#United States #New York City #Personal Injury #Gair Gair Conason #Richard Steigman

Richard M. Steigman: Shaping Legal Precedents in NYC

In a recent announcement, Richard M. Steigman, a distinguished partner at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, has been honored with the 2027 Best Lawyers® title of "Lawyer of the Year" for his exceptional work in Personal Injury Litigation for plaintiffs in New York City. This accolade highlights his ongoing commitment to advocating for clients who suffer from serious injuries.

The 'Lawyer of the Year' recognition is awarded based on a lawyer's overall ethical standards and professional excellence. What makes this accolade even more notable is that it is conferred exclusively to one lawyer per practice area within each geographic region, marking a significant achievement within the legal community.

Steigman's latest honor comes on the heels of his critical role as lead trial counsel in the renowned Metro-North Valhalla train crash litigation, which was marked as one of the deadliest incidents in Metro-North Railroad's history. In a landmark case that unfolded over six weeks, Steigman, alongside Managing Partner Ben B. Rubinowitz, successfully showed that Metro-North was 71% liable for the catastrophic collision, with the vehicle's driver holding 29% responsibility. This pivotal jury verdict led to total settlements exceeding $182 million for the victims' families, a testament to Steigman's skillful legal strategy and deep understanding of personal injury law.

In addition to his work on the Valhalla case, Steigman was part of another notable trial team that secured a remarkable $120 million medical malpractice verdict. The case involved a 41-year-old husband and father whose life was devastated due to a serious medical oversight concerning the timely diagnosis and treatment of a basilar artery stroke. This verdict was not just a win for the plaintiff but also ranked as the number one verdict in New York State across all legal practice areas in 2023.

With over two decades of experience, Steigman has built a strong reputation for representing plaintiffs in intricate personal injury and medical malpractice cases. His legal practice encompasses every facet of high-stakes litigation, from thorough case preparation to active participation in trials and appellate processes, serving clients in both state and federal courts in New York.

Steigman's educational background is equally impressive. He graduated with distinction from Hofstra University School of Law, where he not only excelled academically but also contributed as a member of the Hofstra Law Review. His journey with Gair, Gair began prior to earning his law degree; he initially worked as a paralegal for the firm before officially joining as an attorney in 1997 and progressing to partnership.

The acknowledgment of Steigman as the 2027 Best Lawyers® 'Lawyer of the Year' for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in New York City serves as a reflection of his unwavering dedication to fighting for the rights of seriously injured individuals and their families. His consistent track record of obtaining notable verdicts and settlements showcases his profound impact within the legal field, particularly in personal injury law. This continued commitment and his unprecedented ability to navigate the complexities of high-stakes litigation inspire confidence in his clients and respect from his colleagues.

In summary, Richard M. Steigman’s recognition not only serves as a personal achievement but also elevates the reputation of Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf in the legal landscape. As he continues to take on challenging cases, his influence in personal injury litigation will remain a beacon of hope for many facing difficult legal battles.