Homeowners & Natural Disasters

ARE HOMEOWNERS LIABLE FOR NATURAL DISASTER INJURIES?

It’s hurricane season in New York and some Long Islanders were hit with a small storm last night. Storms, hurricanes, tornadoes could have an impact on homeowners. Natural disasters don’t wait until everyone is safe in their home or a public building to strike. You could be enjoying time with friends at their house or need to take shelter during travels. If you suffer an injury at someone else’s home or property, you may wonder how you will pay for medical bills, the cost of rehabilitation and time off from work. The Sanders Firm is here to help.

Homeowner’s Insurance and Natural Disasters

Natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning strikes, severe storms, floods and earthquakes, are considered natural disasters. No one can foresee or prevent the damage caused by these occurrences. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance are the first two places many individuals look after a natural disaster, but these two forms of insurance may only offer limited coverage after a natural disaster.

All insurance policies are negotiated using a “standard risk measurement.” Natural disasters often fall outside of those categories, and some homeowner’s insurance policies may not cover any injuries or damage associated with the disaster. Every insurance policy varies slightly. Homeowners should look closely to see what types of damage and injuries are covered after a natural disaster.

Many insurance companies do not cover flood damage, and others may limit the amount of compensation a policyholder or injured individual can collect. Both residents and guests who suffer during an incident may find some financial relief from these types of insurances, but it may not fully cover the associated costs.

When a Homeowner or Third Party Is Liable for a Visitor’s Injuries

Proving homeowner or third party liability after a natural disaster is difficult but not impossible and that is why you will need a skilled attorney to help. The Sanders Firm understands these cases and the responsibilities of property owners and insurance companies. Property owners are required to reasonably address foreseeable hazards in and around the home. When they fail to do so or to warn visitors of the hazard, they are liable for any resulting injuries. For instance, if a friend comes over for dinner and a heavy wind gust in a storm knocks a tree over, hurting the individual, the homeowner may be liable. If the tree was dead or a hazard prior to the weather event, injury liability is the responsibility of the property owner.

An injured individual may also hold a product manufacturer or a construction/installation company liable for an injury in some cases. For example, if a wooden beam falls in a garage during a hurricane and a subsequent investigation shows the beam was not reinforced according to building code, the construction crew may shoulder the responsibility for any resulting injuries.

How The Sanders Firm Can Help

If you suffer an injury after a hurricane, tornado, flood, or other natural disaster on someone else’s property in New York State, you may have access to compensation through a homeowner’s insurance policy. In addition to helping you investigate the proximal cause of your injury, here’s how we can help:

• The Sanders Firm will represent you during a lawsuit – In conjunction with negotiation with insurance providers, The Sanders Firm will likely pursue an alternative case to prove negligence on the part of a homeowner or a third party.

New Yorkers need to know that after a natural disaster, you may need a skilled, compassionate attorney to help secure compensation and defend your rights. The Sanders Firm has successfully handled these types of cases for over 50 years and will make sure that you do not suffer with the consequences of an injury that was out of your control. Our team will help you determine the right course of action to secure the treatment and compensation you deserve.

Contact The Sanders Firm at 1.800.FAIR.PLAY

https://patch.com/new-york/threevillage/s/givj4/small-tornado-hits-long-island-area?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_term=weather&utm_campaign=alert

https://www.newsday.com/news/weather/long-island-weather-wednesday-1.21407915

https://thesandersfirm.com/property-damage-and-business-losses-from-hurricane-sandy/

Lead Found In NYC Tap Water

Just a few days ago, The Sanders Firm shared information on contaminated water on Long Island. Today, a new report was released by The NYC Independent Budget and states that Riverdale is one of the neighborhoods with high levels of lead in the tap water.

According to the Department of Environmental Protection's website, the city monitors a selection of homes that have lead service lines, fixtures or solders. The department also says it adds phosphoric acid, a common food preservative, to the water that reduces the release of lead from household plumbing.

However, The DEC has expressed their own concerns and has offered these tips to protect the public:

• It's costly but property owners should replace their lead pipes.

-According to the study, there are currently no requirements to mandate removal of plumbing materials in private buildings, regardless of the lead concentration in the water.

• Run tap water until its cold. Use cold water for drinking, cooking and baby formula.
• Do not boil water to remove lead, and make sure to clean faucet screens.
• Test water frequently. You can receive a free lead testing kit to anyone who requests one.

The study shows that lead levels in tap water have been trending down, and the issue is only affecting a small percentage of small, old buildings.

The City provides guides for tenants and landlords about Local Law 1. Local Law 1 of 2004 is a comprehensive law concerning the prevention of childhood lead poisoning through the fixing of lead paint hazards in housing and day care facilities.

Click here for the guide: https://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/service/1952/lead-law-guide

The brochure Fix Lead Paint Hazards: What Landlords Must Do and Every Tenant Should Know explains landlord responsibilities, rules for repairs which may disturb lead paint, and tips to prevent lead poisoning.

For the @News12 story click here: http://bronx.news12.com/story/39180950/dec-offers-tips-after-lead-in-nyc-water-study

Everyone is entitled to have clean, safe water. The presence of lead in New York City drinking water is caused by corrosion, a reaction between the water and the metallic pipes or solder. When water comes in contact with plumbing that contains lead, the lead can be absorbed into the water. No matter where your drinking water comes from, it can become contaminated.

It takes a substantial amount of resources for a law firm to go up against property owners, management companies, large corporations or municipalities who are harming people. The Sanders Firm has a history of helping people and successful battles. As a nationally recognized law firm, The Sanders Firm has been dedicated to holding irresponsible parties accountable for over 50 years. If you suspect lead in your water or contamination and need legal advice, please call 1.800.FAIR.PLAY or visit our website: www.TheSandersFirm.com

Extensive Resources Can Produce A Better Outcome

Jane Doe is a 47 year old female who was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street to get to work. Interesting facts:

·       This is a Worker's Compensation case even though she wasn’t technically on the clock because her employer requires her to park in the parking lot across the street. Since she was injured crossing the street to get to work it is an “on the job” injury.

·       We determined that the defendant lied at her EBT about looking both ways before turning prior to striking our client who was a pedestrian crossing the street. We refuted this with surveillance video we obtained soon after the accident occurred (and prior to it being destroyed as many of these videos are only kept a week or 2 then taped over). Investigation is integral in proving liability.

·       Client sustained serious injuries including tears in her hips, knees, shoulder, neck and back injuries requiring implantation of a spinal cord stimulator. These costs were in excess of the $100,000 policy that the carrier offered to tender.

·       We did not immediately accept the tender. The Sanders Firm continued to investigate and persisted to determine if there were other applicable policies and were finally able to ascertain that there is an additional coverage of $250,000 with a $4 million dollar umbrella. 

The case is not yet settled but The Sanders Firm attorneys feel confident about the outcome. The client is now contemplating back surgery which will only add to the expenses and health issues. One of the primary factors in determining the value of the case is the the amount of medical bills incurred from the date of the accident until the time of settlement. These developments can continue for years. These cases can require large sums of money to prosecute. Few firms have these resources which can force them to settle cases too early, or for less than they are worth.

The Sanders Firm has been representing people for over 50 years and has a team of over 50 professionals. The large support of our attorneys, legal assistants, administrators, investigators and retained experts can result in a better outcome than a smaller firm with less resources.

If you need a powerful team of professionals who care, contact The Sanders Firm: 1.800.FAIR.PLAY

For verdicts and settlements read here:

https://thesandersfirm.com/verdicts-settlements/

Complex Pharmaceutical Litigation

New York Injury Attorneys

The injury lawyers at the Sanders Firm are experienced in complex pharmaceutical litigation against the big drug manufacturers and handle dangerous drug lawsuits cases nationwide.

The latest CDC report states that nearly 50% of Americans used at least one prescription drug during the last month. In 2012, nationwide spending on these medications totaled over $325 billion. Drug makers have been found in court to have minimized these side effects in order to get approval to sell to consumers, without regard to the risk. If you have been injured by a dangerous drug, call The Sanders Firm today.

Dangerous Drugs

The latest CDC report states that nearly 50% of Americans used at least one prescription drug during the last month. In 2012, nationwide spending on these medications totaled over $325 billion. Drug makers have been found in court to have minimized these side effects in order to get approval to sell to consumers, without regard to the risk. If you have been injured by a dangerous drug, call The Sanders Firm today.

Speaking To Your Kids About The School Shootings

How to speak to kids & teens about the shootings

In the wake of the deadly shooting at a Florida high school, many parents are left grappling with how to explain this horrific act, at schools - where most children spend the majority of their time, to their children and teens.

1. Parents Should Initiate Conversation

National Child Traumatic Stress Network advises that in situations like this, it is "extremely important" for parents and caregivers -- especially those with children in high school -- to "be willing to bring this topic up."

Parents want to wrap their arms around their kids and make them feel safe. But part of being a parent is willingness to discuss difficult topics.

To believe that our children don't know that these events occur is wishful thinking. We live in an age where it's easy for them to go online and see a live feed of people leaving the school, of responders and it's updated every few moments. It's important for parents to recognize that their children are seeing things and starting the conversation is important.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network suggests when kids come home, parents can start the conversation by asking, "There was a school shooting, this time in Florida, what did you hear about it?"

This may already be blowing up their social media, this may already be a conversation on the school bus. They further suggest that if you are watching the news with your children, turn it off and talk about the events calmly in order to get an idea of what they know, where they are coming from, and what misconceptions they may have already heard.

It is also critical to reassure children that parents and adults at their school "are going to do everything we can to make you safe."

2. Tweak the conversation based on your child's age

National Child Traumatic Stress Network emphasized that the conversation about the news should vary based on the age of your child.

When it comes to children preschool age and below, parents should limit their media exposure.

3. How to respond if your child doesn't feel safe going back to school

If your child or teen says they do not feel safe going back to school, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network emphasized that it is important not to invalidate their feelings, but to talk about them.

You can ask, "Tell me what it is that you're worried about? What it is that you don't feel safe about?"

Advisors at the Network added that you can reassure your child that "nowadays schools do have safety plans, and schools do practice shooting drills."

Some people are concerned about practicing these drills, but it's like fire drills, it doesn't make kids more scared that fires are going to break out, it makes students feel more secure that they have a plan in place.

4. Check back in

The advisors at The Network feel it's important to check back in every other day to find out what their friends are talking about related to the school shooting. It is very important to get an understanding of how children are coping.

Furthermore, they advise that when there is a tragedy ... a one-and-done conversation is not sufficient. Let your child or teenager know that you really do care about them and are open to having this discussion.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network asks parents to watch for signs of distress for a longer periods of time.

This may show up in problems with sleep, problems with attention and focus, and increased irritability.

The Network recommends that parents reach out to their school guidance counselor, a local psychological association or even their pediatrician for further help.

Click here for more info on the NCTSN

Be patient and supportive as children are trying to make sense of how something so horrific can happen at a setting where I go to be with friends, to learn.