefits. Filing a Social Security disability claim in New York can be very challenging. This is why it may be in your best interest to secure legal help from a Staten Island Social Security disability attorney.

6 Steps to File a Social Security Disability Claim in New York

Initial Application - Social Security Administration determines which disability program for which you are eligible;
Medical Determination - a medical determination is made on your claim;
Reconsideration - if your initial claim is denied, you may file for it to be reconsidered;
Hearing - if the request for reconsideration is denied, you may appeal your claim and request a hearing;
Appeals Council - if the hearing does not result in a favorable outcome, you may then make an appeal to the Appeals Council; and
Federal Appeals - this is the final step if your claim is denied by the Appeals Council.

Each step in itself can be very time-consuming and complicated, which is why you should enlist the help of an experienced attorney.

New York residents should know what to expect when it comes to the Social Security disability claims process. A Staten Island Social Security disability attorney can help.

Contacting a Staten Island Social Security Disability Attorney

Before you file your Social Security disability claim in New York, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Staten Island Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help with building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

How Endocrine Disorders May Be Evaluated Under Other Social Security Disability Listings

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)61375 — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you plan on filing a Social Security disability claim in New York and you have been diagnosed with an endocrine disorder, you should know that this condition has been removed from the listing of impairments. A Brooklyn Social Security disability attorney can explain how this may affect your case.

With earlier detection and advances in treatment, many individuals with endocrine disorders are able to continue functioning on a daily basis; however, your condition could still be evaluated under another listing, which may then qualify you for disability benefits.

Symptoms and problems that are associated with an endocrine disorder may also fall under another listing. For instance, if your condition led to an amputation (as a result of complications from diabetes), then you may be evaluated under musculoskeletal disorders.

If you suffer from diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease resulting from diabetes), then you may be evaluated under genitourinary listings. Since there are other ways to evaluate your condition, you should consult your case with an attorney before filing a Social Security disability claim in New York.

When there are important updates to Social Security disability listings, this can significantly affect your ability to obtain benefits. To fully understand your rights and to learn if you qualify to receive disability benefits, you should speak with a Brooklyn Social Security disability attorney.

Contacting a Brooklyn Social Security Disability Attorney

Before you file your Social Security disability claim in New York, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help with building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

5 Medical Disorders That May Lead to SSDI Eligibility

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)59667 — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The diagnosis of a severe medical condition may lead to SSDI eligibility. Understand the process of applying for benefits can be difficult, which is why it may be beneficial to first speak with a Bronx Social Security disability lawyer.

There are a number of medical disorders that could potentially qualify an individual for Social Security disability benefits; however, it must be demonstrated that there are severe limitations in functioning and/or an inability to work.

5 Medical Disorders That May Lead to SSDI Eligibility

autoimmune disorders (multiple sclerosis, lupus);
digestive system disorders (hepatitis, liver disease);
mental disorders (schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder);
bone, joint & tissue disorders (fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis); and
neurological disorders (seizure disorder, neuropathy).

These are just some of the disorders and underlying medical conditions that could lead an individual to file a claim for Social Security disability benefits. If you suffer from severe limitations in your functioning that prevent you from working, then your income may be offset with social security disability benefits.

Bronx residents should know how SSDI eligibility is determined. A Bronx Social Security disability lawyer can help you. Consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible is in your best interests.

Contacting a Bronx Social Security Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Bronx Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help with building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Social Security Disability Benefits for Malignant Neoplastic Diseases

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)58971 — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you have been diagnosed with a severe condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months. Additionally, if a condition is terminal, then it also may qualify. A Bronx Social Security disability attorney can evaluate your case.

One type of condition that may be covered by disability benefits is malignant neoplastic diseases. This is a condition in which a malignant growth or tumor exists, sometimes spreading to other areas of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

When this condition is evaluated for eligibility, several factors are taken into consideration, including where the malignancy originated and the extent of involvement in the body's functioning.

Antineoplastic therapy is also part of the evaluation, as far as the duration, frequency and response to it, including:

hormones;
surgery;
immunotherapy;
irradiation;
stem cell transplantation;
chemotherapy; and
bone marrow transplantation.

Also evaluated are any post-therapeutic residuals.

Your next step should be to seek legal counsel from a Bronx Social Security disability attorney if you have questions concerning your benefits eligibility for malignant neoplastic diseases. An attorney can help assemble the documentation and medical records that will help in your case and increase your chances of a favorable outcome in pursuing Social Security disability benefits.

Contacting a Bronx Social Security Disability Attorney

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Bronx Social Security disability attorney at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help with building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

How Down Syndrome Can Lead to NY Social Security Disability Claims

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)58255 — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Some disabling conditions, such as Down syndrome, affect multiple body systems. Due to the seriousness of these conditions, individuals may be eligible to receive benefits through Social Security disability claims in NY by consulting with Long Island disability lawyers.

Down syndrome is a debilitating condition. It occurs when there are 3 copies of chromosome 21 present in cells as opposed to the normal 2 copies. This extra chromosomal material affects the development of the body and brain overall. Characteristics of Down syndrome include late physical development and varying levels of mental retardation.

Types of Down Syndrome

Non-mosaic Down syndrome - chromosome 21 affects every cell throughout the body. This occurs in 98% of people who have Down syndrome.
Mosaic Down syndrome - only some cells within the body are affected with an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Down syndrome affects multiple systems within the body including mental, neurological and skeletal systems. Furthermore, it can lead to impaired vision, hearing impairment and heart disease.

If you fall under any of these categories you should apply for Social Security disability claims in NY. If you need help obtaining benefits or filing a claim, talk with a Long Island disability lawyer.

Contacting Long Island Disability Lawyers

Before you file Social Security disability claims in NY and Long Island, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help with building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Category of Neurological Impairments for a Brooklyn Social Security Disability Claim

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)57072 — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration (SSA) may provide Social Security disability benefits if you suffer from a neurological condition that has resulted in permanent disability. When you are no longer able to work, disability benefits can help offset some of the income you are now without.

A Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer will work with you through the entire process of applying for Social Security disability benefits. This includes the complicated paperwork and collecting evidence to prove the extent of your disability.

Social Security Disability Benefits: Neurological Impairments

The following categories of neurological impairments may qualify you for Social Security disability benefits:

convulsive epilepsy;
non-convulsive epilepsy;
Parkinson's disease;
central nervous system vascular accident;
spinal cord or nerve root lesions;
cerebral palsy;
multiple sclerosis;
anterior poliomyelitis;
myasthenia gravis;
peripheral neuropathies;
subacute combined cord degeneration;
Huntington's disease;
syringomyelia;
muscular dystrophy;
cerebral trauma;
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and
benign brain tumors.

Each listing of impairment also has specific criteria that must be met in order for you to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

If you need clarification on your eligibility, a Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer can explain how a neurological disorder may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Contacting a Brooklyn Social Security Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help with building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

4 Ways Mental Illness is Assessed in a New York Social Security Disability Case

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)55435 — Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have been diagnosed with a mental disorder you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. You should immediately consult with a Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer who can help determine your eligibility.

There are 4 ways a mental disorder is assessed in a New York Social Security disability case:

Activities of daily living - whether you are able to competently handle activities such as shopping, cleaning, personal grooming and hygiene.
Social functioning - the ability to appropriately and effectively interact with family, friends, neighbors and others with whom you come into contact.
Concentration, pace or persistence - do you have the ability to sustain focused concentration and attention for work-related tasks.
Episodes of decompensation - in other words, the inability to maintain defense mechanisms in response to stress which then require increased treatment or removal from the situation.

Within each of these 4 areas of assessments are certain criteria that must be met. A Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if you meet the criteria.

If you are a New York resident suffering with a mental disorder you may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits. A Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer can help with your case.

Contacting a Brooklyn Social Security Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

How a New York Resident Should Respond to a Social Security Disability Appointment Letter

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)54541 — Fri, 06 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you are a New York resident who has applied for Social Security disability benefits, you may receive a Social Security disability appointment letter. While you can receive different types of correspondence from the administration office, there are 2 most commonly received letters.

The first type of Social Security disability appointment letter you may receive is one requesting a medical examination. You are required to undergo a medical examination to help determine if your medical condition meets the qualifications for disability benefits.

The second type of Social Security disability appointment letter you may receive is one telling you when your hearing date is scheduled. Make certain you note this date, and make arrangements to attend.

You should know your response to any type of Social Security disability appointment letter is vital. No matter the purpose of your letter, you not only must respond, but you must do so as quickly as possible.

Read the instructions carefully to understand what is expected of you, what instructions you are being given and what paperwork you may need. Too many claimants fail to respond, which can put a claim at risk.

If you have any questions concerning Social Security disability appointment letters you may receive, consult with a Bronx Social Security disability lawyer.

Contacting a Bronx Social Security Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Bronx Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Brooklyn Residents Can Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits Online

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)53134 — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

One of the most time consuming and complex things to go through is the application process for Social Security disability benefits. With the help of a Brooklyn disability lawyer, you can gain a better understanding of what you need to do in order to help the process along.

One of the ways you can do this is to apply for Social Security disability benefits online. This is the best way to get an immediate start on your claim.

To finish the online application process for Social Security disability benefits, you must do the following:

complete the Adult Disability Checklist;
collect supporting documents and papers;
complete the Disability Benefit Application;
fill out and sign the Authorization to Disclose Information; and
mail or take this last form to the local SSA office.

Applying online can expedite the process, enable you to do it from the comfort of your own home and avoid numerous trips to the SSA office.

Since there is so much more to the application process for Social Security disability benefits, you should seek the legal counsel of a Brooklyn disability lawyer. A lawyer can help you correctly complete your paperwork, efficiently collect documentation or assist with a denied claim.

Contacting a Brooklyn Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Brooklyn disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

New York City Schools Get PCB Removal Offers from Private Firms

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)51943 — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A few weeks ago the New York City Board of Education announced that the removal of PCBs in New York City schools would be a 10 year $708 million dollar project which many criticized. New York City's criticized plan from the beginning seemed by many to be projected at too high of a cost and too long of a wait. A 10 year project would mean an exposure of potentially dangerous levels of PCBs for a large amount of New York City public school children. The project in many people's minds should be done as quickly as possible to minimize exposure to PCBs for students and teachers as much as possible.

Private firms have stepped forward recently with plans they have come up on their own. These plans have come from different firms in New York City and the surrounding area and consist of plans to do the job in as little as 2 to 3 years. A shorter project would mean less prolonged exposure and could in turn decrease the chances of students and teachers experiencing health problems in the future. Some of the offers from the private firms include one firm who said they would absorb the upfront cost to do the project and would only ask in return that the New York City schools give the private firm whatever amount the schools save from having new energy efficient lights installed for three years. They believe that they could recover the cost of the project in three years of energy saving the school would be making.

Infant Deaths Sparks Re-Announcement of Drop Side Crib Recall

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)51650 — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

In 2008 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled more than 985,000 drop side cribs made by Delta Enterprise Corporation. These drop side cribs were known for having a crib trigger lock and safety peg hardware. The recall was issued in 2008 after the death of an 8 month-old child after the baby became entrapped and suffocated when the drop-side of the crib completely detached. An investigation showed that the crib had been re-assembled without the pegs which were made to prevent this from happening.

The recall is being re-announced to remind parents to check their cribs to see if they have this product and to make sure the crib is properly assembled and to make sure the crib is not missing any pegs. This is especially true for those who have purchased or received the crib second-hand. Sometimes second-hand cribs can be very risky because they may not include all of the necessary parts to put the crib together property. If a crib such as the Delta drop side crib is missing one or both of these pegs it can cause a gap in the area where the drop side of the crib is and can cause entrapment and suffocation.

This re-announcement of the 2008 Delta drop-side crib comes after the death of a 7 month-old baby in January 2011 in Colorado Springs, CO.

The CPSC is urging parents to check their drop-side cribs. If they do indeed own a Delta drop-side crib it is important to make sure the pegs are not missing. If even one of the pegs are missing parents should immediately stop use of the crib as it could endanger your childs life. Delta is giving free repair kits to parents who own the drop-side crib and are missing a peg (or both pegs). To request this kit call Delta at 1-800-816-5304.

How to Determine if Your Delta Crib was Recalled

Made in Taiwan or Indonesia
Sold at major retail stores including but not limited to Kmar, Walmart, and Target
Sold between January 1995 and December 2005
Cost approximately $100 (new)
Have one of the following model numbers on the top of the mattress support board: 4320, 4340, 4500, 4520, 4530, 4532, 4540, 4542, 4550, 4551, 4580, 4600, 4620, 4624, 4760, 4770, 4780, 4790, 4820, 4840, 4850, 4860, 4880, 4890, 4892, 4900, 4910, 4920, 4925-2, 4925-6, 4930, 4940, 4943, 4944, 4947, 4948, 4949, 4950, 4958, 4963, 4968, 4969, or 4970

NY Disability Claims: 4 Steps of the Disability Appeals Process

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)51502 — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have filed a disability claim for Social Security disability benefits and received a letter of denial, you still have options at your disposal to successfully win your disability benefits.

When appealing a denied disability claim, your best resource is an experienced New York disability appeals attorney who can help you prepare your evidence and arguments for the disability appeals process.

Your first step is to let the Social Security Administration (SSA) know that you are appealing your disability denial within 60 days of receiving your denial letter. This will result in a "reconsideration" of your claim by SSA workers who were not involved in your previous denial decision. Your attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and paperwork to present for your reconsideration.

If your reconsideration does not result in approval for disability benefits, the next step is a hearing with an administrative law judge. During this appeals hearing you can testify, present witnesses, and even call medical experts to the stand to speak in your defense. Your New York disability appeals attorney will be a major asset during this process.

If your disability claim is denied at the administrative law hearing, you may still be able to fight for compensation by requesting a hearing in the Social Security Administration's appeals court. If that too results in a denial, you and your attorney may be able to file a lawsuit in Federal court.

Each step of the disability appeals process contains its own challenges that are best faced alongside an experienced New York disability appeals attorney.

Contacting a New York Disability Appeals Attorney

Before you file your Social Security disability claim appeal, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Zadroga Bill: Coverage of Mental Health Issues from 9/11

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)51540 — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common mental health issues that presents itself after an accident occurs or a traumatic and devistating experience. Many people who survived the attack on the World Trade Center and also first responders and the clean-up crew at the World Trade Center have been evaluated off and on over the years since 9/11 happened and show signs of PTSD.

PTSD can range from moderate to severe. Severe PTSD can be immobilizing for many who suffer from it because it causes them to constantly relive the experience that caused the problem. With 9/11 being such a traumatic experience for some people many of them ended up with severe PTSD. Over the years the numbers effected by severe PTSD have decreased but there are many who still experience moderate to severe PTSD. For those who deal with PTSD it can cause their whole life to be effected.

It is important if you are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder that you consult your doctor so you can receive the proper treatments. Common signs of post-traumatic stress disorder are:

Flashbacks
Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event
Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Feeling hopeless
Trouble concentrating
Feeling emotionally numb
Avoiding activities you enjoy
Difficulty maintaining close relationships with people
Trouble concentrating
Irritability
Guilt
Shame
Anger
Self-destructive behavior
Hearing or seeing things that aren't really there
Being scared or startled easily

First responders to the World Trade Center on 9/11 and the clean-up crew are eligible for a special compensation that is being made available this July. The compensation is being made available to rescuers and clean-up crews who are still suffering from physical and (some) mental issues directly caused by the events of 9/11. The money being made available throught the Zadroga Bill is not something that is being given away automatically rather something that you must apply for and present a case as to why you need the compensation. A New York Zadroga lawyer can help you with obtaining this compensation.

To speak with a lawyer handling cases of rescue and clean-up crew from 9/11 who are suffering from mental or physical health problems contact the lawyers at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola, LLP to handle your case. We can be contacted by calling 718-979-4300. Call for a free, no obligation consultation.

NYPD Ticketing Bicyclists for Running Red Lights in Central Park

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)51550 — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

So far this year according to a recent article on SILive.com 230 bicyclists have received tickets from the NYPD for running red lights near Central Park. The NYPD says they are ticketing bicyclists who do not stop at red lights because they are considered a vehicle and need to obey the traffic law.

Bicyclists have mixed emotions on the subject while some believe it is a good safety measure to have to stop at red lights others feel it is a bother to have to stop at every red light along with the cars even if the road at the intersection is clear to go.

Bronx Bus Crash Strikes New Safety Measures

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)51303 — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Bronx bus crash that killed 15 and injured many others on a tour bus traveling through New York has triggered a call for higher safety measures for tour buses traveling through New York.

New York started doing spot checks on tour buses traveling through the state. These tour bus spot checks are being headed by the New York State Police and the New York Department of Transportation. So far 36 bus drivers have went through one of these random spot checks in New York. Of those 36 bus drivers 8 are being put out of service. The tour bus spot checks will continue to occur and will be random as far as date, time, and location go.

This news comes on the same day as an update to the Bronx bus crash case is made. It was announced today that the driver of the bus that crashed in the Bronx last week is losing his privilages as a bus driver. Apparently he has been using multiples names other than the one he went by as a tour bus driver - Ophadel Williams. Under the other names he has went by it was discovered that he has been in jail multiple times over the years for issues ranging from grand larceny to man slaughter. He also has had multiple suspensions of his license under the other names which he has gone under in the past.

Investigations into the exact cause of the Bronx bus accident are still on going. Some of the survivors from the bus say they felt the bus cross over the rumble strips near the shoulder shortly before the bus tipped over. Other sources such as two UPS trucks that were driving by say the bus appeared to be speeding. No charges have been made against the bus driver at this time.

For immediate help if you were injured in a bus accident (tour bus, MTA bus, etc.) contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island injury lawyer at 718-979-4300.

EPA Rejects Timeline for PCB Cleanup in NYC Schools

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)50945 — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been investigating New York City public schools recently and has found high amounts of PCB's in the majority of the schools.

Recently the City of New York came up with a 10 year plan on how to remove PCB's from New York City public schools and was initially praised by some for their plan on the PCB removal. The EPA however does not think the plan is sufficient enough for the serious situation that has recently come to light. The EPA believes that 10 years is too long for the cleanup of the toxic PCBs that have recently been discovered.

The EPA would like the city to come up with a quicker and more efficient way to remove PCB's from New York City schools especially considering children and teachers are exposed to the toxic substance every day. The city however is sticking to their plan for now and does not seem to have plans on cleaning up the schools quicker than 10 years.

Zadroga Bill Needs to Cover Cancer for WTC Victims

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)50948 — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Many victims from the WTC rescue and cleanup were looking forward to Zadroga Bill for many different health issues but perhaps one of the most common health problems among the victims is cancer. While this issue may not be plaguing as many people as issues such as a constant cough or asthma it is a condition that a large percentage of WTC victims have developed and, unfortunately, will probably continue to develop over the years to come.

World Trade Center victims need to be able to have the peace of mind that they are covered under the Zadroga Bill for all health issues they may have including cancer caused by the WTC rescue and/or cleanup. To many people's suprise though the Zadroga Bill does not include benefits and coverage for cancer. Lawmakers opposing cancer coverage under the Zadroga Bill claim that it would be nearly impossible to determine whether or not the cancer present in a person was caused by exposure at the World Trade Center or if it was caused by something else. Therefore, the bill currently does not include benefits and compensation for WTC victims with cancer as their only health condition. It is important that the bill be changed to reflect those with cancer though because this is a very dangerous health problem and for those exposed to toxins and debris at Ground Zero it is a very real possibility that it may have caused them to have cancer. This could be due to toxins such as asbestos, PCB's, and many other toxic debris present after the WTC was attacked.

For additional information about the Zadroga Bill read more here or contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island Zadroga Lawyer at 718-979-4300.

MTA Considering Installing Sliding Doors to Prevent Subway Injuries

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)50952 — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

The MTA in New York City is considering installing sliding doors in New York City subway stations. This proposal came into consideration after another person was injured a few months ago. Injuries to the man included a crushed pelvis and injuries to his abdominal organs. This wasn't the only subway accident recently though. In fact, in 2009 alone 90 people were struck by trains and 40 of them died. With the awareness of the dangers a subway station presents it is important for the MTA to act accordingly and install the necessary equipment to make NYC subway stations safer for their customers.

The sliding glass doors the MTA is considering for New York City subway stations are currently used by other cities and AirTran stops. The doors would be built at the end of the platform and would only open when the train has arrived and is ready to be boarded. This would eliminate the danger of accidentally falling off the platform and in front of an oncoming train which happens more times than what it should and has caused many injuries and deaths over the years.

For additional information about MTA accidents in New York City continue reading here or contact Staten Island train injury lawyer Frank J. Dito Jr. at 718-979-4300.

10 Things Your Auto Insurance Company Won't Tell You

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)50875 — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a recent article that was released on MSN Money, 10 Things Your Auto Insurer Won't Say, we are provided with some useful tips to find out if the insurance companies we speak with are looking out for our best interest or just looking out for themselves and their company.

Below are the 10 things listed in the article that insurers won't say:

"When I say this is a good policy I mean it is good for me" - Some insurance company agents get contingent commissions depending on what they can sell you while other agents get commission from avoiding costly claims from being filed.
"Young drivers can't catch a break" - Most drivers under the age of 25 pay almost 100% of what 60 to 74 year olds pay. Some insurance companies will give drivers a discount if they complete a defensive driver course but the discount still doesn't compare to the 25+ year old class of drivers.
"Spotty credit. That'll cost you" - Since the 1990's credit has had an impact on most insurers policy quotes. Bad credit equals a more expensive policy or no policy at all through some insurance companies.
"How do we set premiums? That's for us to know and you to find out" - Premiums can vary by state, by age, by company and even individual insurance companies usually have their own set of complex systems to determine premiums.
"Your car might look and run like new but it will be worth a lot less" - Some car insurance companies prefer to fix cars rather than total them even if the amount of repairs is the same amount as the worth of the car. The thing the insurance company does not like to tell you though is that even if the car can be repaired 100% it will still be worth thousands and thousands of dollars less than before the accident.
"Totaled your car? Good luck collecting your full value" - Most insurance companies do not use Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds Car Value to determine how much the insured should receive if their car is totaled. They use their own systems that may leave you way below your car's value.
"And we're more likely than ever to declare your car totaled" - Your insurance company has a set percentage as to what constitutes a car as totaled. If a car's damages meets that percentage it is up to the insurance company to total the car or not. The insurance company usually is the one who ultimately decides what will occur based off of what is best for their company.
"Your mechanic works for us" - Many auto insurance companies either own certain auto body shops or have "approve facilities" in your area. While these "approved shops" or insurance company owned shops do have perks sometimes such as reduced decutables or other perks it is important to weigh the positives and negatives prior to making that decision though. Just keep in mind that if you have a problem with an approved facility the facility is connected to the insurance company which can either be a good or bad thing depending on the situation.
"Brand loyalty is for suckers" - Premiums and discounts can change every year and can be dependant upon each individual insurance company. Instead of automatically renewing your policy every year through the same insurance company it may be worth it to shop around once a year close to the end of your renewal date to make sure you are still getting the best deal.
"But be careful switching carriers - it could cost you" - If you decide to switch carriers it is important to understand that some insurance companies make you pay the month following the cancelling of your insurance policy. Not paying the final premium or not paying it on time can cause the information of a lack of payment to be reported to the credit bureau.

For additional information in purchasing car insurance request a complimentary copy of "A Lawyer's Guide to Car Insurance" by Frank J. Dito Jr.

Helping New Yorkers Make Sense of SSA's Listing of Immune System Disorders

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)50773 — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have been diagnosed with a severe immune system disorder that has caused you to become disabled, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

A New York disability lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if you qualify and can assist you with the process of filing your claim or appealing it, if you were initially denied Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) breaks down immune system disorders into 3 main categories, including:

Autoimmune disorders - these are chronic, multisystem impairments that vary from one patient to another. They are also known as collagen vascular disorders, connective tissue disorders and rheumatic diseases.
Immune deficiency disorders (excluding HIV infection) - patients with this type of disorder generally experience frequent, unusual infections that are difficult to treat. Patients are at risk of developing malignancies or developing an autoimmune disorder.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection - this comes with an increased risk of cancer, infection and other serious conditions.

To fully understand whether you may qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits, you should consult with a New York disability lawyer. A lawyer will evaluate your case and help you file for benefits if you suffer from an immune system disorder.

Contacting a New York Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Staten Island Fire Truck Ran Red Light Without Stopping According to Reports

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)50654 — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Staten Island fire truck that collided with an adult disability van yesterday is being investigated. Witnesses say that the fire truck did not stop at the red light while on its way to an emergency call they received.

The law in New York states that emergency vehicles MUST come to a complete stop when approaching a red light at an intersection regardless of whether or not their sirens and lights are on.

One person was killed and two were critically injured and many more were injured from this accident. For additional information concerning your rights as an injured victim of an accident similar to this one or where an emergency vehicle was careless and reckless we suggest you contact an experienced injury lawyer in your area.

To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island injury lawyer call 718-979-4300 or request additional information online.

Fire Truck Accident in Staten Island: New York Laws Concerning Sirens and Proper Warning in an Emergency

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)50579 — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

One person was killed and at least 14 people were injured in an emergency vehicle crash that occurred today at the intersection of Richmond Road and Burgher Avenue in Staten Island between a van carrying disabled adults and a fire truck on its way to a car fire. The van carrying the disabled adults was rear ended by the fire truck shortly after turning.

According to reports the fire truck had its sirens on moments before the crash occurred. At this time though it is not certain as far as at what point the sirens were turned on at. It is the law in New York for emergency vehicles to have their sirens and lights on when they go through a red light. One important aspect for any injured victim from this type of accident to consider is whether or not the emergency vehicle followed the proper procedures when going through the red light. If it did not, the driver of the emergency vehicle could possibly be held liable for driving negligently and recklessly and could ultimately be held responsible for the injuries which occurred.

For additional information concerning New York emergency vehicle accident laws contact Frank J. Dito Jr. at 718-979-4300.

Elderly and Car Accidents | Staten Island New York Injury Lawyer

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)49974 — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Elderly people involved in a car accident can have worse effects on them than on a mid-aged person simply because as we get older our body begins to break down and the bones become more fragile. What can cause a minor bone break or maybe just even a bad bruise for a young adult or middle aged person can cause a serious injury in an elderly person.

It is important to understand whether you are an elderly person who was just involved in a car accident or if you are the family member of an injured elderly person that broken bones in elderly people can cause a more severe amount of damage and can in turn take a longer amount of time for the person to heal. An elderly person may also have to go through an additional amount of physical therapy to get the affected body part moving correctly again.

If you live in the Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Bronx area and are an elderly person who has suffered an injury from a car accident or if you are the family member of an elderly person injured in a car accident it is important to know your rights before speaking to the insurance company regarding the injuries that have been sustained. Request a complimentary, no obligation copy of Staten Island elderly injury lawyer Frank J. Dito Jr. "The New York Accident Book: 10 Mistakes that Can Wreck your Car Accident Case".

For immediate assistance regarding starting a claim against the driver at-fault's insurance company or to start a lawsuit for injuries sustained call 718-979-4300 or contact us though our web form.

Should a Schools Responsibility to Keep Children Safe Include PCB Exposure?

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)49470 — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Many schools across New York City have been finding out that their schools contain high levels of PCBs which can be toxic when long term overexposure happens. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found a handful of schools so far that have high levels of PCBs present in them and are continuing to investigate in other public schools throughout New York City. The inspections by the EPA came after the EPA requested that the City of New York replace all light fixtures in public schools to ensure the removal of light fixtures that have been leaking PCBs. The City of New York has been reluctant to do so and does not think it is necessary to replace all the lights which would cost a few million dollars.

When a child attends school you expect the school to keep your child safe from harm and danger. Finding out that dangerously high levels of PCBs are in your child's classroom does not seem to be the safest of environments and then to make matters worse the city is aware of the possible presence of the PCBs and has chosen to not be proactive and replace the lights but rather to figure it is too expensive to replace all the lights and only replace a select few as the EPA's instruction.

It is important to feel safe when your child is attending school and it is hard to do that knowing PCBs can cause serious and dangerous health problems such as cancer, learning disabilities, and many other issues. For additional information about PCBs in school classroms in New York contact Staten Island Child Injury Lawyer Frank J. Dito Jr. at 718-979-4300.

Meningitis Scare at Union Township Elementary in New Jersey

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)49291 — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Health officials believe that the death of an 8 year old boy of Union Township New Jersey was due to bacterial meningitis. Union Township Elementary, the school at which the child was enrolled, has taken every precaution to ensure the safety of its students and faculty; "sanitizing every doorknob, desktop, and any other surface" in order to prevent the growth or spread of any bacteria. Officials from the Hunterdon County Health Department have concluded that other cases of meningitis are highly improbable and unlikely. The 15 individuals or so, who may have had close contact with the child, have all been referred for medical treatment as a safeguard. This was not the only case of meningitis in New Jersey recently, as a 17 year old High-School student at Matawan Regional High School passed away less than a month ago. This is the county's first case of the disease in 13 years, and this rare occurrence should not cause a scare to anyone living in the area.

Some symptoms of bacterial meningitis too look out for are (but are not limited too): fever, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness and a rash. Most cases of bacterial meningitis differ based on the offending pathogen, but are all treatable with antibiotics. A way to significantly reduce your risk of contracting the disease is to get the vaccination, which should be available to you via your physician. As like with other diseases, viruses, bacteria, etc., a more immediate, and day-to-day method of prevention is to wash your hands, food, and sanitize work areas to prevent the spread or growth of bacteria. While although the death of this child was tragic, it should not cause seismic shake-ups in your daily routine; just being conscientious and proactive will surely keep you, and your families safe and healthy.

Dangerous Levels of PCBs Found in East Harlem PS 37, PS 112, PS 206

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48980 — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Dangerous levels of PCBs were found by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in three more New York City schools recently. East Harlem public schools reported in the investigation are PS 37, PS 112, and PS 206. Each of these schools was found to have more than 50 parts per million of PCBs present at the time of inspection. Anything over 50 parts per million according to the EPA is considered a possible health risk if exposed to the high amounts of PCBs over a prolonged period of time. The PCBs have primarily been found around the light fixtures and it is becoming more and more apparent by the week that the examination of PCB levels in New York schools is much needed.

For additional information about PCBs continue reading here.

For immediate assistance contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island PCB injury lawyer at 718-979-4300.

Cancer May Not Be Covered Under the Zadroga Bill According to Recent Reports

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48990 — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to recent reports released yesterday the Zadroga Bill may not cover those who believe they have cancer caused by the World Trade Center rescue, clean-up, or other means of exposure. This announcement came as a shock to most people following the Zadroga Bill considering many people who assisted in the World Trade Center rescue and cleanup were exposed to very dangerous and toxic materials such as asbestos and PCBs to mention just a few. This makes it highly likely that the exposure could very well lead to cancer and other health problems.

Those arguing against allowing the Zadroga Bill to cover cancer are saying that the high number of cancer in those present in the area of the World Trade Center and those who helped with rescue and clean-up are already a high risk for cancer just because they live in New York City because the second highest cause of death in New York City is cancer. They claim that there is no way to determine it the person would have had cancer if they had not participated in the rescue or clean-up and therefore it probably will not be covered.

It is important to understand that the provisions for the Zadroga Bill do still have time to be changed before they go into effect. So if you are suffering from cancer and assisted in the WTC rescue or clean-up check periodically to find out if the Zadroga Bill has been updated to include cancer.

For additional information or for immediate help contact Frank J. Dito Jr. at 718-979-4300.

800,000 Popular Car Seats Recalled for Dangerous Reason

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48992 — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Dorel announced a recall of nearly 800,000 car seats that were sold under widely sold and popular brands such as Maxi-Cosi, Safety 1st, Cosco, and Eddie Bauer.

The car seats are being recalled because of a faulty release button which can loosen the harness. The loosening of the harness in and of itself is not dangerous BUT if a car accident takes place a faulty car seat with loosened harness straps would not be effective in keeping the child in the car seat safe. This could potential cause the child to be thrown around during an accident or even to be dislodged form the car seat.

Car seats affected by this recall are car seats sold under Maxi-Cosi, Safety 1st, Cosco, and Eddie Bauer between May 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) a repair kit will be made available by Dorel sometime in the near future which will help to fix the problem.

For additional information including what to do if your child was injured due to a recalled product contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island product recall lawyer at 718-979-4300.

What Bronx Workers with Disabilities Need To Know About Income Limits

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48713 — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you are fortunate enough to be able to attempt to return to working after becoming disabled you need to make sure you are aware of the income limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Each case is unique, so the matter should be discussed with your New York disability attorney first before making any decisions. With disability benefits, you can attempt a trial work period without penalty or income limits, but once that is over you need to evaluate your situation.

The extended period of eligibility for Social Security disability benefits has a $1,000 monthly income limit. If you exceed this, you may find a reduction in your benefits. When any changes are made to your Social Security disability benefit amount, you should make sure your New York disability attorney is made aware. There are chances you can fight for benefit increases.

Because there are so many factors that go into determining benefit reductions, income limits, and earning thresholds, it can get quite frustrating without the help of a lawyer. One key point in avoiding your income limit is to determine all eligible deductions. Deductions are made for work-related expenses that are made necessary by your disability, such as medications, assistive devices, and special transportation needs.

Understanding the income limits for Social Security disability benefits is important when you want to protect your benefits from being reduced or terminated. Your New York disability attorney can help you monitor your earnings and trial work periods, as well as explain your options with working while disabled.

Contacting a New York Disability Attorney

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York disability attorney at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Ground Zero Workers and Cancer: Understanding Risks from the WTC Cleanup

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48534 — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

First responders and clean-up crews who responded to the World Trade Center attack on 9/11/01 were exposed to a lot of dust and toxins and many of the responders were exposed to it before it even settled. Some responders assisted with the cleanup without the proper masks being given to them to assist in the cleanup safely.

When the World Trade Center was attacked on 9/11/01 and remnants of the building fell to the ground and a clean-up was needed. Many honorable men and women in New York City assisted in the clean up. Some of those people who helped were firefighters or other city employees while others were just volunteers but their assistance in the rescue attempts and the clean-up exposed them to dangerous and harmful substances that can cause serious health problems such as cancer years after they were originally exposed.

The World Trade Center was built during a period or time when many chemicals that we consider dangerous today were used to build with. Toxic chemicals that rescue and clean-up crews for Ground Zero may have been exposed to are as follows:

Asbestos
PCBs
Dioxin
Lead
Furanes
Mercury
Benzene
and other chemicals

Some first responders and volunteers who assisted at or around Ground Zero have been diagnosed with cancer and in some cases the cancer was thought to be caused by the exposure to asbestos and PCBs at the scene. Working around toxic chemicals such as asbestos and PCBs can cause different types of cancers including mesothelioma.

If you were part of the 9/11 World Trade Center rescue crew or if you were part of the Ground Zero clean-up and are experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest pain, or breathing difficulties it is important you seem medical attention immediately to determine if you have a more serious underlying health problem.

For additional information about your rights as a part of the rescue and clean-up crews that assisted at WTC Ground Zero contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island World Trade Center injury lawyer. We offer a free consultation and also offer information about the Zadroga Bill which will provide compensation to those who are experiencing health problems caused by the debris at the World Trade Center. Call 718-979-4300 to speak with us today.

As of February 14th, 2011 it was announced that the Zadroga Bill currently does not have provisions for those who believe they have cancer caused by the World Trade Center rescue and clean-up. Please contact our office or continue to search our site to find out if a change has occured that allows for coverage for those with cancer under the Zadroga Bill.

Update on New York Law for Removing Snow and Ice from Cars and Other Vehicles

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48537 — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last year I posted information about a new bill that was being proposed to amend the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. The bill proposed that a vehilce snow removal law be put into place in New York. If passed as a law it would prohibit people from driving with snow or ice on their vehicles and would fine them accordingly if they broke they didn't clear their vehicle of all snow and ice prior to driving after snowfall. This bill is still pending and while it has being moving along throughout different areas to make it a law it is not quite there yet. Hopefully this snow removal law will be put into affect by next winter.

Remember to keep your car, truck, SUV or other vehicle clear of snow and ice when driving. This can not only keep you saf but will also help people driving behind you to stay safe from chunks of snow and ice from your car hitting their windshield. When this occurs it can either cause a whiteout effect and the person behind you may not be able to see where they are going or it could crack or shatter their windshield and cause them serious injuries.

PCBs Found in Bronx P.S. 68: Parents are Concerned

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48373 — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

The recent findings of PCBs in New York City schools has caused the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate at additional schools and they have been finding more and more public schools around New York City that have tested positive for an unsafe amount of PCBs in the light fixtures.

PCBs are a carcinogen which had many uses in the 1970's but was banned in 1979 when it was discovered that it was harmful to the environment and to people. Many older light fixtures in the ceilings of schools and other buildings still contain the dangerous chemical and the substance has began dripping from the light fixtures.

PS 68 in the Bronx was added to the list of schools with a dangerous amount of PCBs present yesterday. The standard the EPA goes by is that the amount of PCB should not exceed 50 parts per million. The EPA stated yesterday that 10 out of 13 samples taken from PS 68 were over the allowable limit. Parents are becoming concerned because of the health problems PCBs present when exposed for long periods of time.

PCBs and Cancer: Should Parents of New York City Public School Children be Concerned?

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48381 — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

With many public schools in New York City being investigated for toxic amounts of PCBs in their light fixtures more parents are becoming concerned about whether or not the toxic amounts of PCBs can cause cancer. These concerns are definitely valid concerns for parents who have children attending the schools where toxic amounts are being found. It is hard as a parent to find out that your child may be being exposed to something everyday while that are at the place they are being sent to learn.

PCBs are still being studied but prior studies done on animals showed connections between over exposure to PCBs over a long period of time and cancer. While these tests were run on animals it is thought that PCBs have similar effects on humans.

It is important that New York City schools replace the light fixtures containing high levels of PCBs in them to keep our kids safe while they are at school.

For additional information about possible health problems caused by long term overexposure to PCBs we suggest you read the following articles:

Shortness of Breath and Other Respiratory Problems from 9/11 Covered Under Zadroga Bill

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48429 — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Those suffereing from shortness of breath and other respiratory health problems from toxins and dust from the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center will be entitled to receive compensation throught the Zadroga Bill and under the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.

Common respiratory problems that 9/11 WTC workers have reported are:

Chronic Sinusitis
Asthma
Shortness of Breath
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
World Trade Center Cough
and many other respiratory related problems

According to studies approximately 70 percent of workers from the World Trade Center clean-up suffer from some type of respiratory problems.

The Zadroga Bill will offer those suffering from health problems caused by the 9/11 clean up compensation.

For additional information call Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island Zadroga Bill lawyer at 718-979-4300.

Watch Your Social Media Use – It Could Cost You Your NY Disability Benefits

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48215 — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

You might want to think twice before posting pictures of you cutting a rug at your friend's birthday party - especially if you are claiming or seeking to claim disability benefits. Many insurance adjusters and disability claims adjusters are starting to look at the social media profiles of their claimants as a method of evaluating their disability. Even if the photos predate your disability, they may raise a red flag and become a serious threat to the security of your disability benefits.

As a general rule of thumb you should never post any information you wouldn't want made public to the Internet. Even with the highest security settings on your social media profiles, that status update, photo or video is still on another computer somewhere and therefore potentially discoverable by others.

When you are applying for disability benefits, or if you already receive benefits, you need to be aware of your daily conduct on social media sites. Many claim adjusters have been using social media evidence as a way of denying claims or severing benefits because they believe you are no longer disabled.

For example, if you filed a claim for disability benefits because you have been diagnosed with chronic back pain from a work injury and you post photos of yourself rock climbing or engaging in other strenuous physical activity, this may raise questions about your ongoing disability, even if the photos are from several years ago. If the disability claims adjuster finds evidence that you may no longer suffer from your disability they may terminate your benefits without notice.

There are many things to consider when it comes to social media and disability benefits claims that you need to be aware of when applying for or receiving disability benefits. A New York City disability lawyer can help you while you are dealing with disability benefits adjusters to avoid potentially damaging your case.

Contacting a New York City Disability Lawyer

Filing a Social Security disability claim isn't as simple as an online form and some medical files. To obtain the maximum amount of benefits with the least amount of hassle you need the professional help and guidance of an experienced New York City disability lawyer.

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York City disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

PCBs: A Contributor to Many Rapidly Increasing Health Problems and Learning Disabilities?

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)48089 — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

As the decades go by it seems as if more and more people are being diagnosed with life altering conditions and life threatening conditions. While some of the reasons for our worsening overall health conditions as Americans may be somewhat our own fault in certain situations (such as unhealthy eating habits or other obvious factors) there are a few things that still seem to be baffling about the diseases and disorders that are running so rampid among us today. To take a few problems that are known about but just as much not known about such as cancer, autism and attention deficit disorder (ADD).

While I do understand that we have a vast amount of information about these issues there is one thing that seems to always be a topic of interest and a well debated topic at that. Why do cancer, autism, and attention deficit disorder seem to be present in more and more people as time goes on? Recent studies have shown that most people in America are walking around with some type of toxic chemical in their bodies. In fact, one study done showed that toxic chemicals were found in at least 99% of pregnant women. These toxic chemicals included certain PCBs, organochloride pesticides, PFCs, phenols, PBDEs, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and perchlorate. It is hard not to think that the presence of these chemicals does not have something to do with the rapid increase in people with health issues like cancer, autism, attention deficit disorder.

One of the chemicals named in the study is PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl). Studies on PCBs are ongoing still but it is believed that they can cause or increase the chance of many health issues such as cancer, thyroid conditions, learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and behavioral disabilities. Some of the specific issues associated with PCB overexposure are cancer, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and, possibly, autism spectrum disorders. The most interesting thing of all perhaps about PCBs is that they can be transfered from generation to generation and if each generation is exposed to an additional amount of PCBs they will have an even higher amount present in their body. So where are these PCBs that we are being exposed to? Some amount of PCBs are usually found in the soil and in food. This is because when PCB chemicals were found to be toxic in the late 1970's they were disposed of only to find out years later that PCBs are not biodegradable. So because of the improper disposal of PCBs they are now present in some soil areas and some food.

It is now being found out though that PCBs are present in high and unhealthy amounts in some buildings. Among those buildings with high amounts of PCBs present are some schools. It is hard to believe there is not a link between overexposure to PCBs and the issues that run so rapid today especially when children spend the majority of their day in school from the time they are in kindergarten through their senior year in high school but only time and research will tell the exact issues associated with the overexposure to PCBs and the length of time it takes for it to become toxic to the body.

For additional information about overexposure of PCBs in Staten Island and Brooklyn contact Frank J. Dito Jr. at 718-979-4300.

Do I Have a Shoulder Injury? Signs of a Shoulder Injury | Staten Island Injury Law Firm

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)47945 — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A shoulder injury can occur from many different type of situations involving negligence including car accidents and slip and fall accidents. Regardless of how the shoulder injury occured there are often common signs of a shoulder injury that you should watch for if you were recently injured. If you do recognize any of the issues below it is important to notify your doctor immediately so you can get the proper orthopaedic care:

Do you have a stiff shoulder?
Can you rotate your arm in all of the normal positions?
Do you not have enough strength in your shoulder to carry out your normal everyday activities?
Does your shoulder feel like it is popping out of the socket or like it can slide out of the socket?

Shoulder injuries can be determined multiple ways such as an x-ray or an MRI. In most cases this will allow the doctor treating you to understand where the injury is and what exactly is wrong with it. If for some reason the results come back negative and you are still experiencing shoulder discomfort or shoulder pain be sure to let your doctor know you would like the injury to be looked into further.

For additional information about a shoulder injury caused by a car accident or any other type of situation where negligence is involved contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island personal injury lawyer at 718-979-4300.

Results from PCB Tests for PS 53 in Staten Island Are In

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)47412 — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to reports the results for the tests for PCB's in PS 53 in Staten Island are in. The tests run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that high levels of PCB's are present in certain classrooms in PS 53. Some classrooms tested showed PCB amounts at being as low as seven parts per million to as high as 260,000 parts per million in some classrooms. The federal govenments "acceptable" limit is 50 parts per million so needless to say there are some classrooms in PS 53 in Staten Island that are far over the allowable PCB limit.

The EPA also claims that they believe over 800 light fixtures throughout schools in New York City may also unhealthy levels of PCB's present. The EPA wants the suspect light fixtures removed and replaced but city officials so far do not seem very willing to move forward with the replacement claiming the process to replace 800 light fixtures will cost well over $1 million.

For additional information about PCB's continue reading one of these recent articles:

New Jersey Driver Injured by Ice Dislodging from Truck In Front of Her

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)47441 — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to reports a truck driver in New Jersey who did not properly clear his vehicle of snow and ice was issued summonses for an injury that occurred to a 51 year old New Jersey driver.

The woman was injured when a slab of ice and snow when flying off of the truck in front of her and hit the woman's windshield. The impact of the ice with the windshield caused the windshield to break. The woman suffered injuries from the broken windshield including shards of glass in her mouth and around her eyes.

In New Jersey and New York it is the law to clear your vehicle of snow and ice including the roof of the vehicle. Both states have the authority to issue to tickets to drivers not abiding by this law. See more about snow removal from cars in New York and New Jersey on YouTube.

High Levels of PCBs Found in Brooklyn Elementary School P.S. 11

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)47444 — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

The past few months New York City newspapers, news shows, and online writers have been buzzing about a very serious problem dealing with the schools their children attend - high levels of PCB's found in Staten Island's public schools. Now another PCB issue has surfaced and I am sure will now become the topic of conversation among school aged children's parents in Brooklyn. High levels of PCBs were found in P.S. 11 in Brooklyn after being tested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The acceptable federal limit for PCB's is 50 parts per million but the amount found in P.S. 11 exceeded the acceptable amounts.

The PCBs are mainly being found in old florescent light fixtures. The Department of Education says that any leaky fixtures will have PCB's removed and will be replace.

While PCB's do not usually have an immediate effect on people it does pose long term threats such as respiratory problems, problems with future children (for women who become overly exposed to PCB's), and cancer.

For more immediate help concerning lawsuits for health problems caused by PCB's contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island Injury Lawyer at 718-979-4300.

Liability for a Side Impact Car Accident in Staten Island, New York

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)47345 — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Liability in a side impact car accident can be determined usually by making sure you collect the correct information at the scene of an accident for your insurance company. This information should include any evidence that can help prove who was at fault for the side impact car accident such as photos of where the points of impact are on the car, the positions of the car at the time of the accident, a police report, statements from any witnesses, and any other supporting information you believe could be helpful. Determining who is at fault for a side impact car accident can sometimes be simple but other times may be complicated depending on how the accident occured.

Side impact car accidents sometimes occur when a car pulls out to turn in front of another car traveling in the opposite direction, if a car runs a red light or stop sign or can occur if someone tries to pass someone while they are turning. Liability can usually be determined based on your specific situation. There are certain things that insurance companies and police officers look for when an accident occurs which will help point to who is at fault for the accident. It is also important to remember that one person alone may not solely be at fault for an accident. Sometimes car insurance companies assign fault in percentages to each party. New York car accident law runs under a system called comparative fault. Comparative fault allows a percentage to be assigned to each party involved in the accident ranging from 0% to 100%. Based on the amount of fault assigned to you will determine quite a few different things including the amount you can receive if you are injured and the amount of your deductable you may be able to recover.

For additional information about liability in a side impact car accident in Staten Island, New York if you were injured contact our Staten Island law firm at 718-979-4300. If you need immediate help call 718-979-4300 or fill out our online contact form to set up a free consultation to discuss your car accident and injuries.

Why PCB's are Dangerous at Any Age | Staten Island PCB's in Schools

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)47225 — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

The presence of high levels of PCB's in Staten Island schools has alarmed may - not just the parents of school age children but also teachers who work in the buildings at PS 36 and PS 53 on a daily basis.

Many may ask why are PCB's so dangerous? The danger of PCB's doesn't just lie in the presence of it at the school itself. The presence of PCB's in school adds to the issue and therefore is like throwing gasoline on an open fire turning it into an uncontrollable situation. PCB's are present in almost everyone because of some of the food we eat on has a certain level of PCB's in it. PCB's actually get passed down from generation to generation and according to scientific research in order to completely rid a human's body of PCB's you would have to look to a 7th generation who did not ingest food with PCB's in it and was not exposed to PCB's at all. Because of the presence of PCB's in everyones body exposure to a toxic level of PCB's in a building (such as a school) over a prolonged period of time can increase the average amount of PCB's in a persons body.

PCB's can affect children of any age and cause developmental problems, learning problems and behavioral problems. It is important to also understand that PCB's can affect adults. Normally the physical effects on adults from PCB's is an acne-like rash but if the adult is a female the long term results may be much worse if the female gets pregnant during the PCB exposure or sometimes even after the PCB exposure if the exposure is to high amounts of PCB's over a prolonged period of time. Because PCB's can be transferred to children a woman exposed to high levels of PCB's can cause the child (if the woman is pregnant or becomes pregnant) to suffer some of the effects of PCB's on children which are much more dangerous than what adults usually experience - including learning problems and development disabilities.

If you or your child were overexposed to toxic amounts of PCB and are suffering from serious side effects associated with it contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island PCB lawyer at 718-979-4300 for information on your rights.

PCB's Found in Some Staten Island Schools: Are Your Children at Risk?

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)47221 — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Questions have recently been raised about how safe Staten Island schools with PCB issues arising. In fact, it has been one of the main topics discussed among parents of school aged children in Staten Island the past few months - especially those whose children attend PS 36 and PS 53 which tested positive for PCB's being present.

PCB's (Polychlorinated biphenyl) is a dangerous and toxic pollutant that was banned in 1979. Prior to the banning of PCB's they were used for many things but mainly to be used around electrical wires because of its versitile ability. Unfortunately after PCB's were deemed as toxic they were not removed from all of the places they were used at. This is now causing problems because certain areas who have PCB's present in their building are finding out that the amount of PCB's present reach the toxic level.

The issue of the presence of high levels of PCB's in Staten Island schools at PS 36 and PS 53 has alarmed parents. PCB residue was actually found to be leaking out of the light fixtures at both locations. PS 53 found 20 classroom that had PCB's present and PS 36 found two classrooms with the toxic substance so far.

For more information on the effect PCB's have on children who are exposed to high amounts over a prolonged period of time read our article about the effects of PCB's on children.

If you would like to speak with a Staten Island lawyer immediately about health problems either you or your child sustained from overexposure to PCB's call 718-979-4300 or fill out our contact form and we will contac you.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Side Impact Car Accident in Staten Island

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)47031 — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Side impact car crashes can occur in any weather and any time of day and may also occur for many different reasons. When involved in a car accident where the impact is on the side of the vehicle it is important, as is with any other type of car accident, to collect the proper information.

Side impact car accidents, also known sometimes as a T-Bone accident, can sometimes be very complicated when determining fault depending on how the situation occured. Some common ways that side impact car accidents occur is when a car runs a stop sign or when a car runs through a red light. Situations such as these can sometimes be difficult to prove fault if no one else is around to be a witness to the accident. Another way that side impact car accidents can occur is if when a car is turning. In a situation where a car is turning the fault really depends on who had the right of way in the accident. A car that pulls out to make a left hand turn without properly checking for oncoming traffic may be found to be at fault whereas a person making a turn who is hit by someone behind them may be found to not be at fault for the accident leaving the person behind them at fault. Determining fault in an accident really depends on the specific situation which will help determine if you are at fault, if the other driver is at fault, or if there is shared fault in the accident.

No matter how the side impact accident happened you will want to do a few very simple and important things immediately following the car accident:

Call the police;
Look around for witnesses. If there are witnesses that saw the accident occur it see if they are willing to give you their name, phone number, and address so that you can give their information to your insurance company;
Take pictures of the damages to the car, the position of the cars on the road, and any injuries that you have sustained from the accident (if they are visible);
Take notes on the accident. You will remember a lot more about the accident right after it occured as oppossed to what you will probably remember when you call your insurance company;
Seek medical help. Go to the hospital or see your doctor immediately if you suspect any injuries.

For additional information regarding side impact car accidents you should consider contacting a lawyer especially if you were injured in the accident.

If you were in a car accident in Staten Island, New York and would like to know more about determining who was at fault and what your next step towards obtaining the compensation you are entitled to contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island car accident injury lawyer at 718-979-4300 for a free consultation.

The Disabling Effects of Lung Cancer

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)47009 — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

As with many cancers, lung cancer itself may not produce symptoms severe enough to qualify you for Social Security disability benefits. To qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, your symptoms must be severe enough to make you unable to perform substantial gainful activity. Even though the cancer itself may not produce severe impairment, you may qualify because of treatment side effects.

In more advanced stages of lung cancer, you may experience many disabling conditions, such as:

shortness of breath;
coughing up blood;
violent coughing fits;
fluid in the chest;
chronic pain; and
fatigue.

Treatment for lung cancer is normally through drug therapy, radiation, chemotherapy and/or surgery. Each type of treatment carries the risk of side effects ranging from fatigue to weakening of the immune system. The treatment for cancer is often costly and can take months, even years of clinic visits.

Surgery may result in prolonged hospital stays and more recovery from treatment, further impairing the ability to continue working. Many patients on chemotherapy regimens require weekly or monthly treatment, causing a loss in their ability to earn a stable income. In cases such as these, Social Security disability benefits can help their financial situation.

Understanding how the Social Security Administration evaluates lung cancer as a disabling condition is important when filing for SSDI or SSI benefits. A New York Social Security disability attorney can help you file and settle your disability claim.

Contacting a New York Social Security Disability Attorney

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability attorney at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

A Car Accident Can Lead to Permanent Disability

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)46407 — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

When most people think about car accident injuries they first consider a personal injury lawsuit. While this is generally the best option to obtain compensation for your current injuries and losses, your settlement may not always take into consideration permanent disability compensation.

Many serious personal injury cases such as those resulting from a car accident will settle for amounts that do not take long-term consequences of the injury into account. Most settlements offered from the insurance company will cover your current medical expenses and lost wages, but not those you are estimated to accrue in the future.

The problem here is that your injuries sustained in a car accident may be severe enough to cause permanent disability. If you are unable to work and earn an income for more than 1 year following your personal injury you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

To determine whether you are eligible to receive SSDI benefits after a personal injury accident causes you to become diagnosed with a disabling condition you should first consult with a New York Social Security disability lawyer. Your lawyer can assess your accident account and injury type and see if it is beneficial to file for SSDI benefits. These benefits can be your answer to long-term financial assistance for your future treatment and needs.

There's a lot to understand when it comes to applying for SSDI benefits due to a personal injury. Not all accidents will result in a condition that is disabling enough to qualify for benefits, so it is important to understand the approval process. A New York disability lawyer can help you from the filing to settlement process of your SSDI benefits claim.

Contacting a New York Social Security Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Child Safety While Walking to School | New York Child Injury Prevention

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)46320 — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Allowing your child to walk to school is the option that some parents take as a way for their children to get to school everyday. Often times children who walk to school walk in groups for safety purposes. Even though it is safer for children to walk in a group especially for avoiding kidnappings it is not always necessarily safe from other issues that may arise and cause injury or even death. Negligent drivers, uneven sidewalks, a hole in the road, and slippery sidewalks in the winter, are all dangers that are all too real for some parents.

The severity injuries often depends on the situation that caused the accident, the impact, the weight of the object, weight of the child and the position the child was standing in when they were injured. Injuries may range from a broken ankle to much more severe and dangerous injuries such as a traumatic brain injury or death.

While accidents are not always avoidable due negligence of others there are certain steps you child can take to increase their chances of safety while walking to school:

Always look both ways before crossing a street. Look left-right-left and if the street is free of any oncoming traffic then proceed to cross the street.
Always walk on a sidewalk. If a sidewalk is not available walk on the left side of the street facing oncoming traffic. This will allow a child to see any potential dangers.
Cross streets at designated crosswalks.
Watch out for uneven or broken sidewalks.
Watch out for black ice on sidewalks if it is in the winter months.
Watch out for any holes that may be present in the sidewalks or street.
When available choose a route to walk that has school crossguards.
Teach your child to avoid unfamiliar dogs and other animals.

Aside from teaching your child these safety rules for walking to school something you can do as a parent is come up with a safe route for your child to walk to school. This will not only allow your child to walk on a road that is free of any visible dangers but will also allow you to know the exact route your child will be walking on and where you should be able to find them when they are in transit.

Unfortunately in some situations injuries are unavoidable due to negligent drivers and homeowners. If your child was injured while walking to school in New York contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island child injury lawyer to discuss your child's rights. Call 718-979-4300 or fill out our online contact form.

Arterial Problems from Catheter Cause FDA to Issue a Class I Recall for Catheters by AngioScore

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)46279 — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A catheter recall has been issued by the FDA for the AngioSculpt Percutaneous Translumenal Angioplasty Scoring Balloon Catheter OTW 0.018" Platform. The catheter is commonly used for the treatment of peripheral artery disease. The recalled catheter poses the potential threat of breaking due to a design defect that may result in peeling of the bond or detachment of the distal end of the score element.

The FDA has advised healthcare providers to stop use of the product immediately.

The defect can be potentially fatal due to the fact that it may result in fragments of the catheter being left in a patient or may result in significant arterial damage. Either of these issues can cause death or cause the need for surgery to remove the dangerous particals.

The FDA gave this recall a Class I because there is reasonable chance of serious adverse health consequences or death with the continued use of this product.

If you or a loved one were affected by this catheter recall contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island injury lawyer for additional information on your rights against the manufacturer of the catheters. Call 718-979-4300 or fill out our contact form for immediate help.

New Laws for Staten Island Residents Concerning Rebates, Tanning Salons and Moving Out of the Way of Emergency Response Vehicles in 2011

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)46076 — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Each year, the legislature passes new laws that take effect on January 1 of the new year. For 2011, New York State has enacted three new laws that may affect Staten Island residents.

The first law now requires stores to inform consumers about how their rebates will be given to them. Because of the explosion of pre-paid debit cards and their expiration dates and activation fees, consumers are now required to be told if the rebate will be in cash, check, store credit or pre-paid card. Consumers will now be able to make an informed choice about just how much money they will actually be receiving from the rebate.

Tanning salons will also be under new rules and regulations prohibiting children under 14-years of age from using tanning beds. Children between the ages of 14 and 18 years must have a letter of consent signed by the parent or guardian while that parent or guardian is in the salon. This law was enacted to help prevent the high incidence of skin cancers that may result from exposure to tanning beds.

The most important law is New York's Move Over Law, enacted to protect police, fire fighters and emergency responders. The law now requires drivers to move over into the next lane when approaching a police officer, fire fighter or emergency responder on the side of the road. If you are on a single-lane street, you are required to slow down when passing the emergency responder.

A Reminder to Not Drink and Drive from a Staten Island Family This Holiday Season

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)45463 — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Around this time of year, especially near New Years, there is usually a spike in the number of people who drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs (even prescription drugs) which alters the mind's ability to correctly react in situations and causes judgment to be impaired.

The reality of what a person driving while under the influence of drugs or drinking can do comes all too real to some who have lost loved ones in a car accident or those who have a loved one or personally have a serious injury that will continue to last for years if not the rest of their life.

One Staten Island family is speaking up to remind the residents of Staten Island to drive sober not just this holiday season but to make it a life long habit to drive sober. As recently interviewed by the Staten Island Advance the Edkins family lost their daughter in a car accident almost four years ago due to a driver who had been drinking and taking Zanax. Their daughter who was killed in the car accident was only 18 years old when she passed away. Also in the car with her was another 18 year old woman who suffered head and back injuries in the car accident.

We hope that this call to drive sober will sound throughout Staten Island this holiday season.

For additional information about Staten Island car accidents continue reading here.

Supplemental Security Income and Your Child's Disability Benefits

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)45295 — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

The qualification for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is contingent on income and resources. In a child's case, the Social Security Administration looks at the income and resources of the child and their family members living in the same household to make their decision.

If the child's income and resources or that of the immediate family members are found to be above the allowable limit they may not be eligible for SSI benefits. The methods for determining income and resources vary by state so it's best to consult a New York disability lawyer for assistance.

If a child is earning income of their own the amount earned in a month must be less than $1,000 as of 2010. They also must meet the criteria for disability, which includes a physical or mental condition that severely limits their activity and has lasted or is expected to last at least a year or result in death.

Decisions for Social Security disability benefits can take months, but there are some conditions that may qualify for immediate SSI payments.

These conditions include:

HIV infection;
cerebral palsy;
Down syndrome;
complete blindness;
severe mental retardation (age 7 or older);
complete deafness; and
low birth weight (below 2 lbs. 10 oz.)

Babies who receive SSI benefits due to low birth weight must undergo a disability review by age 1 to evaluate continued need. Children receiving SSI benefits under 18 years old whose conditions are expected to improve will be required to undergo a review every 3 years.

There is much more to know about filing for Social Security disability benefits for a disabled child. As a parent or guardian, you may help file on their behalf, but it's always best to also have a New York Social Security disability lawyer on your side to provide guidance in the claim process.

Contacting a New York Social Security Disability Lawyer

Before you file your child's Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your child's disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Drop Side Cribs Banned After Decades of Deaths and Injuries to Children

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)45268 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

After decades of being around, multiple recalls, over 30 deaths of infants and toddlers, and countless child injuries drop-side cribs have finally been banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The decision was a unanimous vote made by the CPSC and will take effect in June 2011.

Drop-side cribs will no longer be allowed to be manufactured, available for sale, or available for re-sale once the effective date takes place.

Most problems from drop-side cribs stemmed from the space that is created between the mattress area and the drop-side area of the crib. The gap creates a danger for infants and young children because they are at risk of suffocation and entrapment.

Children ranging from only a few days old to a couple of years old have suffered from this serious manufacturer defect over the past few decades. If you would like more information on the dangers of drop-side cribs or if you would like information on drop-side crib lawsuits in New York contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island child injury lawyer at 718-979-4300 or fill out our web form.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder May Worsen Traumatic Brain Injuries from an Accident

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)45031 — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A new TBI study by the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle shows a strong connection between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the worsening of traumatic brain injuries.

The study revealed that traumatic brain injury patients with PTSD are more likely to have worse cognitive function and more health problems one year after the traumatic accident takes place.

Things not taken into account by this study were length of coma, posttraumatic amnesia, or neuropsychological or neuro-radiologic evaluations.

Another interesting fact presented by the study was it showed patients who suffered from a severe traumatic brain injury were less likely to have symptoms of PTSD. This may be because most patients who suffer from a severe traumatic brain injury may have loss of memory of the accident or incident which caused the injury to occur.

For more information on traumatic brain injuries we recommend you read the following articles:
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury Caused by an Accident
Treatment for a Traumatic Brain Injury After an Accident
Traumatic Brain Injury from a Car Accident

Shopping Safety Should Include Product Recall Checks

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)45036 — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

This holiday season one thing you will want to keep in mind while shopping is product recalls. While stores are supposed to take recalled products off of the shelves and the products are not to be sold some products still end up being sold sometimes. This can make it dangerous for the consumer.

The National School Safety Coalition has began setting up a system of different ways to follow product recalls more closely - especially recalls for children's products. One of the ways the program is helping is that participating school will send home information about product recalls for children and household products to help parents know if there are products in their home that need to be removed. Another way is though their website Click, Check and Protect which has information about the most up to date product recalls. They also provide a way to have product recalls sent to your cell phone.

Making sure you and your family stay safe is something that shouldn't need to be done when it comes to children's products and household items but unfortunately it is does need to be done.

For more information on product recalls and product liability law in New York continue reading in our product liability section.

Proving Your Medically Determinable Impairment

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44883 — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

The most important factor in determining your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits is that you can provide evidence that you suffer from a medically determinable impairment. The Social Security Administration classifies a condition that can be medically proven as a medically determinable impairment.

Not only must your impairment be substantial enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity, but it also must be documented by professional means. A simple listing of symptoms and signs of a condition is not sufficient evidence to classify you as disabled and eligible for benefits. You will need to provide medical evidence that you suffer from the condition and have been under a doctor's care for diagnosis and management.

The most common types of evidence used to support a medically determinable impairment are laboratory tests, doctor reports, and official statements of diagnosis. These forms of evidence must come from licensed medical sources such as a family physician or a specialist such as a chiropractor.

To avoid having to appeal a denied Social Security disability benefits claim you should provide as much medical evidence of your medically determinable impairment as possible. There's no harm in providing too much medical documentation - but a lack of documentation may result in your having to file an appeal, delaying the start of your benefits.

A Staten Island disability lawyer can assist you in gathering the proper evidence to help support your Social Security disability claim. The more substantial your evidence is in support of your medically determinable impairment, the better your chances are of getting your claim approved outright. Even if you do receive an initial denial of benefits, your lawyer can assist you through the appeals process.

Contacting a Staten Island Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Injury Causing Repairs in Staten Island Buildings Need to Be Addressed by Landlords and City

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44811 — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Injuries caused from not properly repairing apartment buildings seem to be happening more often these days in Staten Island, Brooklyn and other areas of New York City. Apartment accidents happen far too often and most of the time can be prevented by the landlord if he/she would have made the proper repairs to the apartment building. When proper repairs are not made in a timely fashion to an apartment building the landlord is putting the tenants and anyone else who steps in or near the building at risk of an injury.

A broken step,railing or window, a faulty heating system, or an electrical problem can quickly become dangerous and sometimes even deadly. It is up to a landlord to make sure that all repairs are done quickly and correctly to avoid injuries to the people who are in the building. Avoiding repairs in an apartment building often results in serious injuries to those affected by it.

Three (3) years ago New York City put the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) into place. The purpose of the AEP is to issue violations to landlords who need to make repairs to their buildings and if those repairs are not made they make the repairs for them and then issue the landlord a bill which needs to be repaid for the services rendered. Many Staten Island residents and residents of other parts of New York City are concerned that the AEP is not working as well as they would like to see it.

Recently buildings that are in desperate need of repair have been heavily talked about in places such ad in the Staten Island Advance. The recent discussions sparked the housing agency in Staten Island to re-inspect three Richmond Port buildings last week which resulted in 36 new violations being issues. Some violations included exposed wiring, missing locks, leaky pipes and plaster falling from the ceiling.

If you were injured from a slip and fall in an apartment building or in any other type of apartment accident which resulted in an injury and would like to know what your rights are for filing a injury lawsuit contact Frank J. Dito Jr. for a free consultation. For immediate help call 718-979-4300 or fill out our online contact form.

Switching or Changing Personal Injury Lawyers After an Injury Case Has Been Started

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44740 — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

When deciding to hire a personal injury lawyer after an accident or an incident involving malpractice there are many other things going on in your life aside from hiring a lawyer to handle your case. Often times when hiring a personal injury lawyer people assume that every injury lawyer is the same and will perform at the same level as another. Other times people hiring a personal injury lawyer do put time and effort into hiring an experienced injury lawyer but may feel disappointed by their choice and decide they would like to hire someone different because they are not satisfied with the services or attention they are receiving.

Finding yourself in a situation where you are regretful for hiring the personal injury attorney you chose due to feeling ignored or feeling as if the lawyer is not capable of handling your case is not a good feeling. In the state of New York if you are not satisfied with the services of your personal injury lawyer you have the right to hire a different lawyer and switch personal injury lawyers. Changing personal injury lawyers is not difficult and involves doing research as to who you would like to hire to handle your case.

For more information on different areas of personal injury law that we practice everyday in Staten Island, NY continue reading here.

For immediate help with an injury case call 718-979-4300 or fill out our contact form.

Severity of a Concussion May Soon be Able to be Determined with New Test

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44555 — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

The severity of a concussion is currently not able to be determined. When a concussion brain injury occurs the medical field is very limited on determining the extent of a concussion but an ongoing study at Harvard has been yielding result that may result in a new way to exam a concussion after a brain injury occurs and should be able to offer better insight into the extent of a brain injury that someone sustains.

The study includes five athletes from various sports including football players, wrestlers, and boxers. From the study shows when a concussion occurs the brain releases an increased amount of two chemicals, glutamate and choline. Increased choline is a marker for damaged tissue and glutamate is toxic at high levels, which could be the result of multiple concussion injuries to the brain.

If successful the findings of this study will be able to result in a new way of testing people suffering from concussions by a Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy which will be able to determine how severe of a concussion the person suffered from and how it has effected the brain. This test is similar to an MRI but measures chemicals in the brain. The test if approved for usage will be able to help determine when and to what extent a brain injury has been caused especially in situations where multiple concussions are present over time.

A Dangerous Intersection in Staten Island on Hylan Boulevard Claims Another Life: DOT Making Changes to Intersection to Make Hylan Boulevard Safer

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44451 — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

The death of an 82-year old woman involved in a fatal car accident on Saturday caused the Department of Transportation ("DOT") in Staten Island to decide to make some quick changes to the Hylan Boulevard intersection that has also been responsible for three other deaths in the past 18 months.

According to the Department of Transportation the City of New York already had plans to change the flow of traffic at the intersection located at Hylan Boulevard and Steuben Street but did not plan to implement the changes until the beginning of the new year. The DOT decided to implement the changes immediately in light of the accident on Saturday. The changes began today with the first changes being made to the signal system. A red arrow light will be installed which will prevent drivers from making a sharp left turn against fast moving traffic. Left turns from the Verrazano bound section on Hylan Boulevard onto Steuben Street will only be allowed to turn when a green arrow is present. Additional changes will also include the two left lanes being dedicated exclusively to left turning vehicles and parking restrictions being enforced to help keep traffic flowing.

Changes that will be enforced after the winter months are over will include a concrete median being placed on Hylan Boulevard across the street from left turn lanes to keep drivers from veering out of the turning lanes into oncoming traffic. For now the median will be marked with bright yellow stripes.

Struggling Homeowners in Staten Island Being Offered by Seminar for Help

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44362 — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Struggling homeowners in Staten Island are now being offered a seminar by City Counsilwoman Debi Rose. The workshop/seminar will take place on Wednesday between 6pm and 8pm at St. Mary's Episcopal church.

The seminar will discuss topics such as foreclosures and what can be done to help struggling homeowners.

They are asking that you RSVP to Stephanie Cleaton at 718-556-7370.

Oxycodone the Cause of a Car Accident in New York

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44384 — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Staten Island advance is reporting that a car accident in Concord on Tuesday night is being associated with the use of prescription drugs that were being used by the driver. The driver allegedly admitted to police who were on the scen that he took two pills of oxycodone and then took an additional pill when on his way home from therapy.

According to reports the man is being charged with driving while impared.

Rehabilitation After Traumatic Brain Injury for Children and Young Adults Led by a TBI Sufferer

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44395 — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be devastating at any age but can be especially devastating for children and young adults.

According to an article by CBS New York a 23 year old graduate of Penn State University suffered a traumatic brain injury 7 years ago as a teenager when he was hit by a van in New Jersey. The brain injury that Matthew Peltz suffered as a teenager was severe and he went from being a star athlete to having to re-learn how to walk, talk, eat and perform simple tasks. He even had to learn tasks that seemed less obvious to others from the outside looking in such as patience and controlling impulses.

Matthew Peltz has and continues to overcome the traumatic brain injury that he suffered as a teen and hopes to help others in similar situations as him. He is currently a rehabilitation counselor and helps children and young adults who suffer from traumatic brain injuries and although everyone has a different story as to how their brain injury happened he feels as if he sees a little bit of what he had to go through in everyone he helps.

It was once thought that wherever a patient was at one year after recovering from a traumatic brain injury is where the progress stopped but recent studies have shown that the brain actually continues to repair itself for the rest of your life and also tries to do things to compensate for the area of the brain that was injured.

For more information on brain injuries caused by accidents call our Staten Island New York injury law office at 718-979-4300 or fill out our online contact form.

Recent Study Shows Drugs Present in Car Accident Fatalities Are Not Uncommon

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44315 — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that drugs being present in fatal car crashes is not uncommon.

The study was done on one-third of fatally injured drivers whose blood was made available to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration were shown to have drugs in their system. The drugs found in the systems of those who died in the car crashes ranged from steroids to marijuana to pain killers and other drugs (both prescription and illegal drugs). The study also noted that the test did not include whether or not the affects of the drugs caused the car accidents or not it merely showed that drugs were present in their blood at the time of the fatal accident.

When comparing the recent study to past studies the percentage of drivers under the influence of drugs has rose from 3% to 5%.

For more information on car accidents caused by drugs or drinking continue reading here.

If you need immediate help regarding a car accident injury or a car accident death in Staten Island or elsewhere in New York City call 718-979-4300 or fill out our online contact form.

Distracted Driving Car Accidents Show Many Incidents Occur Every Year

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44321 — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Distracted driving car accidents unfortunately have been increasing over the years as technology increases. Whether distracted by a cell phone call, texting, searching though an iPod, or anything else that takes a drivers attention away from the road there have been many people putting forth an effort to stop driving distracted and focus on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration put together a campaign called "Faces of Distracted Driving". The site for the campaign includes stories and pictures of people who were both victims of distracted driving and those who were distracted while driving and caused the accident.

Please keep in mind when driving to focus on the road and not on other technology or things not related to driving. Your eyes should be on the road for the quickest reaction time as you can see from the campaign it is worth while.

Distracted driving car accidents killed nearly 5,500 last year and injured 500,000 more.

For more information on injuries from a car accident involving a distracted driver continue reading here.

For immediately help if you are injured or if there was a death caused by distracted driving call 718-979-4300 to speak to a Staten Island car accident lawyer or fill out our contact form and we will contact you.

Tottenville High School Student Attacked by Football Coach in Staten Island New York

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44232 — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to a report recently released by the Staten Island Advance a high school student was involved in a physical fight with a football coach allegedly.

The injured high school student from Staten Island's Tottenville High School filed criminal complaints against the high school football coach from Moore Catholic High School after he was alleged shoved by the coach in the locker room. The altercation occurred when a charity game was being played at the school between Moore Catholic School and Susan Wagner High School. The coach brought his team into the locker room at which time a few high school students from Tottenville High School's football team (who were playing a different football game that day) were taking their own belongings from their lockers before leaving. The coach reportedly yelled at them to leave and shoved the Tottenville student. After the shove the high school student reportedly tried to punch the coach but missed which then resulted in some of the football players from Moore Catholic School pouncing on the football player.

The Tottenville football player was left with a gash above his eye which required stitches.

Infant Dies from Daycare Abused Which Caused a Head Injury

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44235 — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 10 week old child was pronounced dead Thanksgiving morning according to a Texas hospital. The infant suffered from a severe injury to the head after being abused by a daycare facility the week prior to the death.

The owner of the daycare was arrested for the injury to the child but was later released on bail.

For more information on daycare injuries from neglect or abuse continue reading here.

For immediate help if your child has been injured at daycare or died because of a result of daycare abuse call 718-979-4300 or fill out our online contact form to get help from Staten Island daycare injury lawyer Frank J. Dito Jr.

Before Buying a Home Consider The Area at Various Times of Day | New York Homebuyers Advice

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44237 — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

When purchasing a Staten Island home or a home anywhere in New York City it is important to make sure you are making the right decision for the home you are buying.

One thing you will want to do once you have a home you are interested in buying in Staten Island is visit the home multiple times and at different times of day before signing a contract. Sometimes homebuyers notice when they visit at different times of the day the property is surrounded by a different atmosphere. Here are some things to check for when visiting in the morning, afternoon and at night:

Noise level
Traffic
Criminal activity

Sometimes depending on the time of day any of these factors may increase or decrease by visiting the home at different times of the day you will get a better idea of what your life will be like if you decide to go through with purchasing the home.

For more information on buying a home in Staten Island or regarding New York real estate law request a complimentary copy of "5 Myths That Can Ruin the Purchase of Your Home" or call 718-979-4300.

Leaves on Road Create Slippery Conditions for Cars in Staten Island

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44137 — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

When wet leaves piles up on the side of the road it can quickly create a dangerous situation for drivers on the road. It is important to take proper precautions as a driver to make sure that you do not become a victim of a car accident caused by wet leaves.

Leaves fall from the trees in the fall months and when wet can cause the roadways to become slick. This situation is made worse sometimes when homeowners rake leaves off of their lawn. In some states there are policies in place as to how raked leaves should disposed of. It is the practice of some states and/or cities to bag leaves either in a paper leaf bag or in a specific can. In other states and cities leaves are to be bagged in regular garbage bags or put in regular garbage pails while in other states and cities it is fine to dispose of raked leaves however the homeowner determines they would like them disposed of such as just raking the leaves and leaving them on the side of the road unbagged.

Unbagged leaves raked on the side of the road can create for a bag situation if mixed with stormy weather. Wind can cause the leaves to blow further into the street and rain, snow or ice can cause the leaves to become slippery. While as a driver you cannot always avoid a situation like this here are some tips for driving with wet leaves:

Replace worn tires
Replace high performance tires with winter or all-season tires
Replace worn windshield wipers
Replace worn brakes
Determine (if you do not already know) if you have anti-locked brakes - If you have a vehicle with anti-lock brakes you should not pump the brakes. This will only reduce the car's traction because of the car's computer.

Staten Island Window Washer Injured from Electric Shock While Working

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)44143 — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Staten Island man was injured while working on Saturday. While the man was washing windows at Bank of America on Staten Island the wind blew and the washing pole touched the electrical wire causing the window washer to receive an electric shock though the pole.

The man suffered cardiac arrest and burns to his hands and feet.

Are Car Rental Companies Allowing Recalled Rental Cars to be Driven Without Repairs? NHTSA is Investigating

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)43965 — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") is currently investigating rental car companies, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, based on recent complaints by consumers stating that the rental car companies are renting cars to consumers without properly fixing issues with the cars. The issues the consumers are referring to are mainly recall repairs that need to be made to the rental vehicles but are not being done when the recalls are issued rather waiting until it is convenient for the rental companies to make the repairs to the recalled vehicles.

The alleged delay in rental car repairs that consumers and the Center for Auto Safety have mentioned to the NHTSA are currently under investigation. This investigation is the largest investigation against rental car companies and includes millions of possible recalled vehicles that may have not been fixed. This is the first audit of this caliber that the NHTSA has conducted. The only other two audits on rental car vehicles occurred in 2009 and only involved a small number of vehicles.

As a part of the investigation the NHTSA has requested recall information on over 3 million vehicles including recalls to Chrysler, Ford and General Motors (GM) that are favored by rental companies.

One of the main rental car companies being investigated by the NHTSA is Enterprise Rent-A-Car which earlier this year admitted fault for an accident involving a PT Cruiser which had not had the proper repairs done on it and was rented out. The two women riding in the PT Cruiser died from when the vehicle caught fire and crashed.

If you or a loved one were injured in a rental vehicle that you believe did not have proper repairs done on it call 718.979.4300 to speak with Staten Island injury lawyer Frank J. Dito Jr for immediate help or fill out our online contact form.

For more information about recalled vehicles and products continue reading here.

Avoid Getting Injured on Black Friday This Year While Shopping | NY Black Friday Shopping Tips

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)43987 — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

This year many of you will wake up early on Friday for Black Friday shopping. While this can be a dangerous day to venture out for anyone it can be especially dangerous if you are going shopping in a highly populated city such as Staten Island or any other part of New York City.

There are two major areas that you may encounter danger at is on the road and at the store. Often times people are in a rush on Black Friday. That combined with the large volume of people can create a dangerous situation while going to the stores, shopping at the store and coming home from the store.

Here are some precautions to take to avoid being injured on Black Friday:

Be extra defensive on the roadways

Stay alert while driving (there will be a higher volume of traffic than normal)

Obey the rules put in place by the particular store you are in

Be careful of any displays that seem wobbly or stacked high this can quickly become a danger

Wait your turn some places only allow a certain amount of people to be in the store at a time - this is for your safety and the safety of others

Park in a well lit area

Do not flaunt the amount of cash you have and try to keep the cash concealed while shopping

Keep your vehicle locked while you are shopping

Hide boxes tactically in your car - this will prevent your car from being broken into

While taking precautions may help avoid injuries sometimes injuries may be unpreventable on your part and the negligence may be caused by someone else such as another shopper, driver or a store.

For immediate help if you were injured while shopping on Black Friday in New York or if you were in a car accident on Black Friday and are injured call 718.979.4300 or fill out our online contact form.

Avoiding Employee Injuries on Black Friday | NY Workers' Compensation Lawyer

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)43989 — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Black Friday is a very busy time for shoppers every year but probably even more busy for the employees working on Black Friday.

There are many injuries every year associated with Black Friday - some shoppers and some workers - and even deaths that have occurred. In 2008 a Walmart employee working on Black Friday was trampled and died from asphyxiation.

This year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is working hard to make sure that companies are more aware of the danger to their workers on Black Friday. OSHA has even went as far as sending a safety control fact sheet to a lot of big name stores that get a lot of business on Black Friday such as Walmart, Target, Macy's, JCPenney, Sears, Kohl's, TJX, Costco, Best Buy, BJ's, Toys R US, Dillard's and IKEA.

The safety control fact sheet recommends that stores train security personnel or police officers on-site, erect barricades, or rope lines for pedestrians, control crowds in advance of customer arrival, place the customer line away from the entrance to the store, put emergency plans into place in case of an emergency, and have security personnel or customer service representatives explain store procedures prior to customers entering the store.

For more information on work related injuries from Black Friday shopping call 718.979.4300 for immediate help from a New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer or fill out our online form.

Dog Bite Injuries in Children Affect Eyes When Bit on the Face More than Previously Thought

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)43926 — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Dog bite injuries in children can be very scary for both the child and the parent especially when the dog bit is to the child's face.

According to a recent study conducted by Albany Medical Center in New York facial dog bite injuries in children affect the eyes more than what was previously though. Approximately 1 out of every 7 children who receive emergency treatment for dog bite injuries to the face sustained ophthalmic injuries. An Ophthalmic injury is an injury to the eye. When eye injuries are caused by a dog bite it is more likely to have complications and require revision surgery than nonophthalmic dog bite injuries.

When a child is bit in the face by a dog there is a large chance that the injury is to the child's eye according to the study, especially if the child is young (3-4 years old). The most common injuries children sustain to their eyes from a dog bite are to the eyelid or eyelids or to the canalicular system. These are two very delicate areas on a child and when injuries to either the eyelid(s) or canalicular area are present the emergency department or treating physician should contact an ophthalmologist or an oculoplastic surgeon for additional evaluation.

For more information on dog bite cases in New York continue reading here.

For immediate help call 718.979.4300 or fill out our online contact form.

Darvon, Darvocet and Propoxyphene Recalled for Heart Rhythm Problems

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)43852 — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

The FDA recently announced the recall of Darvon and Darvocet due to the recent findings of the effects it has on the heart. The FDA says that the prescription drug which makes up Darvon and Darvocet, propoxyphene, has shown in recent studies to have potentially serious or fatal side effects such as heart rhythm abnormalities.

It has been recommended by the FDA that the product be pulled from the shelves and that doctors stop prescribing and/or giving out any free samples of the medication but has not told patients on the drug to stop taking Darvon, Darvocet or any other medication with propoxyphene in it. Instead it is recommended that patients already using these drugs contact their doctor for further instruction on what to do. Doctors should be able to prescribe an alternative to the drug.

The FDA has also asked other manufacturers of drugs with propoxyphene such as generic forms of Darvon and Darvocet to consider pulling their medications off of the market also.

Pedestrians Account for More than Half of All Traffic Fatalities in New York City

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)43858 — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent study issued today by the Health Department and Department of Transportation showed that pedestrian deaths account for more than half of traffic related deaths in New York City. While traffic related fatalities are down compared to the national average and compared to what they have been previously crashes still are the highest cause for injury related death and hospitalization in New York City.

The data used in the recent study shows the results of pedestrian injuries and accidents in New York City was from 2005 to 2009.

Four Loco Banned in Some States and Now Recalled by Manufacturers

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)43751 — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Caffeinated alcohol drink Four Loco was banned in certain states the past few weeks including the Four Loco ban in New York state. Now the manufacturer of Four Loco has announced the recall of Four Loco because of the anticipation of an FDA review that they are waiting on.

The manufacturers of Four Loco have only recalled the drink temporarily to restructure the formula of the drink which will include removing the caffeine from the alcoholic malt beverage. The action to recall Four Loco comes after quite a few incidents involving mostly college students who have suffered from alcohol poisoning or come close to experiencing alcohol poisoning. The drink has caffeine in it which is a stimulant and alcohol which is a depressant causing the person drinking Four Loco to be able to do so in excess without feeling the effects of being drunk and sluggish. Instead the caffeine gives the person a false sense of awareness which leads them to think they have not reached their "limit".

This drink as it was being sold previously is a real danger to college students and other adults alike.

Exterior Stucco Reprimanded for Multiple Work Safety Violations in Staten Island

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)43754 — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Exterior Stucco Systems Inc. was issued five safety violations by the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) while working at 2026 Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island. The violations were not issued because of a work accident but rather were issued because of the unsafe atmosphere in which the work was being conducted.

Violations at the Staten Island site included:

Failing to maintain a safety program
Failing to fully plank scaffold access
Failing to provide a ladder for scaffold access
Failing to remove and replace damaged scaffold components
Failing to properly brace scaffolds with cross braces

For more information on work related accidents continue reading here or call our Staten Island workers compensation law office at 718.979.4300.

Apple iPad Helps Disabled New York Boy Communicate and Learn

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)43670 — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

November 10, 2010 - New York - Unable to speak and reliant on a respirator, Owen Cain is finally able to communicate with his mother thanks to a 1.5-pound tablet.

Since its release earlier this year, the Apple iPad has consistently made headlines as users find new and innovative uses for the touch-screen tablet PC. The New York Times recently reported on one such user, Owen, who for the first time in his short 7-year life, is able to read books, make music and tell his mother he wanted to be Han Solo for Halloween.

When a nurse left her iPad within Owen's reach, he was able to stretch out a finger and start a music and art application. Owen's parents had attempted other computer assistive devices, but the iPad was the first that Owen was able to command immediately and pick up on quickly.

Since the first interaction, Owen's grandmother purchased him his own iPad and now he uses it to read books, create music and type messages to his family. His condition, spinal muscular atrophy type 1, has robbed him of most of his motor functions and left him extremely sensitive to infection. He has a sharp mind and even without the ability to speak, he has picked up on reading, writing and math skills.

The iPad has shown to be of great assistance to patients who suffer from other disabilities, both physical and mental. Christopher Bulger, a 16-year-old Chicago teen who suffered a spinal cord injury, had his hands clenched into fists during early stages of his rehabilitation. The ease of use with the iPad allowed him to surf the Internet by pressing his knuckles to the screen.

There are other benefits to the iPad for disability assistance, as the device has native accessibility tools. Out of the box, the iPad has functionality for closed-captioning, screen magnification and text-to-speech audible readout functions. There is also a growing list of assistive applications available in the iTunes app store, as well as educational and training apps that can help with rehabilitation and therapy.

Contacting a New York Disability Lawyer

Before you hire a New York disability lawyer, order this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Filing a Social Security Disability Claim, to give you an idea of the Social Security disability claims process. Contact a New York disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for more information about your case - 1-800-976-4904.

New York City Trying to Cap Liability for Ferry Crash in May

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)43665 — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

As recently announced in the Staten Island Advance the City of New York is requesting to have a liability cap applied to the Staten Island ferry crash that occurred in May.

The City of New York requested that the same be done a few years ago concerning the Staten Island ferry crash of the Andrew J. Barberi in 2003 but the courts denied the request. So far the New York City has paid over $88 million for 169 people injured on the Staten Island ferry in 2003 and will continue to do so until all valid lawsuits have been paid out.

The City of New York is also arguing they should not be held for negligence in the crash because they did not do anything, in their opinion, that was negligent.

SSD Benefits Determined by Your Musculoskeletal System Abilities

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)43287 — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A serious musculoskeletal disorder is classified as one that severely impacts your ability to ambulate for a reasonable distance. If you cannot walk for a period of time or over a certain distance, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

The same idea goes for assessing the impact of an upper body musculoskeletal system disorder. Any disorder that impairs your ability to perform gross motor skills with your arms, such as pushing, pulling, or grasping may also qualify you for Social Security disability benefits.

The purpose of Social Security disability benefits is to provide financial assistance to those whose disabilities prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. Especially when your former occupation and job training involved manual labor, a musculoskeletal system disorder can be devastating to your ability to work.

Some common disorders include those that impair the spine, such as herniated discs, or those that typically come with age or past injury, such as arthritis. Any disorder that affects the joints also may qualify for disability status, as do many types of fractures.

The musculoskeletal system makes up all the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves that support the body's ability to walk and move extremities. Because many jobs involve walking and moving your arms, a serious disorder of your musculoskeletal system can severely impact your ability to work.

If you do have a serious disorder of the musculoskeletal system that affects your ability to work, talk with a New York Social Security disability lawyer about your rights to financial assistance.

How a New York Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

New York City Drivers Need to Take Caution of Riders on Bikes

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)42362 — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Drivers in Staten Island and throughout New York City need to keep aware of bicycle riders that are out on the road. In the past week there have been two bicycle accidents both within a block from each other in Brooklyn.

The first accident occurred when, according to reports, a man riding a bike was hit by a bus that was approximately 40 feet long on Sunday. The second bike accident incident occurred on Monday involved a bicycle being sideswiped by a car and pinning the bike rider against a parked car.

Staten Island drivers and drivers around New York City need to keep in mind that the road is shared with bicycle riders.

Bicycle riders should keep in mind to use the bike lane when it is available and to take the necessary precautions when riding a bike on a busy city road.

If you would like to contact our law firm regarding your rights and New York City laws about bicycle accidents call 718.979.4300 or fill out our contact form.

FDA Announces Osteoporosis Drugs May Raise Chances of Thigh and Hip Fractures

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)42201 — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Patients taking osteoporosis drugs are being warned of a potential injury causing side effect of the drugs which include hip fractures and thigh fractures.

The FDA announced last month that osteoporosis drugs such as Actonel, Atelvia, Boniva, Fosamax, Reclast, and generic versions of the medications may increase the risk of hip and thigh fractures and also announced they would be adding a warning label on the osteoporosis medicine.

According to an article on WebMD those taking osteoporosis drugs with bisphosphonates for five years or more are at the most risk of suffering from side effects from Fosamax and similar osteoporosis medications. Warning signs for the fracture may be something as simple as hip pain or thigh pain because the fractures occur with little to no trauma to the thigh or hip.

Patients taking Fosamax or other osteoporosis drugs should visit their doctor immediately if suffering from pain as this may be a sign that further medical treatment is necessary for the hip injury or thigh injury.

For more information on Fosamax thigh fracture or hip fractures call our Staten Island law firm at 718.979.4300 or fill out our contact form.

What's asked on the Adult Disability Report?

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)42076 — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Adult Disability Report is one of the 3 main forms you must submit when applying for Social Security disability benefits. On this form you are required to complete 10 sections of information plus one optional section for SSI recipients.

The 11 sections of the Adult Disability Report are:

Information about the disabled person;
Contacts;
Medical Conditions;
Work Activity;
Education and Training;
Job History;
Medicines;
Medical Treatment;
Other Medical Information;
Vocational Rehabilitation, Employment or Other Support Services; and
Remarks.

The first 2 sections, Information and Contacts, gather the basic contact information for the disabled person and the person helping them complete the application (if any) or another person who could answer questions related to their disability status.

The Medical Conditions, Medicines, Medical Treatment, and Other Medical Information sections all gather extensive information about treatment history, testing, medications, and treating/prescribing medical professionals. These sections help identify the disabling condition and form a timeframe for the disability duration and severity.

The Work Activity, Education and Training and Job History sections serve to prove that the claimant worked enough years to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. It also serves to prove that they are no longer able to work because of their disability and the nature of their education, training and former employment.

While filling out a few sections on a form may sound simple, you will need to gather a good amount of records to be able to properly complete the Adult Disability Report. An incomplete report may delay or deny your Social Security disability benefits claim. To maximize your chances at a problem-free application process, you should contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer to make sure you have a valid disability case.

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904

Is the City at Fault for My Car Damages and Injuries in New York?

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)42046 — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Most times car damages and injuries are caused by a car accident where there are at least two drivers involved but sometimes there are situations that can cause car damages and injuries to the driver of the vehicle that do not involve another driver. Situations like this may occur if:

A city owned tree falls on a car

Roadways are severely damaged

Debris from unsecured or broken objects

Improperly secured or damaged road signs or traffic signals

Situations such as listed above can sometimes cause the city to be at fault but certain factors have to be identified by either yourself or the lawyer representing you against the city for your injuries and damages done to your car. Some of the factors in proving that the city was at fault for the accident occurring including proving that there was negligence involved and that it was not just an "Act of God". Generally you or the attorney representing you against the City of New York will provide information proving that the city was already aware of the danger of the cause of the injuries/damages or that they should have been aware.

An example of a situation where the City of New York may be held at fault for car accident injuries and car damages is if there is a tree that is dead and there has been a reasonable amount of time to realize this or there was a complaint filed or there was someone who inspected to find out if the tree was dead and New York City officials did nothing about taking the tree down to make the location safe and the tree fell down either by a storm or wind or other natural causes and fell on a car driving by which injured the driver and/or passengers and damaged the car. The City of New York would more than likely be held liable because the tree was unsafe and they either knew it was unsafe or should have known it was unsafe. This may sound like a far fetched situation to some but this is something that happens around the country everyday.

For more information on starting a lawsuit against the City of New York for injuries and car damages call 718.979.4300 or fill out our contact form.

When Broken or Uneven Sidewalks Cause An Injury | New York Injury Law

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)42059 — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A person is walking down a Staten Island sidewalk and trips on a severely uneven or broken sidewalk and injures themselves pretty severely. An ambulance is called by the injured person or a bystander and the person is taken to the emergency room. The doctor at the ER and the doctors the person follows up with say that the injuries are a broken wrist and also injuries to the hip and back.

Similar to the situation above a person could be walking down a sidewalk in Brooklyn during the winter time. It snowed two days before and some of the snow had melted the day before and froze overnight now creating a very slick pathway. A person slips and falls on the icy sidewalk and sustains torn ligaments in their arm and injuries to their knee along with a few other cuts and bruises.

Both situations leave the injured person more than likely missing time from work and with some unwanted medical bills and possibly conditions that can alter their lifestyle or leave them in pain the rest of their life. When injuries are foreseeable to be permanent it is important to understand the New York laws for a sidewalk injury. In both of the above situations, depending on if the property where the accident occurred was private property or if it was public property, are negligent situations. If the property was a private property in New York the lawsuit would more than likely be against the homeowner where the slip and fall accident occurred. If the slip and fall accident occurred on a public property area the negligence would be held against the City of New York if the slip and fall occurred in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens or the Bronx.

Homeowners, store owners and the City of New York all have the responsibility of keeping their property safe from dangers that can be considered negligent. In situations where the pavement is extremely uneven, broken or icy it can create an area that is just waiting for an accident to happen. Ignoring the problem once it is noticed and realized that it is dangerous is considered negligence. The matter may also be considered negligence if it was a reasonable amount of time for the person or city to realize that is was a dangerous such as the situation with the person who falls on an icy sidewalk. In New York there are laws describing how long you have to shovel snow off of your sidewalk. If the snow is not shoveled in this reasonable amount of time put in place by New York law and a person gets injured as a direct result of it they may be responsible for negligence and in turn may have a lawsuit filed against them.

Each situation involving premises liability such as sidewalk injuries must be evaluated on a one by one basis because each situation and scenario is unique. For a free review of your New York City sidewalk injury accident call our Staten Island injury law firm at 718.979.4300 or email us.

Will the Money from the Insurance Company Cover My Injuries

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)41770 — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

When involved in a car accident there are many different things that need to get taken care of properly but one of the most important things to take care of if you are injured is your health. It is important that if you are injured after a car accident that you seek medical attention as soon as possible and that you go to any necessary follow-up appointments.

Often times if you were injured by someone who was driving negligently and it is determined that they were at fault the insurance company will offer you money as a settlement for any injuries that their negligent driver caused to you but often times the amount of money the insurance company gives for injuries is insufficient to the amount that it will cost the injured driver. Here are some costs you should consider if a car insurance company is offering you money for your car accident injuries:

Cost of surgery
Cost of hospital bills
Cost of ongoing treatment such as physical therapy
Cost of time lost from work
Cost of prescription drugs
Cost of any other type of treatment to repair the injury

These among other costs all play into how much you will need to properly recover from your injury and you should also take into consideration, if the injury is severe, that the injury may be one that is not completely repairable.

Insurance companies usually offer the minimum amount for injuries which often results in a situation where a person runs out of insurance money meaning that they run out of the money the insurance company gave them for their injury. Sometimes this happens a few months or a few years after the accident occurs but the injury may have not fully healed and may still require treatment.

It is important to take all aspects into consideration before making settlement with the insurance company because if the settlement money the insurance company is offering you is insufficient you may be left with the cost. You should always consult the advice of an experienced injury lawyer for a car accident injury.

For more information for New York car accident law call 718.979.4300 or fill out our online contact form.

When Filing an Injury Lawsuit or Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New York Timing is Everything!

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)41680 — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you are filing a lawsuit for an injury in New York or a lawsuit for wrongful death in New York it is important to understand the time constraints (also known as Statute of Limitations). In New York the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit in New York against a negligent party varies based on what type of accident or situation took place (auto accident, medical malpractice, product liability, etc.).

When involved in any type of accident or injured in any type of way that is the fault of another person or company it is important to contact an injury lawyer in New York regarding your specific situation considering every situation is different based on how the injury or death occurred, the type of injury and the extent of the injury. Below is listing of various different types of personal injury statute of limitations in New York:

Injury Caused by Negligence - Statute of Limitations 3 years
Injury Caused by Malpractice - Statute of Limitations 2 1/2 years
Injury Caused by Slander or Libel - Statute of Limitations 1 year

While New York does have Statute of Limitations set for personal injury cases there are certain other factors to consider when deciding how much time you have to file an injury lawsuit in New York. Amongst those factors are other time restraints or timelines put into place by other New York laws that are applicable to your specific injury case or death case, New York City laws, and other laws which apply time constraints on how and when a lawsuit must be filed in New York.

Additional factors that come into play when dealing with an injury lawsuit in New York should be talked over with an experienced New York personal injury lawyer to help you determine how long you have to file and injury case or a wrongful death case.

To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island Injury and Wrongful Death Lawyer call 718.979.4300 or contact us by filling out our contact form.

New York and New Jersey Real Estate Questions

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)41284 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

When purchasing or selling a home many questions may arise especially if it is a first time home purchase or selling a home for the first time. Questions may range from general questions to more in depth questions that may be answered with state specific or city specific laws in mind.

Real estate questions should be addressed to an experienced real estate professional so that answers can be answered appropriately based on the state specific laws (and possibly city specific real estate laws).

To speak with a New York and New Jersey real estate lawyer regarding any real estate questions call 718.979.4300. We are able to answer questions concerning and represent clients in:

Buying a home

Selling a home

Short sales

Refinancing a home

Home loan modification

Purchasing a new construction home

Foreclosure

Teen Driving Safety Week: What New York is Doing About Teen Driving Tickets, Accidents and License Suspensions

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)41204 — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

National Teen Driver Safety Week is from October 17 - 24 this year. National Teen Driver Safety Week was put in place in order to take the time out to let teens know the real dangers that are associated with driving and to address serious problems that plague many driver, especially teen drivers, such as distracted driving or driving with over-confidence.

While it is nice to have a national program set up for teen driver safety it is also always nice to see steps being taken on a local level. New York State recently put a program into place called Teen Electronic Event Notification Services ("TEENS"). The TEENS program was established by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles in order to allow the parents or legal guardians of teen drivers to be notified by email, snail mail or regular mail if the teen in their care gets a ticket, gets into an accident or gets their license suspended or revoked.

Many parents and guardians of teens like the TEENS program that has been put in place because it will not give their teen drivers the opportunity to hide the truth about accidents and tickets that they otherwise may have not been informed about. Some teens also have spoken out about the program saying that they feel as if the system makes them a better driver because they do not want their parents or guardians to get notified that they are driving irresponsibly and possible take away driving privileges.

Infant Deaths Causes Graco Stroller Recall: New York Injury Lawyer Explains the Dangers

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)41205 — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent recall was issued for 2 million Graco strollers due to four recent infant deaths.

The Graco strollers being recalled are older versions of the Graco Quattro Tour and Graco MetroLite strollers and were sold between November 2000 and November 2007.

The infant deaths that occurred took place between 2003 and 2005 and involved babies who became trapped inside of the stroller and strangled.

Graco and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are urging parents with the recalled Graco strollers to call 877.828.4046 for a free repair kit.

The dangers associated with this Graco stroller recall are serious and could result in death. It is important that if you are the parent of a child who died because of a recall that you contact a personal injury lawyer who handles product recalls in your area. If you would like to speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island, NY injury lawyer call 718.979.4300.

CareFusion Pump Recall by FDA for Problem that Could Cause Serious Injury or Death

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)41209 — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Food and Drug Administration assigned the most serious classification of a recall to the CareFusion pump recall. The CareFusion pump recall consists of 17,000 units of the pump which is used mainly by hospitals to deliver medications and other fluids intravenously to patients.

The CareFusion pump, Alaris PC Model 8015, is being recalled because of communication and freezing errors which could cause the machine to shut down and to stop delivering medication or fluids to the patient. The company plans on fixing all 17,000 of the machines and has given hospitals instructions on how to mark and correctly use the pumps in the interm.

For more information on medication errors continue reading here.

Teen Bullying Becomes a Serious Problem Among Students: New York Makes Laws to Protect Kids

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)41033 — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

More and more kids and teens are on social network sites such as MySpace, Twitter and Facebook and also it is not unusual for 12 year olds to have high tech cell phones and their own laptops in this day and age giving them easy access to hundreds if not thousands of people at any given time. While this is nice for staying in touch with friends it can be detrimental and possibly deadly for some teens.

Recent articles in magazines are becoming more and more focused on this tragic cyber bully situation. Student bullies are still present in classrooms but are more than often bullying through social media sites and by text message ruining the student's reputation. Often times when a teenagers reputation is ruined or rumors are being spread about them it can quickly turn into the entire grade, if not the entire school, knowing about the rumor that is being spread. This often causes the child or teenager to become depressed, seek revenge or try to end their own life to escape the embarrassment for the teasing.

Teen bullying has become so severe that there have been multiple front page articles in magazines, front page headlines in newspaper, and breaking stories on the news about the effects of teen bullying and cyber bullying. Even different television stations such as Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, and TBS (amongst others) have taken a step to trying to prevent bullying by making commercials, YouTube videos, etc.

Certain states such as New York have begun to take certain measures to try to put a stop to bullying. In New York the Dignity for All Students Act was signed this past September. The law was made to protect students from being harassed because of their race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex. The law will require schools to make a safe environment to avoid bullying and will also require there to be designated staff members to prevent such behavior. While the law does not take full effect until July 2012 certain previsions will take effect sooner. This is certainly a law that is much needed in order to help prevent bullying and ultimately protect the children who are the victims of being bullied.

Here are some signs you should watch for if you suspect a teen you know is being bullied.

Signs that a Child or Teen is Being Bullied: Know the Warning Signs

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)41042 — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

School bullying and cyber bullying both happen in todays day and age and both present a very realistic concern for the child being bullied. While some children and teens know how to deal with bullying some may find themselves depressed and possibly even suicidal because of bullying. Here are some signs to look out for that may point to that a child is being bullied:

Coming home with torn, missing or damaged pieces of clothing, books or other belongings;

Unexplained cuts, bruises or scratches;

Has few friends with which he/she spends time with;

Seems afraid of going to school, walking to school or riding on the bus;

Takes a long and not practical route to school;

Has lost interest in school or suddenly starts doing poorly in school;

Appears to be mad, sad, moody or depressed when he/she comes home from school;

Complains of frequent problems that seem to disappear during non-school hours such as a stomachache, headache or other physical problem;

Has trouble sleeping or has bad dreams;

Experiences loss of appetite; and/or

Appears anxious or has low self esteem.

If you know a child or if your own child is suffering from these signs it may mean that they are being bullied either at school or that they may be a victim of social media bullying but does not necessarily mean that they are. A parent or teacher thinking that a child or teen is being bullied should talk to the child or teen you should include both direct and subtle questions when speaking to the child. Direct questions can include asking the child directly if they are being bullied and letting them know you are concerned about their behavior while more subtle questions should include asking them about other kids they may have met at school and who they eat lunch with. If your child is being bullied it is important to speak with the staff at the school to determine what will be done about the situation.

Improve Your Claim's Chances with a New York Disability Lawyer

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)40982 — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

One of the best ways to improve your chances at winning your Social Security disability benefits claim is to involve an experienced New York Social Security disability lawyer in the claims process from the start. The earlier your lawyer is involved, the more familiar they will be with your claim. Your lawyer can also help prevent you from making mistakes that so many claimants make early in the process.

Your lawyer can assist you in all aspects of the disability benefits claims process, including:

filling out the application;
gathering the necessary proof of work history and disability; and
corresponding with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

When your lawyer represents your claim, the SSA will send a copy of all correspondence to them as well, which will significantly reduce your chances of missing a deadline.

In the event your claim is denied the first time through, your lawyer can assist you in reviewing your evidence and obtaining necessary support to appeal the decision. A second denial will result in the need for a court appearance, where your lawyer will be your most valuable ally in fighting for your disability benefits.

Experience is the best asset your lawyer brings to the table when handling your Social Security disability benefits claim. Experienced lawyers know all the tips and tricks to improving your claim and will know how to quickly identify problem areas and prevent them from holding up your approval.

The sooner you involve a trusted New York Social Security disability lawyer in your claim for Social Security disability benefits, the better chances your claim will have at approval. Your lawyer can advise you on more ways to improve your chances of winning your disability benefits claim and can help you through the process.

Contacting a New York Social Security Disability Attorney

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this complimentary consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 800-976-4904.

Brooklyn Driver Accused of Killing a Staten Island Jogger and Injuring Another Indicted by Grand Jury

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)40878 — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Brooklyn driver being accused of killing a Staten Island jogger and injuring another Staten Island jogger has been indicted by a grand jury. The woman who plans on fighting the grand jury's decision is accused of driving under the influence of high dose pain killer and anxiety pills.

The accident took place January 5, 2010 when a special education teacher and his girlfriend were jogging on Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island.

If convicted on all accounts the Brooklyn driver could face 9 years in prison.

Brooklyn Real Estate Market Shows Improvements

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)40900 — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Brooklyn housing market has shown improvement over the past few months according to a report that is to be released Friday by appraisal firm Miller Samuel.

In recent months Brooklyn showed to still be heavily effected by the housing crash of 2008 but reports which show number for the third quarter show signs of recovery in the Brooklyn housing market. This was shown in the report by seeing more stable sales, quicker sales time, a surge in high-end sales and a rise in inventory.

Staten Island Car Accident Lawyer Gives Advice on What to Do After a Car Accident on Back to Health

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)40813 — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Frank J. Dito Staten Island car accident lawyer was featured on Back to Health last month. In this recording session Frank discusses the importance of knowing what to do and what not to do after being injured in a car accident in New York and also discusses the importance of making sure you are properly covered by your car insurance policy prior to an accident.

For more information or to receive a complimentary copy of Frank's books "The New York Accident Book: 10 Mistakes that Can Wreck Your NY Accident Case" and "A Lawyers Guide to Car Insurance" call 718.979.4300.

Staten Island Residents with a Young Child Should Take Heed to Tike Tech Jogging Stroller Recall Due to Strangulation

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)40820 — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the voluntary recall of Tike Tech jogging strollers due to strangulation hazard.

Tike Tech is recalling approximately 800 Tike Tech Single City X3 and X3 Sport Jogging Strollers which were sold between October 2009 and February 2010 for about $300.

The jogging strollers are being recalled due to a space issue between the grab bar and the seat bottom on the strollers. This area allows the infants body but not head to slide through and could possibly cause a baby or toddler to strangle or choke.

If you own a Tike Tech the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging you to stop use of the recalled jogging stroller immediately. Consumers can call 800.296.4602 to speak with Tike Tech manufacturers.

Heart Problems Caused by Meridia Leaves Many Seeking to File Lawsuits: New York Injury Lawyer Explains

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)40844 — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Last week the recall of popular weight loss medication Meridia was announced due to research linking the drug to serious heart problems. The manufacturer or Meridia, Abbott Laboratories decided to pull the drug off of the market after the Food and Drug Administration conducted a survey which provided the information that shows that Meridia is linked to heart problems.

Many believe now that Abbott Laboratories stopped selling Meridia and issued a recall warning for the product that lawsuits against the makers of Meridia may start. Many experts believe that Meridia should have been given a black box warning when it first came to the market in 1997 but instead, almost 14 years later, it is being taken off of the market for some very serious complications.

Meridia lawsuits will involve cases where proof is established that the heart problems are caused by Meridia so it is important to speak to both a doctor and a lawyer handling Meridia cases as soon as possible.

For Meridia lawsuits in New York feel free to contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island injury lawyer for a free case review at 718.979.4300 or by filling out our online contact form.

Common Knee Injuries Resulting in Disabling Knee Pain

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)40434 — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Knee injuries are a common source of disabling knee pain. You may experience a serious knee injury from many incidents, including slip and falls, sports injuries, car accidents and worksite injuries. No matter what the cause, a knee injury that results in disabling knee pain may entitle you to Social Security disability benefits.

Some of the more common types of knee injuries include:

ACL Injury - where the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is torn; usually results from a sharp, sudden change in direction.
Torn meniscus - the main shock-absorbing cartilage between your thigh and shin bones; if you twist your knee while bearing weight you may tear the meniscus.
Knee bursitis - bursae are small sacs of fluid that cushion the outside of your knee joint; if they are inflamed they can be very painful.
Patellar tendinitis - the inflammation of your patellar tendon which connects the quadriceps muscle to your shinbone.

Any injury which causes the abnormal stretching, twisting or jerking of the knee can cause a serious knee injury. The pain experienced by an untreated or chronic knee injury can be disabling and impair your ability to perform substantial gainful activity. In cases such as these, you may need the help of a Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer to help you file a claim for Social Security disability benefits.

Experiencing serious knee pain can impair you from performing your job, as well as decrease your enjoyment of everyday life. When you are faced with the inability to work because of severe knee pain and need financial help, you should contact a Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer to file for Social Security disability benefits.

Contacting a Brooklyn Social Security Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this complimentary consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Brooklyn Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 800-976-4904.

Pedestrian Hit by Bus in Staten Island Found Dead in Port Richmond

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)40170 — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to reports a 42 year old man was hit by a bus and killed in Port Richmond of Staten Island.

NYPD sources suspect that the man must have slipped and fell under the bus wheel but so far there is no evidence that this is what happened or that this is how the bus death occurred.

The bus driver reportedly did not even realize that he/she (name is undisclosed so far) that they ran over anyone and while there was little evidence that the bus hit anyone investigators believe that some of the evidence may have been washed off from the scene and the bus by the heavy rain.

Continue reading for more information about pedestrian injuries or bus injuries.

Blood Clots, Swelling Veins, Immune System Problems from Epogen and Procrit | Epogen and Procrit Recall for Glass Flakes in Drug

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)39770 — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Epogen and Procrit, drugs used for treating anemia, has been voluntarily recalled because the injected drugs may contain glass flakes. The glass flakes in Epogen and Procrit reportedly formed from the interaction of the formulation with glass vials over the shelf life of the product.

Amgen voluntarily recalled the product after discovering the potential for the glass flakes in Epogen and Procrit which could cause blood clots, swelling of the veins, immune system problems and many other issues.

Although according to Amgen the possibility of the glass flakes forming is "low" the recall is still required because this is an issue that could be life threatening.

If you are suffering from adverse reactions from recalled Epogen or Procrit it is important to see your doctor or the hospital immediately for treatment.

For more information on health problems from Epogen and Procrit call our Staten Island law firm at 718.979.4300 or contact us by filling out our web form.

To continue reading about prescription drug recalls and related lawsuits continue reading here.

National Fall Prevention Awareness Day: Falling Among Elderly is Common and Sometimes Can be Prevented

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)39562 — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Today is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Falling down is the leading cause of death for Americans age 65 or older. In fact, according to a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one in every three senior adults fall each year. While this statistic does not let us know the percent of those who fall that can injured it just allow us to understand that falling is a common thing for elderly adults but another statistic reveals that the chance of injury is common considering that 70% of accidental deaths within the elderly population account are because of falls.

Often times a fall that would cause minimal injury to a middle aged adult can be devastating and possibly life threatening for an elderly person who falls. So what can be done to help prevent falling related accidents in the elderly? While falling can not be completely prevented there are some things that can be done to help either yourself or an elderly person in your life:

Improve your body balance with exercise

Increase home accessibility and safety

Watch out for medication side effects that cause dizziness or drowsiness

Have your vision checked regularly

Have your hearing checked regularly (some hearing problems can cause dizziness and equilibrium to be off)

Following these steps will reduce the chance of falling and if a fall does occur it will reduce the chances of serious injury but there are still some fall related injury occurrences that may not be able to be prevented by the elderly person alone. Some things that can cause an elderly person to fall also include:

An uneven sidewalk

Black ice

Slippery areas at a store or restaurant

Broken steps

Lack of care at a nursing home

Elderly abuse at a nursing home

These things and many other things that can cause trip and fall accidents and slip and fall accidents causing an elderly person to get injured. If you are an elderly person who was injured from falling you may have injuries that have affected your hip, back, neck, head, leg, arm or any other area of your body. It is important to get the proper medical attention as promptly as possible.

If you believe negligence was involved and serious injuries occurred you should contact a personal injury lawyer who handles this type of case. If you live in Staten Island, Brooklyn, or any other part of New York City and would like more information about fall accidents involving negligence call 800.976.4904 or fill out our form and we will be in contact with you shortly.

Reporting Work Injuries to OSHA: How to Report a Work Injury that Wasn't Reported

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)39574 — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Getting injured at work can cause a lot of distress and normally the procedure is that if you get injured at work and the injury causes you to be unable to work you will receive workers' compensation benefits or you can hire a workers' compensation lawyer to receive benefits but in some places, particularly small businesses, may try to hide injuries and not report it to the Workers' Compensation Board.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) they are trying to crack down over the next two years on businesses (large and small) who are not reporting or who are underreporting work injuries. Not reporting work injuries is a way that some businesses decide to handle work related injuries because they do not want their insurance prices to go up due to being a "high risk". Other times the reasons for not reporting a work accident may be because the owner of the company wants to uphold a reputation for having a low injury rate.

OSHA plans on investigating 350 companies by the end of their two year project to crack down on underreported injuries at work and have already investigated over 185 companies so far. OSHA is targeting businesses with abnormally low injury rates that they believe would normally be higher and places where they have received anonymous tips that the issue of underreporting work related injuries and accidents occurs.

If you were injured at work or if you are aware of work related injuries that get "swept under the rug" and covered up you can contact OSHA at 800.321.6742. If you wish to you may remain anonymous.

Continue reading more information about Workers' Compensation benefits or contact us if you would like more information about applying for Workers' Compensation benefits in New York.

GM Cadillacs May Cause Leg Injuries Especially to Femur: Recall Issued for 2009 and 2010 Cadillac CTS

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)39522 — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

General Motors issued a recall a few days ago for 2009 and 2010 Cadillac CTS vehicles according to CNN.

The Cadillac CTS recall came about because the vehicles do not comply with federal safety requirements in terms of how well they protect smaller passengers who are not wearing seat belts. If a car accident was to take place and a passenger is not wearing a seat belt the risk of injury to their femur is higher than permitted by federal law according to GM.

The Cadillac recall applies to CTS all-wheel-drive cars and CTS-V performance sedans and includes 20,224 2009 and 2010 models. If you believe that your vehicle is part of the recall you should contact your local GM dealer. GM announced that they will be fixing the vehicles included in the recall free of charge. Please take caution to this recall if your car is included in the GM recall because smaller sized passengers in the front passenger seat involved in an accident without a seat belt have a high chance of a femur injury from the car accident.

If you have suffered a femur injury from a car accident in a Cadillac and you believe your car was part of the recall contact us for more information about your legal rights.

Is There a Need for More Bike Lanes in New York City to Avoid Bicycle Accidents?

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)39363 — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recently a tragic situation took place in Brooklyn, NY which resulted in a bicyclist 23 years of age loosing her life. The tragic accident took place this month when a person in a parked car opened her car door when the bicyclist was passing by the car. The girl riding the bike was pushed into traffic because of the opened car door and was hit by an MTA bus.

According to many bicyclists in New York City they believe that although there are many bicycle lanes throughout New York City they believe that many more lanes throughout are needed to keep bicyclists safe.

Staten Island Residents Concerned About Asbestos Abatement Project

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)39370 — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Some residents in Staten Island are concerned about an Asbestos Abatement Project that started in the middle of August. The project is taking place at 1050 Targee Street and is expected to last till around October of this year.

Although the Asbestos Abatement Project was deemed as safe by the Department of Environmental Protection residents in Staten Island are still worried that the asbestos removal can possibly result in some of the asbestos particles becoming airborne and possibly causing harm to residents that live near or commute in this particular area in Staten Island.

The project is being conducted by the city's School Construction Authority to build an overflow for the students at PS 48.

While Staten Island residents are being told the project is safe they hope that if anything changes as far as the safety of the project that they will be notified. Possible problems that can arise if asbestos travels though the air include the risk of mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer which do not usually appear until years after the exposure to asbestos has occurred.

Stages of a Trial Work Period

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)39183 — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

When you engage in work that results in monthly earnings of $720 or more for a period of 9 months, you are considered to be in the first stage of a trial work period. These 9 months do not have to be consecutive to be considered a trial work period; they only have to occur within a 60-month timeframe.

This first stage of a trial work period will cease once the 9^th month is over. After this, your Social Security disability benefits may continue in the second stage of extended eligibility which lasts for 36 months. During this stage, you are still eligible for your Social Security disability benefits as long as your monthly earnings do not exceed $1,000 ($1,640 if you are blind). Please keep in mind these are the limits for 2010 and may change next year.

If your earnings exceed the $1,000 threshold, your Social Security disability benefits may cease in the third stage of your trial work period. At this point, you will be considered able to work and no longer in need of benefits. However, should your disability render you unable to work in the 5-year period following your trial work period, your disability benefits may be reinstated at an expedited rate.

The purpose of the trial work period is to allow recipients of Social Security disability benefits to test their ability to return to the workforce without fear of losing their benefits should that attempt be unsuccessful. The periods of extended eligibility and convenience of reinstatement without a new application takes some of the fear out of attempting to return to work after being disabled.

How a New York Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

When you become disabled and are unsure if you will be able to return to work you should discuss your case with an experienced New York Social Security disability lawyer. Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Your Kids are Buckled In But Are You: Preventing Car Accident Injuries in Adults

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)39008 — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many parents often put the needs of their children above their own but when it comes to certain things like car safety your needs are equally important as your children's needs - in fact one actually directly effects the other. Keeping your child in the proper safety seat and, when they are of age, making sure they have their seat belt on properly is very important but do not forget about yourself.

When reading an article on SILive.com I was reminded of how equally important it is to stress adult seat belt enforcement as it is to stress proper seat belt enforcement and the proper use of a child restraint system. The story on SILive is about a Staten Island driver who was driving his children and was involved in a car accident. While the children suffered injuries the injuries were not traumatic and were minimal compared to what they could have been had they not been properly restrained but the father (the driver) did not have his seat belt on and was partially ejected from his vehicle. Ultimately the driver suffered severe brain damage and was not able to recover. Let this be a reminder that it is just as important for adults to be properly restrained as it is for children.

Remember car accidents are the leading cause of deaths every year among ages 3 to 34 so please make sure you buckle up. While this may not prevent injuries completely it will lessen your chances of severe and possibly even fatal car accident injuries.

Improving Your Breast Cancer Disability Claim Chances

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)38818 — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Breast cancer is not a common disease associated with disability, and in fact, most of the debilitating factors related to breast cancer originate more from the treatment rather than the condition itself. This often leads to disability claims being unfairly denied or unnecessarily delayed.

To improve your chances at filing a successful disability claim you should first seek the help of a New York disability lawyer. Experienced lawyers will have worked on many cases similar to yours and know the right resources to explore in developing your claim.

Having good documentation of your medical history, past and current treatment, prognosis, and projected care is also important to your disability claim. The Social Security Administration will be looking to see that your disability is caused by your breast cancer and treatments, and that it prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity.

Your doctor should be able to provide you and/or your attorney with the diagnosis, lab and test results, treatment analysis, and long-term prognosis. They can also help you verify the cause of symptoms such as fatigue and chronic pain as a result of chemotherapy treatment or mastectomy.

Filing a disability claim for breast cancer-related symptoms can be a difficult process due to the nature of the disease and treatment. When you are considering filing a disability claim, you should first contact a New York disability lawyer to ensure you protect your claim from the get-go.

Contacting a New York Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Medical Malpractice: Lack of Communication at Hospital is the Main Reason for Medical Errors

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)38670 — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Medical malpractice incidents happen everyday around the country. In 1997 according to a publication by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, To Err is Human, released a disturbing fact about hospitals, doctors and other medical personnel. In the report it stated that an average of 44,000 - 98,000 avoidable medical mistakes which result in death occur every year. According to studies medical malpractice cases have slightly dropped in the past 10 years or so but not drastically.

Some doctors and hospitals are starting to try a different way of handling the way they practice medicine. According to many doctors and nurses the top reason for medical errors is lack of communication. Lack of communication among both doctors/nurses and patients and doctors and nurses amongst themselves can result in serious life long injuries or even death. The second highest cause for medical errors is lack of procedure in place or too much time lapsing between the medical issue that arises and medical attention.

Perhaps one of the best examples of lack of communication and lack of procedures in place or response time would be during delivery of a baby. If something goes wrong a doctor or nurse has very limited time to respond without brain damages and other injuries occuring. Doctors and hospitals believe that they can drastically cut down on injuries, deaths and ultimately medical malpractice cases if they make sure they communicate well with each other and with the patient along with having a quick response time. One way that they are improving their response time is by making sure they go through procedural tests so they can be quick to respond in a real situation.

To read more about medical malpractice and the effects it has on those who are injured from medical mistakes read our article.

Worst Car Insurance Companies to Deal with After an Accident

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)38677 — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

When chosing a car insurance company it is important to find an insurance company that is well rated by its customers. Another time it is important to know about an insurance companies reputation is when you have been involved in a car accident. Whether you are dealing with your insurance company or the person who was responsible for the car accident's insurance company it is important to know what insurance companies are ranked as the worst insurance companies. Below are the insurance compies that were rated as the worst insurance companies in 2010 (worst ranking is #1):

AIG
GMAC
21st Century
Commerce
Traveler's Insurance

Always keep in mind if you are dealing with an insurance company after an accident that they are normally looking out for the best interest of their company and saving them money. To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. to represent you in a claim against an insurance company for an automobile accident call 800.976.4904 or fill out our contact form.

New York City Taxi Accident: 5 Injured Some Passengers Some Pedestrians

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)38527 — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

An accident between a taxi and another vehicle resulted in five injuries this past Sunday in New York City. The taxi was reportedly hit by the other vehicle which pushed it up onto the curb and into a coffee shop.

A total of five people were injured - three of them pedestrians. The pedestrians that were injured for a variety of injuries including neck, back, hip and head injuries. The cab driver suffered neck and back injuries and his passenger suffered injuries to the mouth in the taxi accident.

Merrill's Law will Take Place to Help Keep Bicyclists in New York Safe from Accidents

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)38437 — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A new law for bicycle riders was passed in New York a few weeks ago. The law has been labeled Merrill's law in honor of Merrill Cassel, a 66 year old New York bicyclist, who was killed last November after a public bus sideswiped him while he was riding his bicycle.

The New York bicycle law will go into effect in November of this year and requires that drivers in New York keep a safe distance when passing bicycle riders. Drivers must keep a safe distance to the left when passing a bicyclist on the same side of the roadway until the driver has clearly passed the bike rider and is a safe distance away from the bicycle.

It is important for a law like this to be in effect, especially for New York City bicyclists. If you were hit by a bus or car while riding a bicycle it is important to speak with an attorney to find out your legal rights for starting a lawsuit in New York. For more information on bicycle injuries and deaths in New York call 800.976.4904.

Safety Tips for College: Dorm Room Accidents in New York

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)38144 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

The last week of August for many is the last week of summer vacation this year for many school age children. Many parents take the time to teach their kids about school safety but there is another group that needs to be addressed and that is children heading off to college.

Dorm rooms are the choice for many heading off to college and for their parents alike because they feel as if there is some type of safety and supervision when compared with living on their own which may be true in some cases but the reality is there are still serious dangers that lurk around colleges and in dorm rooms.

Some common things that can happen in dorm rooms that could potentially cause a college to be liable for injuries or illnesses include:

Lack of security in dorm rooms
Lack of security around the college campus
Toxic mold growing in dorm rooms
Asbestos in dorm rooms

Along with these issues other issues that cause the dorm room to be unsafe can create an unsafe atmosphere and can ultimately lead to injuries or death.

There is no reason to necessarily be alarmed when sending your child off to college but there are some basic rules you can go over with them to help avoid dorm room accidents that may be avoided. Following simple rules such as making sure curling or straightening irons, irons and other electrical equipment are kept away from covers, drapes, curtains, papers and other flammable items and also turning off and unplugged any devices that get hot when they are done being used can help reduce avoidable dorm room accidents.

Returning to Work After a Work Related Injury in New York City

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)38145 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Work related injuries can sometimes be very serious and can have lasting effects on your body that may leave you in pain and prohibit you from properly doing your job or any job for that matter. One common problem that occurs with worker's who get injured at work is that they are sometimes told to return to work long before their injury has actually healed. Sometimes workers feel as if they are forced to return to work before their body has healed properly because the doctor the employer uses says that there are no injuries present or that the injury has healed well enough for the worker to return to their regular duties but often times the injury is still very real and present. In situations such as these the injured worker may feel forced to choose between their health and their primary source of income due to an employer doctor evaluating a worker's injuries incorrectly.

In situations where you are being forced to return to work regardless of an injury or get fired it is important to seek the advice of a workers' compensation lawyer for information on workers' compensation benefits.

To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island workers compensation lawyer call 800.976.4904.

Faulty Hip Implants from Johnson & Johnson Recalled

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)38059 — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Johnson & Johnson announced another recall but this time the recall is for hip implants made by Johnson & Johnson. In the past two years Johnson & Johnson has received over 400 complaints from people who had hip replacements and needed a second hip replacement because of faulty hip implants.

The two hip replacement products being recalled are as follows:

ASR XL Acetabular System - a hip socket used in traditional hip replacement
ASR Hip Resurfacing System - a partial hip replacement that requires placing a metal cap on the ball of the femur

The company said that they will consider paying for reasonable costs associated with any problems that the recalled hip replacement has caused such as a second hip replacement surgery.

If you or a loved one has experienced issues with either of the recalled hip replacement products and needed special care and attention or a second hip replacement due to this and need the assistance of a lawyer in New York City call 800.976.4904 or fill out our contact form.

Bed Bugs Found in New York City Homes, Hotels and Stores

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)37981 — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to recent reports you may have heard there has been a recent outbreak of bed bugs in certain areas across the nation - New York City being one of the place with a heavy infestation of bed bugs. The thing you should know about bed bugs in New York City is that they are not just something that can be found in the bed (although they do show up there also) but they have been found at certain areas in New York City over the past few months in higher end co-ops, apartments, hotels, stores such as Victoria Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Hollister in Manhattan, schools and hospitals.

Bed bugs normally live 10 to 20 feet of their host and generally try to avoid light. Common places that bed bugs live are under baseboards, behind headboards, behind pictures and behind other furniture that creates a dark environment.

Bed bugs normally leave large, itcy welts on their hosts similar to that of a flee or mosquito bite. Bed bug bites are normally not recognized as so until there is a bed bug infestation.

Although, according to research, bed bugs do not carry pathogens such as mosquitos or ticks some people may actually have a severe allergic reaction to bed bug bites. This can occur because the bed bugs inject an anti-blood clotting agent into the skin causing people allergic to it to go have a reaction that can range from severe itching to not being able to breath. It is important to visit a doctor or hospital if you notice a severe reaction occuring or if the bites areas seem infected.

The Basics of an Unsuccessful Work Attempt

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)37735 — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

An unsuccessful work attempt is when you attempt to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) and find that you are unable to continue working because of your disability. The main characteristic of an unsuccessful work attempt is that it lasted no more than 6 months. Another form of an unsuccessful work attempt is when your substantial gainful activity falls below Social Security's SGA limit.

When you have an unsuccessful work attempt the income you earned during that period does not factor into determining your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. It also does not come into question except in the initial application phase of your SSI benefits claim. Once your initial claim phase is over, any further substantial work attempts cannot affect your SSI payments.

When looking at an unsuccessful work attempt, the Social Security Administration has determined that you must be unable to work for a long period of time in order for the break to qualify as an unsuccessful work attempt.

Another important thing to know is that what you earn during your unsuccessful work attempt does not factor into your overall SGA amount. This is very important when taking into consideration the potential success of your initial claim for Social Security disability benefits.

There's more to know about how unsuccessful work attempts factor into your Social Security disability benefits. Our article library contains some valuable information on the subject.

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim, and then speak to a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Staten Island Recall Alert - Millions of Eggs Recalled for Salmonella: Which Eggs Were Recalled?

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)37636 — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

In May people across the country slowly starting having salmonella poisoning and over the past few months since then the cases of salmonella poisoning have been growing nationwide.

Salmonella poisoning is gastroenteristis caused by food contaminated with bacteria, specifically salmonella bacteria, which multiply freely in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning may include:

Fever
Headache
Nausea
Vomitting
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain

Mild cases of salmonella poisoning may last two or three days and do not normally require antibiotics but severe salmonella poisoning can last seven days and usually require antibiotics to get rid of the salmonella poisoning.

While under normal circumstances salmonella poisoning can usually be avoided by properly handling food and cooking food such as eggs, meats and milk products thoroughly recently a less avoidable of a salmonella poisoning outbreak has taken place. The cause for this episode of salmonella poisoning is still being investigated but some believe that the cause of the contaminated eggs, or at least some of them, is coming from one major egg production company owned by Jack DeCoster.

Jack DeCoster is not new to cleanliness issues in the workplace along with a long running list of other lawsuits including sexual harassment, hiring illegal immigrants and animal cruelity charges. Jack DeCoster is currently being investigated to find out if rat or other rodent feces were in the chicken feed from the chickens producing the eggs sold nationwide for consumption by customers.

Since the outbreak of the salmonella poisoning caused by eggs in May over 2,000 people have been reported ill because of eating contaminated eggs. Which has now resulted in a recall of over 380 million eggs.

So which eggs are involved in the recall and how do you know if your eggs are part of the recall? Not all eggs are being recalled but most are. The eggs being recalled were sold by the following companies:

lbertsons
Farm Fresh
James Farms
Glenview
Mountain Dairy
Ralphs
Boomsma
Lund
Kemps
Pacific Coast
Lucerne
Sunshine
Hillandale
Trafficanda
Shoreland
Dutch Farms

Eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons (6-egg cartons, dozen egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, and loose eggs for institutional use and repackaging) with Julian dates, a three-digit number ranging from 136 to 229, and plant numbers 1026, 1413, 1720 1942 and 1946. If you have any of these eggs do not consume them.

If you believe you have salmonella poisoning it is important that you either contact your doctor or visit the hospital.

Double Stroller Zooper Recalled After Children are Injured from Stroller Collapsing

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)37640 — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A voluntary recall was issued by Lan Enterprises LLC and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for 3,700 double strollers.

The strollers being recalled have the word "Zooper" printed on the side of the tray, on the stroller canopy and also on the grab bars.

The double strollers are being recalled because of over 185 reports of the strollers collapsing with children and infants in them. So far the only cases involving injury according to Lan Enterprises LLC are cases involving scrapes, scratches and bruises.

Zooper double strollers were sold by major stores such as Toysrus and Babiesrus and other large retail stores between January 2007 and August 2008 for about $400 to $430.

If you have one of these strollers please contact Zooper USA at 888.966.7379 for more information. If your child was injured by the double stroller collapsing they should be seen by their doctor or a hospital if injuries are severe.

How Much House Can I Afford: 5 Questions You Should Answer Before Looking at Homes

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)37560 — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

As an experienced real estate attorney part of my job is to help homebuyers get information needed to make an informed buying decision. Unfortunately many buyers who come to me after making an offer describe the process as mysterious or confusing. This would not happen if potential buyers took a little time to acquire important information before looking at houses. While individual preference items like neighborhood, house sizes and styles are important there are several questions you need to answer so you can be confident about HOW MUCH HOUSE YOU CAN AFFORD before starting your house search.

I always tell home buyers they need to understand the process before starting. Figure out how much of a house you can afford, the neighborhood you want and most importantly who can help you make it happen. Speak with an experienced attorney specializing in residential real estate before you start looking. I tell my clients to speak to me so they can find an excellent mortgage broker and an experienced realtor. The mortgage broker will help you to determine how much mortgage you can afford and your realtor can give you an idea what neighborhood makes sense based on your budget. Once you get the information from the mortgage broker and realtor a quick conversation with your lawyer can help you focus in on suitably priced properties before you start shopping.

Five questions you should ask before looking at homes are as follows:

How much will I need to put down on the house
How much mortgage can I afford
What will my mortgage payment be
What other monthly costs will I have to pay - Real estate taxes, insurance, PMI & flood insurance and utilities
Have I selected my attorney before I get started

Prescription Medication Mishaps: Confusing Prescription Information Fliers May Change Soon

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)37596 — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Some people find the drug information fliers that come with prescription drugs to be confusing and not easy to understand. In fact, when asked, many patients say that they are either confused because of the medical language that is represented in the information fliers or because of the inconsistancy they see in the medication fliers that are received from the pharmacy.

The information fliers that are attached to medications are meant to be used help patients identify medication, understand how to use the medication, know what to avoid while on the medication and to know what side effects to look for while they are on the medication but when the information fliers are difficult to read to the most of the people taking medications there is a general understanding that maybe something should be done about this problem.

When you have patients that do not understand their medication information pamphlets or are seeing inconsistant instructions with the medications it can result in a potentially dangerous situation.

For instance, according to a recent article on this subject sometimes the fliers have information that is drug specific that otherwise would probably not be known by the patient. Often times there are specific things you are supposed to not take or take while on a medication but sometimes the instructions for these specifics varies from pamphlet to pamphlet depending on the pharmacy it comes from.

The Food and Drug Administration is working on standardizing the pamphlets and coming up with an easier way for patients to read and understand the pamplets that come with prescription medications.

For more information on pharmaceutical liability continue reading here.

Staten Island Installs More Crosswalk Countdown Times

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)37432 — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Staten Island will be installing 75 new countdown timers into crosswalks around the city. The new countdown timers are part of a $4 billion project to install 1,500 timers into crosswalks around the city by next year.

A few countdown timers were installed at various locations on Hylan Boulevard and seem to be working well.

The timer help the Staten Island pedestrians crossing the street understand how many seconds they have left until the light turns red for them and is about to turn green for the oncoming traffic. Allowing the pedestrians chances of being caught in the middle of the street when the green light appears for the traffic to be reduced.

The 75 locations that the countdown timers will be installed at will be based on width and length of the street along with accident rates. Larger streets and streets prone to accidents in Staten Island will be chosed first to have the countdown timers installed.

Disability as Defined by the SSA

cinternicola@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)37005 — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

When you are thinking about filing a Social Security disability benefits claim you first need to know what the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a disability. If your condition does not meet their requirements due to lack of evidence your claim may be denied.

To be considered disabled as an adult the following conditions are necessary:

a physical or mental injury or illness (or a combination);
the impairment must prevent you from working; and
the impairment has lasted or is expected to last for at least 1 year or result in death.

To be considered disabled as a child the following conditions are necessary:

a physical or mental injury or illness (or a combination);
the impairment must cause severe functional limitations;
the impairment has lasted or is expected to last for at least 1 year or result in death; and
the child is not working at a job that is considered substantial work.

When filing a Social Security disability benefits claim you will need to provide evidence of your or your child's disability. This evidence must include medical documentation that supports the condition you are claiming. A simple listing of the symptoms or a note from your doctor will not count as sufficient medical evidence. Therefore, clinical evidence from laboratory tests or analysis is necessary.

There is much more to understand in relation to how the SSA defines disability when filing a benefits claim. Once you understand the basics, you should contact a local Bronx Social Security disability lawyer for help in collecting medical proof of your disability.

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a New York Social Security disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Child Car Accident Injuries Drop After NY Booster Seat Law Put Into Effect

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)37002 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Child injuries from car accidents in New York have dropped dramatically since the NY booster seat law was implemented in 2007 according to a recent study reported in the journal Pediatrics.

The New York booster seat law of 2007 requires that children be in a booster seat between the ages of 4 and 6 years of age to help reduce car accident injuries. Using a booster seat for children of this age helps "boost" the child up so that they are properly positioned in the seat ensuring that the shoulder belt rests in the proper spot on their shoulder and the lap belt goes across the correct area of their hips.

The study done shows that car accident injuries in children in New York decreased by 18% since the law was implemented. Specifically, the study showed a decrease in child traffic injury rates from 29 in every 10,000 children to 25 in every 10,000 children.

Last year New York revised the booster seat law to include 7 year old children as well making it illegal for a child under the age of 8 years old to ride in a car without a child safety seat.

For more information on child safety seats in New York download our free report on child car seat and booster seat safety "Child Safety Seats: A Guide for Families".

Poisoning of Kids with Household Items in Daycares, Babysitters and at Home May Be Declining but Still Needs Improving

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)37025 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Poisoning of kids from household items is something that unfortuantaly happens far too often and can happen in only a few seconds. In fact, most parents and caregivers who describe incidents in which a child ingests a poisonous household item say that it "happened in the blink of an eye" or that they were only "out of the room for a few seconds". Many times these statements are true and a few seconds is all that it takes for a child to get ahold of a poisonous household item.

A recent nationwide study showed that the overall number of emergency room visits have decreased since the last study was done in 1990 but do not think too quickly that this means less children are ingesting household items that are poisonous. According to the Poison Control Center the amount of calls they receive about children swallowing poisonous household products has increased. So whether the overall number of children getting ahold of poisonous products and ingesting them has decreased or increased is difficult to determine.

It is important not only to make sure that your house is child-proof but also to make sure other areas your child may be playing in are child proof. Child poisonings can occur anywhere but for children age 1 - 3 poisonings normally occur when the child is at daycare or at a babysitters house if it does not occur in your own house. So when choosing where to leave your child while you work, go out on dates or for any other reason make sure to thoroughly investigate the area your child will be staying in. You never want to assume that just because they are a daycare or a child care center that they are safe there still may be negligence lurking even places that handle children on a daily basis.

For more tips on what to look for at Staten Island daycares and chld care centers read our Staten Island Daycare Safety Tips.

Woman Killed in Car Accident in Staten Island 5 Others with Neck and Back Injuries

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)36927 — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Staten Island woman is dead from a car accident that occured Saturday on Hylan Boulevard and Steuben Street in the Grasmere section of Staten Island.

The deadly accident occured when a minivan attempting to make a left hand turn collided with a BMW driving in the opposite direction on Hylan Boulevard.

The woman who was killed in this car accident was pronounced dead at the scene where she had been ejected from the mini-van she was riding in. The other 4 passengers in the mini-van and the driver of the BMW were taken to the hospital to be treated for neck and back injuries from the car accident.

When speaking with onlookers at the site of the accident the reporter said that the area where the accident took place is a high risk area for accidents and that perhaps certain safety measures could be taken to make the area safer for cars making left hand turns.

What Does Social Security Define as Totally Disabled?

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)36944 — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

What does the Social Security Administration define as totally disabled?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines totally disabled as a physical impairment or a mental impairment which is ongoing and not likely, under any circumstance, to improve within the next 12 months.

Social Security disability is able to be received while you are still working also but only under certain circumstances. You currently must make less than $940 a month for non-blind individuals.

Deadline for World Trade Center Workers to File for Workers Compensation is Approaching

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)36949 — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Workers who helped out with the World Trade Center rescue and clean-up in 2001 are approaching a deadline for when they must to file a specific form required of the New York Workers' Compensation Board if they need to file for workers compensation benefits in the future.

Both paid and volunteer workers have until Monday, September 13, 2010, to fill out and turn in the WTC-12 form which consists of 8 questions and must be notarized. The WTC-12 form is not a form for filing a workers' compensation claim itself but rather a form to notify the Workers' Compensation Board of your participation in the clean up and/or rescue in case you ever need to file for workers' compensation.

Ordinarily New York workers have two years to file a workers' compensation claim but the state of New York has extended the period of time to do so for those involved in efforts to help out with rescue and clean-up for the World Trade Center.

People who helped out at all are being urged to file the form but those especially being urged to fill out the form are people who helped in the area south of Canal Street, and at Fresh Kills Landfill, on the barges, the piers, and the morgues.

Certain New York uniformed workers, such as New York police officers, New York fire department and Sanitation Departments as well as federal employees are not part of this offer unless they volunteered in which case a case may be able to be filed.

The form must be filled out, notarized, mailed and received by Monday, September 13, 2010 to be considered for future benefits. Forms may not be emailed or faxed and a postmark date is not sufficient in determining when it was mailed instead the document must be received on or before September 13, 2010.

Fewer U.S. Homes Have Underwater Mortgages

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)36951 — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent report that was released by MSNBC earlier today there are fewer homes this quarter that are "underwater" than in previous months. While this alone cannot be used as a sign to show that the housing market has improved dramatically it does show that the housing market has done some improving in the past couple of months.

An underwater mortgage is when a person owes more on their house than it is worth leaving many homeowners feeling stranded because in these type of situations they often are unable to refinance their homes, modify their mortgages or, are sometimes, unable to sell their homes. The fact that today less mortgages like this exist is definitely a positve sign and one step of many that need to be made in the right direction.

School Bus Seat Belt Debate After Children Injured and Killed in School Bus Accident

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)36866 — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday a school bus accident resulted in the death of two children and injuries to dozens of other children on their way to an amusement park. The two Missori school buses were packed with students and were involved in a deadly highway crash. This ads to the many other school bus accidents that happen nationwide including the school bus accidents in New York this year.

The recent school bus accident has brought up a long discussed debate of whether or not seat belts should be installed on school buses around the nation.

When you consider how long it has been since the invention of seat belts and the fact the school buses carry children that range from preschool age to teenagers you would automatically think that school buses would have seat belts installed by now but seat belts have not been made a requirement, but why? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seat belts are not required on school buses because they are considered to naturally already have a lower accident rate than cars. In their opinion, making it safer for a child to travel to school on a school bus with no seat belt instead of traveling in a car with a seat belt to school but others, such as the National Coalition for School Bus Safety, have a different opinion on the matter. According to a representative from the National Coalition for School Bus Safety the numbers that the NHTSA go by are out-dated and inaccurate and argue that school buses should have seat belts installed.

While there are many arguements that go into this debate including seating space and finances to add seat belts one thing that is not debatable is that seat belts would not make school buses less safe but rather would increase safety. If you are involved in a bus accident, especially as a small child not wearing a seat belt, you can be thrown from side to side, front to back, and even out of the seat into the isle. A seat belt would only ensure that a child's movement is restricted and will limit the injuries associated with school bus accidents. This will or course not completely rid children of the possibility or injuries or death when involved in school bus accidents but will rather lower the chances of injury and death similar to wearing a seat belt in a car.

Staten Island Lawsuit for Birth Injury at Staten Island University Hospital Settled

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)36636 — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

At the end of July a jury awarded $510,000 to a four year old boy who at suffered birth injuries at Staten Island University Hospital. The Staten Island birth injury lawsuit was started by the family because the young boy suffered injuries at birth due to a lack of oxygen. The mother of the child was admitted into the hospital and did not deliver the baby boy until nearly 19 hours later. The mother was experienced very slow labor and was given pitocin. Pitocin is a drug that is administered to women in labor to help speed up the labor process. Under normal circumstances pictocin can be a safe drug but in this particular case the woman was left on pitocin for too long causing her to have violent contractions. During the violent contractions the unborn child was still in the uterus and was squeezed by the violent contractions causing the child to suffer from being deprived of the proper oxygen the baby needed.

The lack of oxygen the baby experienced resulted in a rise in oxygen followed by a drop in oxygen and also resulted in the baby having multiple strokes and heart attacks within just the first day of birth. While the parent and the young boy are fortunate that the situation did not result in severe brain damage or in death the boy does suffer from having three lesions on his brain which will more than likely be there for the rest of his life and also as he gets older there seems to be a gap developing in his speach and general IQ when compared with other children his age which is more than likely attributed to the complications he suffered at birth.

According to the article in the Staten Island Advance about this birth injury case in Staten Island the average obstetrician has three medical malpractice claims filed against them throughout their career. Obstetricians are actually the most commonly sued doctors because often mistakes that an obstetrician makes can result in severe damage to a baby that can affect them for the rest of their lives.

For more information on common birth injuries and what to do if your child was injured at birth in Staten Island click on our link about Staten Island birth injuries or call 800.976.4904.

Reglan Linked to Tardive Dyskinesia | Reglan Nervous System Disorder

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)36673 — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Reglan continues to surface in the news from time to time over the past few years for being a dangerous drug linked to many adverse side effects.

Reglan also known as Metoclopramide is a prescription drug used to treat gastrointestinal disorders (GERD) and nausea. Reglan also has been used to help subside morning sickness in pregnant women.

The most recent negative side effects about Reglan in the news have involved lawsuits against the manufacturer of Reglan for Tardive Dyskinesia. Tardive Dyskinesia is a nervous system disorder that causes involuntary, repetitive movements of the body that may become permanent.

Lawsuits have been filed for Tardive Dyskinesia caused by Reglan nationwide. If you or a loved one has suffered from Tardive Dyskinesia or any other type of health problems from Reglan and is considering starting a Reglan lawsuit in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx or any other part of New York contact us at 800.976.4904 or email us.

New York Child Killed After Being Hit by a Tow Truck, Mother Injured

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)36454 — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 7-year old boy crossing the street with his mother in Manhattan was struck by a tow truck. The child was announced dead at the scene of the accident which occured this past Friday. The mother was sent to the hospital and is in stable condition.

Police say that the mother and son were walking near a ramp on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge in New York City and were hit by the tow truck which was on its way to pick up a disabled vehicle on the bridge.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the young boy who died in this fatal accident. Unfortunately, far too often, pedestrians in New York become accident victims which often result in serious injuries or death.

New York Mother Arrested for Driving Drunk with Daughter in the Car

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)36242 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent article in the New York Times a mother was arrested Sunday night for drunk driving in New York after her daughter made multiple calls to the police reporting that her mother was intoxicated and swirving in and out of lanes. The New York State police responded to the call made by the 12 year old girl and arrested the mother for driving drunk.

A New York State law known as Leandra's Law states that if a driver is driving drunk with a child age 15 or younger with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher they will be convicted of a felony on the first offense. The woman mentioned in this arrest was held to Leandra's Law which was put in place originally in 1999 after a young New York girl was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver who happened to be the mother of one of her friends who was driving the SUV.

Staten Island Motorist Hurt After Hitting Utility Poles and Stop Sign

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)35391 — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Late Sunday evening an SUV driven by a Staten Island motorist hit two utility poles and a stop sign before coming to a stop. The motorist driving the car says that the vehicle went out of control. Police are still investigating.

Who is to Blame for the Car Losing Control in this Staten Island Accident?

According to the report in the Staten Island Advance and so far according to police the cause is still being investigated so it is difficult to immediately determine who is at fault and why. Possible causes for a car losing control can be anything from fault of the driver, to fault of a car manufacturer, to the fault of a mechanic. Determining who is at fault in this scenario will require investigation to properly find what caused the accident to occur.

Staten Island Motorist Hurt After Hitting Utility Poles and Stop Sign

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)35392 — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Who is to Blame for the Car Losing Control in this Staten Island Accident?

The (In)Expense of a New York Disability Attorney

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)35178 — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many clients looking to file a Social Security disability claim believe that hiring a New York disability attorney is an expensive, unnecessary step. The truth is, the experienced help of an attorney has been shown to increase typical settlements in many Social Security disability claims. The money you spend on your attorney is typically recovered in the increased settlement amount you may receive.

When you begin your relationship with your New York disability attorney, they will most likely offer a free consultation and ask for no up-front fees. This is because most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no legal fee due unless the attorney wins your case.

In the state of New York disability attorneys are entitled to 25% of any back payment you are awarded, capped at $5,300. Some attorneys do charge additional expenses, such as travel, or fees for acquiring medical records, but all of these fees should be disclosed in your contract for legal representation and discussed before you retain their services.

Most contracts include an option for the lawyer to file a fee petition which is a request for more than 25% of your back pay. This is done in the event your case requires an unusual amount of work or because your case did not involve back pay. If a fee petition is filed by your New York disability attorney, it will include an itemized listing of all work performed on behalf of your case and be presented to a judge for approval. You have the right to object or comment on the fee petition before the judge gives a ruling.

Contacting a New York Disability Attorney

In many cases increased settlement options and reduction of hassle on your part when filing a Social Security disability claim well outweigh the cost of hiring a New York disability attorney. Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact the New York Social Security disability lawyers at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Staten Island Bike Recall: Avoid Being Injured on a Redline Cyclocross Bicycle This Summer

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)35144 — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Today the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for the Redline Cyclocross bicycle because of dangerous bike framesets. The fork on the bike can seperate from the crown and cause the rider of the bike to lose control.

The manufacturer of the Redline Cyclocross, the Seattle Bike Supply, has reported that they have received to date five reports of cracks near the fork's crown.

The bikes were sold between July 2009 and May 2010 for approximately $1,400. The frames were sold seperately for $400. They are black and yellow and have "Redline" written on the frame of the bicycle.

What to Do If You Own the Recalled Redline Bicycle

If you own one of these recalled Redline bicycles you should stop using it immediately and contact Redline Bicycles at 800.283.2453 to receive a free bicycle fork replacement.

What to Do If You Got Injured on a Recalled Bicycle

If you were injured on a recalled bicycle it is important that you get medical attention immediately. Get your wounds, fractures, broken bones, or other injuries treated by a professional and go to any follow-up appointments or physical therapy appointments. As far as finding out who is responsible for your injuries you will want to check to see if the make and model of your bike was included in the bicycle recall that was announced. If it was you will want to speak to a Staten Island bicycle injury lawyer or a Staten Island product recall lawyer regarding the injuries you sustained on the bike that was recalled. If your bicycle was not included in the recall but you believe the bicycle is indeed defective you will want to contact the manufacturers of the bike and also the CPSC. Again you will want to contact a bicycle defect lawyer to discuss if you have a case.

Staten Island Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blogs About Staten Island Hospital Errors

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)35071 — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recently Frank J. Dito Jr., Staten Island medical malpractice lawyer, on his blog wrote about Staten Island hospitals and how they are both "University Hospitals" meaning that they are teaching hospitals. A teaching hospital means that students from universities go there to learn hands on experience. When college lets out for the summer these resident doctors or student doctors go to the hospital to get some experience when on their summer break from college. These student doctors are still learning and some of them have had limited experience in the hospital and this is now "their time to shine" and show that they know what they are talking about by putting what they learned in text books and the lab into practice. While some student doctors will do just fine there is a chance that others may not.

Doctor errors or medical malpractice can cause complications, long lasting affects on your health and can also cause sudden, unforeseen death. It is important, especially in Staten Island hosptials or "university hospitals", to make sure that you or a friend or relative keep a close eye on what the doctors and nurses are doing. If you feel uncomfortable with anything ask questions and if you still feel uncomfortable ask to speak to a higher up doctor.

Things to watch out for in the emergency room this summer and throughout the year are:

A doctor or nurse administering the wrong medicine;
A doctor or nurse administering the wrong dose of medicine;
Treatment of the wrong body part (i.e. treatment of the left leg if it is the right leg that was in pain, etc.);
Explanations that seem to not make sense or that do not add up; or
Anything else you may not feel confident or comfortable with.

For more information on medical malpractice visit our medical malpractice page.

Staten Island SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance Are Critical to Spinal Cord Injury Victims

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)35089 — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Approximately 11,000 people sustain spinal cord injuries every year and currently about 700,000 people are living with spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are a severe disability and usually result in many medical bill and cause the person suffering from the spinal cord injury to be unable to work. When cash in-flow is low and output is high it results in a loss of money that the person is not used to and it is very hard to try to keep up with it. Those with spinal cord injuries are estimated to spend $14,000 to $127,000 a year on medical expenses connected to the spinal cord injury.

When faced with a spinal cord injury you could be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Benefits if you are unable to work or are unable to make a certain amount of money a month but to those suffering from a spinal cord injury it is crutial to get approved for Social Security Disability and to get approved in a timely fashion. With the recent Social Security Disability backlog it is often difficult to get approved fast enough and sometime a disability application denial may mean that you are left without income for a long period of time. Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer will help you win your case against the Social Security Administration (SSA). Social security disability lawyers are experienced in dealing with the Social Security Administration and know how to win your case.

If you suffer from a spinal cord injury and live in Staten Island you may want to consider speaking with a Staten Island social security disability lawyer such as Frank J. Dito Jr. at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola, LLP. If you would like to speak with Frank call 800.976.4904 or email us for more information.

Hit and Run by Drunk Driver Kills Woman in Staten Island Car Accident

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34999 — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Saturday a Staten Island woman was pronounced dead after being hit by a drunk driver on Targee Street in Staten Island, NY. The man who hit the woman was 19 years old, was intoxicated and did not stop once he hit the woman.

The woman who died in the accident was on the side of the road at the time of the accident because she was having car trouble. The motorist who hit her continued to drive after hitting her. According to a neighbor who was watching when she was hit she flew more than 150 feet.

The car that was being driven by the driver who fled the scene of the accident was found about a block or so away from the scene of the accident.

The hit and run driver is being charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident so far but could very well be charged with more.

Who is at Fault?

In this case, according to the reports, the woman who died in the accident was pulled over on the side of the road because she was having car trouble so she was out of the way of oncoming traffic and also was not in the car driving. Also, the driver of the other car was driving under the influence of alcohol, was under the legal age to drink and fled from the scene of an accident. According to all of these facts it seems that the accident could very well be the hit and run drivers fault but regardless of whether the initial accident is his fault he still broke the law and was negligent by drinking and driving and also by fleeing the scene of an accident.

What to do in a Hit and Run Accident in Staten Island

If you or a loved one was involved in a hit and run accident the first thing you want to do is contact the police if you are able to. The police will take a report from you and whoever else was at the scene of the accident and will try their best to find the other party involved in the accident that fled. If that person is found you will be able to go through their insurance company for compensation for your injuries and the damages done to your vehicle. Be careful when going through insurance companies though - it is helpful to speak with an injury lawyer in Staten Island even if you do not hire the lawyer just so you know what to do and what not to do whe speaking with the insurance company. If the insurance company will not work with you for the amount you are demanding you may start a lawsuit against the hit and run driver.

What Should I do After an Accident?

For information on what you should (and more importantly - should not do) after a car accident get a free copy of Frank J. Dito Jr., Staten Island Injury Lawyer's, book "The New York Accident Book: 10 Mistakes that Can Wreck Your NY Car Accident Case".

Staten Island Dog Bite Law: Dog Bites Can Leave Kids with Emotional Disorders

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)35002 — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Dog bites can be scary no matter how old or how young you are but recent studies have shown that being bit by a dog usually has a longer lasting effect on children than it does an adult. According to the study children, especially young children, have a high chance of developing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, according to a report on MSNBC approximately 10 out of every 38 children will develop PTSD.

When a child is bit by a dog it is now becoming apparent that the child needs not only physical care but also emotional care. Standard procedure at a good hospital should be treating the wounds by cleaning them out, administering antibiotics and closing up the wound. It is also suggested that the child's emotional needs be addressed at the hospital and then again at a check-up three months or so later.

It is important if your child was bitten by a dog to address physical and emotional problems that may arise because often a traumatic experience such as a child getting bit by a dog can cause night terrors and abnormal fears in everyday life.

If your child was bitten by a dog and suffers from scars, disfigurement, or any other type of physcial or emotional injury contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island dog bite lawyer to find out if you have a case against the negligent dog owner. Call us at 800.976.4904 or email us.

Cardiovascular Impairments Defined

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)34920 — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Cardiovascular disease affects your heart and blood vessels. To qualify for Social Security disability benefits with cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular impairments must result from 1 or more of 4 consequences of heart disease or disorders of the veins or arteries:

Chronic heart failure or ventricular dysfunction;
Discomfort or pain as a result of myocardial ischemia, with or without necrosis of heart muscle;
Syncope, or near syncope, as a result of inadequate cerebral perfusion from any cardiac cause; and/or
Central cyanosis as a result of right-to-left shunt, reduced oxygen concentration in the arterial blood, or pulmonary vascular disease.

The following are the cardiovascular impairments that may qualify you for Social Security disability benefits:

Chronic heart failure(CHF) - inability of the heart to pump enough oxygenated blood to body tissues;
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) - results when 1 or more coronary arteries is narrowed, obstructed or constricted, interfering with blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia);
Recurrent arrhythmias - change in regular heartbeat. Your heart may seem to skip a beat or beat irregularly, very quickly (tachycardia), or very slowly (bradycardia);
Symptomatic congenital heart disease - heart structure abnormalities present at birth;
Heart transplant - surgery in which a patient with a life-threatening heart problem receives a healthy heart from a deceased donor;
Aneurysm of aorta or major branches - abnormal dilations of arteries caused by weakening of the arterial wall;
Chronic venous insufficiency - a condition where veins cannot pump enough oxygen-poor blood back to the heart; and/or
Peripheral arterial disease - circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to limbs

If you or someone you love suffers from one of these conditions, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Contact a New York disability attorney who can help answer your questions and determine eligibility.

Contacting a New York Disability Attorney

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact the New York Social Security disability lawyers at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Staten Island Toddler Pulled From Pool Alive

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34852 — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Staten Island toddler who was rescued from drowning in a family pool last Friday is still in the hospital but is in better condition and is expected to live. Doctors are saying it is too early to determine if the 18-month old will suffer any long term problems from the lack of oxygen when he almost drowned.

We hope that this Staten Island toddler makes a full recovery from this close to death experience and lives a happy and full life.

Staten Island Spinal Cord Injury Prevention and Care

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34666 — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

This summer and throughout the entire year it is important to take precautionary steps to avoid spinal cord injuries in Staten Island. Between public pools, private pools, everybody out on the road, water sports, dirt bikes, road bikes, ATV's and many other things the summer time creates a rise in danger for suffering from injuries including spinal cord injuries.

A spinal cord injury is when damage is caused to nerve roots or myelintated fiber tracks that carry signals to and from the brain. The type of severity and classification of the spinal cord injury effects the symptoms that a person experiences from a spinal cord injury.

A spinal cord injury is usually classified by doctors as either a complete spinal cord injury or an incomplete spinal cord injury.
A complete spinal cord injury is if all sensory and motor function is lost below the neurological level. An incomplete spinal cord injury is if you have some sensory or motor function below the affected area.

When you are out this summer no matter what you are doing remember to try to steer clear of injuries, especially spinal cord injuries, but sometimes spinal cord injuries occur by accident or due to another person's negligence. Here are a list of symptoms to try to help you determine if you have a spinal cord injury or not:

Loss of movement
Loss of sensation
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Exaggerated reflex activities or spasms
A change in sexual function, sensitivity or fertility
Pain or intense stinging sensation in spinal cord
Difficulty coughing, breathing or clearing secretions from your lungs

If you have a spinal cord injury or if you believe you may have a spinal cord injury it is important to go to a hospital as soon as possible so you can be properly examined.

If you have a spinal cord injury from someones negligence it is important to speak with a Staten Island spinal cord injury lawyer to help determine if you have a case against the negligent party or not. To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island spinal cord injury laywer at 800.976.4904 or email us.

Police Cracking Down on Cell Phone Usage While Driving in Staten Island

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34612 — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Today will begin an effort by Staten Island police to be take extra steps to crackdown on drivers who use talk or text on their cell phones while driving. These days are known as "Cell phone crackdown days" and when New York City has run them in the past they have averaged a number of 6,500 to 8,000 tickets for all boroughs combined in a 24-hour period. Starting today everyday in Staten Island will be a "cell phone crackdown day"

Texting and driving and talking and driving are illegal in Staten Island and throughout the state of New York but on "cell phone crack down" days police put special focus on pulling over drivers who are on their phones. Each ticket for using a cell phone while driving is $130.

Distracted driving is one of the highest reasons for car accidents and is dangerous accounting for many lives and injuries that have left lives changed which is why it is illegal to drive and talk or drive and text in New York. Do the right thing and only use your phone hands free which means use voice activated dialing and leave your phone on speaker phone or use a bluetooth or other headphones if you need to make a call while driving. As for texting some phones come with talk to text programs that allow you to speak what you want to text to someone. Otherwise wait until you are done driving or if it is urgent pull over to the side of the road and make your call or text and then continue driving.

New York Firework Injury Causes Man to Lose His Arm

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34613 — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police say that a man blew off his arm last night while lighting a firework at a party in Long Island, New York.

The 36 year-old man was lighting the firework in a 3-foot long tube and authorities believe he was unable to move his arm out of the way in time after lighting the firework.

The man remains in the hospital and it is unclear what his condition is at this time. Reports also reflect that the friends of the injured man put the severed arm on ice to try to preserve it but it is unclear at this time if doctors will be able to reattach the arm.

Fireworks in New York

It is illegal to posses and/or light off fireworks in the state of New York unless you are a professional who is lighting them off for an event.

New York made purchasing and using fireworks illegal because they can be very dangerous if they get into the wrong hands or in the hands of someone who is not familiar with setting off fireworks. Firework injuries and deaths can be avoided by not setting off fireworks and staying away from others who do.

What if I Was Injured from Someone Improperly Setting Off Fireworks in New York

If you were injured in Staten Island or any other area of New York because of someone setting off fireworks or firecrackers illegally it is important that you contact a Staten Island firework injury lawyer such as Frank J. Dito Jr. to discuss your firework accident and injury with. To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. call 800.976.4904 or email us.

Falling Tree Branches in New York City's Central Park Causing Injuries and Deaths

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34616 — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

In the past year or so there have been more than the normal "freak" type of accidents occuring in Central Park in New York City in regards to falling tree branches.

There have been four people so far in the past year that have either been injured or killed as a direct result of a falling tree branch in Central Park.

The two most recent people who were affected by a tree accident in Central Park occurred yesterday morning and killed a 6 month old baby and badly injured the baby's mother who is currently in critical condition in a New York hospital. When the City of New York was asked who was responsible for the upkeeping of the trees in Central Park the city told reporters that they were unsure.

Another incident occured this past February in which a New York man was killed by a falling tree branch in Central Park. The family of the man currently has a lawsuit pending. In this specific case the tree that fell had been deemed dangerous in December 2009 but still remained standing in February 2010 when it fell and killed the man.

Yet another accident occurred even before that one though - which occured in July of last year when a google employee was walking through Central Park and was struck on the head by a falling tree branch. The 33-year old man survived the hit on the head but sustained spinal cord and brain damage.

Who Is Responsible for the Trees in Central Park?

The person who is going to be ultimately responsible for the injuries and deaths of the people who have been hit by falling tree branches in Central Park will be whoever is responsible for the upkeeping of the property. Once this is determined it will be necessary not only for them to pay out money for the people who were injured by the trees and for the families who lost loved ones but also to fix the problem before it occurs again. Having the knowledge that something is not safe and continuing to not do something about it is being negligent. If you have had something similar happen to you or a family member call 800.976.4904 or email us to speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. premises liability lawyer.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families who lost someone or who is injured due to the falling tree branches in New York City's Central Park.

Daycare Safety: How to Avoid Daycare Injuries in Staten Island Daycares

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34522 — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

As a parent you always want to make sure that your children are protected against any harm and any danger by protecting them at all times but some parent have to work and do not have anyone to watch their children and need to leave their children at daycare.

When choosing a daycare it is important to make sure you are choosing a daycare that puts safety first and has a good reputation. Sadly some daycare centers in Staten Island and throughout the country are poorly run and create a dangerous situation for the babies and toddlers who attend the daycare. Daycare negligence is nothing to be taken lightly here are some signs to look for when you are considering what Staten Island daycare center to send your child to:

Opening that can entrap a child's head or limbs
Unsafe window guards
Elevated surfaces that are not properly guarded
Loose or rusty parts
Chipping, flaking or peeling paint
Paint that contains lead or other hazardous materials
Sharp corners or points
Splinters
Protruding bolts, nuts or screws that could catch a child's clothing or become a hazard if a child falls on them
Small parts that or parts that may become detached easily as these small parts may become choking hazards
Dangerous playgrounds that are not age appropriate, do not have the proper protection or are rusty or need repair
Insufficient spacing between equipment in the room or in the play area
Tripping hazard

In addition to these things it is also important to evaluate the teacher or daycare provider and all employees who will be responsible for caring for your child while you are gone. Speak to other parent who send their kids to the same daycare and do some investigating to make sure the people watching your child are responsible and safe providers.

Sometimes daycare injuries are unavoidable on the parents part due to daycare provider negligence that may not necessarily be obvious to you. If your baby or toddler has suffered injuries of any type - physical, mental or sexual - it is important that you take legal action against the negligence daycare. To speak with a Staten Island daycare injury lawyer call 800.976.4904 or email us to find out how to take action against a negligent Staten Island daycare or child care center.

Staten Island Child Injury Alert: Dangers of Hot Tubs and Young Children

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34478 — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many parents wonder if hot tubs are safe for children. Just like in a swimming pool children in hot tubs should be supervised so that accidents do not happen. As with pool accidents, hot tub accidents can result in death just as easily.

Today it was announced in the news that a famous NFL player, Randall Cunningham, lost his 2 year old son to a hot tub accident. According to reports Cunninham was out of town but an adult in the house who was watching the toddler and other children in the house discovered the toddler, Christian Cunningham, in the hot tub and tried to preform CPR on him and he was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead an hour after arriving.

Studies show that more than 830 children a year under the age of 14 die in a hot tub accident. This study does not even include children that survive hot tub accidents but go on to suffer brain damage because of the lack of air while they were drowning.

Hot tubs can be very dangerous and it is important this summer and at all times to make sure you keep your hot tub secure. Just like with swimming pools you should make sure that children do not have easy access to your swimming pool whether you yourself have children or if your neighbors around you have children. Children are often curious and sometimes will wonder into yards and, if they are young children, may not know better about going into a pool or hot tub alone. Remember you as a homeowner, pool owner and/or hot tub owner are responsible for making sure your pool and/or hot tub are not easily accessable by children. You can do this by making sure you have a high gate or fence and making sure to keep it locked at all times. Remember if a child drowns due to your negligence you may be liable for their injuries or death.

If your child was injured or died in a hot tub or was injured or died in a swimming pool and it was because of the negligence of the owner of the pool it is important you contact an injury lawyer to discuss the hot tub accident or swimming pool accident with. Nothing can erase the death of a child and if you have lost your child our heart goes out to you. Starting a lawsuit against the negligent party will help you with things such as funeral expenses, medical bills and any other charges and costs you may have incurred. To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island pool and hot tub accident lawyer call 800.976.4904 or email us for a free consultation.

Hole in Road on Staten Island Worsens and Creates Dangers Condition Near Fort Wadsworth

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34377 — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Staten Island residents are concerned about a hole in the road in Staten Island near Fort Wadsworth. The hole in the road has been there for about a month now but residents are reporting that the hole seems to be getting larger by the day almost as if the road was crumbling. The hole in the road is not only large but very deep. In fact, according to a report on SILive.com a local resident of the area was able to stick his entire leg into the hole. The hole is said to be approximately 3 feet deep and is located on Fingerboard Road near the intersection at Tompkins Avenue in Fort Wadsworth.

Local residents called 311 reporting the hole but the city's Department of Environmental Protection did not make a trip out to the property until about a week or so ago and spray painted the area. Concerned Staten Island residents did not think this was enough of a warning for pedestrians and drivers so they put a trash can where the hole was to warn Staten Island drivers and pedestrians of the hole. One Staten Island homeowner and driver that lives near the hole in the road said that it continues to get larger and larger everyday.

The DEP came out again a few days ago and sent a camera down the hole to investigate why the hole is there and why it is causing the street to cave-in. The problem is thought to be a problem with a sewer pipe underground. The spokesperson for the DEP said they will put a cover down over the hole and will proceed with a permanent fix for the hole in the road once the problem is confirmed.

How Dangerous Is a Hole in the Road?

A hole in the road can be extremely dangerous for a lot of people - drivers, pedestrians, neighborhood children and pretty much anyone who comes in contact with it. The thing that makes this hole especially dangerous is the fact that the hole is getting increasingly larger everyday and the road is not sturdy around the hole. Another thing that makes this particular situation dangerous is that the hole was left uncovered for about a month. If someone was to get injured by this hole and the hole was not covered up dispite the multiple complaints that were sent in to 311 it could have possibly been a lawsuit against the City of New York. The city is responsible for keeping roads and certain sidewalks safe. When they fail to do so they can be held liable for injuries from falling in the hole.

What to Do If You Were Injured by a Hole in the Road or Sidewalk

If you were injured by a hole in the road in Staten Island or if you were involved in any type of trip and fall accident in Staten Island and were injured you may be able to start a premises liability case against the negligent party whether it is a homeowner, store owner or the City of New York. We can help you by providing you with helpful information about your injury and by reviewing your case free of charge and free of obligation. We represent clients like you everyday so we are experienced in how to deal with negligent situations.

To speak with Staten Island premises liability lawyer Frank J. Dito Jr. call 800.976.4904 or email us.

Working With Your Attorney to Build Strong Medical Evidence

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)34050 — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration (SSA) states that "medical evidence is the cornerstone for the determination of disability." This means that you and your Staten Island Social Security disability lawyer must work closely together in order to build a strong disability claim that is founded on medical evidence.

Your attorney will likely want to know about the types of doctors you are visiting and the frequency of visits and treatments. They will encourage you to keep all appointments and closely follow your physicians' medical advice.

According to the SSA, there are certain types of medical professionals whose findings and testimony will qualify as "acceptable medical sources." Listed below are a few of the types of medical professionals whose findings can be counted in your medical evidence:

Licensed physicians;
Psychologists who are licensed and/or certified (only to comment on mental retardation, learning disabilities or intellectual functioning);
Licensed or certified speech pathologists (only to comment on disabilities related to language or speech);
Optometrists (only to comment on visual disorders); and
Podiatrists (only to comment on foot/and or ankle conditions that affect a person's ability to work.

Your Staten Island Social Security disability lawyer can talk to you about your condition(s) and what types of medical professionals you should be working with in order to fully document your various disabilities. Remember that you enjoy an attorney-client privilege with your lawyer, so you do not need to feel self-conscious or nervous about divulging this confidential information as you work together to build your case.

For more information about the importance of medical evidence in your disability claim, visit our article library.

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact the Staten Island Social Security disability lawyers at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

SGA For Blind and Non-Blind Individuals in 2010

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)34049 — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you will not only have to prove that you suffer from a severe disability, but you also must prove that you aren't engaging in substantial gainful activity.

Substantial gainful activity-commonly referred to as SGA-is a measure that the Social Security Administration uses to determine if you are earning more money than a person receiving disability benefits should. There are important differences in how SGA is defined for a person who is blind vs. someone who is not blind.

In 2010, the SGA limit for blind individuals is $1,640. This means that if a blind individual were to earn more than $1,640 in one month, they would be considered to be engaged in SGA and not eligible for Social Security disability benefits. This monthly cap does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

The SGA for non-blind individuals is $1,000. This amount applies to both Social Security disability benefits and SSI.

To learn more about SGA and its impact on your disability application, visit our article library.

These nuances of the Social Security disability claims process can trip up even the most careful individual during the application process. That is why a Staten Island Social Security disability lawyer can be so helpful in protecting your claim from the types of errors that will result in a denial or excessive waiting periods.

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact the Staten Island Social Security disability lawyers at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.

Avoid Firework Injuries in Staten Island This 4th of July

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34212 — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many people, although illegal, purchase or somehow obtain fireworks and set them off in Staten Island and throughout New York City on the 4th of July. One thing to keep in mind this year is that not only are fireworks illegal but they are also extremely dangerous.

According to firework injuries and firework accidents from previous years the two fireworks that account for most injuries are simple fireworks and sparklers. Next on the list are bottle rockets and professional fireworks. These four forms of fireworks accout for most injuries from fireworks and all can cause severe injuries or even death.

You should try to keep your kids, teens and any fellow adults you know away from playing with fireworks this 4th of July but there is always the possibility that a firework accident may occur in which case we want you to be prepared to know what to do if you have been injured by a firework. First aid steps for firework injuries vary depending on what part the body was injured:

Eye injuries from fireworks - Any impaled object in the eye should be left alone and a call to 911 should be made. Avoid removing the object from the eye and also avoid putting anything in your eye such as eye wash, eye drops or eye ointment. Once the paramedics come they will be able to deal with your specific eye injury from the fireworks.
Burn injuries from fireworks - Any type of firework poses the threat for severe burns to anyone it comes into contact with but the most overlooked burn danger is often sparklers which were at one time considered to be a "safe" and "child-friendly" firework. Sparklers are anything but safe and child-friendly. In fact, sparklers get to above 1,000 degrees fahrenheit and therefore can cause serious burns. If you or someone you know gets burned by a sparkler or a firework it is best to make sure you cool off the burn with cold water and then wrap the burned area of skin with a dry, clean sheet until an ambulance or other medical professional arrives on the scene of the accident.
Loss of limb or amputation from fireworks - If a firework causes a limb to be blown off or a body part to be severed it is very important to do a few things. The first thing that should be done if anyone if ever has a severe laceration or a severed body part is to call 911. While waiting for 911 to arrive if possible have someone search around to see if they can locate the severed body part. If found the body part should be wrapped in dry, sterile gauze and placed in a plastic bag. The plastic bag should then be placed indirectly on ice (never place the body part directly on ice as you do not want to freeze the body part). Finding the body part and taking good care of it until medical professionals arrive may allow the injured person the opportunity to have the body part re-attached. While waiting for the medical professionals to arrive dry, clean or sterile gauze should be applied to the injury to try to minimize the bleeding.

Fireworks are not toys and are dangerous. The use of fireworks is not only illegal but is negligence on behalf of the person who is purchasing them and lighting them.

If you, your child or a loved one becomes injured by a firework, sparkler or firecracker due to negligence it is important to speak with an experienced firework injury lawyer in Staten Island. To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. call 800.976.4904 or email us for more information on firework lawsuits and related information. Also, if you would like a case evaluation we offer free evaluations. Call today to find out what your case is worth.

Car Accident in Staten Island on Fingerboard Road Causes Hospitalization

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34214 — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday morning it was reported that two vehicles - a silver sedan and a large white van - collided at Fingerboard Road and Narrows Road South.

Both of the drivers were taken to Staten Island University Hospital after the accident but so far there is no word on what injuries were sustained in the car accident or the condition of the two accident victims.

Who Is At Fault for This Car Accident?

According to the article on SILive.com it is hard to determine who is at fault because not much information about the accident was mentioned in the article other than there being a crash and some possible injuries.

Usually when an accident occurs the police are called and when the police arrive at the scene they speak to all parties that were involved in the accident including witnesses, if there were any. Based on the conversations they have with the parties and based on where the impact points and damage to the car is they write up an accident report. The accident report will help determine who is at fault for the accident and will come in handy for the party who is putting a claim in against the negligent party's insurance company or if they need to file a lawsuit.

Reasons You May (or May Not) Need a Staten Island Car Accident Lawyer After a Car Accident

After car accidents insurance adjusters and representatives may be eager to speak with you. It is a good idea not to speak with them right away. You may think this is there job and they are just calling me to do their job and get my accident situation handled which is sort of true. The truth of the matter is that is their job but part of their job entails saving money for the insurance company they work for and if it is an insurance representative or adjuster from the other party's company they may even be trying to get you to say something that they can use against you. It is important that even if you do not think you need a Staten Island car accident attorney to handle your case that you contact one just to make sure you are going about your case the right way. At Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola, LLP we offer a free accident book with useful information on what to do after you have been involved in an accident. Frank J. Dito Jr.'s book "The New York Accident Book: 10 Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Car Accident Case" will provide you with information whether you are using an attorney for your car accident or not.

A common problem to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to represent yourself after a car accident is that many insurance companies will try to have you settle for a lower amount than you would if you had a lawyer representing you just for the simple fact that lawyers are often times able to provide and prove information that shows extent of injury and damage and causes the insurance company to offer a higher amount. Also, an experienced attorney will know what to say to get you more money for your case.

What Should I Do If I Was Involved In a Staten Island Car Accident?

If you were injured in a Staten Island accident and would like to either request a free, complimentary copy of our accident book or if you would like to speak with a car accident laywer regarding your possible case call 800.976.4904 or email us.

Teen Dies After Skateboard / Golf Car Accident in New York

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)34058 — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 19 year old boy was announced dead yesterday after being hit by a golf cart while he was on his skateboard late Wednesday night. The teenager was riding the skateboard on his back when the accident occured.

The driver of the golf cart fled the scene of the accident and was found several hours later at his home.

Police are asking that anyone with more information about this golf cart / skateboard accident come forward so the police can get a better idea of what happened. According to police they are District Attorney is likely to press charges.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the 19 year old boy who was killed by this accident.

A Little Bit About Hit and Run Accidents in New York

According to New York driving laws if any person operating a motor vehicle, who knowing or having cause to know that personal injury has been caused to another person, due to an incident involving the motor vehicle operated by such person it is required that the person who caused the injuries must give their personal information (name, address, phone number, license, registration, plate number - and all that is applicable to the situation) to a police officer and to the injured person (if practical).

The New York Motor Vehicles Department considers a golf cart a form of a motor vehicle. Therefore the person driving the golf cart was required to stay at the scene of the accident and required to give all applicable personal information to a police officer and the injured teen or a family member (if practical). Instead of calling an ambulance and waiting for a police officer to arrive on scene he chose to, instead, flee from the scene of the accident.

This is and the fact that the teenager died due to the golf cart driver's impact are two major reasons why the District Attorney is likely to press charges.

Who Is At Fault for This Accident?

Considering there is limited information in news stories as to how the accident occured it is unsure who would have been determined at fault for this accident. We would first have to determine who was at fault for the accident occuring and we would also have to take into account the other party fleeing from the accident.

If is was determined that the golf cart driver was being negligent while operating the vehicle he would more than likely be held accountable as being at fault in this accident.

What to Do if You Were Injured While Riding a Skateboard

If you were injured while riding a skateboard but the injuries are due to the negligence of someone else it is important that you do a couple of key things. The first thing you want to do before anything else is seek medical attention. Not only will this help you physically but it will also help provide you with proof that you are injured which can be very helpful later on if you decide to start a lawsuit against the negligent part.

If you were injured while riding a skateboard due to negligence such as being hit by a car or other motor vehicle or if the sidewalk was uneven or if there was some type of hole in the sidewalk it is important that you find out if you are able to start an injury case against the negligent part. This can be done by speaking to an injury lawyer.

If you live in New York and were injured in a skateboard accident contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island injury lawyer for a free consultation and useful information about skateboard accident injuries in New York. Call 800.976.4904 or email our Staten Island law firm.

New York Worker Lost 7 Fingers In Work Related Accident

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)33894 — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Seven of a New York worker's fingers were severed a few days ago while he was using a machine at work. The machine came down on his fingers before he could pull his hands away leaving him with only one pinky finger and two thumbs left.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are looking into this matter to find out what caused the machine to slam down the way it did.

What Should I Do If My Fingers Were Cut Off at Work

Work related accidents in New York are very common. If you were injured at work it is important that you file a Workers' Compensation claim. Employers who are responsible for a work related injury happening are required to pay workers' compensation benefits to their employees. If you severed a finger or thumb at work contact Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island workers compensation lawyer at 800.976.4904 or email us.

Staten Island Fourth of July Injury Prevention: Fireworks Are Not Toys and Are Illegal in New York City

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)33895 — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

As the 4^th of July approaches, the first "Big Blast" of summer, children and adults look forward to the beach, barbeques and fireworks. With the busy day ahead, the 4^th of July has the potential to be dangerous. We hope that these simple tips will ensure that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Fireworks - Fireworks are not toys and are illegal in New York City. If you are found to be transporting fireworks in your car, the New York City Police Department will confiscate the fireworks, arrest you and seize your car. Fireworks are dangerous and can cause serious burn and eye injuries. That's why the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and local governments strongly recommend: Leave fireworks to the professionals!

Remember, all consumer fireworks are illegal. This includes sparklers that are mistakenly thought to be safe. Sparklers actually burn at extremely high temperatures which can rapidly burn through clothing and skin.

Barbeque - Another important area to remember is food safety at your 4^th of July barbeque. Food safety is extremely important when serving items like potato salad or macaroni salad. You must remember to keep foods with mayonnaise cold or salmonella could set in. Steer clear of pasta and potato salads containing mayonnaise that has been left out for more than two hours. If it's above 90° F, then one hour is the limit. Salmonella can cause nausea and vomiting but can also cause more serious complications in children and the elderly. Also remember to cook chicken and hamburgers well done.

Crowds - Many families are planning to go to fireworks displays with their children.

While this can be an enjoyable time for your family, it can also be a parent's worst nightmare. Please keep your children safe by following these few tips on how to keep your children safe in large crowds during the 4th of July.

Hold Hands - The simple act of holding hands with your children can make the difference between a happy family outing and a desperate search for a lost child.

Use Strollers - Strollers are great at keeping your child in a safe and secure location, with you pushing it, while you are trying to navigate through large crowds. You won't have to worry about losing your grip on your child's little hand.

Place Identification on Your Child - When you and your family are going to be in a large crowd, you should have some sort of identification on your child. You need to have your address, your phone numbers and any medical problems that your child may have attached to your child somewhere, such as in a pocket or pin it directly to their shirt. If your child gets separated from you, this will allow an adult to contact you immediately.

Finding a Police Officer - Explain to your child about looking for a police officer if they ever become separated from you. Tell your child to make sure that they tell the police officer that they are lost and to show the police officer the identification information that you had previously attached to your child.

From the staff at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola, LLP, please have a wonderful 4^th of July Holiday. Be safe and have fun! Speak with you next month.

Types of Work Related Injuries That Qualify You for Workers' Compensation Benefits

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)33727 — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

There are millions of people who are injured at work every year but not everyone is aware that they may be entitled to New York workers' compensation benefits if they were injured from a work related accident at a New York company.

There are many different situations that can make you eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits from your job such as a work related accident where you become injured, exposure to harmful substances that cause a work related illness or even medical problems caused by working on the computer. If you were injured or became ill from a work related incident you may be eligible to receive New York workers' compensation benefits but what do you do if you are denied workers compensation benefits from your worker it is important that you seek the advice of a professional such as a New York workers' compensation lawyer. A workers compensation lawyer will be able to sit down and review your case and will let you know if you do have a case against your employer for the injuries or illness you have been suffering from.

If you were injured at work and you believe you should be entitled to workers' compensation benefits give us a call to find out if we can help you. Frank J. Dito Jr. is an experienced Staten Island workers' compensation lawyer who is dedicated to helping his clients get the compensation they deserve for their work related injuries. For more information on workers compensation related issues and terms visit our Workers' Compensation home page. To contact us call 800.976.4904. Prefer email? Email us and we will contact you.

Staten Island Family Hopes Autopsy Explains Motorcycle Crash Death

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)33730 — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Earlier in the week I posted a blog about a young man in Staten Island who died in a hospital after being involved in a motorcycle accident in which he hit a curb and several trees before coming to a stop.

It is still not certain what happened to the Staten Island motorcyclist for an accident to occur. No one has come forward yet with information about the accident and how it occurred so now the family left behind is hoping to shed some light to find out what happened by having an autopsy done.

According to a pedestrian who noticed the young man injured on the side of the road the motorcyclist was conscious enough to give him a phone number to call for help. The young man was taken to the hospital where he died after having surgery on his arm, an injury he sustained from the motorcycle accident.

Again our condolences go out to this family and we hope that they are able to find out what happened to this young man to cause the motorcycle accident.

Staten Island Motorcylce Crash Claims a Young Man's Life

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)33591 — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A few days ago a motorcycle crash in Staten Island occured that claimed the life of a 19 year old Staten Island resident.

The motorcyclist was fatally injured after his motorcycle hit the curb and several trees before coming to a hault.

According to reports police do not know how the accident occured and the police are hoping that witnesses will come forward with information on this motorcycle accident.

This man lost his life and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family he left behind. We hope that justice is brought to the family.

Who is at fault for this Staten Island motorcycle accident?

Honestly in this situation it is hard to tell who is at fault for the accident because we are not sure if the motorcyclist lost control of the motorcycle due to the negligence of someone else of if he lost control on his own by accident. Until the police investigations show further proof that it was caused by another driver's negligence or until someone comes forward with information it is hard to determine who is at fault. If it is determined that this was a hit and run the person who caused the accident to occur would be the same person who fled the scene of the accident. When someone flees the scene of an accident it is not only negligence that the man's family can start a lawsuit for but also the person who is responsible for the hit and run will be charged for a hit and run which is considering a crime.

I lost a family member in a motorcycle accident in New York also what should I do?

The first and foremost thing you should do is consult with an experienced motorcycle attorney in New York or a New York wrongful death attorney. When you are dealing with the death of a loved one it is important to have an experienced lawyer who not only knows the law and how to win your motorcycle death case but also is caring and supportive in your difficult time.

To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. motorcycle injury lawyer in Staten Island call 800.976.4904 or email us.

Brooklyn School Bus Accident Injures Pedestrian

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)33410 — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Last week a Brooklyn school bus hit a pedestrian while on its way to an after-school program. The bus driver who struck the pedestrian claims that he did not see the pedestrian while she was crossing the street.

The woman was ran over by the school bus and was stuck under the school bus wheel until authorities came and rescued her.

According to a passenger on the bus (a 14 year old student) said during an interview that the woman was under the bus and that her leg was crushed and had a large gash in it but was still conscious when the medics arrived.

Who Is At Fault in the School Bus Accident in Brooklyn

When determining the fault of any motor vehicle accident you must take into consideration many aspects of the accident. In this case a school bus driver hit a pedestrian in Brooklyn and according to one teens account the pedestrian seemed to be injured quite severely.

According to the statement that the bus driver made he states that he didn't see the woman. While we can assume by his statement that he didn't intentionally run over the woman rather he hit the pedestrian without being aware she was there. Based on the information reported in this article there is not enough information to determine the full extent of the situation. Was the woman in the bus driver's blind spot, was the school bus driver distracted by something such as talking to the people on the school bus looking at a phone or anything else that could be distracting? The report does not mention any of this but it is crutial in figuring out why he did not see the pedestrian.

If it is determined that the school bus driver is at fault the pedestrian wiho was injured will be able to seek compensation from the school bus driver or the school bus driver's insurance company.

What to Do If You Were Hit by a Bus in Staten Island or Brooklyn

If are suffering from injuries from being hit by a bus or a school bus in Staten Island or Brooklyn, NY it is important to discuss your case with a Staten Island school bus accident lawyer. A free case evaluation with Frank J. Dito Jr. will help you understand if you have a right to being compensated for the injuries you sustained and how much to expect.

To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island school bus injury lawyer call 800.976.4904 or email us.

Avoiding Staten Island Pool Injuries and Deaths

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)33414 — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Staten Island Advance released an article on their website today titled "Staying Safe in the Water Requires Adult Supervision" which offers pool death and pool injury statistics and tips on how to prevent pool injuries and pool deaths.

Here are some tips to keep in mind this summer if you own a pool or have a child:

Make sure you have a 4 foot fence installed around the pool or going to the area where the pool is. A minimum height of 4 feet helps keep younger children out of the pool when they are not supposed to be swimming in it. It also slows down older children from accessing the pool when it is unsupervised.
Keep an eye on your children or children you are watching. If you are watching a child or a have a child of your own it is important to keep a close eye on your children to make sure they do not go in the pool unattended. If your child does get away from you it is important to check the pool first before checking anywhere else. It is easy, especially for young children, to drown in a short amount of time. Many parents and caregivers make the mistake of checking every where other than the pool as a first place to check. It is imporant to check the pool first it may save he child's life.
Alcohol consumption is the leading cause of adults drowning. Not only does alcohol inhibit your ability to get yourself out of the pool safely but also it inhibits you from being able to keep children 100% safe. Do not mix drinking and swimming.
Wearing life jackets when the water is deep or if you are going out on a boat is important. If a boating accident occurs and you have a life jacket your chances of surviving with minimual injuries are very high. For children it is important that you have the appropriate sized life jackets. A child should not be wearing an adult life jacket unless it is a last resort. Children should wear child sized life jackets when going on a boating trip or if they are going to be around deep water.

Keep in mind if you have a child who drowned or a child who suffered injuries from almost drowning in a swimming pool that it is a pool owners responsibility to protect children from getting into their pool who are not supposed to be in there an swimming. It is required that you keep a 4 foot fence around the pool or the yard area where the pool is to help keep wandering children from swimming in the pool. If your child suffered brain damage, neck injuries, back injuries or died because of a pool accident due to negligence in Staten Island contacting a Staten Island pool accident lawyer will help you determine if you have a case and how much compensatiion you are entitled to for the damage that has been done.

To speak with an experienced pool injury lawyer in Staten Island call 800.976.4904 or email us.

New Staten Island Young Driver Laws Are Being Ignored While Other Young Driver Laws are Unknown to Some. Are you following the Rules?

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)33419 — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you have a Staten Island teen in the house who is working on getting their driving permit or license, you may know there were new younger driver laws put into effect this February in an effort to help decrease accidents and fatalities associated with teen car accidents on Staten Island. Before we take a look at the new licensing laws, many people are not aware that there is a New York City-specific law that requires special equipment to be installed when a teenager is learning to drive. Although everyone in Staten Island knows that teens with a permit or junior license must drive under the direct supervision of an adult. What many people don't know is that to learn to drive in the City of New York, the car that they are learning to drive in must also have dual controls, or brakes, installed. Dual brakes allow the supervising passenger to independently operate the brakes from the passenger side of the car. The average price to have dual brakes installed in your car is $300 but once your teen has their senior a license and no longer needs the dual brakes you can either choose to keep them (maybe for a younger sibling who will be getting their permit soon) or you can always sell them.

As of February, the following new laws went into effect for young Staten Island drivers:

Junior license holders are required to have 50 hours of supervised driving time, of which 15 of those hours must be driven after-sunset before scheduling a road-test. This was increased from 20 hours with no mandatory after-sunset driving under the old law.
Junior license holders are only allowed to have one non-family member under the age of 21 years old in the car at a time, when not accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian. This was decreased from two non-family passengers under the age of 21 years old under the old law.
Young drivers must hold a junior permit for at least 6 months before a junior or senior license may be issued. Once a 16-year old passes a road test, they will receive a junior license, which offers no other benefits from a permit when driving in the 5 boroughs of New York city. Young drivers who are 17 years old will be granted a senior license if they pass a road test and complete a state-approved driver education course.

While the new young driver laws went into effect in February, authorities are worried that they are going to see an increase in teens already disobeying the new laws, especially during the upcoming summer driving season. According to statistics, teen car accidents on Staten Island dramatically increase between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

One study shows that there were more than 5,000 people injured or killed in car accidents in New York in 2008 in which the driver was between 16 and 20 years old. Another study showed that more than half of young-driver involved accidents occur on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and forty-two percent of those accidents occur between 9 pm and 6 am.

The statistics of teen's injured and killed in car accidents are alarming. It is important that we keep our kids safe this summer. Keeping your young drivers safe can be the difference between life and death - do all that you can to make sure that your children understand that driving a car is serious and to pay attention to the road and the laws that have been put in place for their safety.

Staten Island Pedestrian Killed by Tractor-Trailer

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)33142 — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Over the weekend a Staten Island woman was killed after she was hit by a tractor trailer while crossing a street in Staten Island, NY. The Staten Island pedestrian who was hit recently had a hip surgery and was unable to get across the busy intersection before the light turned red. The light turned green for the on-coming traffic to go and the tractor trailer driver saw the man that was walking ahead of the elderly woman who died but did not see her at all because he said she was in his blind spot.

The woman was crushed by the tractor trailer Saturday morning while walking across Port Richmond Avenue and Richmond Terrace in Staten Island.

So far no criminal charges have been placed against the driver of the tractor trailer.

What to Do if You Were a Pedestrian Hit by a Car or Tractor Trailer in Staten Island

If you were involved in a situation where a car, truck, van, tractor trailer or any other type of vechicle cause you an injury while you were walking, running, jogging, crossing a street or any other circumstance it is important to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Staten Island. A Staten Island pedestrian accident lawyer will be able to sit down with you and explain what your rights are based on your situation and how much compensation you are entitled to based on the injuries caused by the accident and the situation that occured.

To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island pedestrian accident lawyer call 800.976.4904 or email us for a free consultation.

Staten Island Child Product Recall Alert: McDonalds Recalls Shrek Drinking Glasses for Cadmium

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)33041 — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Shrek glasses sold at McDonalds are being recalled because of recent findings of cadmium in the limited time product being sold by McDonalds.

Cadmium is a toxic chemical element which is extremely toxic even at low concentrations. Acute exposure to cadmium usually results in flu like symptoms which include chills, fever and muscle aches. While acute exposure symptoms usually disappear within a week or so more severe exposure can result in tracheo-bronchitis, pneumonitis and pulmonary edema and can also times lead to respiratory tract, liver problems, kidney problems, cancer and bone problems. Some early symptoms of severe exposure to cadmium include cough, dryness and irritation to the throat and nose, headache, dizziness, weakness, fever, chills and chest pain.

It is important to understand that even the smallest amount of exposure to cadmium can be dangerous, poisonous and life threatening. Be sure to check to see if your child has one of these collectable Shrek cups from McDonalds. If your child has this product stop use immediately because it can be dangerous and cause life threatening problems.

What Happens if Your Child Gets Sick from Cadmium?

If your child is suffering from cadmium poisoning it is important that you take your child to the nearest hospital immediately for a full evaluation. Damage from cadmium exposure can effect your childs lungs, kidneys, liver and bones so exposure should be taken seriously.

Below are the most common symptoms of cadmium poisoning:

Emphysema
Fatigue
Headache
Vomiting
Anemia
Lack of sense of smell
Kidney dysfunction
Reduced bone mineral density
Neuropsychological impairment
Increased risk of prostatic cancer

Who Is to Blame if My Child Is Poisoned by Cadmium

Finding out your child was exposed to cadmium and is suffering from cadmium poisoning can be devistating. When cadmium poisoning is caused by the negligence of a manufacturer or a company it is important to seek the advice of an experienced product liability lawyer.

If your child was poisoned by cadmium and is suffering from long term side effects or has died from cadmium poisoning and you live in Staten Island or the New York City area Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island cadmium poisoning lawyer will speak with you to help you understand who is liable for the injuries to your child or for your child's death and what your rights are as far as compensation is concerned. Call 800.976.4904 or contact us by email for a free consulation.

One Worker Injured and One Worker Dead After Power Line Accident

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)32840 — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

One worker is dead and another severely injured after a power line accident took place. The man who was injured in a power line accident this past Tuesday was released from the hospital after being treated for burns.

The two workers had been hired to powerwash the front of the house and were using an aluminum ladder which came in contact with electric wires at the house. The contact between the aluminum ladder and the electric wires caused the injury to occur. Normally, it is recommended that non-constructive wood or fiberglass ladders be used when working on the outside of homes because of the chances that the ladder will come into contact with an electrical wire.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the work related death and work related injury to determine who is at fault for the power line accident.

Who Is At Fault for this Power Line Accident

Determining who is at fault in this situation depends on who was the negligent party that supplied the workers with an unsafe ladder if that is determined to have been the cause of the injuries the power washer workers sustained.

If it is determined that the employer of the workers was at fault or another party was negligent the family of the deceased worker will be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent party and the injured worker will be able to either start a workers compensation case or file a lawsuit against the company.

What to Do if You Have a Work Related Power Line Injury in Staten Island, New York

If you were injured in a work-related accident involving a power line injury in Staten Island or any part of New York City or if you were involved in any other type of construction accident in New York it is important that you have the situation investigated to determine the complete fault of the New York power line accident. One of the first things you should do if you feel as if your injuries were due to the negligence of your employer or if you feel as if the death of your loved one was due to the negligence of the company they worked for it is important to contact a New York workers compensation lawyer or a New York work injury lawyer to help you determine if you are able to start a lawsuit or file a workers compensation claim.

Our injury and workers compensation law office is located in Staten Island on Richmond Road. If you would like to speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island work injury lawyer / Staten Island workers' compensation lawyer to evaluate your case in a free consultation call 800.976.4904 or contact us by email.

Diet Pill Pai You Guo Recalled for Dangerous Side Effects But Still Being Sold in Stores

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)32846 — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Despite the fact that the FDA recalled Pai You Guo (a dangerous diet pill) some health and beauty stores and internet companies are still selling the product.

Pai You Guo was recalled after the FDA found traces of mercury, lead, other heavy metals, pesticides and drugs that were not listed in the ingredients in it. The dangerous recalled diet pill promotes itself as being all natural and an herbal weight loss pill but the investigation showed differently. The metals found in the weight loss pill were below a dangerous level but the pesticides found in the weight loss pill were over the allowable limits and were at a dangerous level. The drugs found in the diet pill were sibutramine, an appetite suppression drug, and phenolphthalein, a chemical once in over-the-counter laxitives which was banned because the chemical is linked to causing cancer.

The FDA banned this product because it can be dangerous and cause illnesses and considering it contains the drug phenolphthalein it potentially causes the risk of cancer. Diet pills, just like any other pill, are required to list the ingredients which they contain which this pill does not, nor does it have the proper warning labels listed on it leaving users of Pai You Guo to think that the weight loss pill is safe when it is really dangerous and can cause them harm.

If you or a loved one is on this weight loss pill it is wise to stop taking it immediately regardless of weight loss results it is unsafe to take and you should stop use immediately.

If you have suffered adverse side effects from Pai You Guo and live in Staten Island or the New York City area you should contact a product liability lawyer that handles diet pill cases in New York. Our office is located in Staten Island, NY and Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island diet pill injury lawyer will be happy to sit down with you to discuss the health problems from Pai You Guo or health problems from a different diet pill call us for a free, no obligation consultation. Our phone number is 800.976.4904 or if you prefer you can email us by filling out our contact form.

Car Accident Apps and Car Accident Glove Box Kits

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)32760 — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Have you ever been involved in a car accident and not known what to do or worry about what you will do when if you ever get into a car accident? Maybe you worry if you will say and do the right things after the accident occurs. These are valid and common concerns that people have. It is common not to be 100% sure what to do after a car accident and to worry that you may forget what you do know when you are in the midst of all of the commotion of a car accident.

There are a couple of different ways you can prevent yourself from forgetting important information when involved in a car accident and that is to have the information you need to remember right in front of you. Here are some ways that you can keep track of what you are supposed to do if you have been involved in an automobile accident:

Car Accident Report App - If you have an iPhone, Android or Blackberry phone or if you have an iPad you will be able to download an application called C.A.R. which is a car accident report app that assists you in what to do after you have been involved in a car accident. To find out more about the C.A.R. app you can view it on iTunes or you can search for it in the application download section on your phone if it is compatable.
Glove Box Accident Kit - If you do not have a iPhone, Android, Blackberry or iPad or if you just would like to be safe and have an extra set of directions on what to do after a car accident you can request a free glove box accident kit. A glove box accident kit is basically a kit that goes in your glove box that will make it easy for you to collect any information that can be considered detrimental to your accident case. Things that are included in our New York glove box accident kit for example are areas where you can put witnesses names, phone number and notes, positioning of cars, where the damages to your vehicle and the other vehicle is and many other tips and pieces of advice as to what to do and what not to do after an accident. We recommend that even if you do have the C.A.R. app on your phone that you keep a glove box accident kit in your glove box - you never know what will happen to your phone in an accident. Many times in accidents the phone may get damaged or lost in your car from the impact of the accident and may not be easily accessable or working to use the C.A.R. app.

Both of these methods are useful and both are free. If you would like a free New York glove box accident kit call 800.976.4904 or email vgracia@dddilaw.com and put "Glove Box Accident Kit" in the subject line along with your name and phone number.

Remember if ever involved in an accident try to remain calm, don't apologize and call 911.

How to Get Approved for a Mortgage Modification Successfully

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)32767 — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

If the economy has left you unable to easily afford your mortgage you may be considering a mortgage modification in order to make the payments easier for you to make a month but figuring out how to successfully modify your mortgage is the key to the entire effort of trying to modify your mortgage. There have been many that have attempted to have their mortgage modified but have been rejected for a mortgage modification.

According to statistics the success rate for letting a law firm handle mortgage modifications is high when compared with the success rate of doing a loan modification on your own but there are some things that you can do if you are deciding to attempt a mortgage modification on your own.

Communicate - When attempting to modify your mortgage you will more than likely spend a good deal of time on the phone with bank representatives. It is important to keep in mind that some of the time that you spend on the phone will be productive and some of the time won't. When speaking with representative it is important to get the name and ID number of the person you are speaking to and also to take notes of what you told them and what they said.
Do Your Math - Before attempting to start the process of a mortgage modification you will want to do some calculations to make sure you will be considered a candidate for a loan modification. The general rule of thumb is that your monthly mortgage payment should be below 31% of your monthly income. If your mortgage is already under 31% of your monthly income you will more than likely be denied a mortgage modification.
Explain Your Situation - When you apply for a mortgage modification you are usually required to write a hardship letter but sometimes instead of giving you the opportunity to explain your situation in a hardship letter the bank just asks you to check off a generalized situation in a box on a form. It is a good idea regardless of if you are asked for a hardship letter or not to write one and give it to the bank. In your hardship letter you should explain your situation as to why you feel you are unable to afford your mortgage at its current amount and how you intend to make the monthly mortgage payments once your payments are lowered.
Try Again - If you have been denied a mortgage modification previously it does not hurt to try again especially if your financial situation has changed since the last time you applied for a mortgage modification or if you applied for the modification over a year or so ago. You may be suprised to find out that they may approve you this time around.
If You Need Help - Ask - Asking for help can make a huge difference in the outcome of your mortgage modification approval. Hiring a real estate lawyer to handle your mortgage modification sometimes gets a higher success rate because a lawyer will be able to sit down with you and let you know what you should expect and if a mortgage modification is something that you will or will not be appoved for based on your specific situation. A law firm handling mortgage modifications will spend the time on the phone with the bank for you saving you hours upon hours of time on the phone with the bank and as mentioned earlier mortgage modification lawyers often have a higher success rate in mortgage modifications than a home owner would because they are experienced in this field and know the in's and out's of the mortgage modification process.

If you would like to speak with a mortgage modification lawyer in Staten Island, New York call 800.976.4904 or email us though our contact form.

New York Dump Truck Accident: Dump Truck Operator Killed

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)32773 — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday around 1:30 pm a dump truck accident occured in New York that killed a dump truck operator.

According to reports the dump truck's box got stuck in the air and when he attempted to fix it the box it came down on him and cause his death.

Investigations are still going on to determine the cause of this dump truck accident.

Determining Fault for a Dump Truck Accident

In order to determine who is at fault for this dump truck accident investigations will first need to determine if there was a negligent party at fault. If negligence is determined the fault will fall on the negligent party whether it be the dump truck company, the manufacturer of the dump truck or whoever else may have been negligent.

What to Do if You Were Involved in a Dump Truck Accident in New York

If you live in Staten Island or the New York City area and you or a loved one was involved in a dump truck accident it is important that you contact an experienced dump truck accident lawyer if you believe your injuries or your loved one's death was cause by negligence.

To speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. Staten Island dump truck accident lawyer call 800.976.4904 or contact us by email.

Construction Accident in New York City Remembered on Crane Collapse Anniversary

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)32686 — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

This past Sunday marked the two year anniversary of the crane collapse that happened in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The crane accident killed two construction workers - Ramadan Kurtaj, 27, and Donald Leo, 30. The two construction workers died when the top part of a 200-foot crane crashed into an apartment building on 91st Street and First Avenue.

The construction accident victim's families have filed lawsuits against the City of New York for the crane accident and have also filed lawsuits against 31 other different entities who they feel are responsible for the death of their family members. Some of the other people they have lawsuits against include the Department of Buildings and several construction companies. They are suing the city for allowing the construction company to put up what is considered to be a defective piece of equipment which they believe resulted in the crane accident.

The families of the construction accident victims hired a New York wrongful death attorney and decided to go to court a few months after the accident occured to fight to make a set of records public that the crane company insisted on keeping confidential - these records were the maintenance and repair history reports.

Who is at fault for this construction accident?

If negligence was involved the negligent party will be held responsible for the death of the two construction workers. According to the lawsuit the families are claiming that they believe the construction workers died in the crane accident because of a defective piece of equipment. If this is the case the negligent party will be at fault for the construction accident and will need to compensate the families for the loss of their loved ones.

What should I do if a family member died in a construction accident?

If a family member of yours died in a construction accident and you believe it was due to a negligent situation (faulty supervision, defective equipment) it is important to consult with a wrongful death lawyer in your area immediately.

If you live in the Staten Island, NY area contacting Frank J. Dito, Jr. Staten Island wrongful death lawyer will help you understand if you have a wrongful death case against a negligent party and around home much compensation you will be entitled to. To speak with Frank J. Dito, Jr. call 800.976.4904 or email us by filling out our contact form.

New York Motorcycle Accidents Could Decrease Due To New Technology

fdito@dddilaw.com (Blog Author)32391 — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

The New York roadways will become more congested with motorcycles as the weather continues to warm. Unfortunately, if you are a motorcyclist, this means that your risk of being involved in a serious motorcycle accident increases.

If you are a motorcyclist, you are at a higher risk of being severely injured since a motorcycle does not provide the same protection as a car. You stand a greater chance of suffering a debilitating injury that can have lasting effects on your life.

The good news is that motorcycle technology is improving, especially in brake design. Most current motorcycles have a disk brake system utilizing a hydraulic system. This system multiplies the force exerted by the hand to stop a motorcycle.

The latest advancements in motorcycle braking technology include the use of anti-lock braking systems, such as is found in most cars. Anti-lock brakes are a computer assisted braking system that helps apply and release brake pressure when coming to a stop. It prohibits the wheel from locking up while allowing the most braking force possible.

This new advancement in motorcycle braking technology could be the difference in helping you avoid a major motorcycle crash.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a New York or New Jersey motorcycle accident, you should contact one of our experienced Staten Island motorcycle accident attorneys at (718) 979-4300 or (800) 976-4904.

Teen Dies in ATV Accident in New York

blog@www.dddilaw.com (Blog Author)32361 — Thu, 27 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to reports a 12-year old boy was pronounced dead yesterday due to an ATV accident in northern New York.

The boy was riding the ATV was driving on a county road and was turning to go into a field with the ATV when he was hit by a Dodge Pickup.

The boy was pronounced dead upon authories arriving at the site. The boy was wearing a helmet and so far no tickets have been issued to the driver of the Dodge Pickup. Investigations into this ATV accident case are ongoing.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the boy involved in the accident.

Determining Fault and Liability

In order to determine who is liable for this death from an ATV accident we would need to know more about the situation. We would need to know if the driver of the vehicle was driving wrecklessly or carelessly at the time of the accident. Depending on the answer to that question would determine whether or not it would make this ATV accident a wrongful death case or not. A thorough and proper investigation of this case will help determine if the driver of the vehicle was distracted at the time of the accident when they should have been paying attention to the road or if he was paying attention and did everything in his power to avoid the accident.

How Often Do All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Injuries and Deaths Occur

According to two recent medical studies ATV injuries and deaths have risen dramatically over the years. There was a 60 percent increase in fatalities between 2000 and 2005 and the number of injuries and deaths continue to be at an all time high for ATV riders.

Common injuries from ATV accidents include:

Amputation of Legs
Amputation of Fingers
Amputation of Toes
Spinal Injuries
Head Injuries

It is important for both ATV riders and drivers to use precautions with each other and individually.

What to do if You or Your Child was Injured in an ATV Accident in Staten Island, NY

If you or your child has been injured in an ATV accident it is important to first off seek immediate medical attention which you have probably already done by this point but what is next? If the Staten Island ATV accident was was the fault of a negligent driver or any other negligent party it is important to speak with an experienced Staten Island ATV Lawyer who can represent you and get the compensation you deserve for the injuries sustained from an ATV accident.

If you would like to speak with Frank J. Dito Jr. about your ATV injuries or about a loved one who died in an ATV accident you can call our office at 800.976.4904 or if you prefer you can fill out our contact form and we will respond back to you.