Greenstein & Pittari Achieves Major Settlement for Client Injured in NYPD Collision
In a significant legal victory, the New York-based personal injury law firm Greenstein & Pittari, LLP has successfully negotiated a million-dollar settlement for a client who suffered severe injuries due to a collision with a New York Police Department (NYPD) vehicle. This case underscores not only the legal firm's dedication to its clients but also the critical issue of accountability within municipal operations.
The plaintiff, a 40-year-old man, sustained serious orthopedic and spinal injuries after his car was struck by an NYPD vehicle that was allegedly operated recklessly. According to documents filed in the New York County Supreme Court (Index No. 158554/2022), the police vehicle was traveling at an excessive speed without using any sirens or emergency lights at the time of the accident. This lack of proper protocol on the part of the law enforcement officer played a pivotal role in the ensuing legal discussions.
The incident occurred while the man was driving legally, when suddenly the police vehicle failed to adhere to traffic regulations and collided with him. The impact was severe enough to necessitate multiple surgeries, including shoulder surgery and a lumbar discectomy. As a result, the man faced not only physical pain but considerable disruption to his everyday life and future employment prospects. Extensive rehabilitation and recovery were required, placing additional strain on his mental and financial well-being.
Insights from Greenstein & Pittari, LLP reveal that thorough investigations during the discovery phase unveiled troubling evidence. The officer operating the police vehicle reportedly ran a red light at a high speed, exposing negligence in the handling of the emergency vehicle. No warning sirens were used to alert the public, further complicating the situation for the victim.
Robert Greenstein, the founding partner of the firm, emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating, "These cases are not just about recovering damages for our clients; they are about ensuring that government entities are held accountable for their actions. It's imperative that public agencies comply with the same rules they enforce." This statement illustrates the firm’s commitment to advocating for victims against governmental negligence.
The settlement reached covers an array of critical damages, including:
- - Medical expenses: Costs associated with surgical interventions, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
- - Lost wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and any future diminished earning potential.
- - Pain and suffering: Acknowledgment of the physical and emotional toll on the victim.
- - Permanent disability: Consideration of any long-term limitations affecting the individual’s lifestyle.
This case sheds light on the challenging landscape of municipal vehicle crashes in New York City, where more than 30,000 city-operated vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, garbage trucks, and buses, are in use daily. Each year, accidents involving these vehicles present unique legal challenges, especially given issues like sovereign immunity and strict deadlines for notice of claims that add layers of complexity to the legal process.
About Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Established as a prominent New York litigation firm, Greenstein & Pittari, LLP specializes in personal injury, municipal liability, and civil rights cases. With a strong presence throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County, the firm has built a reputation for securing substantial compensation for victims affected by negligent government conduct. Known for their legal prowess, the attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari are committed to thorough preparation and an unwavering pursuit of justice, tackling cases ranging from municipal vehicle accidents to wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
For anyone who has faced an injury related to a municipal vehicle or other issues with public employee conduct, Greenstein & Pittari, LLP offers free consultations and a vigorous commitment to defending the rights of individuals against governmental negligence.