Attorney Nicholas E. Tzaneteas has long been a vocal advocate for injury victims’ rights. As one of the leading personal injury law firms in New York City, the Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas has helped thousands of people recover financial compensation for their injuries. 

His efforts have been recognized by the New York Law Journal’s (NYLJ) Top Verdicts & Settlements for 2019, a special annual edition published by NYLJ to showcase outstanding achievements in the legal profession.

Nicholas E. Tzaneteas: top three verdicts awarded 

In the 9^th Annual Edition of Top Verdicts & Settlements as reported to VerdictSearch by ALM, Nicholas E. Tzaneteas was recognized for three results in the overall Top 25 Verdicts and Settlements in NYC. The three results are:

#1 in Workplace/#12 Overall – in the case against Consolidated Edison Company of New York, a police officer was injured when a manhole cover maintained by Consolidated Edison exploded under his parked patrol cruiser. The officer experienced considerable pain and disability and has been unable to work. A jury in Queens County determined that the officer’s injuries caused by the negligence of Consolidated Edison, warranted a $17,480,000.00 verdict.

#13 in Settlements (Tie) – in this case, our client received injuries to the spine, head, and limbs in an automobile accident. After negotiation with defense attorneys and insurance companies, a settlement of $4,750,000.00 was granted to the injury victim.

#17 in Settlements – in this case against Carroll Musical Instruments Rentals, LLC and Mario E. Tzul, the victim claimed that he received injuries in a minor vehicle collision between his passenger car and a truck operated by the defendant. The case was filed in Kings County. Eventually, a settlement of $3,250,000.00 was reached.

About The Law Offices of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas

For over two decades, attorney Nicholas E. Tzaneteas has provided his legal expertise and his award-winning compassion to help injury victims. Through his efforts, injured individuals and their family members have been able to recover millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. The Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas serves the five boroughs of New York City. 

The firm specializes in the representation of victims who have been injured or killed through the actions, inaction, or negligence of others. Both inside and out of the courtroom, the firm’s expert legal guidance and support has provided closure for thousands of injury victims and their loved ones. Nicholas E. Tzaneteas has been recognized by Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Association for his work.

Construction sites are a ubiquitous sight throughout the five boroughs of New York City. NYC is under constant change, with new buildings going up, old buildings coming down, historic buildings being remodeled, and roads created or improved. Because there is so much construction at any given time in NYC, construction accidents are common. In this guide, we will provide tips on how to prevent construction accidents from an experienced construction attorney in the state of New York.

Each year, thousands of construction workers and innocent bystanders are injured on or around construction sites. On average, nearly 20 construction workers die each year. Knowing how to prevent construction accidents can protect against these tragic losses. Here’s how. 

Construction-Related Injuries and Deaths: Common Causes

Construction can take many forms on NYC streets. A construction site may be simple, with only basic equipment and personnel present. Other construction sites are sprawling and utilize heavy machinery, cranes, and hundreds of workers. Common sources of construction accident injuries include:

• Slip and fall hazards
• Crushing injuries such as workers being pinned by machinery
• Falling hazards from overhead objects or equipment
• Overuse injuries
• Vehicle crashes
• Equipment malfunctions

In nearly every case, severe injuries or deaths can be avoided. Construction workers are entitled to safe workplaces; in NYC, construction site managers are responsible for identifying and eliminating common hazards to protect workers and passersby from injury. Unfortunately, neglect or negligence often results in worker injury or even death.

Top 4 Ways to Prevent Construction Accidents

With the high potential of a serious or fatal construction accident in NYC, how can these incidents be prevented? There are four best practices that must be implemented:

Identifying and removing common hazards before they can cause injury.

Common hazards include loose surfaces or slippery work areas, debris, dangling wires or cables, overhead objects, and confined workspaces. By locating and removing hazards, construction accident rates plummet.

Ensuring access to and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Construction workers should be equipped with PPE, which may include hardhats, gloves, crush- and slip-resistant footwear, protective coveralls, and respirators. Construction managers must be sure workers have adequate protection available and that workers don this protection before conducting work.

Eliminating fire and electricity hazards.

Construction sites often contain power lines, electrical junctions, and flammable materials. Turning off power to certain portions of the site can prevent shock hazards for workers. Overhead power lines should be marked or relocated to prevent machinery from contacting them. Finally, clearing flammable or explosive materials away from work areas can prevent burns and property damage resulting from fires.

Implementing safety-oriented workplace cultures.

Construction site managers and property owners have an obligation to provide safe workplaces for their employees. One of the best ways to prevent workplace injuries is to provide workers with safety-oriented training and practices. Training should be ongoing and conducted whenever new equipment or procedures are added to the site. New employees must also receive training on safe workplace practices before reporting for duty. A safety-oriented workplace has been shown to reduce injuries and the expenses associated with injury claims. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, the Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas can help. We have worked with injury victims and their families throughout New York City, and our talented attorneys fight to help you recover financial compensation for your injuries. Call today by dialing (833) 689-3476 for a free consultation.

New York City’s streets are notorious for being chaotic, congested places. Thousands of motor vehicles take to the city’s highways and byways every minute of each day. Add in pedestrians, cyclists, delivery vans, and construction vehicles and it is easy to see why becoming involved in an accident in NYC is all too common.

If you are struck by a car in NYC, you may not know what to do and where to turn for help. In this guide, we’ll share with you the steps you need to take if you are involved in a car accident, if and when to contact an attorney, and much more.  

Car Accidents in NYC: Statistics

In NYC, car accidents are so common that it becomes a “when, not if” scenario for City residents. According to statistics compiled by the City of New York Police Department (NYPD), over 225,000 car accidents occurred in 2018. On average, 19,000 car accidents occur each month on city streets, or about two every minute. 

The New York State Health Department offers an even grimmer look at car accidents. Data compiled by the Health Department shows that on average:

• There are more than 90 accident-related deaths every month in NYC.
• Each month, about 11,000 people visit the emergency room due to injuries sustained in car accidents.
• Car crashes are the 4^th most common cause of death in the state of New York.

Being involved in a car crash can have devastating effects. Injuries often require expensive medical treatment and can result in the inability to work. If a person were to die due to a car accident, the victim’s family members are left with a tragic loss, not to mention expenses associated with funerals and lost earning potential. 

I Have Been Hit By a Car in NYC. What Should I Do?

If you are struck by a car in an accident – either as a motorist, bike rider, or pedestrian – there are steps you need to take to protect yourself and your rights. First, seek medical attention immediately. The severity of an injury may not become apparent until hours or even days after a car accident. Medical professionals can help stabilize your injuries and get you on the road to recovery.

Next, call the police. Police reporting is a critical step in protecting your rights. If the car crash was caused through no fault of your own, you will need a police report to file an insurance claim. This documentation is also incredibly valuable if you wish to file a lawsuit against those responsible for your injuries and property damage.

Contact a NY Accident Attorney

Finally, it is important to preserve your rights by calling an experienced NYC car accident lawyer. The Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas has worked with accident victims throughout the five boroughs of NYC. Your attorney can advise you of your rights, assist with filing claims, and represent you in lawsuits against responsible parties. With the help of experienced attorney Nicholas E. Tzaneteas, you may be eligible for significant financial compensation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, call (833) 689-3476 for a free consultation. 

It’s important for you to know that you are entitled to a safe work environment. Most take that for granted, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost three million cases of nonfatal illnesses and injuries related to the victim’s work reported to private insurance. You also entitled to safe practices when you put yourself in the hands of trained medical professionals and yet, The National Safety Council estimates that in 2016, almost 45 million injuries and more than 160,000 preventable deaths were attributed to causes like medical malpractice. Collectively along with slip and fall and motor vehicle accidents, these injuries fall under an area of the law known as personal injury law.

Common Personal Injury Cases

While personal injury cases can cover an incredibly varied number of incidents, there are a few broad categories under which many of them can be placed. Motor vehicle accidents (PDF), for example, are perhaps the most common type of personal injury case in the United States. These accidents can be smaller accidents that end with a dented vehicle and small medical issues, and then they can be huge, multi-vehicle crashes that lead to catastrophic injury and even death. Some of the other most common types of personal injury cases include:

• Medical Malpractice
• Wrongful Death
• Product Liability
• Assault
• Workplace Accidents

Common Personal Injury Settlements

Personal injury victims might wonder exactly how they can expect their compensation to be structured. In general, there are two categories of damages in personal injury claims – punitive and compensatory. Compensatory damages, as the name implies, are generally intended to compensate the victim for the damages that they have suffered. These damages can include things like loss of earnings, medical bills, the projected loss of future earning power, the projected cost of future medical help, household expenses. They might also cover things like mental anguish, pain and suffering, and a loss of companionship or consortium. Compensatory damages are the most common kind of settlement awarded in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are awarded specifically to punish the at-fault individual for specific kinds of behavior such as sexual assault, aggravated battery, or fraudulent behavior.

Every Case is Different

In general, the severity and type of injuries you have suffered will determine your payout, however, no two cases are the same. Due to the incredibly nuanced nature of personal injury claims, it is impossible to offer a guaranteed payout of any specific amount. With that said, experienced attorneys are able to determine whether they believe a particular personal injury claim is viable and would stand up in court.

At The Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzanetas, we’ve had years of experience in gathering evidence, researching and trying cases involving personal injury for our clients. We understand personal injury law. We’re dedicated to our clients and work hard to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. As a result, we’ve secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients in monetary awards that have ranged from$300,000 to $6,894,123. We have the experience you need. Contact us today at 833.689.3476 for more information.

According to New York’s Department of Health, as many as 8,000 New Yorkers lose their lives every year as a result of being injured, and over 155,000 individuals are severely injured and hospitalized annually. Personal injury might not be something that people think about daily, but it is a major threat that could impact the average New Yorker, including Brooklyn, at any time.

Rising Risk

Statistics from the aforementioned New York Department of Health shows that while personal injury deaths remain fairly steady in the past, they have been increasing over the past few years. The rate of death due to personal injury in the state of New York sits at around 41 individuals per 100,000 people, and the current rate of hospitalizations as a result of personal injury is 823 individuals per 100,000 people. The latter constitutes about one percent of the state’s population, and it should be noted that these numbers only reflect individuals who were severely injured enough to be hospitalized, and does not include all individuals who were treated at a hospital or emergency room as a result of their injuries.

The Importance of Representation

Because personal injury is such a significant risk in New York, it is incredibly important to understand the rights that victims have. A Brooklyn attorney with years of experience in this area, Nicholas Tzaneteas dedicates his time to passionately defending his clients with personal injury claims. He handles all types of cases, including those involving:

Dog Bites
Police Brutality
Premises Liability
Construction Accidents
Medical Malpractice
Automobile Accidents
Truck Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents
Train Accidents
Slips and Falls
Ceiling Collapses

More than being familiar with these kinds of cases, Tzaneteas has proven his skill time and time again in the results he gets for his clients with serious injuries. He secured a $900,000 settlement for a client who was the victim of a car accident, and a $1,997,776 verdict for another client also injured in a car accident. The latter case went to trial and the jury ultimately found the trucking company in question 100% at-fault for the accident. Tzaneteas has also secured $6,894,132 for his client, a student, who was injured by a ceiling collapse in a residential building.

Personal injury victims are often reticent to reach out for help, however seeking legal advice is exactly what you need to do. With rising injury rates in New York placing many individuals at risk, it is more important than ever for citizens to seek legal representation. Experienced Brooklyn attorney Nicholas Tzaneteas has the skills needed to help ensure personal injury victims are properly compensated in the five boroughs. Reach out to him today at 833.689.3476.

Brooklyn is home to many dwellings and apartment buildings built before 1978, when the laws regarding lead paint were changed. If you or a loved one has been exposed to lead paint or lead in other materials, you know it can be traumatizing and difficult to deal with. Even though the Federal government banned lead paint in residential homes, multiple layers of paint remain in homes built before 1978 and lead poisoning has also been reported when homes containing lead-based paint are remodeled or renovated without proper precautions being taken.

Bringing about a lead poisoning lawsuit requires experienced Brooklyn lead paint attorneys who understand these cases. At the Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas, we will investigate the case, help gather and review all evidence, and make sure a qualified inspector determines the source of the lead paint or lead chips which caused the poisoning of your child, as well as speak to medical professionals and do all the research needed for your case.

Landlords and homeowners may try to avoid taking responsibility for their negligence in many ways. They can deny that they knew there were kids living on the premises, or deny that they knew of the lead paint on the walls, or they may even try to claim that the child’s medical issues are a result of something other than lead paint, and shift the blame. We are here to make sure the right person or entity is held responsible for this crime.

Adults with Lead Poisoning are more likely to have:

• Reduced sperm count or abnormal sperm
• Difficulties with pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth
• Headaches
• Mood disorders
• Digestive issues
• High blood pressure needing medications
• Nerve issues
• Muscle and joint pain
• Concentration issues, as well as memory problems

Lead poisoning is even more dangerous to young children under six and expectant mothers. If a pregnant woman is exposed to or ingested lead paint, they are more likely to have difficulty with pregnancy, miscarriages, stillbirths, or have an infant born prematurely, with lower birth weight, or slowed growth. These results are dramatic and scary and can cause lifelong problems for these children.

If you believe you have been exposed to lead paint, you should contact a lead exposure lawyer who can help you navigate the justice system and find out who is at fault for your condition.

Lead Poisoning Symptoms in Children:

• Developmental delays
• Learning difficulties
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Sluggishness and fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Hearing loss
• Seizures
• Eating things, such as paint chips or paper, which are not food (known as pica)

Medical professionals in New York, especially pediatricians, are required to test kids for the presence of lead in their systems, watch out for symptoms of lead poisoning, and give parents and caregivers advice on what to look for and how to recognize those symptoms themselves, as well as potential risk factors. Healthcare providers can fail to administer these required tests or could forget to give advice or preventative information to caregivers, or may even fail to accurately diagnose and treat lead poisoning. These healthcare professionals may be at least partly liable.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is no “safe” level of lead exposure for children. Even a low level of this neurotoxin in their blood can lead to lower IQ levels, hurt their ability to pay attention, and can affect their academic achievement throughout their life. Unfortunately, the effects of lead exposure cannot be cured. Prevention is key.

How To Protect Against Lead Paint?

• If you live in a house or apartment building built before 1978, have your home inspected by a licensed lead inspector and cleared for safety.
• If you believe your child might be exposed, use wet paper towels to clean up lead dust, especially around windows, play areas, and the flooring.
• Wash yours and your child’s hands often, and wash their toys with soap and water.
• If you suspect cracking or peeling paint has lead in it, use contact paper or duct tape to cover the chipping paint until you can have it inspected and removed.
• Always keep pregnant women and small children away from home renovations, which can produce toxic dust. Also, be sure you are using licensed workers who are trained in lead safety.

Lead is found in more than just paint. Other than paint, products and substances that commonly contain lead are some household and renovation dust, ceramics, home remedies, some hair dyes, some cosmetics, candy and toys made overseas, and lead can be found in some work, such as auto refinishing, construction, and plumbing.

Some Important Lead Paint Facts:

• Lead poisoning is caused by both swallowing and even breathing in lead.
• Children under 6 years old are most at risk for lead poisoning.
• Lead can cause serious learning and behavior problems in children, including slowing down growth and development, damaging hearing and speech, and making it more difficult for the child to pay attention and learn.
• Most children get lead poisoning from lead paint in homes built before 1978. The dust from cracking and peeling paint is so small it often cannot be seen, but is ingested.
• A lead test performed by a doctor is the only real way to know if someone has lead poisoning. Many children exposed to lead to not look, act, or feel “sick.”
• Exposure to lead can also occur from water, when lead pipes carrying the water corrode and the lead leaches into the water and becomes your drinking water.

One important reason you require a qualified lead exposure lawyer in Brooklyn is because we understand that lead poisoning in New York is governed under Local Law 1 of 2004, which is “a comprehensive law concerning the prevention of childhood lead poisoning through the remediation of lead paint hazards in housing.” And all that law entails in relation to your ongoing difficulties after being exposed to the neurotoxins in lead.

If you or your child has been exposed, you need the best Brooklyn lead paint lawyer, and here at the Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas, you will get the care and compassion you deserve during this difficult time in your life. We will help you receive compensation for all medical expenses, physical, speech, and occupational therapies, lost wages, disability, and to cover your pain and suffering.

We’ve all heard of personal injury attorneys, but until you need one, not many of us have any experience in working with one and exactly what an experienced attorney can do for you.

At the Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas we feel it’s important to know as much as you can about the attorney/client experience so that you can make informed decisions when and if the time arises when you or someone you love needs the help of a legal professional.

Our Brooklyn lawyers are experienced in every aspect of personal injury law, including:

• Automobile Accidents
• Ceiling Collapses
• Construction Accidents
• Dog Bites
• Medical Malpractice
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Police Brutality
• Premise Liability
• Truck Accidents
• Train Accidents
• Uber and Lyft Accidents

 

The most common damages in lawsuits are:

• Medical bills and expenses, including future care and treatment
• Temporary or permanent rehabilitation costs
• Costs of physical and occupational therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of career or lost future wages
• Permanent injury or disability
• Home and vehicle modifications (such as wheelchair ramps and lifts)
• Mental anguish and emotional duress

Some of the most common reasons you may need a lawyer in Brooklyn include auto accidents and premise liability accidents. Premise Liability is the liability a landowner has for injuries and accidents which occur on their property, which they are required by law to keep safe and properly maintained for all people. This is especially true for properties with people living in them. Landlords have a responsibility to keep apartments in good repair, including all stairs and railings, providing ample lighting, and protecting residents from mold and water damage.

 

Here are a few Premise Liability cases we have won for our clients:

• Our client was a 21-year-old male who was walking down the sidewalk when he tripped and fell over an area that was completely missing a sewer grate, hurting his right leg and lower back. Even after months of treatment, he required surgery on his lower back and then additional rehabilitation. He ended up being permanently disabled due to his injuries. A jury in Brooklyn found that the City of New York was responsible for the incident and our client was awarded $4,935,000 in compensation.
• Our client was an unemployed male who tripped and fell on a broken step, causing a serious lower back injury. The injury required spinal surgery and the case settled for $1,800,000 at trial covering our client’s medical bills and treatments.
• Our client was working in a building when he slipped and fell and hurt his legs. As a direct result, our client had to undergo three separate surgeries and eventually was unable to return to work. He was awarded $800,000 to cover his medical expenses, ongoing care, and lost wages.
• Our client was a 58-year-old female. She was walking down the stairwell in her apartment building, when she tripped and fell, injuring her leg. A jury found the landlord responsible for the disrepair and our client was awarded $380,000 for her medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Another common type of accident in Brooklyn are automobile and truck accidents. According to the New York State Department of Health, there are about 1100 deaths on average every single year due to automobile accidents. This kills 5.6 out of every 100,000 New Yorkers. When you or a loved one has been involved in a car or truck accident in Brooklyn, you need a lawyer who understands the law and knows who and what is liable in different types of cases.

Here are a few Auto Accident cases we have won:

• Our client, a 58-year-old female bus driver, was hit head-on by another vehicle and sustained injuries to her neck, lower back, shoulder, and knee. She has become permanently disabled and has had to undergo four separate surgeries so far. She was unable to return to work. She was awarded $4,300,000 in compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and more.
• Our client, a 49-year-old woman, was in the passenger seat of a car which was hit by a box truck. As a result of the accident, our client had significant neck, back, and shoulder pain. She went to the Emergency Room for treatment, and had to start physical therapy. It was not successful and our client ended up with an aggravated neck condition and had a cervical fusion and surgery on her shoulder. A Brooklyn jury found the trucking company 100% responsible for the accident and awarded our client $2,000,000 for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
• Our client was a 50-year-old man who was driving his vehicle and was rear-ended by another car. As a result of the accident, he had injuries to his lower back, hip, and knee. After therapy and treatment failed to fix his injuries, he had to undergo a lower back fusion and separate hip surgery to repair the damaged ligaments. He was eventually able to return to work. After four days of testimony in court, the case settled for $1,953,102 in our client’s favor.

Medical malpractice is a another area of expertise at our firm.  Medical malpractice cases usually fall into one of several types, such as negligence, failure to diagnose, surgical errors, and errors with medications and prescriptions. When making a claim against a doctor or healthcare professional, we must be able to prove not only that the error happened, but that it caused you harm or injury. There are typically multiple people or parties involved in these cases. Birth injuries such as Erb’s Palsy, Cerebral Palsy, and brain damage are also included in medical malpractice. Having an effective and experienced Brooklyn attorney on your side to help you navigate the complicated and nuanced world of medical malpractice cases is extremely important.

In New York City, construction accidents are a huge concern because of the frequency with which they happen. Construction is considered the second most dangerous job in America, with mining coming in first. Construction workers are the backbone of New York, working to repair and beautify our city at all hours and in all weather.

When you are injured in a preventable accident on the construction site, you deserve to be compensated for your medical treatments and any lost wages you incur while recovering. Negligence is a serious offense, and if you are injured as a result of someone else’s recklessness, ignorance, or negligence, we are going to help you get what you deserve from the person or company responsible.

One of our most recent cases involved injuries our client sustained after falling off of a ladder while at work on a construction site. When he fell, he severely injured his wrist and re-injured a prior back injury. He ended up having multiple wrist surgeries and surgery to his lower back, and is now permanently disabled. We were able to settle his case for $2,250,000 in our client’s favor, which will pay for medical bills, ongoing treatment, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

What are the most common types of on-the-job construction site accidents?

• Falling from ladders, including defective ones.
• Falling from or being injured on scaffolding from defective or insufficient equipment and supplies.
• Falling through gaps in floors, unmarked or uncovered holes.
• Failure to provide or provide adequate safety equipment and materials.
• Injuries in, around, or from aerial lifts – very dangerous pieces of equipment!
• Electrical accidents, such as those due to faulty wiring, failure to shut off power to areas where electricians are working, or other defective or malfunctioning equipment.
• Accidents involving heavy machinery, such as forklifts, cranes, and more.

 

No matter where you have been injured or what type of injury you sustained, it is important to get in touch with an experienced Brooklyn attorney immediately who can assess your case and fight for your right to receive fair compensation for  your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, ongoing therapies, and more.

Contact Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas to get the best lawyer in Brooklyn on your side.