Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP

Partners Jeffrey Block and S. Joseph Donahue secured a $2,500,000 settlement for a young professional who was injured after striking a protruding metal spike at an intersection while jogging. He suffered a fracture and dislocation of his left pelvis and femoral head, which required surgery to repair. The Defendant had mistakenly left the metal spikes on the roadway after wrapping up a construction project several months prior to the accident. Though the New York City Department of Transportation instructed the Defendant to remove the spikes, they failed to do so, leading to our client’s injuries.

Partners Jeffrey Block and S. Joseph Donahue, along with Associate Kristian Krober, secured a $1,850,000 settlement for a client who slipped on an icy driveway while at work investigating the home conditions of two children in Westchester County. The fall caused her to sustain injuries to her head, neck, shoulder, elbow, arm, and hand. Ultimately, she underwent two neck surgeries and an arthroscopic shoulder surgery to resolve her pain.   Our attorneys successfully argued that the Defendants acted negligently by failing to remove the snow and ice from the driveway. Despite the defense’s argument that our client’s injuries were the result of pre-existing conditions, the settlement was secured prior to trial.  

Partner Pawel P. Wierzbicki, Esq. and Associate Joshua Stern secured a $950,000 settlement for a client who suffered lacerations to the face while she was working as a plumbing apprentice. While attempting to catch a falling concrete core with a bucket (as she was instructed), the concrete struck her face, causing injuries. She underwent physical therapy for neck pain, had her lacerations sutured, and later underwent revision surgery. Her scars healed well, and she returned to work full-time five months after the accident. The claim was brought under Labor Law § 240(1). The general contractor conceded the plumbers could have used alternative safety devices that would not have exposed our client to gravity-related risks from the falling core.  

Partner Stephen Murphy and Associate Aaron Fishkin secured a $900,000 settlement for a 49-year-old client whose vehicle was rear-ended while stopped in traffic in Suffolk County. Diagnostic exams revealed herniations at multiple levels in his spine due to the accident. Our client was recommended for cervical spine surgery, but never underwent any surgeries. Despite the defense arguing that his injuries were pre-existing conditions, our attorneys were able to settle the case before trial.  

We are thrilled to welcome James W. Coscia, Esq. to Block O’Toole & Murphy as our newest associate attorney. James has devoted his legal career to representing individuals injured in construction accidents and serious personal injury cases and is a dedicated, passionate advocate for his clients.    After receiving his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University, James attended the Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, where he stood out as a member of the Drexel Law Review and an intern at one of the top personal injury firms in Philadelphia. Upon graduating, he received the Faculty Award for Academic Success. Recognizing the unique challenges of construction accidents, James honed his skills to specialize in New York Labor Law and understand the many nuances of this complex area of law. He also has tirelessly devoted himself to representing victims of serious accidents. This has made him an attorney who clients trust and want fighting for them. James is currently a member of the New York State Bar Association, American Association of Justice, and New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Join us in welcoming James to the team!  

Partner Stephen Murphy and Associate Aaron Fishkin secured a $1,350,000 settlement for a 41-year-old woman who was rear-ended by another vehicle while stopped in traffic in Suffolk County. When conservative treatment failed to resolve her neck and back pain, our client underwent cervical spine surgery.   Although the defense argued that our client’s injuries were all pre-existing conditions, our attorneys were able to secure a settlement prior to trial.  

Partners Jeffrey Block and S. Joseph Donahue secured a $1,200,000 settlement for a union longshoreman who suffered neck and back injuries after a car accident on the Long Island Expressway. After merging into the center lane, his car was hit in the rear by the defendant, who was driving a box truck. When conservative treatment failed to resolve his pain, our client ultimately underwent cervical spine surgery, which helped improve his condition. The defense tried to blame the accident on our client, but our attorneys were able to settle the issue prior to trial at mediation.  

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday evening for BOM’s annual St. Jude Wine Tasting. Together, we raised more than $1,000,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – the most we’ve ever managed to raise for this event. Your donations allow the hospital to continue its incredible work supporting patients and their families at no cost to them. We hope to see you again next year! 

Partners Stephen Murphy and David Scher secured a $1.525 million settlement for a 54-year-old union steamfitter who tripped and fell over a spool of cable while renovating an office in Manhattan. He suffered injuries to his right shoulder and an exacerbation of ongoing lower back injuries. Our attorneys were able to bring Labor Law 200(1) and 241(6) claims against the subcontractor and general contractor, along with a general negligence claim. Even though the defense tried to argue that our client’s injuries were all pre-existing conditions, the case settled shortly after a private mediation.

Tonight’s 57th Annual New York State Trial Lawyers Association Installation marks the end of BOM Partner David Scher’s term as President of the organization. It’s also the start of BOM Associate Aaron Fishkin’s role as a member of the NYSTLA Board of Directors. Congratulations to both our attorneys for their amazing accomplishments and continuous leadership in the field.