At Leav & Steinberg, we believe in perseverance, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Some cases take years to resolve, and while obstacles may arise, we never stop fighting for our clients and their families. We are proud to announce a recent successful resolution, secured by personal injury attorney Justin White, that brought our client justice after a 10-year battle with the city.
This difficult case, in which the city refused to take responsibility for our client’s injuries, culminated in a successful settlement and outcome for our client.
63-Year-Old Man Trips Over Pothole
In 2014, our client, a 63-year-old Brooklyn man, was simply crossing the street when his life changed in an instant. A pothole – misplaced negligently by NYC maintenance personnel – caused him to trip and fall, severely breaking his leg. As our client struggled to get up and recover from his fall, he was struck by a vehicle making a high-speed right turn, further compounding his injuries.
Very early in the case, our NYC personal injury attorneys were able to secure a settlement for the full insurance policy limits from the driver of the vehicle that hit our client. However, despite our many attempts, the City of New York refused to take responsibility for the hazardous pothole that caused the initial fall.
Persistence in Holding the City Accountable Through Tragedy
Tragically, four years after the accident, our client passed away from causes unrelated to this incident. His passing did not end our fight for justice, and the team at Leav & Steinberg worked for years to bring closure to his family.
For 6 more years, our team fought through numerous legal challenges, including:
- Multiple motions to dismiss from the City
- Complex negotiations over liability percentages
- Procedural delays and administrative hurdles
Through skilled advocacy and unwavering persistence, attorney Justin White and the Leav & Steinberg team secured a $25,000 settlement — the policy limits of the vehicle that struck Mr. Chellemi in May 2017. Shortly after obtaining surrogate approval, we distributed the funds to his children. In January 2025, we recovered an additional $75,000, ensuring his family received the compensation they deserved.
Understanding Your Rights When Injured on NYC Roadways
This case highlights the complexity of premises liability (1) claims against New York City. Under New York City’s Administrative Code (2), specific notice requirements and procedural rules must be followed when pursuing claims against the city for road defects and other hazardous conditions.
The personal injury attorneys (3) at Leav & Steinberg understand these complex requirements and have extensive experience holding the city accountable for negligent maintenance of roads and walkways. We have numerous successful settlements in cases involving:
- Pothole accidents
- Road maintenance issues
Speak With an NYC Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to dangerous road conditions in New York City, don’t face the complex legal system alone. The experienced team of attorneys at Leav & Steinberg is ready to fight for your rights, no matter how long it takes to achieve a full and notable settlement.
Contact us today at (347) 960-2422 or fill out this form online to speak with one of our expert personal injury attorneys.
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