The Impossibility of Citizenship

Does citizenship provide both the explanation and the answer to the subordination of the Native American, alien and Puerto Rican communities in America? more...>

Rocco ordered out of the Restaurant

After a two day hearing, Judge Gammerman barred  Rocco DiSpirito from entering his namesake eatery. Rocco claims that he is a 50-50 partner in the restaurant with Jeffrey Chodorow.  However, Mr. Chodorow cites that there is no partnership agreement between the two.  Mr. Chodorow claims that he has lost $4.7 million in the venture and may close the restaurant. 

Plaintiff's more successful in sudden acceleration suits

An article in this week's Lawyers Weekly discusses the success of plaintiff's lawyers against the car companies in sudden or unintended acceleration lawsuits. Plaintiff lawyers have brought more of the these suits, with increased success, since the proliferation of electronic cruise control systems. more...>

New York City toughens strategy to cut tort liability costs

Crain's New York reports today that Corporation Counsel, the legal arm of the City of New York, have been attempting to cut its tort liability costs.   The results of the new strategy has been mixed.  The number of cases that are going to trial have declined to 136, compared to 210 the previous year.  The City is now settling more cases before trial.  The City is also subcontracting more of its legal work out to more outside counsel.

Recent jury changes have helped the City reduce its liability.  The courts' elimination of all professional exemptions from jury service, and the crackdown on no-shows, is changing the makeup of many juries--often in the city's favor.

In lead paint poisoning cases, it has become harder to sue the City of New York for its perfomance of its inspectors in failing to detect lead paint.

However, the gains are small given the size of the lawsuits brought against the City.  There are currently 36,500 lawsuits pending against the City.

US Immigration Services launches Infopass to New York City Residents

Many of my immigration clients have complained of spending the night waiting in line for hours in front of 26 Federal Plaza in New York City for immigration information.  The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service has announced a new service called Infopass.  According to a press release, the public can go online and schedule a date and time to meet with an officer, without the need for waiting on line.  Information on the specifics of Infopass can be found here.

Ford to add anti-rollover system in response to lawsuits

The Detroit News reports that Ford is adding and anti-rollover system to its 2005 Explorer model.  The move comes as the company has been a target for  SUV lawsuits.  Nationwide, dozens of cases involving Explorer rollovers are before the courts. Last month, a jury slapped Ford with a record $386 million verdict in an Explorer case.

 

Is your car subject to a recall? Try the NHTSA

Ever wonder if you car is subject to a recall?  Try the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website.  The site has a recalls search engine that allows searches of the NHTSA Recall Campaigns by single year, make or model. As an option, Vehicle Component may be selected to help narrow the focus of the search.

The number of children killed in driveway accidents surged 57 percent last year

The number of children killed in driveway accidents surged 57 percent last year.  Kids and Cars and Consumers Union said large blind spots in popular trucks and SUVs contributed to many of the 91 deaths.  more...>

Federal auto safety regulators aim to curb car accidents

Federal auto safety regulators — seeking to reverse a troubling rise in highway deaths — are shifting their focus from mandates that allow occupants to survive crashes to emerging technology that will help drivers avoid deadly accidents altogether.  Some are worried collision protection will suffer.  more...>

Ten year old child killed in a car accident on Long Island

The New York Post reports that a ten year old girl was killed last night in a car operated by her mother when a silver car came into contact with her vehicle at the intersection of Coram Mount Sinai Road and County Route 83 in Mount Sinai, Long Island at about 5:30 p.m.
 
 

Thinking of having your will prepared? How about an ethical one?

Do you want your loved ones to know about your family history?  Have you made certain decisions about your estate, such as donating a portion of it to charity? Do you have a vision for your heirs' use of their inheritance?  How about an ethical will?  more...>

 

... or contact my law office at 212-233-0666.

Blawgs of the day

Two new blawgs of interest: Lawyernews (thanks to Ernie the attorney) and Pointoflaw (thanks to New York Civil Law)

Are the Republicans at war with trial lawyers?

Is John Edwards an economy-draining, ambulance-chasing social pariah, as Republicans and big business claim? more...>

The Science of Reconstructing Car Accidents

Using the law of physics in reverse, can the reconstruction of accidents show whether a driver was using a cell phone? more...>