The Second Department of the New York Appellate Division has affirmed a $600,000 award for a teenager who was injured in a Brooklyn subway station as a result of a slip and fall. The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA), a part of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), had appealed the decision from a lower court, claiming it was not liable for the slip and fall, and also claiming that the award was excessive. The Second Department disagreed, allowing the decision and the award to stand.… Read the rest
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What Makes Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
On average, approximately 5,000 people die every year as a result of motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This makes motorcycle accidents one of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents, with the risk of fatalities being about twenty-seven times more likely with motorcycles than any other type of vehicle. Why are motorcycles so dangerous, compared to other types of motor vehicles?
Mobileye Begins Testing of Self-Driving Cars in New York City
Mobileye, an Israeli tech company, has begun testing its self-driving cars in New York City. The company is the first to ever successfully test its self-driving cars on New York City streets, and only the second to receive a permit to test those cars. This news comes at a time that more companies are looking to use self-driving technology in their motor vehicles.… Read the rest
Philips Recalls CPAP/BiPAP Machines For Product Defect
Philips Respironics, a major manufacturer of CPAP machines, BiPAP machines, and ventilators, has issued a recall for many of its machines due to a product defect. These devices are used by people with sleep apnea and other breathing-related issues to assist them with breathing more easily. This defect can potentially cause serious health issues for anyone who uses them, and anyone with affected machines should take steps to address the issue with their doctor to seek potential alternatives.… Read the rest
The United States vs. Billie Holiday—The Government’s Crusade Against Billie Holiday and ‘Strange Fruit’
Ira Slavit’s article “The United States vs. Billie Holiday—The Government’s Crusade Against Billie Holiday and ‘Strange Fruit’” was published in the July/August 2021 issue of Nassau Lawyer. In the article, Mr. Slavit examines the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s harassment of jazz singer Billie Holiday and its efforts to stop her from singing the controversial song “Strange Fruit.” The song described the Black lynching victims hanging from a tree. The FBI also knew Ms. Holiday was a heroin addict and would the strict anti-drug laws at the time to have her incarcerated.
Click here to read the article.… Read the rest
Ira Slavit Discusses Increase in Black Driver Deaths on OPEN
Firm Partner Ira Slavit recently appeared on the BronxNetTV show OPEN to discuss how unsafe roads contribute to the deaths of Black drivers. He noted that more people of color were killed behind the wheel during the pandemic, although there were fewer people driving. He also provided advice to those whose loved ones were killed in accidents and told viewers what they should and should not do at the scene of an accident. To view the segment, watch the video below: … Read the rest
Self-Driving Cars Now Required to Report Crashes
In a mandate issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), manufacturers of self-driving cars will be required to report all crashes of those vehicles within 24 hours of them happening. This action comes after a series of high-profile accidents involving self-driving cars, some of which have resulted in injury or death. This is meant to make the process more transparent, as numerous manufacturers are trying to move towards self-driven vehicles.… Read the rest
Seven Most Common Safety Violations on Construction Sites
No industry is cited more often for safety violations than the construction industry. Unsurprisingly, construction sites are also among the most dangerous places to work in the United States, accounting for more workplace accidents than any other industry. Here are the seven most common safety violations that contribute to accidents on construction sites:… Read the rest
Insurer Must Defend NYC in Central Park Accident Suit
The New York Appellate Division, First Department, has ruled that Travellers, the major insurance company, must defend New York City in a personal injury suit that was brought against it. Travellers had been trying to avoid being entangled in the case, saying that they had no responsibility to defend the city in the suit. However, the court ruled that the contractor’s insurance policy also covered the City, meaning the insurer must defend the City in court.… Read the rest
Ira Slavit Says Better Roads Need to Be Built in Communities of Color to Reduce Number of Black Driver Deaths
During the pandemic, fewer people were on the roads, yet the number of traffic deaths went up. For Black drivers, the death rate was much higher, citing the configuration of unsafe roads that can be found in communities of color. Ira Slavit, Partner, Levine & Slavit PLLC, says local, state and federal governments must work together to improve these roadways to reduce the number of fatalities among Black drivers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the 38,680 people who were killed in crashes last year, 7,494 were Black. Even though total overall deaths were up 7% … Read the rest
