Thursday, October 30, 2014

Celebrate Halloween Safely

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Are you ready to celebrate Halloween tomorrow?  Whether you are trick-or-treating with your kids or heading out to a Halloween party, remember to be safe!  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when celebrating this Friday.

Halloween Safety Tips:

  • Driving in Your Neighborhood- Watch for trick-or-treaters when pulling out of your driveway and driving down streets in your neighborhood.  Kids may dart out from between parked cars.  Always drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings!
  • Trick-Or-Treaters - Make sure that your kids only trick-or-treat in familiar, well-lit areas.  If your children are small, make sure a responsible adult is with them!
  • Costume Choices - According to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of injury on Halloween.  Make sure that masks have large enough eye holes and that your kids wear well-fitting costumes and shoes to avoid trips and falls.
  • Health - Indulging in treats can be exciting, but try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.  This will help keep you and your family healthy - and it makes the treats last longer too.
  • Clearing Your Yard - Keeping your driveway and sidewalks clear on Halloween will help to prevent slip and falls.  Put away any garden hoses and keep the area well lit for trick-or-treaters.
Continue reading about Halloween safety on the National Safety Council website.  If you do experience any personal injuries this Halloween, contact our office. Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Long Island Restaurants Fined for Playing Live Music

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

According to federal copyright law, anyone who is playing or performing copyrighted music must obtain a license to do so. Now, several Long Island restaurants are facing fines for playing live copyrighted music.

Nine restaurants on Long Island were recently cited for violating the law. Bobbique, a Patchogue restaurant known for playing live music is one of the restaurants included in the fine. According to the owners of Bobbique, they are being fined $30,000. However, they are hoping to address the issue in federal court.

Read more about the music license fines in Newsday.

Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Monday, October 27, 2014

New York City Reduces Speed Limit

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

In an effort to reduce speeding and car accidents in New York City,  Mayor Bill de Blasio decided to officially drop the city's default speed limit.  

This new law states that if there are no speed limit signs that say otherwise, the default speed limit will be 25 mph.

This is a five mile difference from the previous default speed limit which was set at 30 mph.  The 5 mph change is said to greatly increase the chance that a pedestrian will survive an auto accident.  According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, the new speed limit will help save lives and achieve his Vision Zero plan.  

Read more about the speed limit decrease here.

Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Haunted Halloween Spots on Long Island

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Halloween is almost here!  Will you be checking out any of these "haunted" spots across Long island?

Long Island Haunts:
  • Lake Ronkonkoma - Lake Ronkonkoma is the largest freshwater lake on Long Island.  There are two legends surrounding this haunted spot.  One says it is haunted by an Indian Princess searching for her soul mate.  Another says that the lake is bottomless.
  • Sweet Hollow Road - This overpass in Huntington is full of legends and ghost stories that make it a haunted Long Island spot.
  • Katie's of Smithtown - This local bar is said to be haunted by a restless spirit named Charlie.  Customers sometimes hear glasses shattering, footsteps, and see figures floating through the walls.
  • Amityville Horror House - This is one of the most well-known haunted places on Long Island.  There are several books and films surrounding this infamous home.
Read more about haunted Long Island spots here on Longisland.com.

Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

New York Amends Law to Encourage the Sale of Alcohol

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill yesterday that amends a post-prohibition law.  This new law is designed to encourage alcohol sales and promote the growing beer, wine and liquor industries in New York.

NY's newly revised law is one that hasn't been updated since 1934.  In an effort to modernize New York's alcohol sale laws, Governor Cuomo amended the law on Tuesday, October 21st.

While the post-Prohibbition law regulated the sale of alcohol through state liquor licenses, the new law will support economic growth, job development, and alcoholic beverage production industries.  From breweries to wine tours, the sale of alcoholic beverages plays a big role in New York's tourism and recreation industries.

Read more about the new law in Newsday.

Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Monday, October 20, 2014

National School Bus Safety Week

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

It's National School Bus Safety Week! This week, we are reminding parents, teachers, and students of the importance of school bus safety.

School buses keep an estimated 17.3 million cars off the roads surrounding schools each morning, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles. They help prevent injury and avoid crashes.

The most dangerous part of a student's school bus ride is when they get on and off the bus. Be careful when driving near school buses. Remember to stop when the lights are flashing!

If you experience a personal injury or auto injury relating to a school bus, contact our office. Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Noncompete Agreements for Entry Level Employees

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Noncompete clauses are a surprisingly common part of employment contracts.  These agreements are no longer only for high-skilled knowledge positions.  Many entry-level employment opportunities now require employees to sign noncompete clauses.

Noncompete clauses are designed to prevent you from leaving your job for a competitor's company.  For many employees, they also prevent you from telling a new company any valuable information that was used at your old job.

While noncompete agreements generally apply to managers and other employees who have information that could exploit a business's inside information, many employment contracts now apply the same rules to low-wage employees.  The Huffington Post recently pointed out that for certain sandwich chain's like Jimmy John's, this means that an employee cannot work at another sandwich competitor for two years following employment.

Employees are often required to sign the agreement as a condition of employment.  This limits the places a worker can earn money after low-wage employment.  While the noncompetition agreement is rarely enforced, it's not unheard of.  

Read more about noncompete clauses and the current class action lawsuit in the NY Times.

If you are experiencing any problems with noncompete clauses with your job, contact our office. Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Safety

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Will you be going pumpkin picking with your family and friends this year? Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind as you pick out and carve your favorite pumpkin.

Safety Tips:
  • Pumpkin Picking - If you and your family are heading to a farm to pick your pumpkin, remember to keep safety in mind. Pumpkins can be heavy, only pick a pumpkin you can carry. If the pumpkins are too heavy, use a wagon!
  • Carving Tools - Pumpkin carving tools are designed to carve pumpkins without being razor sharp. They're also easier to control. Be careful when using sharp tools when carving your pumpkin.
  • Carving Precautions - Carve your pumpkin in a well-lit, dry area. Take your time and make sure that kids are always supervised!
  • Carve Pumpkin - Carve the pumpkin before you take the top off. This way, you won't be tempted to put your hand inside the pumpkin. This will help you to avoid injury.
Read more pumpkin carving safety tips in Consumer Reports. If you do experience any personal injuries this Halloween, contact our office. Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Celebrate Columbus Day Weekend on Long Island

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Will you be attending any fall festivals with your family this year?  Many being held across Long Island this Columbus Day weekend.

Long Island Fall Festival
Where:  Heckscher Park, Huntington
When:  Friday, 10/10 through Monday 10/13
This fall festival is held in Huntington each year, offering vendors, live music and carnival rides to those who attend.

Babylon Fall Festival
Where:  Babylon Town Hall Park, Lindenhurst
When:  Saturday, 10/11, from 12-3 PM
Hay rides, petting zoos and live music will be available to parents and children who attend this event.  The fall festival is designed to be a great place for family-friendly entertainment.

Street Fair at Eisenhower Park
Where:  Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
When:  Saturday, 10/11 and Sunday 10/12 from 10 AM - 5 PM
The Street Fair at Eisenhower Park is a great place to spend the day with your family.  The fair provides visitors with vendors and unique items over Columbus Day weekend.

Riverhead Country Fair
Where:  Peconic Riverfront, Riverhead
When:  Sunday, 10/12 from 10 AM - 5 PM
If you are heading out east this weekend, check out the Riverhead Country Fair.  There will be carnival rides, live music, and vendors for the whole family.

 Check out this article for more Columbus Day weekend events and activities and remember to contact our office for all of your legal needs.

Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Safety Tips for Fire Prevention Week

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

It's National Fire Prevention Week!  When it comes to keeping your family safe, it's important to take steps to prevent potential fire hazards.  Here are a few fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association.

Fire Safety Tips:

  • Cooking With Caution - Be careful when using your stove or stovetop.  Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking and check the food regularly.
  • Lighting Candles - Make sure you blow out all candles when you leave a room or go to bed.  Never leave a child alone with a burning candle and keep matches out of reach.
  • Heating Your Home -Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from your heating equipment.  Always keep your heating equipment cleaned and remember to turn off portable heaters when you leave the room.
  • Smoking - Discard cigarettes in a deep, sturdy ashtray rather than throwing them on the ground.  Plants, dried grass and leaves can ignite easily.
Learn more about Fire Prevention Week on the National Fire Protection Association website.  

If you are a firefighter and you have been injured while performing the duties of your job, contact our office. Our experienced attorneys will work with you to challenge a disability requirement finding or to request disability retirement, when warranted. Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Pick Up Your Class Action Suit Checks

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

We recently won a $2.8 million dollar class action suit!  Have you picked up your money yet?  Several people who were a part of the Gildersleeve, CSEA, et al v. County of Nassau class action suit have not yet picked up their checks.  We ask that the following people please contact our office to pick up their money.

Please Contact Our Office:

Adele L. Avrut
Gina D. Brown
Estate of Steven J. Carss
Craig N. Casey
Sandra E. Chatelain
Estate of Robert W. Craddock
Bernard Eisenberg
Theodore G. Lomax
Estate of Judy Malnick
Joanne Maniscalco
Rita L. Mathews
Diane M. Pheffer
Sandra Ulrich
Kathleen Wright

If you know someone who has not yet picked up their check, tell them to contact our office! Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Settlement Reached in NYC Disaster Preparedness Suit

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530
877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

A settlement was reached in a suit filed against the the Southern District, charging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The case alleged that NYC was not adequately prepared to keep the disabled out of harm's way during an emergency.

The law suit, Brooklyn Center for Independence v. Bloomberg, was filed in September 2011. This was nearly a year before Hurricane Sandy put the allegations to the test. The hurricane proved how devastating the failure to plan for emergencies is for New Yorkers is.

Through the settlement, the city agreed to establish at least 60 accessible shelters to accommodate some 120,000 people with disabilities by September 2017. They are working on an improved transportation plan for evacuating people with disabilities and on developing a high rise building evacuation task force.

Read more about the litigation settlement here: http://goo.gl/jGb8ed

Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.