Since the burden of proof is on the plaintiff (in my firm, usually the injured person), it is best to do a thorough investigation to uncover clear, objective, and compelling evidence. One of the things that makes me happy is when my investigator is able to locate a non-party witness … [+]
Law Office of Charles DeStefano
If you are injured in an accident, use all tools available to you to preserve evidence
If you are injured in a car accident (and able to ambulate, of course) you need to take photos of the damage to your vehicle, as well as the damage to the other vehicle(s) involved, and the general scene of the accident. Any cases involving a a trip and fall … [+]
Sidewalk accidents – Who is responsible for your injuries ?
If you have suffered an injury by falling on a sidewalk defect, you need to be aware of who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks and making proper repairs. In NYC, owners of a 1 or 2 Family residence are NOT responsible to repair cracks or defects in front of their … [+]
If you are in an auto accident, take photos of the property damage
In this digital age, it is no surprise to see photographs of damage to vehicles and injuries that were taken at the scene. People are less punishing when these photographs are presented to juries (or at depositions) since most people carry a smart phone with a camera. It would have … [+]
Safety concerns during the holiday season
There are safety issues that we should be conscious of during the holidays and some simple tips could save lives. For those who have Christmas trees, always unplug the lights before going to bed. Faulty electrical cords, tree lights, etc., along with proximity to flammable materials (wrapping paper, cotton bedding … [+]
Injured by a defect (e.g., a crack, depression, hole in the street)?
If you have been injured in an accident in a street in New York City, you need to be aware of the pitfalls of pursuing a claim against the City of New York or other potential defendants. The first item that needs to be investigated is the exact location of … [+]