Verdicts/Awards
AIRPLANE CRASHES AND AVIATION ACCIDENTS
AUTOMOBILE AND TRAIN ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL MALPRACTICE
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND POLICE BRUTALITY
WORKPLACE INURIES AND CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS
PREMISES LIABILITY AND GENERAL NEGLIGENCE
Airline Crashes & Aviation Accidents
EGYPTAIR FLIGHT 990
Jonathan C. Reiter obtained the highest verdict for a single passenger in the EgyptAir 990 crash ($3.6 million including interest). This case is the first to award loss of society damages to a victim's sisters, brother and cousin as dependent relatives under the Death on the High Seas Act, in addition to awarding substantial damages to the victim's parents. (See News Article).
AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 587-BELLE HARBOR, NEW YORK
American Airlines Flight 587 bound for the Dominican Republic, crashed shortly after takeoff from JFK International Airport in New York, when the tail section of the aircraft fell off and the plane plummeted into Jamaica Bay. Mr. Reiter was a member of the Executive Committee of the Plaintiff's Steering Committee for this litigation. Mr. Reiter negotiated million dollar and/or multi-million dollar settlements for the survivors of 14 persons killed in the crash, including residents of the United States and the Dominican Republic totaling over $32 million.
SWISSAIR FLIGHT 111-PEGGY'S COVE NOVA SCOTIA
After leaving New York for Geneva, Swissair Flight 111 attempted to make an emergency landing after a fire broke out due to defective wiring and insulation in the aircraft. It then crashed into the Atlantic Ocean killing everyone on board. Million dollar and/or multi-million dollar settlements were negotiated for survivors of persons killed in the crash totaling over $5 million.
DEFECTIVE HANDRAIL ON AIRPLANE STAIRS CAUSES PASSENGER'S DEATH
While the client was descending the exit stairs on a commuter plane, the metal handrail detached from the fuselage, causing him to fall to ground, striking his head on the runway, and eventually causing his death. A settlement of approximately $2 million was obtained.
* All of the above aviation cases were prosecuted by Mr. Reiter as a member of a separate and distinct law firm, and not in his capacity as the owner of the Law Firm of Jonathan C. Reiter. Other members of that separate and distinct law firm also participated in the representation of these clients.
AIRPLANE FIRE AND NEGLIGENT EMERGENCY PROCEDURES CAUSE INJURY TO PASSENGER
While an airplane was taxiing on the runway, a smoke condition and faulty instructions by the crew caused a panic exit from the plane, resulting in serious injuries being sustained by our client as she was descending the emergency slide. Mr. Reiter obtained a settlement of approximately $900,000.
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Automobile & Train Accidents
DRIVER FALLS ASLEEP CAUSING VEHICLE TO STRIKE A TREE RESULTING IN SEVERE INJURIES TO PASSENGER
Our client was a passenger in a motor vehicle on a major highway. The driver fell asleep or passed out, causing the vehicle to veer onto the median divider and strike a tree. Our client suffered severe brain damage and became permanently disabled. Mr. Reiter obtained a settlement of approximately $2.3 million for the client.
MOTORCYCLIST STRUCK BY DRUNK DRIVER*
While operating his motorcycle, the client was struck by a drunk driver operating an SUV, causing serious injuries. A settlement of approximately $4 million was obtained.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING STREET STRUCK BY SPEEDING MOTOR VEHICLE
Our client was a college student who was crossing a street in Manhattan. A car traveling in excess of the speed limit struck her, causing a contusion of the brain and multiple fractures of her legs. A settlement of approximately $600,000 was obtained for our client.
SCOOTER OVERTURNS ONTO DISABLED BUS PASSENGER*
The client was a disabled person on a scooter who boarded a New York City Transit Authority bus along with his wife. The bus driver failed to properly secure the scooter. When the bus made a sharp turn, the scooter tipped over causing him to be thrown into the exit stairwell of the bus, causing injury to his shoulder. Mr. Reiter proved that the plaintiff, a polio victim since childhood, had relied upon his shoulders to walk with crutches, and as a consequence of the accident he would no longer be able to use crutches and would be confined to a wheelchair. At trial, the jury awarded $875,000.
MENTALLY ILL PERSON STRUCK BY SUBWAY TRAIN
Our client, a homeless mentally ill person, fell onto the subway tracks and was struck by an oncoming train as she was attempting to climb back onto the platform, causing devastating injuries. We were able to show that the train engineer was entering the station at an excessive rate of speed and would have had time to stop the train and avoid the accident if he had been using reasonable care. After Mr. Reiter obtained a verdict of liability against the New York City Transit Authority, a damages settlement of approximately $1 million obtained for our client.
LONG ISLAND RAILROAD TRAIN FAILS TO STOP CAUSING AMPUTATION OF CLIENT'S ARM
Our client was chased onto LIRR tracks by assailants trying to rape her. The train operator saw her on the tracks from a mile away but failed to apply his brakes until he was too close to avoid hitting her, causing severe injuries, including amputation of her right arm. A settlement of approximately $600,000 was obtained for our client.
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Medical & Hospital Malpractice
FAULTY NECK SURGERY CAUSES QUADRIPLEGIA
Our client was operated on for a cancerous tumor in his neck. Although the surgeon successfully removed the tumor, he negligently placed a metal hook in the spinal canal that was too large, damaging the spinal cord and resulting in paralysis of both arms and legs. Mr. Reiter was able to obtain a settlement for our client of approximately $4 million.
PREMATURE BABIES SUFFER BRAIN DAMAGE FROM HOSPITAL INFECTION
Two premature infants became infected with the RSV virus in a hospital due to lax hand washing procedures by the nursing staff. The infections resulted in brain damage to the two infants. A settlement of approximately $1.4 million was obtained for our clients to provide for their lifetime needs.
NEGLIGENT TREATMENT OF SKULL FRACTURE CAUSES INFECTION AND BRAIN DAMAGE TO CHILD.
A three year old child was accidentally struck by a relative's automobile causing a skull fracture. Surgeons at negligently sutured a tear in the dura (covering of the brain) leading to a severe infection that left the child severely brain damaged and confined to an institution. Mr. Reiter negotiated a settlement of $2.25 million to take care of the child's future needs and compensate the parents.
NEGLIGENT INTERPRETATION OF CAROTID ULTRASOUND FAILS TO DIAGNOSE IMPENDING STROKE
Our client underwent a carotid ultrasound to that was read improperly. He later suffered a stroke that could have been prevented if the ultrasound had been properly interpreted. Mr. Reiter obtained a settlement of approximately $1.85 million.
FAILURE TO PERFORM CAESAREAN SECTION CAUSES BRAIN DAMAGE TO INFANT
During our client's labor and delivery of , there were signs of fetal distress, such as meconium staining, non-reassuring fetal heart rate monitor tracings and failure to progress. Doctors failed to timely perform a Caesarean section and the child was born with cerebral palsy. A substantial settlement was obtained.
GASTRIC BYPASS CAUSES SEVERE INFECTION AND DEFORMITY
Mr. Reiter won a settlement of approximately $1.5 million during trial for our client, the mother of two young children, who developed a serious infection after undergoing gastric bypass surgery (stomach stapling) for obesity. We showed that doctors used improper surgical techniques resulting in a leak of stomach contents into the abdominal cavity. The infection was worsened by the improper placement of a catheter that pierced the client's bowel, necessitating a colostomy and several additional surgeries that left her with gross deformity of the abdomen.
MISDIAGNOSIS OF CROHN'S DISEASE CAUSES COMPLICATIONS FROM TREATMENT WITH PREDNISONE
Our client was misdiagnosed with Crohn's disease when her actual illness was caused by amoebic infection from contaminated water. She was treated with prednisone, a recognized treatment for Crohn;s disease, and developed avascular necrosis of her hips and knees, as well as other problems. A settlement of approximately $2 million was obtained by Mr. Reiter.
DOCTOR''S OFFICE LOSES PATIENT'S LABORATORY RESULTS AND FAILS TO TIMELY DIAGNOSE PROSTATE CANCER
The doctor sent the patient for a prostate cancer test (PSA) which showed probable cancer, but the lab results were not put in the patient's chart causing a long delay in diagnosis. A settlement of approximately 2.1 million was obtained.
FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE BREAST CANCER CAUSES DEATH
Our firm achieved a substantial recovery for the family of a woman who died after doctors failed to diagnose her breast cancer at an early stage. The young woman, who was survived by a husband and children, had felt a lump in her breast and reported it to her gynecologist. A mammogram was improperly read as negative, and her physician failed to order a biopsy. The cancer spread to the lymph nodes and bones, ultimately causing death. A verdict for $1.5 million was rendered by a jury in Staten Island.
BIOPSY OF BREAST MISINTERPRETED BY PATHOLOGIST CAUSES SPREAD OF CANCER
Our client felt a lump in her breast and was sent for a biopsy. The tissue sample was interpreted as benign. Approximately a year later, the lump had grown, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer that spread to the lymph nodes. A review by other physicians, showed that the cancer was already apparent on the previous biopsy and treatment should have been started at that time. A settlement of approximately $475,000 was obtained for our client.
MAMMOGRAM IMPROPERLY READ BY RADIOLOGIST CAUSES GROWTH OF TUMOR AND METASTASIS TO OTHER ORGANS
Our client had diligently undergone yearly mammograms that were read as normal. When she was ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer, review of her earlier mammograms showed that the tumor was already there, and should have been diagnosed and treated. As a result, she was obliged to undergo a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, when she would otherwise have been eligible for a lumpectomy. A settlement was obtained of approximately $750,000.
DOCTOR'S FAILURE TO ORDER PROSTATE CANCER TEST (PSA) RESULTS IN DEATH
Our client, a man over 50 years old, complained to his doctor of urinary tract symptoms, but was not given a PSA test to detect prostate cancer. By the time the diagnosis of cancer was made, our client had very advanced disease that had spread to his bones and other organs, causing death. A settlement of approximately $700,000 was obtained for our client's wife.
FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE PULMONARY EDEMA DURING LABOR CAUSES SEVERE BRAIN DAMAGE TO MOTHER
Our client was eight months pregnant when she was awakened from sleep with severe chest pain. She was taken to the hospital where doctors failed to diagnose pulmonary edema secondary to a heart defect. After being improperly medicated, she lapsed into a coma and was rushed to the operating room for a Caesarean section. Although the baby was saved, the mother suffered severe brain damage and is confined to an institution. Mr. Reiter obtained a l settlement of approximately $3.5 million for her husband and child.
FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE ANKLE INFECTION BY EMERGENCY ROOM RESULTS IN AMPUTATION OF LEG
Our client was a diabetic man who suddenly experienced severe pain in his ankle and went to a hospital emergency room. Physicians negligently diagnosed the condition as arthritis and gave him motrin. In reality, the client was suffering from a severe infection in his ankle, and was forced to undergo an amputation of his leg due to the delay in diagnosis and treatment. Mr. Reiter obtained a verdict of $880,000 at trial.
DEATH DUE TO IMPROPER INTERPRETATION OF PORTABLE CHEST X-RAY IN EMERGENCY ROOM
Our client's husband suffered an aortic dissection while on vacation in Florida. The condition was misdiagnosed by physicians and hospital personnel who used a portable x-ray machine in the emergency room, failed to do a CT scan, and negligently gave the patient heparin, a drug that is inappropriate for aortic dissection, causing his death. Mr. Reiter located the only researcher in the United States who had quantified the distorting effects of portable x-ray machines to help win the case. A settlement of approximately $1.2 was obtained during mediation.
PATIENT RECOVERING FROM BRAIN SURGERY FALLS IN HOSPITAL*
Our client had undergone a brain operation with good results. However, the hospital failed to properly monitor and restrain him post-surgically, resulting in a fall that caused serious head injuries, thus destroying the beneficial effects of the surgery. A settlement of approximately $1.2 million was obtained for our client.
NEGLIGENT LACERATION OF BLADDER DURING HYSTERECTOMY*
Our client underwent a hysterectomy for a fibroid uterus. During surgery, a laceration of the bladder occurred that was unrecognized by the surgeon, resulting in the formation of a fistula. Our client suffered prolonged pain, disability and multiple surgeries. A settlement of approximately $450,000 was obtained for our client.
HIP REPLACEMENT WITH WRONG SIZE PROSTHESIS CAUSES MULTIPLE DISLOCATIONS, SURGERIES AND DISABILITY
Our client suffered a fracture/dislocation of the hip in an automobile accident. A surgeon performed a hip replacement, but put in a prosthesis that was the wrong size for our client. The artificial hip dislocated multiple times, necessitating additional surgeries and severely disabling the client. A settlement of approximately $200,000 was obtained.
FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE HEART INFECTION CAUSES AMPUTATION OF BOTH ARMS AND LEGS.
Our client was an intravenous drug abuser who presented to the hospital with sores and poor circulation in his feet. The hospital incorrectly diagnosed his condition, attributing it to cigarette smoking. This resulted in progression and worsening of his condition, ultimately necessitating amputation of both arms and both legs. Mr. Reiter utilized the services of an eminent pathologist to show that the cause of our client's illness was bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves related to intravenous drug usage. A settlement of approximately $500,000 was obtained during trial.
CHIROPRACTIC MANIPULATION OF THE NECK RESULTS IN A STROKE
Our client underwent seemingly routine treatment of her neck pain by a chiropractor. However, an overly forceful manipulation of her cervical spine tore her vertebral artery, causing a stroke. Al settlement of approximately $250,000 was obtained.
PODIATRIC SURGERY ON A "PUMP BUMP" CAUSES TEAR OF ACHILLES TENDON
Our client, a 16 year old girl, underwent surgery on her heel for removal of a "pump bump", also known as a Haglund's deformity. The podiatrist failed to properly anchor the Achilles tendon, which ruptured, necessitating additional surgery and leaving her with a long scar. Mr. Reiter obtained a jury verdict for $1,750,000 in Orange County,New York. The case was ultimately settled.
PODIATRIST REMOVES TOO MUCH BONE DURING FOOT SURGERY CRIPPLING THE PATIENT.
Our client underwent surgery by a podiatrist for pain in the balls of her feet. The podiatrist removed so much bone that the patient was crippled and was forced to walk with a cane. Mr. Reiter obtained a jury verdict for $1,650,000 in Dutchess County, New York.
HOSPITAL NURSES FAIL TO TURN DISABLED PATIENT CAUSING BEDSORES
Our client, an 85 year old woman with leukemia had fallen at home and was taken to the hospital. Nurses failed to properly assess her skin or to institute proper procedures to prevent and treat bedsores (decubitus ulcers) As a result the patient developed bedsores that became chronic and contributed to her death. Mr. Reiter obtained a jury verdict for $150,000 in Orange County, New York.
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Defective Products
KICKSTAND DESIGN FLAW CAUSES DEATH OF MOTORCYCLIST
Our client's husband was an experienced motorcyclist who stopped by the side of the road and put down his kickstand. He then started riding again, but forgot to put the kickstand up. As he entered a turn, the kickstand struck the ground causing him to lose control, strike a metal guardrail and lose his life. In this case, Mr. Reiter's research uncovered the fact that the manufacturer had already recognized and fixed the problem in its European models by installing an interlock that prevented the motorcycle from starting if the kickstand was still down. The manufacturer paid a settlement of approximately $1.2 million to our client, in large part because the company had continued to sell motorcycles without the interlock in the United States.
SUV ROLLOVER WITH EXCESSIVE "ROOF CRUSH" MAKES MAN QUADRIPLEGIC*
Our client was a passenger in an SUV that was struck on the highway by another vehicle causing the SUV to roll over onto its roof. The roof was too weak to withstand the impact and sustained massive roof crush, severely injuring our client's neck and causing paralysis of both arms and legs. After Mr. Reiter won a trial on liability in which both the other driver and the automobile manufacturer were found at fault, a settlement was obtained for our client of approximately $1.7 million, including the amounts paid on behalf of the drivers.
FAULTY "BABY WALKER" AND "SAFETY"GATE CAUSE BRAIN INJURY TO CHILD
In a moment of his mother's inattention a 13 month-old baby pushed his walker into a "safety" gate, knocking it down. The baby proceeded through the doorway and fell down a flight of stairs, striking his head on a metal radiator causing severe injuries. Mr. Reiter showed that the safety gate was defectively designed and that the baby walker should have been wider, so as to prevent it from passing through a standard doorway. A settlement was obtained for our client from the manufacturers of both products of approximately $1.5 million.
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Human Rights Violations, Sexual Harassment & Police Brutality
CHIQUITA BANANA PLEADS GUILTY TO GIVING MONEY TO TERRORISTS IN COLOMBIA
The Law Firm of Jonathan C. Reiter recently filed a lawsuit in United States District Court in Manhattan against Chiquita Brands International, Inc. on behalf of over 200 murder victims in Colombia, South America who were killed by terrorists who had received monetary support and weapons from Chiquita, in violation of federal laws and regulations, as well as international laws prohibiting terrorism This lawsuit is the largest of its kind so far filed in the Chiquita case, which seeks to hold an American corporation and its officers and directors responsible for committing human rights violations overseas.
CLICK HERE to read CNN's coverage about Mr. Reiter's representation of nearly 600 Colombian families against Chiquita Brands International.
PORT AUTHORITY POLICE FALSELY ARREST MAN AND MAKE HIM DRINK FROM THE TOILET
A Hispanic restaurant worker who spoke limited English was returning home to New Jersey through Port Authority Bus Terminal when he was falsely arrested by Port Authority Police for loitering. When he protested, he was forced to drink water from a toilet. Mr. Reiter obtained a substantial settlement for our client.
NYPD OFFICERS FALSELY ARREST MAN DURING DISPUTE OVER PARKING SPACE AND BEAT HIM ON THE HEAD
Our client was backing into a parking space when a car operated by taxi inspectors tried to enter the same space, causing a minor accident. The police were called, and they improperly arrested our client. When he protested, they administered a severe beating, causing him to sustain a severe concussion. A jury in Queens County awarded the man $750,000. The verdict was subsequently reduced by the Court.
FEMALE WORKER SEXUALLY HARASSED BY HER SUPERVISOR
Our client was an attractive young woman who worked in for a discount retail outlet in Brooklyn. Her supervisor was constantly harassing with lewd remarks and inappropriate touching of her body. Our firm brought suit in United States District Court in Manhattan for sexual harassment and obtained a substantial settlement for our client.
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Workplace Injuries & Construction Accidents
FALLING GIRDER STRIKES DEMOLITION WORKER
Our client was a demolition worker who was struck by a steel girder that had been improperly cut above the level where he was working. Our client suffered severe injuries to his arm and became permanently disabled. Mr. Reiter obtained a settlement of $1.2 million for our client.
FREIGHT ELEVATOR CRUSHES TEXTILE WORKER
Our client was loading a freight elevator when it suddenly moved, crushing him between the elevator cab and the shaft, causing his death. This case was settled for $1 million.
BUILDING WALL FALLS ON PEDESTRIAN
A mother and her three year old child were seriously injured while walking on a sidewalk when the wall of a building being demolished collapsed on top of them. A settlement of $2.1 million was obtained for the mother and child.
MARINE BARGE EXPLOSION CAUSES SEVERE BURNS TO WORKER*
A welder making repairs to a marine barge suffered severe burns when an explosion occurred due to gasoline trapped in rotted pipes. The barge had been negligently certified as safe for welding. A settlement of $1.2 million was obtained.
BUILDING COLLAPSE KILLS DEMOLITION WORKER IN FRONT OF HIS SON*
A man working on a demolition project was killed when the building collapsed, causing him to fall multiple stories. His son, who was also employed at the site witnessed his father's pain, suffering and death. A settlement of approximately $600,000 was obtained for the widow.
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Premises Liability & General Negligence
ELEVATOR FALLS MULTIPLE FLOORS CAUSING SEVERE SPINAL INJURIES
Our client was a passenger in an elevator that suddenly dropped four floors and landed in the basement. He suffered severe spinal injuries and became permanently disabled. Mr. Reiter obtained a substantial settlement for our client.
PRODUCT DISPLAY FALLS ON CHILD AT HARDWARE STORE
A young child was with his mother at a home products store when a display of heavy steel security doors tipped over and fell on the child causing a severe fracture of the leg. The child was taken to the hospital and was put in a plaster cast for a prolonged period of time. A settlement of $750,000 was obtained for the child.
DEFECTIVE STEP CAUSES TRIP AND FALL
Our client was exiting a bakery in Long Island when a defective step caused her to trip, fall and fracture her hip, necessitating surgery to implant an artificial hip. A settlement of approximately $200,000 was obtained for our client.
Prior results cannot and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future case. Recoveries always depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case, the injuries suffered, damages incurred, and the responsibility of those involved. The facts of the cases and the amounts set forth below may have been slightly changed and/or the amounts approximated to protect the confidentiality of our clients and others. The verdicts and settlements set forth below are given to illustrate the types of cases that have been successfully prosecuted by Mr. Reiter and his staff, and should not be taken as any indication that a particular result would be obtained in the future. Cases with an asterisk* were prosecuted by Mr. Reiter as a member of a separate and distinct law firm, and not in his capacity as the owner of the Law Firm of Jonathan C. Reiter.
