Greenberg Minasian, LLC Announce $990,000 Personal Injury Settlement

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WEST ORANGE, NJ – Greenberg Minasian, LLC, a personal injury law firm located in Essex County, New Jersey, has announced a settlement case of $990,000 stemming from catastrophic injuries sustained by its client at a construction jobsite.

The accident, which occurred in early 2012, resulted in the client’s inability to return to work, as well as the inability to continue multiple outdoor activities that were previously enjoyed.

“We’re pleased by the resolution of this case,” said Larry Minasian, attorney and partner at Greenberg Minasian, LLC.

“Our client suffered serious injuries, which resulted in a diminished quality of life and a substantial reduction in income. The proceeds from this case will help compensate for those losses,” he added.

On the day of the accident, the client lost his footing on an unstable work ramp, causing him to fall backwards, striking his head and neck. The impact resulted in significant injuries that required multiple surgeries, including a cervical fusion. The fall also resulted in neural motor and sensory issues of the wrists.

The settlement is yet another another successful outcome for the firm, which has earned a reputation for high value settlements and verdicts for its clients, including a $17 million verdict in 2014 (Baker v. New Jersey Transit).

Based in West Orange, Greenberg Minasian represents clients who have been seriously injured as the result of negligence by others. The firm handles cases in West Orange, Jersey City, Newark, Essex County and all surrounding areas.

For more information, visit http://gmattorneys.net.

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[SOURCE: https://www.webwire.com/ ]

Charter Bus Driver In Deadly Queens Crash Had Previous Conviction

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The charter bus driver involved in this past Monday’s fatal bus crash in Queens should have been prohibited from driving buses in New York due to a previous Operating Under the Influence (OUI) conviction in Connecticut.

Raymond Mong was charged with drunken driving and leaving the scene of an accident in a 2015 incident. He, along with 2 others, were tragically killed this past Monday when his speeding tour bus plowed into an MTA bus.

Anyone convicted of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injuries is barred in New York from driving a bus for five years.

Questions also have been raised as to how Mong was able to remain employed as a bus driver when he was previously required by the courts to use a breathalizer device to start his private car.

The investigation to the Queens crash is still ongoing and results of a toxicology test on Mong have yet to be released.

SOURCES:
NY DAILY NEWS
NY TIMES

Recent Railway Accidents Cited as Need for Sleep Apnea Testing

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By AnnDenn (Self-photographed) [Public Domain]
Earlier this week, several congressional officials in both New Jersey and New York asked the US Department of Transportation to reconsider its decision to discontinue testing of train and truck operators for sleep apnea.

The proposed reinstatement stems from recent fatal crashes at the Hoboken Terminal and the Metro-North in the Bronx where both engineers were later diagnosed with sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. The condition causes drowsiness and fatigue during the day, which can result in loss of concentration and accidents by those operating heavy machinery.

In their letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, the senators called the proposed screening rule “a modest, common-sense approach to combating fatigue on our roads and rails.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been screening pilots for sleep apnea since 2015 and with their call for a reinstatement in testing, congressional officials are seeking to avoid any additional tragic railway incidents in the future.

Read the full story here.

Train Crash In Hoboken Leaves Many Injured, at Least 1 Dead

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Hoboken Train Accident
Image: Google Earth
A horrible tragedy has occurred in Hoboken involving a commuter train that crashed into a major station hub near Manhattan. The crash occurred at the peak of rush hour on Thursday morning and so far, 1 death has been confirmed along with over 100 injured. The station was severely damaged as a result of the crash, which is creating major transit issues for those in the area. Railway service has been suspended in and out of HOB, but New Jersey Transit bus and private carriers are honoring all NJT rail tickets.

The train crash occurred just before 9:00 am and preliminary reports indicate the train accident was the result of operator error. Hoboken is NJT’s 5th busiest train station, with approximately 15,000 boardings per weekday.

If you or a loved one has been affected by this tragic accident, please call the attorneys at Greenberg Minasian at 973-325-7711 to discuss your case. We offer free and confidential consultations and will assist you and your family during this extremely difficult time to ensure your rights as an accident victim are fully protected.

William Greenberg and Lawrence Minasian of Greenberg Minasian Recognized With NJ Law Journal Hall of Fame Awards

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NJ Accident AttorneyNew Jersey Law Journal Hall of Fame Award

Greenberg Minasian, LLC, is pleased to announce its recent induction into the New Jersey Law Journal’s Hall of Fame for 2015.  The prestigious recognition stems from the firm’s $17 million verdict in 2014 (Baker v. New Jersey Transit).

The award was included as part of the highest and second-highest verdicts or settlements in six different categories.  Greenberg Minasian placed first in the “Public Liability” category, and had the second highest award amount among all the recognized law firms in all categories.

In early 2011, Greenberg Minasian’s client exited a public transit bus in East Orange when the bus driver closed the door on a bag she was carrying.  The bus dragged the client as it departed, crushing her pelvis and causing a cascade of other injuries, including a closed head injury.

The client underwent 12 subsequent surgeries for her injuries, including one that caused her to stop breathing, exacerbating the head injury and leading to a cognitive deficit.  In February, 2014, an eight-member jury awarded GM’s client $17 million for past and future medical expenses, as well as pain and suffering.

The recognition from the New Jersey Law Journal is just one of several recent awards and recognitions Greenberg Minasian has received.  Those include the Top 50 Verdicts of 2014 from The National Law Journal and the 2014 Litigator Award.

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

 

Greenberg Minasian, LLC Honored With Multiple Awards and Recognitions

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Greenberg Minasian, LLC, is pleased to announce its recent inclusion and selection for multiple awards by regional and national publications and organizations.

Included in the cases from 2014 was a $17 million jury verdict, which helped garner significant attention for the Firm.  In addition, the attorneys at Greenberg Minasian were  busy with numerous accident and work-related cases, helping to make 2014 one of the most successful years on record.

Some recent awards and recognitions include:

•  New Jersey Law Journal 2015 Hall of Fame (Greenberg Minasian, LLC)
•  The Litigator Awards (Greenberg Minasian, LLC)
•  The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers (William Greenberg & Lawrence Minasian)
•  Global Directory of Who’s Who – Top Lawyer, 2015 (Lawrence Minasian)

For more information on the above items or for general questions about our law firm, please contact the office at 973-325-7711.

ABOUT GREENBERG MINASIAN, LLC

The attorneys at Greenberg Minasian are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims and their family members.  We are trial attorneys and prepare every case as if was going to trial.  Our experienced attorneys have recovered tens-of-millions of dollars on behalf of individuals who were seriously injured or lost family members in and around the New Jersey area.

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

 

William Greenberg and Larry Minasian of Greenberg Minasian Win Prestigious 2014 Litigator Award

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Greenberg Minasian Wins Prestigious 2014 Litigator Award
Greenberg Minasian, LLC named 2014 Litigator Award Winner. Having been conferred this prestigious National Award, the firm ranks among the Top 1% of all lawyers for: Personal Injury Litigation.

WEST ORANGE, NJ – Greenberg Minasian, LLC, a trial law firm located in West Orange, New Jersey, was today awarded the prestigious 2014 Litigator Award for extraordinary achievement within the field(s) of Personal Injury Litigation.

Justly standing as the nations most coveted symbol of “Litigation Achievement”, this unrivaled annual honor recognizes trial lawyers {firms} who have attained extraordinary litigation achievement within one or more of 72 pre-defined “Practice Specialty” categories. Based strictly on “Verdict and/or Settlement” dollar achievement rather than peer popularity, the Litigator Awards are perhaps the most rigorous and openly judged trial law rating. Simply being nominated is to be set among the elite of the profession. Those awarded are generally considered among the finest trial lawyers in the nation.

To be Award Eligible, Nominees must prove achievement of litigation “Performance Benchmarks” that includes not less than:

a). Two verified “Verdicts or Settlements” of at-least $1 Million Dollars in any one Practice Specialty category within the preceding 5 year period prior to Nomination*, or

b). One verified “Verdict or Settlement” of at-least $5 Million Dollars in any one Practice Specialty category within the preceding 10 year period prior to Nomination**, or

c). One verified “Verdict or Settlement” of at-least $10 Million Dollars in any one Practice Specialty category within the preceding 20 year period prior to Nomination.

It is a feat achieved by fewer than 1% of all Lawyers, and truly a testament to each Award Recipient’s remarkable performance relative to peers. Of the nearly 1.1 Million lawyers considered, only a select few per State or DMA, will achieve the distinction of being awarded annually in any given Practice Specialty*.

Winning a 2014 Litigator Award is a “Powerful Endorsement” of superior litigation achievement that provides discerning clientele {as well as referring professionals} with a strong reason to trust their case with an Award Recipient. Moreover, it offers a testament to their remarkable performance relative to peers.

To learn more go to: http://www.LitigatorAwards.com

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No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Uninsured Motorist Laws In NJ: What They Mean For You

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We have insurance to protect us from the unexpected. Getting in an accident with an uninsured driver is a risk we all take when driving. To protect people from that risk, the State of New Jersey used to require that all motorists carry uninsured motorist coverage. Unfortunately, in an effort to combat high insurance premiums, the State no longer protects all motorists. New Jersey insurance companies are now allowed to sell you “Special” and “Basic” polices that do not offer this very important protection.

On “Standard” policies only, New Jersey requires the following minimum uninsured motorist coverage, along with your regular car insurance:

· $15,000 to cover injuries suffered by a single person in an accident;
· $30,000 to cover injuries by everyone involved in the accident;
· $5,000 to cover property damage caused by the accident.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage is inexpensive and you should cover yourself in the amounts you would want in the event of an accident. You should purchase as much as you can, however, you can only purchase up to what is covered for others. For example, if you have a policy that has 100/300 bodily injury limits for others, you can buy that same amount for yourself. The minimums are merely the lowest amount required by law.

When does your uninsured coverage kick in?

Your uninsured motorist coverage is designed to cover you when the other party has no insurance. This coverage also applies when the car that hit you was a stolen vehicle or the driver that hit you took off right after the accident (Hit and Run). Included in the uninsured coverage is under insured coverage. This covers you if the other party has less insurance than you do and your injuries are worth more than the other party’s policy limits.

To collect on your claim, you will have to prove that the other driver was at fault in the accident. If you were partially at fault, your insurance company may reduce your claim by the percentage you were at fault in the accident. If the other driver is at fault and has insurance, then your initial claim must be to the other driver’s insurance first. Only the unpaid amount will be covered by your insurance. However, if their coverage is inadequate, your insurance carrier will have to authorize your settlement with the other driver’s insurance company.

Collecting from Your Insurance

Like any insurance claim, the insurance company will investigate and look for a reason to deny your request should you file an uninsured motorist claim. Even though it looks clear to you, they may see a problem and seek to deny your claim.

They may claim your injuries were insignificant or that the other driver’s coverage was adequate enough for your injuries. Regardless, many times people need to resort to retaining a personal injury attorney to obtain a fair amount from their insurance company.

More importantly, you will likely need a lawyer just to find out what coverages are in place — otherwise, you risk losing money because you did not realize you had more coverage available. You purchased this coverage to cover your injuries and you have a right to it. That’s why uninsured motorist coverage exists.

Can Social Media Content Be Used Against You In New Jersey?

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With the popularity of social media sites skyrocketing in recent years, the courts in New Jersey as well as elsewhere have just begun to address how and when social media content can be used for or against parties in civil court cases. According to a recent New Jersey Law Journal article, the courts are now beginning to weigh in on the discoverability and admissibility of social media posts from sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

While the issue of access is still a bit unclear in the Garden State, neighboring states such as New York and Pennsylvania are beginning to set precedents that the New Jersey courts may end up following.

As an example, suppose a plaintiff has filed a lawsuit for a personal injury and is seeking compensation for damages. However, during the time the plaintiff claimed to be injured, he/she posts pictures from a recent gym class depicting strenuous activity and exercise. Despite these posts being “private” within Facebook, the courts are now beginning to determine the relevancy of such items and how they can be used as evidence.

Prior to the social media age, private investigators hired by insurance companies would typically be asked to acquire this type of evidence for the courts. However, with many individuals now sharing every intricate detail of their lives on Facebook and Twitter, the lines between invasion of privacy and relevancy are now being drawn in cyberspace.

As more courts begin to rule on this issue, it will be no surprise when it is determined that posts on social media, even if they are not intended for the general public, are admissible in NJ civil cases. In fact, Facebook’s own privacy policy states that the disclosure of a user’s information may be made “pursuant to subpoenas, court orders, or other civil or criminal requests.”

As a personal injury law firm that represents clients in all types of accident and injury cases, we always advise our clients to be truthful in everything they say or do following an accident and to stay off social media sites.

In light of recent rulings and the way things appear to be headed, it should always be assumed that whatever you share on social media could very well be used against you in your case. Always use good judgment and refrain from posting updates, videos or photos that you will have to explain down the road. The last thing you want is a seemingly innocent Facebook update being used to deny you your rights as an accident/injury victim.

For more information or if you have any questions on this matter, feel free to contact our law firm at 973-325-7711.

Greenberg Minasian Attorneys Nominated for Top 100 Trial Lawyers

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West Orange Accident Attorney

Greenberg Minasian, LLC is proud to announce the nomination of William S. Greenberg Esq. and Lawrence D. Minasian Esq. to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers for Civil Plaintiff Attorneys. This prestigious organization recognizes the top trial lawyers in the United States based on their qualifications and skills. In addition, it offers the highest-quality education programs for trial attorneys, as well as a quality network of talent willing to interact and share ideas.

As an invitation-only organization, Top 100 Trial Lawyers Membership is extended to only the most qualified attorneys from each state. One of the goals of the organization is to support the importance and value of the trial setting. The following video from the National Trial Lawyers President explains this valuable concept:

The networking opportunities, advocacy training, and continuing education that the National Trial Lawyers makes available to its members becomes a great asset for the clients at Greenberg Minasian.

We are excited about the opportunity of this nomination and what it will offer to our firm and clients in our area.