Verdicts and Settlements

An electrician directed to install a fence post was wrongly told that the sub-surface had been cleared of underground obstacles and conduits,, when in fact it had not. The post hit an underground electrical line resulting in an explosion and burns covering a significant portion of his body. After several years of litigation, the matter settled for $4 million.

A disabled student suffered emotional and physical harm when he was sexually abused by a school employee over a period of time. Prosecuting the student’s claim against his former educators was complicated due to the lack of physical evidence and the limited intellectual capacity of the victim. After several years of litigation, and shortly before trial, the matter was settled for $1.4 million.

A journeyman electrician working in a ceiling was injured when he fell from a defective ladder. He sustained severe wrist injuries from the fall, ending his career and subsequently suffered two failed wrist surgeries. Following a lengthy, contentious mediation, the matter was settled for $3 million.

Two laborers sustained second and third degree burns over 60% of their bodies when a defective gas system allowed propane to settle in a basement where they were working. The victims underwent multiple surgical procedures and the matter was ultimately tried to a jury, which awarded the two men $5.7 million. After a victorious appeal, the matter was settled for $6 million.

A handyman who was installing an outdoor carport at a residence was severely burned when a piece of metal trim he was lifting came into contact with high voltage wires that were impermissibly close to the ground. He sustained significant burn injuries which rendered him permanently disfigured. The lawsuit led to a $1.8 million recovery for the workman.

A craftsman fell 30 feet from a slate roof due to a lack of proper safety equipment. He sustained a collapsed lung and multiple fractures, resulting in a lengthy and painful recovery and rehabilitation. After protracted litigation, the matter was settled for $3.5 million.

A 17 year old student died in a devastating car crash in which he was the passenger in a vehicle rollover. New York law severely limits recovery for individuals with no earning history, however the matter was able to be decided in Connecticut to allow the student’s family to recover damages for “loss of enjoyment of life.” The Estate recovered $1.3 million.

A young girl was severely burned while showering in her family’s apartment after the landlord negligently failed to install a “scald-guard.” She sustained painful, permanent and disfiguring scars to her lower extremities. The young girl was awarded $1.5 million for past and future pain and suffering.

An iron worker suffered severe facial burns when a piece of hot metal slag flew into an exposed waste oil tank, resulting in an explosion. The victim was transported to the hospital where he underwent multiple lengthy and painful surgical procedures. The matter resulted in a $3.3 million recovery.

A young quarry worker was seriously injured while working on a conveyor belt which malfunctioned. He sustained significant damage ultimately resulting in the amputation of his finger and complete disfigurement of his hand. The matter was litigated for several years before it ultimately resulted in a $1.5 million recovery for the young worker.

A building maintenance worker at an Albany, NY commercial, high-rise office building sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 30% of his body when an electrical cabinet he was asked to disconnect the power from exploded. The victim was transported to the Westchester Medical Center Burn Unit where he underwent a grueling and lengthy series of surgical procedures to treat his injuries. During jury selection, the matter was settled for $3.3 million.