Cellar doors are a ubiquitous aspect of New York City life. As illustrated by a recent tragedy in which a man who apparently fell to his death through a cellar grate at 1281 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn, they can be dangerous – even deadly. Property owners are required to maintain their property in a reasonably…
Read More Cellar Door InjuriesBy now you may have read the open letter by SoHo bartender Laura Ramadei to customer/hedge funder Brian Lederman, chronicling an unpleasant encounter in which Lederman allegedly groped Ms. Ramadei while she was waiting on him and then left her a paltry tip because she rejected his amorous advances. Here’s the Gothamist article about the incident.…
Read More Sexual Harassment by Non-Employee Customers, Clients, and PatronsThe sudden and tragic suicide of Robin Williams has reinvigorated a national discussion about depression and related conditions. What you may not know is that depression sufferers have legal protections in the workplace, specifically if they are treated unfairly because of their medical condition. Various laws – including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990…
Read More Depression as a “Disability” Under the Anti-Discrimination LawsIf you have been injured due to the negligence of a municipal entity (such as the City of New York), you will need to file a document known as a “Notice of Claim” within a fixed deadline after the accident or event in order to protect your rights. Failure to do so may result in dismissal…
Read More What is a “Notice of Claim”?The law requires municipalities, such as New York City, to maintain their streets and highways in a reasonably safe condition for people who use them. However, anyone seeking to recover for personal injuries arising from a defective condition on a New York City “street, highway, bridge, wharf, culvert, sidewalk or crosswalk” must – in addition…
Read More New York City’s “Prior Written Notice” RequirementMotor Vehicle accidents are, unfortunately, a frequent occurrence on New York’s roads. While many factors bear on whether the facts of your case will support a claim for damages, you should keep the following in mind, at least in the immediate (and likely chaotic) aftermath of a motor vehicle accident. Remain at the accident scene. By definition,…
Read More What Should You Do If You Are in a Car Accident?Generally speaking, sexual harassment[1]This discussion is confined to the employment context. is a form of sex-based discrimination typically characterized by unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical sexual conduct. The cause of action for sexual harassment is statutory, and is prohibited (in New York City) by Title VII of the…
Read More What is Sexual Harassment?Snow and ice are common culprits in slip-and-fall cases. If you are injured after slipping and falling on snow, ice, or other debris, you may have a claim for damages. In New York City, Section 16-123 of the New York City Administrative Code dictates when landlords and owners (among others) must remove snow, ice and dirt…
Read More New York City Law Regarding Removal of Snow and IceAn eye-opening Metro article highlights the difficulties faced by victims of domestic violence with respect to obtaining appropriate housing. Victims of domestic violence may also suffer discrimination in the workplace, where its effects can be particularly devastating. As explained by the New York Supreme Court court in Reynolds v. Fraser, decided in 2004: The ability to hold on…
Read More Workplace Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sex Offenses, or Stalking‘Tis the season for company holiday parties, where the awkward mingling with co-workers and the free flow of alcohol can combine to create uncomfortable and humiliating social situations and, in some cases, possible legal liability for discrimination and harassment. Despite various warnings about maintaining professionalism, it seems that every year there are people who embarrass themselves…
Read More Company Holiday Parties, Professionalism, and Discrimination/Sexual Harassment