Bush attacks Kerry over tort reform in new ads

President Bush's ongoing war for tort reform continues. As usual, he places the blame regarding the cost of rising health care costs on lawsuits and out of control lawyers. more...>

What is a blawg?

Wondering what a blawg is (this site is one)? If you have powerpoint installed on your computer, check out Mathew Lerner's excellent presentation to law librarians on the subject. (see New York Civil Law, October 3, post)

Is Britney Spears legally married?

Pop diva Britney Spears married her childfriend friend Jason Alexander (not from Seinfeld) last January in Las Vegas. Is the marriage legal? How about the prenuptial agreement? The answer may be found at the end of this article.

USCIS publishes a guide for new immigrants

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services released its guide for new immigrants here. It provides basic information regarding rights and responsiblities of lawful permanent residents, settling in the United States, education and childcare, emergencies and safety, and becoming a US citizen.

Do you have a legal question? Contact my law office: 212-233-0666.

Mandatory fingerprinting for all foreigners entering US airports

There is no more visa free travel into the US. The government has instituted fingerprinting of all foreigners entering the US by air. more...>

Who are small law firms for? Bush or Kerry?

The Association for trial lawyers says that Bush would be extremely adverse to the ability for lawyers to properly pursue a negligence claim. A representative for the American Tort Reform Association claims that there is little difference between the two candidates. more...>

Franklin Square father faces deportation

Marcio Garcia, a resident of Franklin Square, Long Island, faces deportation after he and his wife went to the Immigration Service Offices in Garden City for what they thought was a "routine" matter. The case appears to be typical of the U.S. new "zero-tolerance" policy imposed on immigrants post 9/11. more...>

See my new and somewhat improved website: Law Office of Frederic R. Abramson.

Teenagers are killed by Drunk Driver in Westbury, L.I.

The New York Post and New York Daily News reports that four teens were killed early Saturday morning when the vehicle they were traveling in was involved in an accident with a vehicle operated by Gerrard Ganz. Mr. Ganz was charged with driving while intoxicated. more...>

New York City Transit Authority hit with a large verdict, appeal likely.

The New York City Transit Authority was hit with a $28.5 million dollar verdict yesterday. The jury found the conductor negligent when he hit Alice Huang who was stopped picking up her bible. One of her legs was caught between a car and the platform.

The City is likely to appeal the verdict. Unfortunately,it is unlikely that the final settlement amount, which is usually far smaller, will ever be publicized.

Trial lawyer for V.P. Point. Counterpoint.

Champion of the underdog or shark in a suit? How has Kerry's selection of John Edwards impacted the campaign? more...>

Thanks to Ernie the Attorney.

Site of the day: Corpreform.com

Looking for more information about tort reform? Try www.corpreform.com (thanks to Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyers blog).

Judge Garson's Court Officer convicted

Louis Salerno, court officer to Brooklyn matrimonial Judge Garson, was convicted of bribery. The judge's clerk, however, was acquitted. This is the first trial regarding the corruption scandal involving the Brooklyn Judge. more...>

US Chamber of Commerce targeting trial lawyers

An advertising campaign "educating the voters of the devasting impact" "these people" have on the American way of life has been cosponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce. Who are these people? Al-Quida? more...>

Bumper mismatches between cars and SUV's costly

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released a report entitled "Huge Costs of Mismatched Bumpers: When Bumpers on Cars and SUV's Don't Line Up." The study found that even a small impact from an SUV can cause severe damage to a car. more...>

Is there a threat beneath New York City streets?

In 1999, there were 2,062 "manhole incidents" by 2003, that number was 4,602, a 123% increase. Is ConEd doing all it can to keep our city's streets safe? more...>

House Judiciary Committee approves fines for "frivolous" lawsuits

The Republican controlled House Judiciary Committee approved a bill slapping fines on lawyers who file "frivolous" lawsuits. The Democrats maintain that the bill was a cynical political maneuver intended to highlight lawsuit abuses. The measure would restore mandatory fines for lawsuits deemed frivolous by the judiciary. The cost will probably be the cost of defending the claim.

The bill is unlikely to pass the Senate, however, as many similar measures, such a bill to constrain class action lawsuits, have failed. more...>

Are ads aimed against trial lawyers legal?

The November Fund, run by Republicans, partly funded by the United States Chamber of Commerce, is set to run ads against trial lawyers. However, the ads may run afoul of campain laws because they target John Edwards. more...>

Accident News: Family Killed on Tappan Zee Bridge

The New York Times reports that a Long Island family was killed yesterday on the Tappan Zee Bridge. The family, coming home from their summer house in the Hamptons, was struck by a 18 wheel truck. more...>

If you have been involved in an accident, please contact my law office at 212-233-0666.

The importance of Queens

With Manhattan the center of the universe and Brooklyn suddenly hip, Queens is the borough that is often forgotten. Queens today is often remembered as the home of All in the Family's Archie Bunker. However, in many ways, Queens is New York City's most successful outer borough. more...>

Disgraced lawyer details Judge Garson's "crimes"

Paul Siminovsky, an ex-attorney, testified yesterday that he committed "crimes" in Judge Garson's courtroom. Charges have been recently brought against Brooklyn matrimonial jurist, Judge Garson. The disgraced attorney claims that he paid the judge referral fee's and wined and dined him. The former attorney also contributed thousands of dollars to the judicial election campaign of his wife, Judith Garson. Judge Garson's attorney denies the charges. more....>