New York Personal Injury Blog

Trucking accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in truck accidents on Friday, July 12, 2019.

Semitruck crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries for the victims. There are many reasons for these crashes, but that might not be the top thing on your mind when you are in a wreck. Your priority is likely going to be getting the medical care that you need. Even if you think that you only suffered minor injuries, taking the time to have an evaluation is important because the doctor might spot an injury that would have been hidden until a later date.

The medical care and the cost of it depend on the injuries that you suffer. If you have serious injuries like damage to the spinal cord or brain, you might be in for a long journey toward healing. You may need to spend time in the hospital, go to various doctor visits, and work at a long-term therapy plan. All of this can cut down on the amount of time you can work, which will negatively impact your pay.

Long Island teen dies from crash injuries

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in motor vehicle accidents on Thursday, June 27, 2019.

A Long Island high school senior died following an automobile crash just two weeks before she was set to graduate from high school.

The woman, 18, was a passenger in a 2007 Hyundai Elantra being driven by a 17-year-old classmate. Another 18-year old student was a passenger as well.

Premises liability claims for victims of crimes in New York

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. on Wednesday, June 26, 2019.

Inadequate safety or security measures are common issues in and outside of properties all over New York. Landlords of residential properties may not adequately consider the risks that residents face, while owners or landlords of commercial properties may not invest in security, considering it the responsibility of their tenants.

Unfortunately, lackluster or nonexistent security plays a role in countless crimes in New York every day. From muggings to sexual assaults, a lack of adequate lighting, building security and recording equipment often emboldens criminals to target specific locations. The places you visit could leave you at increased risk for victimization by criminals.

Don’t forget to follow these highway driving safety tips

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. on Tuesday, June 18, 2019.

Driving on the highway is different than driving in the city or in a rural setting. In addition to fast moving vehicles, you're likely to contend with traffic, construction and a variety of other challenges.

While there's no way to guarantee your safety as a driver, here are five tips to follow when you find yourself on the highway:

Follow the speed limit: Knowing and following the posted speed limit at all times is a must. The faster you drive, the greater chance there is of an accident.
Maintain a safe following distance: It's easy to get into the habit of driving closely to the vehicle in front of yours. This is particularly true if you feel that the person is driving slower than the speed limit. Regardless of what's happening around you, a safe following distance is critical. This gives you enough time to stop your vehicle in the event of an emergency, such as a sudden slow down.
Stay in the right lane: The left lane is for passing, so don't stay here for an extended period of time. You're much safer when you drive in the right lane the majority of the time.
Focus on the road: Distractions are everywhere, ranging from your children in the back seat to your cellphone in your pocket. Avoiding distractions enhances your safety.
Watch for reckless drivers: If you pinpoint someone driving in a reckless manner, such as speeding excessively or swerving, keep your distance. The more space you create, the less chance there is of being part of an accident.

How to work safely in hot summer weather

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in Workers' Compensation on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

Even if you enjoy working outdoors in warm weather, it doesn't mean you can ignore the potential impact on your body. Dehydration and heat stroke can set in quickly, thus putting you in a compromising position.

Here are five safety tips to follow when working outdoors during the hot summer months:

Stay hydrated: This starts with hydrating before you begin your workday. If you neglect to do this, you're starting the day on the wrong foot. As the day wears on, keep water or sports drinks nearby for easy consumption.
Protect your skin: Wear protective clothing that still allows your skin to breathe. This protects you from sunburn, while promoting airflow as a means of keeping you as cool as possible.
Take breaks: Even if you have a big job staring you in the face, regular breaks are a must. This gives your body time to rest. It also gives you time to cool off and rehydrate.
Don't push yourself: If you have reason to believe you're dehydrated or inching closer to heat stroke, stop what you're doing to receive immediate medical care. Pushing yourself too far can result in a serious illness or even death.

Tips for safe driving in rush hour traffic

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in motor vehicle accidents on Thursday, May 30, 2019.

If you live in or around Rockville Center, you know that rush hour traffic can be challenging to navigate. Driver behavior can be unpredictable, and cars can stop and go frequently.

These three tips can help you stay safe, even in the heaviest rush hour traffic:

Don't change lanes too often: There are times when you have to change lanes, such as to reach your exit. However, you shouldn't do so with the idea of making better time.
Leave more following space: Even in slow traffic, you shouldn't drive too close to the vehicle in front of yours. Doing so makes it more difficult to stop abruptly.
Avoid all distractions: Don't eat and drink on your way to the office in the morning. Don't text your spouse when you're navigating traffic on the ride home. Any distraction greatly increases the risk of an accident.
Experiment with different routes: If there's more than one way to reach your destination, experiment with each route to better understand what's available. For example, you may find that one route takes you a bit longer, but you're able to avoid heavy traffic.

Follow these bulldozer safety tips on a construction site

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.

Depending on your profession, you may be responsible for operating a bulldozer on construction sites. While this machinery can help complete a variety of tasks, such as grading land, it also has the potential to cause serious injury or even death.

Above all else, you should never use a bulldozer unless you're qualified to do so. This is a complex piece of machinery that's difficult to operate and control.

Follow these safe-lifting techniques at work

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in Workers' Compensation on Thursday, May 16, 2019.

Regardless of your profession, if you're required to lift a heavy item at work it's imperative to take the steps necessary to protect yourself.

Here are five safe-lifting techniques anyone can follow:

Know what you're lifting: Don't assume you can comfortably lift an item. Instead, determine how heavy it is and then ask for help if necessary.
Inspect your route: If you're moving the item from one area to another, check the pathway for anything that could act as a trip hazard.
Keep the object close to your body: This puts less strain on your muscles, thus reducing the likelihood of injury.
Keep your back straight: Not only should you do this when you bend down to pick up the item, but it's important to maintain this posture after you've completed the initial lift.
Lift with your legs and hips: Put the majority of the strain on your legs and hips, as opposed to your back.

You don't do anything as dangerous as driving

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in motor vehicle accidents on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

You try to avoid risks. You don't go skydiving or mountain climbing in your free time. You didn't start a career as a police officer or a firefighter. When your friends bought motorcycles, you bought an SUV with a high crash safety rating. You try never to board an airplane unless there is no other choice.

However, do you know that you're still exposing yourself to a good deal of risk almost every single day? Many people do not realize just how dangerous it is to drive a car. In 2017, more than 40,000 people died in car accidents in the United States. A few hundred more died in accidents in 2016.

Tips to avoid a scaffolding accident at work

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. on Friday, April 26, 2019.

If you work in the construction industry in New York, you may find yourself using scaffolding to complete a variety of jobs. While the use of scaffolding can improve efficiency and help you maintain a high level of safety, this isn't always the case.

There are a variety of mistakes that can result in a scaffolding accident, including the following:

Neglecting to inspect the scaffolding for damage or defects: Any type of damage or defect, such as scaffolding that is missing pieces, greatly increases the risk of an accident.
Placing scaffolding on uneven or soft ground: This is a mistake that's often made when there are no other options available. By taking your time, you'll eventually find level ground that's firm enough to support your scaffolding.
Moving scaffolding while it's erect: This is the easy thing to do, but it has the potential to compromise the integrity of the structure. If you need to move scaffolding, disassemble it before doing so.
Neglecting to use required accessories: For example, all brackets and braces must be in place before using scaffolding. It only takes one missing part to increase the risk of a scaffolding accident.
Too much weight: Knowing the load capacity of the scaffolding is critical, as too much weight can cause it to collapse.