Helicopter accidents are common. The United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) reports there were 78 helicopter accidents in the U.S., 11of them fatal, in 2024. A total of 26 deaths resulted from those accidents. (1)
Since 2004, there have been at least 9 helicopter crashes in New York City (NYC) alone. According to the Associated Press, “At least 32 people have died in helicopter accidents in New York City since 1977.” (2)
Helicopters are aircraft. “A helicopter is a type of aircraft that uses rotating, or spinning, wings called blades to fly… A helicopter’s rotating blades, or a rotor, allow it to do things an airplane cannot.” (3) For example, helicopters “can take off and land vertically, hover in place, and move in all directions – forward, backward, and sideways.” (4)
Any accident involving an aircraft is “an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked, and in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage.” (5)
Knowing what constitutes a helicopter accident also raises the question of what causes these accidents in the first place.
Helicopter accidents may be caused by a number of things. Here are some of the most common:
The most frequent factor in helicopter accidents is pilot error, says aviation training provider Pilot Institute. Pilots may be fatigued, under extreme pressure, or dealing with complicated equipment. Their work is intensive, requiring tremendous amounts of information processing. (6)
“There are reasons why the pilot error is even more likely in a helicopter than in an airplane. Firstly, most helicopters require more hands-on flying than fixed-wing aircraft,” points out Pilot Institute. (7)
Most helicopter crews fear mechanical failure, “because of its potential severity…the failure of a key helicopter component such as the rotor and rotor shaft, main gearbox, or tail rotor often proves fatal. In no other type of flying machine is so much stress placed on single components.” (8)
Crashes can happen if an electrical malfunction occurs while in the air. “More and more operations in today’s flight environment are dependent on the aircraft’s electrical system,” indicates an aviation education handbook. “On small, piston powered helicopters, electrical energy is supplied by an engine-driven alternator by means of a belt and pulley system similar to that of an automobile.” (9)
Another common reason why helicopters crash is environmental factors. “Flying in snow, rain, sleet, fog, or any other scenario where visibility is impaired” can cause accidents. “Other environmental factors include bird strikes, which are more likely to happen in a helicopter than in an airplane due to the fact that helicopters are so often flying at lower altitudes.” (10)
If you have suffered injury from a helicopter accident, contact us today for a free case review.
Get a Free Case ReviewHelicopter crashes can result in severe, life-threatening injuries. Injuries sustained during a crash depend upon the deceleration you are subjected to during the crash. (11)
Deceleration forces vary and are measured as g-force. G-force is a measure of acceleration on your body due to gravity. (12)
“Factors that influence the effects of deceleration are the initial rate of speed, the distance covered and time consumed in deceleration, the direction of forces, and the area of distribution.” (13)
High levels of G forces for short periods of time are survivable. “The amount of G forces that are tolerable differs by individual. But for all of us it depends on three factors: the direction in which the G forces are felt, the amount of G’s involved, and how long those G’s last,” explains NOVA. (14)
Injuries also can result from coming into contact with the aircraft structure or equipment.
The long list of specific injuries you can get in an aircraft accident includes:
A lawsuit can help you get compensation from the people and companies responsible for the helicopter accident. The owners of the helicopter, the manufacturer of the helicopter or any of its components, and the operator of the aircraft may all be held accountable.
In such cases, you must show the court why the crash happened. You need to prove it was the result of a defect in the aircraft design or in one of its components. Or it was due to a mechanical failure, or pilot error was involved.
For example, you were injured in a crash because the pilot failed to complete all required safety checks before takeoff. If you can show the court documentation — or have witness testimony to support your claim — you could prove negligence.
Another example might be to show the court the crash was caused by a malfunction in the electrical system of the helicopter. Or the rotor blades of the helicopter failed to rotate at the proper speed.
If you can prove this claim to the court, the manufacturers involved can be held liable for damages. Also, if a manufacturer knew about — but failed to correct — a defect in the design of the aircraft, the manufacturer may be held liable.
If you or a loved one suffered injury or death from a helicopter accident, contact us today to know your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewHelicopter accident cases can be very complicated. Relying on the knowledge of an attorney who has handled many personal injury cases can help deliver a successful outcome in court.
An attorney helps you hold all responsible parties accountable by filing a lawsuit. In your NYC lawsuit, you are bringing the suit and are referred to as the “plaintiff,” while the party being sued is called the “defendant.” Your attorney files the requisite “summons and complaint” with the proper court.
Any required fees must be paid at the time of filing the lawsuit. One of the responsibilities of an experienced attorney is ensuring the rules regarding where to file your lawsuit have been met. (25)
After filing the summons and complaint, it must be “served” on the defendants. The defendants then have 30 days to “answer” the summons. When the defendants have answered the summons, a court date is set. (26)
In the meantime, both parties investigate the case and gather evidence. Each side in your lawsuit does the research necessary to present the case in a courtroom.
Instead of going to trial, many lawsuits end up settling out of court. So, experience with negotiating settlements becomes a key consideration in hiring an attorney. An attorney who has done this many times before can usually obtain a more favorable settlement for you.
Weitz & Luxenberg has built a solid reputation for representing our client interests — both in court and at settlement. Here are some of our successes:
Updated January 2025
Many people are injured in hotels in New York. There were 6 fatal occupational injuries among accommodation and food services workers in New York City (NYC) during 2020. (1) For New York state, the figure rose to 12. (2)
“Crime in the city’s hotels and motels has soared by nearly 20 percent over the past three years… according to statistics compiled by an industry research group off NYPD data,” states a New York Post article in 2018. It continues, “In 2017, there were 2,656 hotel crimes reported city-wide, compared to 2,223 in 2015, a 19.5-percent increase.” (3)
These are startling numbers. Many staying at hotels are tourists or people traveling for business. A 2021 Office of the New York State Comptroller report noted, “The City’s tourism outlook fundamentally relies on a feeling of public safety for all visitors.” (4)
If you were at a NYC hotel and were severely injured while there, consider a negligence case against all those “involved in causing the injury.” (5) Negligence is when the hotel or its employees fail to act to keep their guests safe.
You could be harmed by a crime committed against you at the hotel, or from an accident occurring there. In either situation, the hotel may have been acting negligently.
Hotel accidents are no joke. Severe, even lethal, injuries suffered while staying or working at hotels can arise from slips and falls, cuts, burns, or something found in the food. (6)
If you suffered an injury while visiting or working at a hotel, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewWhen accidents happen, your legal case hinges on whether you can show the court the hotel owners or their employees were somehow negligent. If you succeed, they can be held liable for your injuries. (9)
Negligence cases are often challenging. A knowledgeable attorney is key to the success of your case.
To win your negligence case in New York, it is important for you to show the court you were lawfully on the property when your injuries occurred. Additionally, you have to prove the negligence of the owners, employees — or both — caused your injuries. (11)
Your claim of negligence should be supported with evidence demonstrating to the court the owners or employees knew of the hazard. Yet they failed to fix the problem or inadequately fixed the problem. (12)
Vital to negligence claims is the evidence collected and presented to the court. There are steps you can take to help gather critical evidence for your case.
This information should be collected as soon as you are able. Do this while at the accident scene. Inform your attorney.
You also want to give your attorney copies of your medical bills and receipts for other expenses incurred due to the accident.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries while visiting a hotel, contact us to know your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewVictims of accidents are eligible to collect monetary awards (damages) as compensation. (13) “The amount awarded is based on the proven harm, loss, or injury suffered.” (14)
Damages may be awarded for expenses such as:
Weitz & Luxenberg has a highly experienced personal injury team. Our attorneys work to help you collect the maximum damages you may be due. Contact us today.
Prostate cancer originates in the prostate. “The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.” (1)
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men. Some prostate cancers grow slowly. They remain in the prostate gland and rarely cause serious harm. These types may not even require treatment. (2)
However, some types of prostate cancer are aggressive. These types can spread quickly. (3)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer death among men,” other than non-melanoma skin cancer. (4)
Statistics for one year show 211,893 men were diagnosed with new prostate cancers. A total of 31,488 men died from this cancer. (5)
According to data from the New York State Department of Health, prostate cancer cases and deaths for the years 2014-2018 were: (6)
In its early stages, you may not notice any signs or symptoms of prostate cancer. More advanced prostate cancer may mean you have: (7)
If you or a loved one have experienced a prostate cancer misdiagnosis, contact us to understand your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewAccording to one study, roughly 50% of the men were told they had a less aggressive form of prostate cancer when they actually had a more aggressive form. Those men who were told their cancer wasn’t particularly dangerous were given “false hope.” The severity of the disease was underestimated. (8)
Two types of screening tests are used to detect early stages of prostate cancer. However, “neither the PSA test nor the DRE is 100% accurate.” (9)
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. These can be detected in a man’s blood.
A DRE or digital rectal exam is another screening test. For this exam, “the doctor puts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland.” (10)
The idea is if the results come back abnormal, you are advised to undergo further testing. But if neither test is 100% accurate, you can receive an incorrect diagnosis. You might be told your screening is normal when you actually have cancer. (11)
Saying you don’t have cancer can give you a false sense of security. You might have cancer. If it’s untreated, it leads to progressive disease. (12)
Or you could be told you do have cancer, but you really are not sick. Inaccurate tests can lead to unnecessary, expensive treatments. These treatments can lead to side effects such as urinary, bowel, or sexual difficulties. (13)
Did your doctors fail to do something they should have? All of these errors could qualify as prostate cancer misdiagnosis: (14)
If you have a type of cancer called small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate, you have a rare but aggressive type of prostate tumor. “Delay in diagnosis and misdiagnosis further worsens the outcome of this disease.” (15)
The first step in successfully treating prostate cancer is getting an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms of advanced disease include: (16)
The earlier a prostate tumor is diagnosed, the better. A delayed diagnosis can mean an increased risk of disease progression possible resulting in inoperable cancer, more physical pain, erectile dysfunction, and higher medical costs.
Doctors diagnose the stage of your cancer. Staging includes four stages and three parts: tumor, nodes, and metastasis (TNM). Doctors consider the size of the tumor, if the tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and if the cancer has spread. (17)
Ideally, doctors find a tumor only in your prostate itself. These tumors are more likely to be treated successfully. “Tumors that have metastasized are incurable and require drug based therapies to treat the whole body.” (18)
If doctors do not diagnose your tumor until it has advanced, time-consuming, costly, and complex treatments may be necessary, such as: (19)
Depending on the treatments you undergo, many side effects are possible. These include: (20)
If you or a loved one suffered harm because your prostate cancer was misdiagnosed, you may want to file a lawsuit. The key question is: Was your medical professional negligent? (21)
Most medical malpractice claims are linked to misdiagnosis. Most payouts to plaintiffs — 34% — are due to this misdiagnosis. In addition, 22% of payouts are for surgical errors and 20% are for treatment errors. (22)
To be considered medical malpractice, a reasonable “standard of care must have been breached by the medical professional.” You must have suffered an injury as a result of the error. The mistake must have been “the cause” of your injury. (23)
“All medical malpractice cases will need proof, and this burden is on you and your legal team. … It’s best to discuss your case with a lawyer who can assess all of the facts. (24)
If you have suffered from a prostate cancer misdiagnosis, contact us today for a free case review.
Get a Free Case ReviewWeitz & Luxenberg was founded in Manhattan. We have been representing clients throughout the state of New York for decades.
Our team of experienced medical malpractice and wrongful death attorneys can help you. We can provide you with legal guidance for your specific circumstances.
Plus, we have a proven record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Here are a few examples of our successes:
UPDATE 7/10/2025: W&L’s James Bilsborrow was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for a class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue Inc. over PFAS chemicals in Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages. The case is. Jo Aronstein et al. v. Kenvue Inc. et al., case number 3:24-cv-04665, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
PFAS are toxic, man-made chemicals. DuPont and 3M made the first hazardous PFAS chemicals back in the mid-1900s. Today, we live with thousands of these toxic “nonstick, stain-repellent and waterproof compounds.” (1)
“PFAS are in your shampoo bottle, your stain-resistant couch, your dental floss, your bicycle lubricant. … From packaging and products, PFAS have found their way into rainwater, soil, sediment, ice caps, and outdoor and indoor plants. The substances have been detected in the living tissues of animals around the world.” (2)
“Certain PFAS are also intentionally added as ingredients in some cosmetic products.” PFAS are used in cosmetic products to “condition and smooth the skin, making it appear shiny,” to improve product consistency and texture, or to give the products a waterproof quality.
“Unfortunately, there are no laws in the United States requiring manufacturers to warn consumers that an item was made with PFAS. … Generally, you’re better off assuming that something does contain PFAS, particularly if you find keywords like ‘waterproof,’ ‘stain-repellent,’ or ‘dirt-repellant’ on the tag.” (5)
In response to public pressure, “a number of apparel brands are taking action. American Eagle and L.L. Bean have both removed PFAS from across all their merchandise. Other major brands, like Ralph Lauren and Patagonia Inc., have set time-bound commitments to do the same. But they are still in the minority.” (6)
It’s almost easier to find out which brands don’t contain PFAS. Visit PFAS Central for more information. (7)
In terms of cosmetics, lawsuits have already been filed. The companies being sued include L’Oreal, CoverGirl, Shiseido, and Burt’s Bees.
“The more scientists investigate cosmetics and personal care products, the more we learn how many of these products are made with PFAS that is not disclosed to the consumer,” explains James Bilsborrow, W&L partner and our Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection group co-chair. “Potentially hundreds of these products may contain dangerous chemicals.”
More often than not, PFAS show up in the cosmetics we buy.
Have you or a loved one been harmed by products containing PFAS? Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewMany objects throughout your home probably contain PFAS. This includes materials used in finishing and protecting your home, as well as in the household items you use to cook and clean.
You can find PFAS in “stain and water-repellent used on carpets, upholstery, clothing, and other fabrics; cleaning products; non-stick cookware; paints, varnishes, and sealants.”
PFAS are practically everywhere in clothing. Products coated in PFAS can expose you directly, whether waterproof shoes, raincoats, or handbags. (9)
“Whether found in a raincoat or a pair of yoga pants, PFAS are used widely in our clothing, shoes, and accessories. These chemicals also pollute at every stage of production. At the PFAS chemical manufacturing facilities and garment factories, they often contaminate the air, water, and soil of the surrounding environment.” (10)
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is monitoring how PFAS affects what we eat. “The FDA has been leading the science in developing validated methods for testing for PFAS in increasingly diverse types of foods.” (11)
We also are exposed to PFAS through the food we eat. “It is estimated that the most significant dietary source of PFAS is fish and shellfish.” (12) The FDA has been testing for PFAS in produce, meat, dairy products, grain, bottled water, and milk. Low levels of PFAS have been found in vegetables, honey, eggs, and tap water.
In Michigan, in January 2022, beef produced by Grostic Cattle Company, near Hartland, was found to be contaminated with PFAS. “Efforts are underway by the State of Michigan to ensure contaminated beef is no longer sold.” Consumers who bought this beef have been alerted. (13) (14)
In New York, public health agencies have detected PFAS contamination in drinking water, particularly “near where these chemicals were manufactured, used, or disposed of.” The state’s Department of Health “regulates two commonly found PFAS contaminants in public drinking water supplies. PFOA and PFOS drinking water standards or ‘maximum contaminant levels (MCLs)’ are set at 10 parts per trillion (or nanograms per liter) each for public water supplies.” (15)
There are several things you can do to lower your risk of exposure to PFAS at home.
To find out if your clothing is free from PFAS, check the brand’s website. The site may tell you if the company has announced it has eliminated PFAS from its clothing. If it doesn’t, contact the brand’s customer service and ask directly. (16)
“Don’t be fooled by labels or promises that a product is ‘PFOA-free’ or ‘PFOS-free’” because those PFAS chemicals have largely been eliminated from U.S. production. There are many PFAS-containing substitutes that are commonly used. (17)
To make sure your water is safe, ask your water provider about PFAS testing in your area. If monitoring is not currently being done, ask both your provider and your state to start monitoring for these PFAS. Some home water filters can also help reduce contamination levels. (18)
When cooking, “avoid the most obvious offenders.” Replace nonstick pans with stainless steel, cast-iron, ceramic, or glass. In addition, “don’t heat up food that’s wrapped in grease-resistant packaging. And make popcorn on the stovetop instead of in PFAS-treated microwave bags.” (19)
When selecting furniture for your home, avoid purchasing any items labeled as being water- or stain-repellent. This is particularly true for bed linens. “Those treatments are practically guaranteed to contain PFAS.” (20)
If you have suffered medical complications due to PFAS-containing products, contact us today to understand your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewYou or a loved one may have unknowingly purchased clothing, food, furniture, or other items containing PFAS. You bought these items thinking in each case you were choosing a safe, healthy product.
Thousands, of people nationwide have purchased the same defective products. So have hundreds in your own region of the U.S.
If this fits your situation, consult with an attorney about joining a class action suit. Your attorney should have extensive experience representing people across the country.
You need an attorney who can look at the big picture. You need someone who has gone up against some of the largest consumer product manufacturers nationwide, as well as potentially multiple defendants.
That firm can help you secure the compensation you deserve. And W&L fits the description. Once you hire the right attorney team for you, we help you explore your legal options. We can set the legal process in motion and guide you every step of the way.
Weitz & Luxenberg is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm with almost 40 years of experience. We are helping thousands of people across the country who were injured due to the negligence of others.
Our attorneys are prepared to help you consider appropriate legal action for your specific circumstances. We have been successful in many environmental pollution and defective consumer products lawsuits. Plus, we have a proven track record of winning cases.
Updated July 2025
PFAS “are man-made chemicals used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s.” Manufacturers have used them in all kinds of products, including nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, and firefighting foam. (1)
“The most commonly studied PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).” (2) PFOA and PFOS are still found in products manufactured today. These products may be made in the U.S. or get imported from other countries.
During production and use, “PFAS can migrate into the soil, water, and air.” Most PFAS do not break down, so they remain in the environment. (3)
Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, PFAS are “found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment.” Over time, if we are repeatedly exposed to PFAS, these toxic chemicals can accumulate inside our bodies. (4)
Consumers should also be aware that babies born to mothers exposed to PFAS can be exposed during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. (7)
Concerns about contaminated drinking water continue to crop up in local communities across the country. These problems are usually linked to a specific industrial facility in that region. (8)
Studies have examined possible relationships between levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood and harmful health effects in people. However, not all of these studies involved the same groups of people, the same type of exposure, or the same PFAS.
If you have experienced health complications due to PFAS, contact us today to understand your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewPeople get exposed to PFAS when they drink contaminated water. You also risk exposure by using products containing these toxic chemicals. PFAS can also be found throughout our environment. This toxic substance does not break down. (10)
You can also be exposed to PFAS if you eat contaminated food. These contaminants can get in your food from the packaging they are in. Or because the crops used to produce the foods were contaminated by the PFAS found in the soil. (11)
Water contamination from PFAS is widespread. PFAS pollution has been documented in hundreds of sites across the country, including industrial plants, military bases, airports, and fire training sites. It is also in the tap water of millions of people. (12)
In June of 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced updated health advisory levels for some PFAS chemicals. The interim lifetime health advisory level for PFOA is now 0.004 parts per trillion (ppt). For PFOS it is 0.02 ppt. The final health advisory for GenX chemicals is 10 ppt and for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) is 2,000 ppt. (13)
“On March 14, 2023, EPA released a proposed national primary drinking water regulation (NPDWR) for PFOA and PFOS, as well as for four additional PFAS.” (14) The EPA set a national drinking water standard on April 10, 2024.
The agency set “Maximum Contaminant Levels at 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, individually.” The EPA set limits of 10 parts per trillion for PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX Chemicals. “Because PFAS can often be found together in mixtures, and research shows these mixtures may have combined health impacts, EPA is also setting a limit for any mixture of two or more of the following PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and ‘GenX Chemicals.’” (15)
“Livestock and game species may be exposed to PFAS via contaminated water, soil, substrate, air or food, and the contribution of these exposures to PFAS concentrations in food products is less well studied.” In fact, “the most significant source of human exposure to PFAS is dietary intake,” which includes both food and water. (16)
“Researchers found high fluorine levels — indicating the probable presence of PFAS — in most waterproof mascara, liquid lipsticks, and foundations tested.” What this means is if you wear makeup, you may be “absorbing and ingesting potentially toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.” (17)
Many of the products with PFAS were advertised as “wear-resistant” or “long-lasting.” Even more concerning, most PFAS were not disclosed on the ingredient labels. Not providing a full ingredient listing “makes it impossible for consumers to avoid PFAS-containing cosmetics by reading labels.” (18)
If you have been harmed by PFAS in water, food, or other products, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewIf you, a loved one, or members of your community have been harmed by a PFAS, such as PFOA or PFOS, we encourage you to consult with one of our attorneys. You want a legal team experienced in the types of injuries and exposure you have suffered.
PFAS injuries are sometimes linked to environmental pollution such as water contamination. In other cases, they are linked to exposure to harmful consumer products.
In either case, a law firm experienced with water contamination, environmental pollution, and toxins can help you explore your options. Your attorney can also explain legal procedures and begin the process of seeking compensation on your behalf.
Sometimes, you may be brought in on a class action suit if many others are experiencing the same injuries due to the same source.
Reach out to us for a free consultation. You can use the form online or call us at (917) LAWYERS.
Weitz & Luxenberg has been representing clients harmed by the actions of others for almost 40 years. We have gone up against large national and international corporations, as well as local industries and businesses.
We can get you medical monitoring and compensation for your injuries. In cases of water contamination, our goal includes getting defendants to pay for cleaning up the water systems they have contaminated.
We also represent town governments, municipalities, water providers, and individuals. You may be living or working near a manufacturing plant, oil refinery, or other industrial business. We help you take action against corporations that have contaminated your community’s drinking water, soil, and groundwater.
If you’re looking for a national law firm with extensive experience, you need look no further. We have been helping both small and large communities across the country deal with the results of environmental toxins and contamination.
Negligence is “carelessly causing harm to another.” Another key component of negligent security is “breach of duty.” (1)
A property owner or tenant of a property must provide you with adequate security, protection, or safety. If you are injured by someone else while on a property, the owner or tenant can be held responsible for the harm you suffered. They owe you a reasonable duty of care. (2)
Negligent security can occur just about anywhere. First, there needs to be a property owner and an establishment.
Next, you must have a right to be on the property. You are allowed. You are invited. You are welcomed. So, the caretaker of the property owes you a reasonable duty of care. (3)
The security guards you see patrolling the parking lot and the mall itself aren’t there just to prevent shoplifting. If you are attacked, raped, or beaten in the parking lot on the way to your car, the property owner can be held responsible.
Yes, grocery stores put up signs telling you when the floor is wet to prevent slip and fall accidents. But the owners of the property are also responsible if someone commits a crime against you.
Parking lots and garages are one of the most common places people get attacked. If you are assaulted and someone steals your car, security personnel and the owner of the property can be held liable.
If you are attacked and someone robs you in an office building, the people overseeing the building’s security can be held accountable. Not only must the building be kept safe for employees, but managers must also secure people’s safety from crime.
More and more, schools are upgrading their security. Guards may patrol the hallways and you even may have to walk through electronic security. The school building managers must also keep their grounds and parking lots safe from crime.
Apartments are another common place for crime. Apartment managers and owners must keep you safe while on their grounds, both inside and outside.
At concerts, sporting events, and other similar venues, the hosts hire security. The property owners are responsible for ensuring guests are safe from crime and danger. They have to take reasonable measures to prevent crowds from stampeding, fights from escalating, or attacks from happening in bathrooms.
Are you a victim of negligent security? Contact us today to learn your legal rights.
Get a Free Case Review“New York State and the FBI use seven Index crime categories as indicators of overall crime trends: murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, which are classified as violent crimes,” in addition to the property crimes of burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. (4)
In addition, a study of 1,086 reported cases from 1992 to 2001 showed the types of crimes reported in negligent security cases: (7)
The remaining 8% of cases included crimes such as false imprisonment, burglary, arson, and motor vehicle theft. (8)
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “Violent crime includes murder, rape and sexual assault, robbery, and assault.” (9)
Find out if your injury is due to negligent security. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewThe legal foundation of negligent security falls under the concept of premises liability. In New York, property owners are obliged “to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for the protection of persons whose presence is reasonably foreseeable.” (13)
The owner also has a duty to warn you of known dangers. This is always true, but especially when you are welcomed and encouraged to be on someone’s property (14)
You are invited or encouraged to enter, gather, or shop on a given property. Your presence on a property benefits the property owners. Business owners benefit from your business. Employers benefit from the work you do for them. Apartment building owners benefit from tenants paying rent. (15)
For your lawsuit, you must prove the property owner failed to provide adequate security or warnings so you and other visitors could avoid injury.
Laws vary by state. So, it’s best to speak with an attorney who is very familiar with New York state regulations and statutes.
Weitz & Luxenberg is based in Manhattan and has been for nearly 40 years. Our attorneys represent clients across New York state who were injured through the actions or inactions of others.
If you have been injured due to someone else’s security negligence, our experienced team of attorneys can help you.
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS are manmade chemicals. Manufacturers have used PFAS in consumer products since the 1950s, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water, and oil. (1)
Multiple studies have considered possible links between PFAS levels in your blood and harmful health effects. Studies have focused on a variety of adverse medical complications linked to high levels of these substances, including: (2)
Researchers have found PFAS are a “highly persistent and potentially toxic class of chemicals” cosmetic manufacturers add to their products. Manufacturers may use these chemicals to increase a product’s durability and water resistance. (3)
Specifically, waterproof, sweatproof, and long-wearing cosmetics “contain higher levels of a potentially toxic class of thousands of chemicals” identified as PFAS. In addition, PFAS accumulate in the body instead of naturally degrading. (4)
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked the chemicals to serious kidney, liver, immunological, developmental and reproductive issues.” Also, PFAS may affect your “antibody response to vaccines such as those for covid-19.” (5)
“PFAS are capable of entering the bloodstream in ways other than direct oral ingestion, and one of these ways includes dermal absorption. Concerns have also been raised regarding absorption of PFAS into the bloodstream by way of tear ducts.” (6)
Manufacturers of personal care products commonly use a dozen or more PFAS in lotions, cosmetics, hair products, and other personal care items. PFAS are supposed to make these products more water resistant, durable, and spreadable. Even small amounts, which are not listed on ingredient labels, are used in many more products. (7)
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you can find PFAS in: (8)
High levels of fluorine are indicators of PFAS. In one study, scientists led by the University of Notre Dame found fluorine in 52% of the 231 cosmetics they tested. Also, 63% percent of makeup foundations, 55% of lip products, and 47% of mascaras contained high levels of fluorine. (9)
Scientists for the Environmental Working Group “reviewed its Skin Deep database of listed ingredients in cosmetics.” They “found 13 different PFAS compounds used in more than 300 products among more than 50 brands.” (10)
Sometimes other ingredients named on an ingredients list are not PFAS themselves but were treated with PFAS. These include synthetic mica and fluorinated dimethicone. (11)
If you have suffered medical complications due to PFAS in cosmetic products, contact us today to understand your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewMore often than not, PFAS show up in the cosmetics we buy. However, according to PFAS Central, a Project of Green Science Policy, these retail stores do not use PFAS in their cosmetic and personal care products: (12)
In addition, these manufacturers do not use PFAS in cosmetic and personal care products: (13)
Weitz & Luxenberg is taking a lead in filing lawsuits to get justice for our clients who have purchased waterproof mascara containing dangerous PFAS. Several lawsuits have been filed on their behalf. Our lawsuits allege companies do not disclose that their mascara and other products contain PFAS.
“The scope of this deception is just beginning to reveal itself,” says James Bilsborrow, W&L partner and our Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection group co-chair. “Scientists are vigorously investigating hundreds of cosmetic and personal care products that have the potential to endanger the health of consumers.”
The first W&L lawsuit for PFAS in mascara was filed in February 2022. Then Weitz & Luxenberg filed in a New York federal court for a class action lawsuit against L’Oreal in March 2022. (14)
This lawsuit states the “products were fraudulently and misleadingly marketed as safe for consumers and environmentally friendly, in violation of federal and state consumer laws.” In essence, L’Oreal failed to disclose to consumers about PFAS in their waterproof mascara. They misled consumers. (15)
The proposed class action suits are open to any U.S. consumer who purchased the relevant products. (16) A third lawsuit was filed in New York in April 2022, also for consumers who purchased cosmetics containing PFAS. The suit was filed against Coty, Inc., which owns CoverGirl.
In addition to L’Oreal, similar lawsuits have been filed against other “industry giants” – Shiseido, and Burt’s Bees. All of the lawsuits relate to cosmetics, some of which contain potentially toxic PFAS substances. (17)
On June 15, 2021, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced a bill called the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act. This bill “would ban the inclusion of PFAS chemicals in cosmetics products,” including make-up, moisturizer, and perfume. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), are co-sponsoring the bill. (18)
Basically, the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act would direct the FDA “to issue a proposed rule banning the intentional addition of PFAS in cosmetics, as defined by the FDA, within 270 days of enactment, and require a final rule to be issued 90 days thereafter.” (19)
This act is important because, if passed, it would apply to all cosmetics the FDA currently oversees that are “marketed in the United States, whether manufactured here or imported from abroad.” This includes the requirement that all “Cosmetics produced or distributed for retail sale to consumers for their personal care are required to bear an ingredient declaration.” (20)
If your cosmetic products contain PFAS, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewThe No PFAS in Cosmetics Act is another step in the right direction — making sure cosmetics are safe for consumers. “The FDA will continue to monitor the PFAS literature for toxicity studies and for dermal absorption information” including: (21)
If you purchased cosmetic products you now suspect contain dangerous PFAS, you need to do something about it. And you need to do it soon. There is a time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit against a company when it caused you harm.
Lawsuits are being filed across the country because these companies exposed you to toxic chemicals without you knowing they did. The lawsuits indicate consumers would not have even used the product at all — much less paid more for it — if they knew it contained PFAS.
You need to contact an experienced attorney for more information. The attorney can provide details on what steps you should take.
Because so many consumers have been misled by cosmetic manufacturers, this litigation is being filed as a potential class action lawsuit. Your attorney can let you know if you are eligible to join the lawsuit and seek compensation.
And when you choose an attorney, you want one who has successfully sued other large companies over exposure to PFAS. And at a firm used to taking on big corporations — a firm like Weitz & Luxenberg.
Weitz & Luxenberg has been helping clients harmed by the actions of global manufacturing giants and large corporations for more than three decades. Because we are a national firm, we can join with our partners across the country to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Read the labels of cosmetic products you intend to use. PFAS should be listed on these product labels. Be suspicious of ingredients with “fluoro” in the name because these are chemicals likely to contain PFAS. (20) Labels on retail products must disclose the ingredients in descending order, according to the proportion of the ingredient in the product.
Common PFAS ingredients in cosmetics include perfluorohexylethyl triethoxysilane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetradecyl aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric urea trifluoroacetate, trifluoropropyl cyclotetrasiloxane, and trifluoropropyl cyclopentasiloxane. (21)
Signs of PFAS exposure may appear as metabolism issues, such as body weight regulation, which can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. It can also show up as liver damage. Additionally, PFAS exposure hinders your immune system’s ability to fight infections by suppressing antibody response. It also increases your risks for certain cancers. (22)
PFAS exposure has potentially more harmful effects in children and adolescents, where it can delay the onset of puberty and decrease bone density.
You do not have to be sick to file a PFAS exposure claim. However, you must have been exposed to PFAS chemicals and need to be able to demonstrate your exposure to a legal court. Eligibility to file a claim can depend on where you worked and lived, the food and water you consumed, or the products you used.
A blood test can help verify your exposure. A written medical diagnosis or a letter from your doctor stating your condition is related to PFAS exposure can help support your claim.
While there are no national-level PFAS product disposal regulations, states and counties do attempt to individually address the issue. They do this through legislation, product restrictions, and broad policies.
Contact your state or county government regarding household hazardous waste disposal. Your local government may have guidelines for disposal practices. Those guidelines may contain specific instructions for how to dispose of solid household PFAS products, including cosmetics and personal items.
No matter where you live, do not pour liquid PFAS products down household toilets and sink, tub, or sewer drains. (23) (24)
Updated April 2025
Breast cancer is cancer developing in the cells of the breasts. Both women and men can get breast cancer. In women, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer. (1)
“About 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women,” according to the American Cancer Society. It adds, “About 43,250 women will die from breast cancer.” (2)
The breast is made up of different types of cells and tissues. Depending on where the cancer forms, you can be diagnosed with different types of breast cancer: (3)
“Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in New York State. Each year in New York, over 16,400 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 2,500 women die from the disease. It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her life.” (10)
Men get breast cancer also, but it is exceptionally rare. Approximately 160 men in New York State are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. (11)
Most recent data from New York State’s Department of Health indicate in 2018, 16,892 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Of these, 2,576 women died from the disease. (12)
If you have suffered from a breast cancer misdiagnosis, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewA lump is one common sign of potential breast cancer. Other signs and symptoms include: (13) (14) (15)
Approximately 1.6 million breast biopsies are performed in the United States each year. Both false positives and false negatives are possible, leaving room for misdiagnosis of the cancer. According to one study, in only about 75% of the time did one individual pathologist agree with a panel of experts. (16)
Agreement about the diagnosis happened to be the highest when the pathologist and the panel of experts concluded the sample showed “invasive carcinoma.” (17)
“Mammograms aren’t perfect.” In fact, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mammograms reveal cancer 80% of the time. This means 20 out of every 100 get missed. Theses misses are leading more and more patients to file lawsuits “when lesions are found after earlier mammograms failed to detect them.” (18)
Breast cancer can be misdiagnosed due to:
The bottom line is if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the sooner you seek treatment, the better. (20)
At least one study has suggested “extended treatment delay (more than 90 days postdiagnosis) resulted in worse survival, in patients with invasive nonmetastatic and metastatic breast cancer. … Delayed adjuvant therapy (more than 90 days postsurgery) resulted in worse survival in patients with invasive nonmetastatic breast cancer who had surgery less than or equal to 90 days postdiagnosis.” (21)
A misdiagnosis typically means a delayed diagnosis. And the longer it takes to diagnose your breast cancer, the long it takes to start your treatment.
Any delay in treatment adds to the risk of your cancer proceeding to a more advanced stage. This can cause you more pain and suffering. Have a later stage of cancer can result in the need for more expensive treatments, additional treatments, and a less positive future outcome.
Medical professionals could be held responsible for your injury if there is evidence they acted negligently. This includes the technician who performed your mammogram, or the radiologist who read its results.
In the medical profession, all health care professionals are expected to provide a specific standard of care. When medical professionals depart from the standard of care, or are negligent, they should be held accountable. (22)
If a radiologist made an error leading to a delay in your treatment and you suffered further injury, you can sue for malpractice. You must prove an error caused a delay in their diagnosing you correctly, and the delay harmed your health. (23)
For example, you get a mammogram. You receive the news it showed no signs of cancer. Six months later, you discover you have breast cancer. If the cancer was visible on your mammogram from six months earlier, you may have a case of medical malpractice. (24)
If you have suffered injury due to a breast cancer misdiagnosis, contact us today to understand your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewYou initiate a lawsuit by hiring an experienced, knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney. Your attorney files papers with the court claiming you were harmed. The harm could be caused by your doctor or another medical professional who owed you a duty of care.
Your legal claim states you are “entitled to legal redress. These papers must set out [your] prima facie case: the statement of facts and legal theories that establish that [you have] a legally enforceable claim against the defendant.” (25)
Your attorney must prove the four elements of your lawsuit for medical negligence: (26)
Weitz & Luxenberg is a New York law firm based in Manhattan. Our attorneys have been handling medical malpractice cases, wrongful death, and negligence lawsuits for nearly 40 years.
Our experienced attorneys can help you consider your legal options. You may be able to seek compensation if your breast cancer was misdiagnosed. Or a loved one died due to a misdiagnosis.
Weitz & Luxenberg has a proven track record. Here are a few examples of our success:
“Between 2011-2014, 1,380 workers were injured as a result of operating an aerial lift or scissor lift,” reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2)The CDC also indicates “87 workers died as a result of operating an aerial lift or scissor lift.” (3)
Man lifts and bucket trucks are often used by workers in place of scaffolding. The workers use them when performing installation of drywall, painting, or doing a variety of maintenance tasks. (4)
Other industries requiring the elevation of workers to move materials, change lightbulbs, or store boxes, may also utilize aerial lifts.
The use of any aerial lift has possible risks to workers.
Hazards associated with elevating workers to perform tasks are numerous and varied.
Some of the most common hazards, according to the Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety & Health (ELCOSH) and The Center to Protect Workers’ Rights (CPWR) include: (6)
It is clear, some professions are more at risk for lift accidents than others.
If you’re a victim of a man lift or bucket truck accident, contact us today to understand your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewWorkers in certain professions are more at risk because they tend to use aerial lifts, such as man lifts and bucket trucks. In addition to raising workers into the air, aerial lifts are mobile and considered a restricted workspace.
They “are used in a number of different conditions, such as adverse weather conditions and high-traffic, continually-changing worksites.” (16)
Lift accidents can be hazardous. “Scissor lifts are more susceptible to tipping, but boom lifts present a greater risk of power line contact,” says the Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America (LHSFNA), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering healthier laborers and improving employers’ bottom lines. (18)
“The main hazards involved in using both types of aerial lifts are falls and electrocutions,” continues LHSFNA. (19) While the organization is correct, there are other possible injuries to workers, as well.
Injuries sustained in man lift and bucket truck accidents range from minor to life-threatening, to fatal. Here are some of the most common injuries:
If you sustained injury from a man lift or bucket truck, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact us today for a free case review.
Get a Free Case ReviewMost of these injuries may require extensive and costly medical treatments. If you have suffered one of these injuries, you may face rising medical bills, lengthy recovery times, loss of income or worse, permanent damage. This is why you should speak with an attorney about all of your legal options.
The individual operating a lift or machine is responsible for damage and injuries caused during its use. If an operator was negligent and someone was injured, the injured party may be entitled to compensation.
Negligence is a legal concept indicating the operator of the lift or machine failed to act “with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances. The behavior usually consists of actions, but can also consist of omissions.“ (26)
To prove negligence, you must show the court the operator of the lift could foresee the possibility of harm, the severity of that harm, and did not take steps or precautions to eliminate that harm. (27)
For example, if you were hurt while working in the bucket of a lift that tipped over because the lift hit a curb or hole while moving. Proper maneuvering of the lift is the operator’s responsibility.
Or what if the lift tipped over because the operator did not know or adhere to the rated load capacity for it? Operators are supposed to be aware of and follow recommended guidelines for how much weight a given lift can support to operate the lift safely.
If the operator did not receive the necessary training, the company could be responsible. Companies must provide proper training in areas of health and safety on the job.
If the man lift or bucket truck malfunctions, it could be due to a manufacturing defect in the aerial lift itself. If so, the manufacturer of the aerial lift could be held responsible legally.
Negligence cases are not always clear cut. They can be very complex. This is an area of law where Weitz & Luxenberg has a wealth of experience and a long history of success for our clients.
