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

Ageism and Malpractice

Ageism & Malpractice:  Rampant in Healthcare  (and the Courts) While no one enjoys spending time in a hospital bed, recent research has revealed what many already suspected: for the elderly, hospitals are not only unpleasant, but can be downright dangerous and life-threatening. It has been reported that hospital staff can fail to feed older patients properly, get them out of bed enough, or control their pain adequately. Providers frequently restrict their movements by tethering them to beds with oxygen tanks and IV poles. Doctors have even been reported to subject them to unnecessary procedures and prescribe redundant or potentially harmful medications. Caregivers can deprive them of sleep by placing them in noisy wards or checking vital signs at all hours of the night. Even more troubling, research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has exposed that one-third of patients over 70 years old and half of all patients over 85 leave the hospital in much worse condition than when they entered; if they leave at all. Moreover, upon discharge from the hospital, elderly patients frequently suffer from disabilities that make them unable to complete the tasks of daily living-disabilities that they didn't have before they were admitted. The magnitude of this problem is highlighted by the fact that patients over 65 already make up more than one-third of all discharges from U.S. hospitals. Furthermore, nearly 13 million seniors are admitted to U.S. hospitals each year and these numbers will only grow. At The Sanders Firm, we are confronted with the issue of ageism and malpractice in healthcare time and time again. To put it bluntly, ageism is directly responsible for incomplete examinations, delayed diagnoses, and the under-treatment of elderly patients. Medical malpractice is a medical error is a preventable adverse effect of care, whether or not it is evident or harmful to the patient. This might include an inaccurate or incomplete diagnosis or treatment of a disease, injury, syndrome, behavior, infection, or other ailment. What is clear malpractice in the case of a younger plaintiff is often less clear when the plaintiff is elderly. Causation, too, becomes cloudier. The presence of other medical conditions, along with the weakness and fragility of old age, can complicate the case. There are many challenges when representing clients of malpractice but despite these challenges, The Sanders Firm  takes these cases. Why? Because the elderly deserve justice, everyone deserves justice and we know how these cases can be won. If you or a loved one was a victim of medical malpractice (no matter what your age), we want to hear from you.  Call 1.800.FAIR.PLAY for your free case evaluation today.

Pedestrian Struck in Crosswalk Accident Settled for $900,000

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.

NY Labor Law & Construction Accidents

The Sanders Firm Handles Construction Accident Claims Construction accident injuries can be just as devastating as any other type of injury, if not more so. Because the laws are constantly changing, pursuing a case on your own is becoming increasingly difficult. Let the New York construction accident lawyers at The Sanders Firm work on your behalf to get the money damages and respect you deserve for your losses.

New York Labor Law New York state's labor law, particularly sections 240(1) and 241(6), were enacted in an effort to make the workplace safe for construction workers and those lawfully on the premises. Since their enactment, these sections have come under attack by property owners, insurance companies and business groups. As a result, the courts have become stricter in their interpretations of these sections, limiting or eliminating benefits for workers who were injured or killed as a result of construction accidents. Section 240 (1) requires that contractors and landowners of buildings larger than one and two family dwellings shall furnish or erect scaffolding, hoists, stays, ladders, slings, hangers, blocks, pulleys, braces, irons, ropes and other devices to give proper protection to a construction worker. Section 241 (6) requires that work done at a construction, excavation or demolition site be so constructed, shored, equipped, guarded, arranged, operated and conducted to provide reasonable and adequate protection and safety to people lawfully frequenting the premises. If you are in the construction, demolition, excavation or renovation business and have been injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call an experienced attorney from The Sanders Firm for a no-obligation meeting.  1.800.FAIR.PLAY

The Sanders Firm has Bilingual Attorneys to help you!

Have you heard about our Meet The Yankees and Mets event?!

Meet theYankees & Mets Baseball Night  Enjoy an evening at The Somerley A Fundraiser Event   for CMTA

$265.00 per person includes dinner, drinks, meet & greet  Reserve your tickets here!

SPONSORED BY:  National Waste Services The Sanders Firm BluChip Marketing The Alpert Group Of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC CAR-0516-0230 Giorgenti Men's Custom Suits Cloud 9 Exotics The Fox Hollow & Scotto Family

Former Yankees & Mets Event For CMTA

It's important to The Sanders Firm to support local charities and organizations. Please join us for this wonderful Yankees & Mets Event supporting CMTA.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-greet-yankeesmets-players-benefiting-charcot-marie-tooth-association-tickets-25148007367

Long Island Hospital Safety Grades: National Rankings Released By RYAN BONNER (Patch National Staff) - April 25, 2016 5:01 pm ET

The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit founded by employers and health-care providers, announced its spring 2016 hospital safety rankings Monday, a measure of how safe a hospital is for patients.

Hospitals were given a letter grade from A through F based on several factors. Of the 2,571 hospitals studied nationwide, 798 earned an A, 639 earned a B, 957 earned a C, 162 earned a D and 15 earned an F.

At the state level, New York was ranked 44th in the nation. Vermont was ranked No. 1; six hospitals in the state were ranked, and five were given an A grade. Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Minnesota rounded out the top five.

State rankings were based on a percentage of state hospitals receiving an A grade.

Leapfrog looked at medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections to determine the grades. The goal was to determine a patient's risk of further injury or infection if they visited a certain hospital.

Hospitals given a B rating by Leapfrog had a 9 percent higher risk of avoidable death than A hospitals. That number jumps to 35 percent in C hospitals and 50 percent higher in D and F hospitals.

Leapfrog ranked 143 New York hospitals. Here are the grades Long Island hospitals received. (Visit the full list to learn more about individual rankings.)

A

• John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, Port Jefferson
• Huntington Hospital, Huntington
• St. Francis Hospital of Roslyn, Roslyn

B

• Eastern Long Island Hospital, Greenport
• Mercy Medical Center, Rockville Centre
• South Nassau Communities Hospital, Oceanside
• Southampton Hospital, Southampton
• St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, Smithtown
• St. Charles Hospital, Port Jefferson
• Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola

C

• Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, West Islip
• Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow
• North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset
• Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park
• Franklin Hospital, Valley Stream
• Glen Cove Hospital, Glen Cove
• Plainview Hospital, Plainview
• Syosset Hospital, Syosset
• St. Joseph Hospital, Bethpage

D

• Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center, Patchogue
• Southside Hospital, Bay Shore
• Peconic Bay Medical Center, Riverhead

F

• Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook

A Comment From Sanders Firm Attorney 

Theodore F. Goralski

"Patch reports on Long Island Hospital safety rankings. Many Long Islanders with the means and the ability to choose travel to Manhattan hospitals for quality care. This national ranking of hospitals shows that there may be good reason for that. Only three of 23 area hospitals received an A grade for patient safety. There are more facilities with D's and F's than A's and C was the most common grade. This means that there is significant risk of further injury or infection when admitted to a Long Island hospital. At The Sanders Firm, we have decades of experience protecting patients. The Sanders Firm Supports patient safety. If you or a loved one have been injured due to substandard hospital care call 516-741-5252 or email us at tgoralski@thesandersfirm.com for a free consultation."

5 Warning signs of nursing home neglect - By Ted Goralski

As our population ages, more and more of us are faced with the difficult decision of placing our elderly loved ones in long term care facilities. It is never easy for families to hand of the care of their elderly to nursing homes but it is even more gut wrenching when the nursing home doesn’t uphold the promise to take care of our loved ones.  Often, nursing home residents can not communicate due to neurological impairment or dementia. It can be hard to know whether the care is adequate based on relatively short visits even if you can stop in daily.  How can we be sure that the staff is caring for our parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents? Here are a five signs you should look for in order to protect them.

1.     Sudden weight loss

Nursing homes are responsible for maintaining acceptable nutritional levels.  Weight loss may be a sign of Dehydration and Malnutrition due to the failure of the staff to  monitor food intake.  Weight loss can also be a sign of an un-diagnosed illness such as cancer, kidney disease or gastrointestinal disease.

 

2.     Bedsores, or pressure ulcers

Many nursing home residents have mobility limitations.  If they are left in bed without being moved they can develop skin breakdowns that can rapidly deteriorate.  These wounds develop most commonly on the pressure points such as heels, buttocks and shoulders. If not properly treated these wounds can become infected and even cause death. 

3.     Injuries from nursing home falls

Nursing home residents should be assessed for risk of falling.  Many elderly patients, have trouble with balance or are simply too weak.  If proper safety measures such as bed rails, skid free footwear, and seat belts are not in place, serious injury can result. Minor bruises, lacerations, or limited motion can be a sign of a fall and a warning sign that the resident is at risk for future falls.

4.     Behavioral Changes

Withdrawn elder behavior or unusual changes in behavior can be a sign of an unhealthy environment.  Changes in personal hygiene or appearance efforts or a growing lack of friendly interaction with the nursing home staff or residents may be the first signs that a nursing home resident is not receiving proper care

5.     Environmental hazards

When visiting loved ones it pays to look around and observe the environment. Poor lighting, slippery floors, unsafe mobility equipment, or unsafe furniture in the nursing home patient’s room can all be signs that the nursing home isn’t providing the proper level of care.  Cleanliness is also important and dirt, debris, and clutter are all indications that the nursing home staff are not keeping up with their duties.

Keeping a watchful eye can help to prevent injury but if injuries from bed sores, falls, abuse or neglect do occur there is legal recourse.  At the Sanders Firm we fight to protect and recover compensation for nursing home residents, and their families, when nursing homes fail to provide proper care. 

Allegations Chemo Drug Taxotere Causes Permanent Hair Loss

ARCH 21, 2016By: Whitney TaylorDANGEROUS DRUGS

The chemotherapy drug Taxotere has been touted as a powerful cancer fighter for many years, helping those with some types of cancer find effective treatment for their illness.

However, one of the potential side effects related to Taxotere, permanent hair loss, has not been widely publicized by the drug’s manufacturer, Sanofi. Patients who have not been warned about this potential side effect may be diagnosed with permanent alopecia after their cancer treatments.

Now, some of those patients are considering legal action against Sanofi, claiming lack of adequate warnings left them at a distinct disadvantage when choosing their cancer treatment.

What is Taxotere?

Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug prescribed to treat some types of breast, lung, stomach, prostate, and head and neck cancers. It is also currently under investigation for the treatment of additional cancers, including ovarian, bladder and pancreatic cancers. The drug is given intravenously and dosing depends on the type of cancer and the patient’s height, weight and overall health.

Taxotere and hair loss

Taxotere is linked to numerous side effects common with other chemotherapy medications, including nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, and hair loss. However, while temporary hair loss is a common byproduct of some chemotherapy treatments, permanent hair loss is not typical. In fact, Taxotere is the only medication at this time that has been linked to reports of permanent hair loss among some cancer patients.

No warning of permanent alopecia

To date, the warning label for Taxotere in the US has not indicated the drug could cause permanent alopecia or hair loss. This has left some chemotherapy patients vulnerable to permanent disfigurement without knowledge that they were putting themselves at risk. Even more troubling is the fact that other chemotherapy medications that are just as effective as Taxotere are not linked to permanent hair loss.

Despite the lack of a proper warning, studies have indicated permanent alopecia may be a risk with Taxotere for some time. According to a recent product liability lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in California, a 2005 study known as the GEICAM 9805 demonstrated that nearly 10 percent of the test patients that took Taxotere in this study suffered persistent alopecia that lasted at least 10 years and five months. In 2006, a Colorado oncologist noted that more than six percent of the patients he treated with Taxotere continued to suffer with hair loss for many years after their treatments.

In December 2015, the FDA acknowledged there have been reports of permanent hair loss in some patients using Taxotere. That announcement by the FDA preceded a label change for the product, noting the possibility of permanent hair loss.

Seeking legal action

Now, individuals like the plaintiff in California are filing lawsuits against Sanofi, alleging the company did not provide adequate warnings about alopecia risks. Those plaintiffs are seeking damages for their permanent disfigurement, asserting that if they had known about this risk with Taxotere, they would have chosen a different chemo drug.

The plaintiff in California is seeking damages in excess of $75,000, which necessitated the lawsuit filing in federal court. This plaintiff, like others now pending in courts across the country, states in her complaint that Taxotere use left her with “severe and permanent injuries that are lasting in nature.”

Product liability lawyers at The Sanders Firm are are currently reviewing cases involving Taxotere hair loss. For a free evaluation of your case, contact our offices today at 1-800-FAIR-PLAY.