Five Classic New York City Urban Legends
There are few cities older or bigger in the United States than New York City. The hustle and bustle of everyday life fills it with energy and history. And with all that history, urban legends naturally begin to form. Whether you are a lifelong New Yorker or a one-time visitor, you may be well aware of these local myths, but do you know the truth behind them?
Alligators in the Sewers
New York City is home to some of the biggest and oldest underground sewers in the nation. And while there have been many myths about what lives down there, the number one theory is alligators. Blame it on a thoughtless family who flushed a pet alligator one day when it got too big. Now there are whole colonies of them underground!
Attorney Brielle Goldfaden Wins $100,000 for New York Slip-and-Fall Victim
Attorney Brielle Goldfaden of Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP recently won a $100,000 verdict for her client, a victim of a trip-and-fall that led to a serious knee injury on August 6, 2007. The case, Vidor v. 6 Jones Street Associates, revolved around a 54-year-old bus driver who fell in the lobby of an apartment building in the West Village after loose tiles on the floor shifted beneath his feet.
Goldfaden’s case for the victim claimed that the owners of the building were negligent in maintaining the premises and were aware of the dangerous tiles, which led to a hazardous condition. The floor tiles in the lobby had become loose and unstable due to deterioration and two of them completely slipped out of their sockets beneath the victim’s feet.
When New York Auto Repair Work Causes an Accident
We put a lot of trust in our auto mechanics. Having a properly maintained vehicle is crucial to being safe on the road. The only thing more frustrating than an unexpected auto repair bill is a bad repair that leads to more problems. Hopefully you will never be in this situation. But if you do get in an auto accident as a result of a malfunction caused by a poorly repaired vehicle, then remember that you do have legal rights.
There are times when the work your mechanic does makes things worse. Mistakes can happen. With any luck, your mechanic will recognize the mistake right away. But if you discover a problem after you have driven away from the shop, it is best to return to the same shop as soon as possible. Speak directly to the manager in charge and whoever serviced your car. It sometimes helps to go on a test drive with your mechanic to point out the exact problem. In most cases, the repair shop will offer to fix the issue. If they don’t, you can always prove your suspicions by getting a second opinion from another car repair shop.
Rules to Remember When Bicycling in New York
With the exception of a few particular clauses, bicyclists in New York are governed by the same traffic laws as different vehicle drivers. These are designed to keep bicyclists safe and help them travel throughout New York’s busy streets, just the same as any other vehicle.
However, if you are bicycling, it is important to remember these legal guidelines to avoid a New York City bike accident and prevent accidental violations of the law.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit in New York City
It’s December once again in New York City, so you know what that means – holiday festivities galore. But even with giant Christmas trees and celebrations of all kinds flooding the city, it can be easy to let the season pass you by. This is New York, after all, life moves pretty quickly.
So, what can you do to embrace the holiday season before time runs out? At the law firm of Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, our legal team is looking for the best holiday experiences in the city.
Let’s move past Christmas trees in your living room and hanging the stockings by the chimney with care, we’re focusing on making this a real New York Christmas!
Protecting Your Family from Dog Bites in NY
Dogs are famous for being man’s best friend, but a dog bite can cause serious injuries and permanent physical and emotional damage.
According to the New York Department of Health, a dog of any age, breed, or temperament may bite in certain situations. Most dog bites take place at home or other familiar locations, and most victims are children younger than 15 years old.
Here are some ways you can help prevent dog bite injuries, whether you are the parent of a child, the owner of a dog, or both:
Metro-North Railroad Train Derailment Kills 4, Injures Dozens in New York
A southbound Metro-North Railroad train derailed around 7:20 am in the Bronx on December 1, killing four passengers and inflicting serious injuries on at least 60 people. According to The Wall Street Journal, the crash is being reported to be the result of the engineer not properly braking and going too fast around a tight curve just north of Manhattan.
The severity of this New York train derailment caused all seven passenger cars and the diesel locomotive pulling the train to leave the tracks, with two cars flipping onto their sides. The section of track where the fatal derailment occurred has an abrupt speed limit change, dropping from 70 mph down to 30 mph.
How Can Your Child Be Affected by Cerebral Palsy?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) defines cerebral palsy as a neurological disorder that affects children starting in infancy or early childhood. When a child is injured during delivery, they may develop cerebral palsy as a result of the injury. Some children who catch a bacterial infection during or after delivery may also have cerebral palsy if the infection damages their brain. Although cerebral palsy does not worsen over time, the impediments it does cause can change the course of a family’s life.
In cerebral palsy, parts of the brain that control motor function are damaged, resulting in impaired body movement or poor muscle coordination. The body’s muscles and nerves are usually healthy; the problem is in the part of the brain that sends messages to the muscles and nerves to create movement. In most cases, cerebral palsy can be diagnosed by the time the child is three years old, when it becomes clear the child isn’t moving normally. No two persons with cerebral palsy have exactly the same impairments, but some common symptoms include a lack of muscle coordination, muscles that are too tight or too loose, dragging one foot or leg while walking, or walking on the toes.
This Thanksgiving, Give Back to New York Through Local Charities
Thanksgiving in New York is a time for many to spend quality time with family and friends, being thankful for what they have in life. However, it is also the perfect opportunity to focus on those in need who are less fortunate than many. With the holiday almost here, there are countless opportunities in New York City and throughout the state for those looking to give back by helping people in need.
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, our legal team is committed to helping New York residents both in and out of the courtroom. If you are considering volunteer work this Thanksgiving but don’t know where to go, consider the following opportunities.
What Wintertime Road Hazards are in New York?
Winter is coming to New York again, and the cold weather is already here. While few places beat New York in the winter, drivers must stay aware of the dangers they face on the road due to cold weather. Rain, snow, and freezing wind all create unique hazards on the road that can result in devastating accidents in mere moments.