Boating Accidents and the Law

by Robert G. Sullivan, Esq. 

The summer is in full swing and given  

New York's extensive coastal areas and lake regions people who own boats are enjoying the benefits of this spate of hot weather.  

But we only need to recall the events of the last few weeks to realize how dangerous operating a boat can be.  

Three children drowned in the Town of Oyster Bay waters when the yacht they were on capsized and trapped them in the cabin. Before that, a fishing boat near the Robert Moses bridge was rammed by a speedboat whose operator was cited for operating it under the influence of alcohol. One of the fisherman was killed and left behind two children, ages 11 and 6.  A fun day in the sun can quickly turn into a tragedy which can haunt the survivors for a lifetime.

Obviously no amount of money can replace a loved one or restore severed limbs or reverse a paralysis but, the law provides remedies in the form of monetary compensation for the injured and the families of those killed in boating accidents. Our law provides the basis for an analysis of fault in a boating collision case.

In the Spotlight

Michael N. Block, Esq., was the recipient of this year's Uniformed Firefighter's Association Lifetime Service Award.

For over 30 years, Mr. Block has been helping UFA members during their most difficult time, making himself always available. The UFA wrote, "The UFA Executive Board, Delegate Body and all NYC Firefighters are honored to call Mike Block a friend - in the truest sense of the word."      

Christopher T. McGrath, Esq., was presented with the 2012 Award for Professionalism by the New York State Bar Association.  This award is the NYSBA's top honor and is presented to a Bar member who displays the highest standards of professionalism, commitment to promoting respect for the legal system, outstanding ethical conduct, competence, good judgment, integrity and civility. 

Committee Chair Marion Hancock Fish said "Chris McGrath exemplifies the State Bar Association's high standard for service to the profession."  The award was presented to Mr. McGrath on January 26, 2012 at the NYSBA's Annual Meeting in Manhattan.   

Younger woman generally don't consider  

themselves at risk for breast cancer, however, this horrific disease can strike at any age.  Women in their twenties, and even thirties, are not thinking about the possibility of breast cancer, because they likely have not yet even had a mammogram.  

The American Cancer Society recommends women have a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40, and then after the age of 40, on a yearly basis.  For women with a family history of breast cancer, the surveillance may be even more frequent.

Diagnosing breast cancer in a younger woman is often more difficult on a mammogram because their breast tissue is generally denser, and it is harder for the x-ray beam to "see" through dense breast tissue.  By the time a lump is felt in a young woman's breast tissue, it is often advanced in stage and will require extensive medical treatment.

In addition, breast cancer in younger woman is more aggressive and less likely to respond to treatment.  Therefore, the early diagnosis of breast cancer can save young women's lives.

 Breast Cancer Warning Signs   

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