GM Recalls Fault Ignition Switches

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

GM recalled vehicles with faulty ignition switches yesterday.  They urge anyone who has not yet repaired the switch to contact their local dealer to arrange an appointment.  

Vehicles Affected by the Recall:

• Saturn ION (2003-2007)
• Chevrolet Cobalt (2005-2010)
• Chevrolet HHR (2006-2011)
• Pontiac G5 (2007-2012)
• Pontiac Solstice (2006-2012)
• Saturn Sky (2007-2010)

The recalled ignition switch creates the danger of the airbags not deploying in the event of an auto accident.  If you're not sure if your car qualifies for the ignition switch recall, check this VIN look-up tool.  

GM recommends that until car owners get their ignition switch fixed, they remove everything from their key ring except for the car key and make sure that the car is in park with the parking brake before exiting the vehicle.

If you are in need of legal expertise, 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.

Fun Waterside Activities On Long Island

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Photo Source: Wikipedia

We’re already halfway through the month of August!  Here are a few of the best waterside activities to do on Long Island before the summer comes to a close.

Visit the Long Beach Boardwalk

Long Beach is a favorite summer destination for many Long Islanders.  The city’s newly reconstructed boardwalk has carts, food trucks, and various vendors.   They also have volleyball courts for more active beachgoers. 

Whale-Watching Day Cruise

Summer whale-watching day trips leave from Montauk.  According to the organizers, the trips were 100% successful last year.  That means that passengers saw whales and/or dolphins on every excursion. 

Fishing At Captree

Captree Boat Basin has about two dozen charter boats that offer full- or half-day fishing trips.  All the gear is provided.  All you have to do is book the trip in advance or show up about a half-hour before sailing time.

Splish Splash

This waterpark is a great spot for families.  They even have a new water ride involving rafts with water-shooting cannons for riders to shoot at other boats.

Read more about fun activities for the family in Newsday.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in all aspects law.  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.

New York City Bookstores Rehires Illegally Fired Workers

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

A New York City bookstore rehired four workers who were illegally fired after voting in favor of union representation. 

Federal labor law prohibits firing employee in favor of a union.  However, the affected employees were let go because they had been deemed managers by the ownership.  Managers aren’t eligible to be part of the union and aren’t protected against being fired.  The managers who were let go argued that they were managers in title only.  The union filed an unfair labor practice complaint on their behalf and the book store has decided to re-hire all four store managers who were previously terminated.

Read more about this union issue on the Huffington Post website.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in employment law.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm. If you were unfairly terminated or you are experiencing any issues related to labor law, 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.

photo credit: brewbooks via photopin cc

New Crossbow Hunting Law for Fall 2014

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Photo Source: Wikimedia

Are you an avid hunter?  New state legislation for the 2014 hunting season will allow the taking of game by the use of crossbow at certain times and places in New York.  The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is accepting public comment on proposed hunting rule changes through July 21, 2014.

These law changes will allow the taking of big game (deer and bear) during the hunting season in which use of a firearm is allowed.  Exceptions include during the Youth Deer Hunting weekend and the January firearms deer season.  The law will also include the taking of small game (wild turkey and other game birds) during their respective hunting seasons.

Those who wish to make a formal public comment on the proposed rule can do so through July 21^st by:

• Sending an email: wildliferegs@gw.dec.state.ny.us (Subject: Crossbrow Regulations)
• Writing a letter: Mr. Bryan L. Swift, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754.

If you would like to learn more about the proposed rule, visit the DEC website or their information on crossbow hunting. 

Remember to contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. with all of your legal questions.  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.

Boating Accident Prevention Tips

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

There are many opportunities for recreational boating and jet skiing on Long Island.  However, many boating injuries occur each year due to negligence.  It is important to understand how to avoid dangerous and unsafe practices while boating.  Here are a few tips to help prevent accidents on the water.

Accident Prevention Tips:

• Keep Your Distance – Respect the space of the other boaters around you.  This will help you avoid blind spots and potential collisions.  Drivers of personal watercrafts, like jet skis, also need to be careful.  PWCs can turn quickly and accelerate rapidly.  Leave yourself enough space to react to other drivers.
• Mind Your Wake – Look behind you before you make a turn.  You should also be conscious of other boaters’ wakes. 
• Lookout for Shoals and Sandbars – Running aground is a common problem among boaters.  It is a good idea to obtain a nautical chart before heading out into an unknown area.  If you do run aground, stop the engine and check for damage.  You may also be able to push the boat off or use a kedge anchor.
• Proper Seasonal Maintenance – Keeping up with regular maintenance will extend the life of your boat.  Remember to change the oil once a year, inspect belts and hoses, and check for corrosion and oxidation.
• Maximum Capacity – Always make sure that the recommended capacity indicated on the boats’ capacity plate is not exceeded.

Many people don’t’ realize that they can receive compensation for injuries they've suffered in a boating accident.  You may be able to receive compensation to help pay for your medical bills and lost wages.  Our personal injury attorneys will investigate the boater’s homeowner insurance, your own health insurance, and whether or not a civil suit can be brought against the boat captain’s personal assets.

Learn more about boating safety here.  You can also contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. if you have experienced a boating accident.  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.

Fair Labor Standards Act

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Image Source: Wikipedia

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards.  It is important that employers comply with these regulations to ensure fair employment practices.  Here are a couple of the issues covered under the act.

• Minimum Wage – New York State’s minimum wage increased to $8 an hour on December 31, 2013.  The minimum wage is set to increase to $8.75 per hour on December 31^st, 2014 and to $9.00 per hour on December 31^st, 2015.
• Overtime – Nonexempt employees must receive overtime pay for hours over the 40 hours per workweek.  However, under the FLSA, there is not requirement for overtime on weekends or holidays. 

Read more about the Fair Labor Standards Act on the Department of Labor webpage.

If work-related legal matters are causing you distress, the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. can help.  We represent the Civil Service Employees Association, the School Administrators Association of New York State, and the Uniform Firefighters Association in Long Beach.  In addition to union members, we also represent individual employees who need an attorney on their side.  Pick up the phone or drop us an email to take the first step. 

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.

National Safe Boating Week

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

It is National Safe Boating Week!  Before boaters head out to the Long Island Sound, the Fire Island Inlet, the ocean, and the bays, we recommend taking necessary safety precautions.  New and experienced boaters alike should know how to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.  Here are a few tips for boaters to keep in mind as they take their boats out for the first time this year.

Boater Safety Tips:

• Life Jackets – Make sure that your vessel has enough life jackets for all of the people who are traveling on the boat.
• Weather – Keep an eye on the weather.  Conditions can change quickly when you are out on the water.
• Designated Driver – You should never operate a boat while under the influence.
• Registration – Your registration sticker should be displayed on your boat.
• Distress Equipment – Keep visual distress equipment, including flares and a VHF radio, aboard.

In addition to following these boating tips, anyone born on or after May 1, 1996 will need to obtain a boating safety certification in order to legally operate a motorboat.  However, it is encouraged that all drivers take this course.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in auto accident injury cases and traffic violations. 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.

Specialized DWI Unit Returning to Nassau

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Nassau County is looking for new ways to make the roads safer for drivers by cracking down on DWI arrests.  The Selective Enforcement Team (SET) will return this year with a focus on finding DWI hot spots and establishing checkpoints.  The new DWI Alcohol-Related Incident Team will be targeting drunk drivers not just this Memorial Day weekend, but all year round.

The DWI program was initially abandoned in 2011 because it was thought that it was not an effective tool in the department’s DWI-enforcement strategy.  However, new reports show that the program could be effective.  According to Mangano, the program is “looking to prevent senseless alcohol-related accidents and looking up those who break the law.”  The 2014 version of the Set unit will become part of the county’s broader crime-fighting strategy.

Read more about the new DWI program in Newsday.  The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in DWI and traffic violations. 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.

School Zone Speeding Cameras Approved

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Speeding cameras are expected to be added to Long Island and New York City school speed zones.  These cameras will have photographic, micro-photographic and video electronic capabilities to detect drivers who speed in these zones.  The new law is expected to be signed fairly quickly now that it has been approved by the state Assembly and Senate.

This new law will add 125 high-tech cameras on Long Island and 120 in New York City.  Drivers who are caught speeding by these cameras will receive a $50 ticket in the mail.  If the ticket is not paid, there is an additional $25 fine.  Although these cameras are designed to reduce traffic fatalities, they are also creating revenue.  The tickets are expected to generate as much as $50 million in revenue for Nassau County and a few million for Suffolk County.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in all aspects of traffic violation law.  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.

Understanding Essential Estate-Planning Documents

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

It’s never too early to start planning your estate.  Sitting down to create estate documents is the best way to ensure that your wishes will be fulfilled.  There are four estate-planning documents that everyone should have. 

Estate Planning Documents:

• Will – A will provides instructions on where things go.  While you don’t need to tell anyone exactly what the will entails, you should let your designated executor know that you have chosen them to be in charge of managing the estate. 
• Power of Attorney – This document gives someone else the authority to make legal and financial decisions in the unfortunate event that you become incapacitated.  Unlike the executor of your will, this is a continuing role.  You should choose someone who is both devoted to you and skilled at managing finances. 
• Medical Power of Attorney – This enables a designated adult to make medical decisions on your behalf.  You should pick a person who is going to stay calm during a crisis.
• A Living Will – Also known as an advanced health-care directive, this document specifies your wishes for end-of-life care.  It can include information on whether or not you want to be resuscitated, kept alive through artificial respiration or feeding, etc.

Read more about these estate-planning documents  in The Wall Street Journal.  The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in all aspects of estate planning.  We make the process simple and provide clients with detailed documents that avoid court issues later on.  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.

Police Department Car Repairs at a 6 Year High in Suffolk County

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Suffolk County Police Department car repairs are at a 6 year high.  20 percent of the car fleet is out of service for mechanical adjustments.  This has forced officers to double up in larger patrol areas, an issue that is concerning many Suffolk legislators.

The county Department of Public Works, which performs vehicle maintenance for the police department, was down to 11 of their original 39 mechanics before this new hire.  This workforce cut down was due to a budget shortfall of more than $500 million.  Three mechanics were added in October to help ease the severity of the problem.

In addition to the broken down cars, new police cars are awaiting body and technical work before they can hit the roads.  Of the 40 new police cars that were purchased, only 22 have been placed into service.  These cars will not be fully equipped with radios, printers and computers until the end of August.

Legis. Kate Browning, chairwoman of the Public Safety Committee is worried that doubling up in police cars is a public safety problem.  However, Suffolk Police Chief Mark White has said that the police car repair backlog has had “minimal effect” on policing.

Read more about the Suffolk County police fleet backlog in Newsday. 

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in many aspects of employment law and traffic violations.  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.

New Labeling Makes Vehicle Recall Notices Easier to Identify

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

A new federal requirement for vehicle recall notices aims to make it easier for consumers to identify these important mailings.  The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made it mandatory for manufacturers to display a safety recall label on envelopes of notification letters.

The new label is designed to make it easy for consumers to quickly recognize all recall notices for their vehicles, child restraints, tires, or other motor vehicle equipment.  The intention is to help consumers act quickly and address essential safety issues early on. 

They have also developed a new app called Android SaferCar app.  There is an iOs version for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.  This app provides users with free access to key safety information, including recalls and safety performance.  The agency says that this app aims to make it easier for consumers to submit complaints regarding vehicle safety issues. 

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in handling personal injury cases, including cases associated with product liability.  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.

LIRR Pension Error May Cost Widow Nearly $27,000

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

A clerical LIRR pension error has left the widow of a retired train engineer owing $26,707.  The MTA is now demanding their money back.  Shirley Findel was informed that she could correct the overpayment through a deduction of $240 from her benefits each month.  However, the 80 year old woman says that any reduction to her benefits would impose a financial hardship. 

Shirley Findel was only informed of the error after she notified the pension administrators of her husband’s death.  They are now asking for payment 18 and a half years later.  Shirley feels this payment is an unfair burden.  However, the MTA spokesman is defending the demand for repayment.  The MTA says that the pension plan “is obligated to correct this error and seek to recover the overpayment.”

New York University law professor Brookes Billman feels that if the overpayment is not recovered, it could burden the pension system.  This would cause problems for others who rely on the pension system after retirement.

Lee Adler, a lecturer in collective bargaining and labor law and Cornell University’s School of Industrial Labor Relations feels that although the MTA may have a legal right to recoup the money, there are serious moral concerns at hand.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in handling employment law cases.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  If you have an employment law case, contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Watch Stober Law On YouTube: Wills and Powers of Attorney

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

It’s never too early to start preparing your will or estate plan.  Watch our YouTube video on wills and powers of attorney!  Louis D. Stober, Jr. explains what each of these terms means in a way that is simple and easy to understand.

Learn more about the importance of planning your will and how the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C. can make preparation simple.  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.

NYPD Cracks Down on Speeding: Adds 200 Radar Guns to the Force

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Photo Source: Wikipedia

The NYPD recently announced drastic changes that are intended to improve the quality of New York City’s traffic enforcement.  The Police Department is adding 200 radar guns throughout the city’s 77 precincts in a serious effort to crack down on speeding.  This addition more than doubles the amount of radar guns that are now used in New York City.

The new emphasis on speeding is part of Mayor de Blasio’s “Vision Zero” plan.  This effort intends to completely eliminate traffic fatalities by 2024.  There were 286 people killed in traffic related accidents in New York City last year.  According to Chief Thomas Chan, the head of the NYPD’s Transportation Bureau, officers are already being trained on how to use the radar guns.  However, some are skeptical about the new speeding enforcement effort.  Council Member Chaim Deutsch suggested at the City Council committee meeting that some cops were already overzealous in pulling over drivers in his district.

We want to remind all of our clients that they should not delay paying any speeding tickets they receive.  Failed payments can lead to points on your driver’s license and even result in license revocation.  At the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C. we are happy to offer a consultation to explain your ticket and discuss your options.  Schedule a meeting with one of our experienced traffic lawyers by calling our Garden City office at 877-881-7185.  Remember to drive safely!