New York Injury Lawyers Blog

A Brooklyn (NYC) jury returned a $10 million verdict in favor of an 80 year-old female, Josephine Pantano, who sustained a fractured neck and a fractured leg in a motor vehicle accident in May 2007. Both plaintiff and defendant motorist contended that the other ran a red light causing the collision. The jury sided with the plaintiff.

The verdict included $5 million for future pain and suffering and $2 million for future medical expenses. The defense argued that not only did Pantano cause the accident, but that she is now completely healed.

Website Resource:

VerdictSearch.com, June 3, 2010.

According to a May 12, 2010 Journal News report by Leslie Korngold, a Rye Police Officer, Angelina Santo, was injured in a car accident when her cruiser was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Boston Post Road and Purdy Avenue. Officer Santo was reportedly struck from behind by a Lexus RX330 SUV at approximately 3:50 p.m.

The officer was treated at Greenwich Hospital for back and neck pain and released.

The driver of the SUV was not injured. Local police reported that an accident report had not been completed. Officer Santo is expected to miss a few weeks of work due to her injuries.

At least 4 more New York personal injury claims remain open regarding the catastrophic Staten Island Ferry crash in 2003. In the most recent case involving the crash, plaintiff AnnaMarie Trombetta, a painter, was awarded $813,480 by a Federal Judge in Brooklyn (NYC) Federal Court.

After a five-day bench trial, the judge's ruling surprised City lawyers who had offered Trombetta a mere $100,000 to settle her case. Trombetta's sustained injuries to her back, neck, arm and shoulder. In addition, she claimed to have suffered tremendous pain and suffering.

The judge explained his decision by stating, "The plaintiff has established that she has suffered a real loss of ability to enjoy the pleasures of life as a result of the crash." 162 victims of the crash have already been paid $67 million in settlements.

Website Resources:

Judge grants Staten Island ferry crash victim Annamarie Trombetta a surprising $813G, Daily News, John Marzulli, January 1, 2010.

Leslie Korngold of the Journal News reports that 2 pedestrians were struck by a vehicle in front of the Greenburgh Police Department earlier today. The man and woman were crossing Tarrytown Road at approximately 9 am. They were reportedly crossing the street near Hillside Avenue where there is no crosswalk.

Immediately after the collision, they were transported to Westchester Medical Center for treatment of their respective injuries. Both pedestrians suffered injuries to the back and neck. The man was going in and out of consciousness.

The driver of the vehicle refused medical attention. The pedestrian accident is currently under investigation. The names of the parties involved have not yet been released.