Celebrate Earth Day Today and Every Day!

 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

Happy Earth Day!

The world today is a lot more eco-conscious than it was in 1970.  It might be hard to imagine a time when factories could legally dump toxic waste into nearby streams.  Today we celebrate Earth Day and the laws that we now have in place to protect our environment!

The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, when 20 million Americans protested for a healthy, sustainable environment. This led to the creation of several essential pieces of environmental legislation that still are upheld today.

• Creation of the Environmental Protection Agency - The EPA is a well known part of the United States government.  While we rely on the agency for many of our current environmental laws, the EPA was not always around.  It wasn't until the National Environmental Policy Act that the EPA was created.
• Clean Air Act of 1970 - This legislation authorized state and federal regulations that limit industrial pollution. This means that businesses had to restrict their emissions.
• Clean Water Act - While this act was passed a little later on (1972), it is still associated with Earth Day.  This legislation is in place to restore and maintain the integrity of our water.  It also includes wastewater treatment and maintaining the integrity of the wetlands.

Read more about the history of Earth Day here.  You can also check out fun things to do on Long Island for Earth Day on the Mommy Poppins website.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, 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.

Celebrate Earth Day 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

Did you know that New York is one of the most eco-friendly states in the country?  It ranks third for it's environmental protection efforts!  Here are a few events to help you celebrate Earth Day this week on Long Island.

Long Island Earth Day Events:

Earth Day Beach Clean Up

Where: Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge, Huntington

When: Saturday, 4/25 at 9AM

Cost: Free

The Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon and US Fish and Wildlife Service are hosting a beach cleanup at Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge to help keep our beaches clean and trash-free this Earth Day!

Keep Islip Clean: Recycled Art Contest

Where: Gillette Park, Candee Avenue, Sayville

When: Saturday, 4/25 from 11am to 3pm

Cost: Free

Bring in your art project made from recycled materials for a chance to win!  There are both children and adult categories for the contest.

Eco Carnival

Where: Seatuck Environmental Association, Islip

When: Saturday, 4/25 from 11am to 5pm

Cost: Suggested $5/person, $20/family

There will be several ongoing events in celebration of Earth Day.  Enjoy nature programs, live animals, music, art, games and food!

Read more about Earth Day events in Newsday.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, 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.

Uber is Facing Legal Issues in NYC

 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

Have you used Uber to get around in NYC?  The car service may be finding itself with a lawsuit.  Mayor Bill de Blasio has threatened a multi-billion dollar lawsuit if the ride-sharing company doesn't comply with the city's taxi laws.

Under NYC law, only licensed taxis can pick up people who hail a car on the street.  All Taxis in New York City are regulated by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.  They work to maintain a fair and competitive field that serves the interests of NYC riders and residents.  However, Uber violates the law and avoids a number of fees that other taxi services have to abide by.

Read more about the legal issue in FOX Business.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, 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.

Filing for Divorce via Facebook Message

 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

Would you file for divorce through Facebook?  A Brooklyn woman recently received a judge's approval to legally file for divorce via a private Facebook message.

Ellanora Baidoo has been trying to file for divorce from her husband for several years.  However, they haven't been able to find him in order to serve the papers because the husband has no fixed address or place of employment.  This week, the Manhattan Supreme Court ruled that Ellanora Baidoo would be allowed to serve her husband with a divorce summons using a private message through Facebook.  

Read more about the recent ruling on the CNN website.  

If you and your spouse have decided to make the difficult decision to separate.  You may be able to file for uncontested divorce.  Our attorneys can help you determine the best legal course of action and offer experienced legal advice.

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.

Travel Safety Tips for your Spring Break Getaway

 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

Planning on traveling for spring break?  Remember to stay safe and be prepared!  Here are a few travel tips to keep in mind.

Travel Safety Tips:

• Stay Connected - Make sure that your phone is charged, especially if you are traveling alone. Your phone can be used as a GPS and online maps are great if your driving somewhere new!
• Don't Leave Baggage Unattended - Whether you are traveling by plane or car, never leave your baggage unattended.  Keep an eye on your belongings to help prevent theft.
• Remember Medications - Make sure that you bring any prescription medications with you that you need for the duration of your trip.  
• Stash Money Separate - Keep your money and credit cards separate from your passport.  This will help keep your belongings safe when sightseeing.

For more travel safety tips, check the AARP website, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.  In the unfortunate event that you are in need of legal expertise after your getaway, we are here to help.

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.

Spring Clean Your Finances This Year

 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 time to begin spring cleaning!  Have you started yet?  Now is the perfect time to go through your finances and make sure everything is up-to-date.  Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Financial Tips:

• Check Your Credit Report - There are sites and services that offer credit reports for a price, but there are also sources where you can safely receive a credit report at no cost to you.
• Create/Update Your Estate Plan - Have you taken the time to put together an estate plan?  While it is not something that everyone wants to think about, it's important to have your affairs in order so that your assets are properly distributed to your family.
• Shred Outdated Records - If you have outdated records with your Social Security number on it, or any other financial information, you should shred them.  Spring cleaning ist he perfect time to go through your old documents.

Check out this article for more spring money saving tips.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have about how to your estate plan in order.

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.

Weekend Events 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

The snow may have kept you from going out last night, but there are still fun things to do across Long Island this weekend.  Here are a few ideas to keep you busy!

My Sinatra
This is a Sinatra tribute show starring Cary Hoffman.
When: Saturday, 3/21, 8pm
Where: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue
Cost: $28-64

St. Patrick's Day Parade
St. Patrick's Day may be over, but there are still several parades happening across Long Island this weekend.  
Where: Long Beach Road, Rockville Centre
When: Sunday at noon
Cost: Free

Hamptons Restaurant Week
Restaurants on the North Fork and South Fork are offering three-course prix-fixe menus this weekend. 
When: Sunday
Where: East End restaurants
Cost: $27.95

Check out this article from Newsday for more fun weekend events!

As always, contact our office if you are in need of any legal expertise this spring. 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.

Receiving Auto Accident Compensation

 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 looks like we will be expecting more snow and ice this week. Unfortunately, inclement weather also increases your risk of experiencing an auto accident. Take precautions and keep an eye out for icy patches on the roads when driving!

If you do find yourself in an auto accident this winter, know that we are here to help you take the best actions for your welfare.  

Our attorneys have nearly three decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies and taking car accident cases to court to ensure that clients get full and fair compensation.

We handle every type of car accident case, including:

• Head-on crashes
• Rear-end collisions
• Hit-and-run crashes
• Car accidents caused by drunk drivers
• Trucking accidents
• Collisions with motorcycles
• SUV rollovers

In the unfortunate event you experience an auto accident, our attorneys are here to help make sure that you receive proper compensation. 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.

How to Recognize the Signs of Cold Stress

 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 has been a cold winter.  Unfortunately, many jobs require that workers spend time outdoors, even in the wind and snow.  Here are a few tips to help you recognize the symptoms of cold stress and to help you stay safe and warm this winter.

Hypothermia 
Hypothermia occurs when your normal body temperature drops to less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit.  On below freezing days, this could be an issue for those that work outdoors.  

Symptoms:

• Shivering
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion/Disorientation
• Dilated pupils
• Slowed breathing

Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury that occurs when your skin and the underlying tissues are completely frozen.  In low temperatures, frostbite can occur quickly on your hands and feet.

Symptoms:

• Reddened skin
• Numbness
• Skin feeling firm or hard
• Blisters

If you experience any workplace injuries this winter, contact our office for legal assistance.  We can help you determine if your case qualifies for worker's compensation.

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.

Additional Monitoring of Northrop Grumman Groundwater Plume

 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

The Northrop Grumman facility in Bethpage has struggled with managing soil and groundwater contamination for a long time.  While production stopped in 1998, the solvents, cadmium, volatile organic chemicals and other contaminants are still being monitored today.

According to Newsday, the groundwater plume that originated in Bethpage has spread as far as Levittown.  Officials have begun to treat drinking water wells as far as 4 miles away from the original source.  They also have a plan set in place to install 31 additional monitoring devices by 2016 to learn more about the distance that the contamination has spread.

According to Lora Fly, the remedial project manager for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, they are hoping that the new monitoring wells will help them determine the extent of the contamination and find an end point.

Read more about the history of the groundwater plume and what officials are doing to prevent water pollution issues in Newsday.

If you experience any legal issues this winter, 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.

How to Include Your Loved Ones In Your Estate Plan

 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

Valentine's Day is perfect for showing loved ones that you care and appreciate them.  This Valentine's Day, give your loved ones more than just chocolates and roses.  Taking the time to plan your will and estate will help provide your loved ones with the peace of mind that comes from having an estate plan in place.

Take a look at these estate planning tips from AARP:

• Create a Health Care Power of Attorney - Before making a decision about who your estate will pass to, you should decide who will represent your best interests in the event you become disabled.  With a health care power of attorney, you will also need a living will.  This will ensure the medical staff know what to do if you are placed on life support.
• Create a Financial Power of Attorney - This document will work in a similar capacity as your health care power of attorney.  This will identify the person who you want to manage your financial affairs.
• Plan Your Will and Trust - Trusts are drafted in addition a will, describing how the assets in your will are going to be executed.  This will help avoid lengthy and expensive court procedures down the line.
• Seek Professional Advice - Give our office a call.  Our attorneys can help make sure that your estate plan provides the best instructions on how to distribute your assets.  We will help make sure that the process is simple for you and your family.

If you are over the age of 50, we recommend contacting our office to begin the estate planning process.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  We will work with you to make the process simple for you and your family. 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.

Health Risks of Working Over Night Shifts

Do you work over night shifts?  You're not alone.  Nearly 15 million Americans work at night, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Unfortunately, working against your natural clock could put your health at risk.  New studies show that there are many health risks associated with working over night.

Long-Term Effects:

• Cardiovascular Disease - There is a correlation between those that work over night and the risk of heart attack and heart disease.
• Obesity - It can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet when working over night shifts.  Workers may be more prone to snacking on junk food than sitting down for a nutritious meal.  In addition to a poor diet, it can be hard to find time to exercise regularly with an over night schedule.
• Mood Disorders - Working at different hours than your friends and family might cause social isolation.  In addition to the change in social habits, night workers also have less serotonin, the chemical that is responsible for keeping you happy.
• Fertility Problems - Shift work can affect a woman's reproductive system.  

Read more about the studies here and the effects that working over night shifts can have on your overall health.

In the unfortunate event you experience any on the job injuries as a result of working an over night shift, contact our office.  Our experienced attorneys can help you address all of your concerns and insure all of the proper legal measures are taken.

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.

What Is Uncontested Divorce?

 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

If you and your spouse have made the difficult decision to end your marriage and you are able to agree on most major issues, you may be able to file for uncontested divorce.

When Can You File Uncontested Divorce:

• There are no disagreements over financial issues, child custody and support, division of marital property or spousal support.
• Your spouse agrees to the divorce, or fails to appear in the divorce action.

Divorce law can be complicated.  While there are DIY websites and companies that offer fast and inexpensive alternatives to working directly with an attorney, they are often too good to be true.  It's important to understand your rights and your options.  Our attorneys make sure that you don't risk losing certain rights stemming from a relationship that aren't readily apparent to someone who is not an attorney.

Watch our YouTube video to learn more about uncontested divorce:

Our experienced attorneys can help you make sure that all of the proper forms are filled out.  We will help you understand your settlement options and ensure you fully understand your rights.

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.

Celebrate New Year's Eve Safely This Year

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

Are you ready to ring in the New Year?  If you are heading out to visit friends and family this evening, remember to drive safely!  Nassau and Suffolk County police departments plan on stepping up DWI checkpoints tonight.

It probably comes as no surprise that New Year's Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year.  Nassau and Suffolk police will be stepping up patrols and sending police operatives under 21 into bars and liquor stores to buy alcohol.

These efforts are all in an attempt to prevent "senseless, alcohol-related accidents that, unfortunately, often occur during a holiday," according to Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano.

Read more about the DWI checkpoints in Newsday.  Happy New Year and remember to celebrate safely!

You can contact our office for legal assistance in 2015!  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.

Places to Visit Santa on Long Island

Santa will be making many appearances across Long Island this holiday season.  If you're looking for something festive to do, here are a few of the places you and your family can enjoy the day visiting Santa!  

Places to visit and take a photo with Santa:

Smith Haven Mall

Lake Grove
Santa will be visiting the mall to take photos with kids through December 24th. For specific times and costs, they recommend you visit their website or call 631-724-1433.

Westfield South Shore Mall

Bay Shore 

Santa will be taking photos with kids through December 24th from 10am to 9pm Monday through Saturday. He will be available from 11am to 6pm on Sundays.

Roosevelt Field Mall

Garden City

Kids can visit Santa through December 24th.  The hours vary, so they recommend checking their website for specific times.  

Walt Whitman Shops

Huntington Station

Children can bring their holiday wishlists to Santa daily through Christmas eve.  Since the hours vary, they recommend checking the website for details.

White Post Farms Animal Farm and Petting ZooMelville
This farm has a ton of fun activities for kids, including a visit from Santa every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas from 10am to 4pm.  Pictures with Santa are included with your $12 admission fee.

Bayville Adventure Park's Winter Wonderland
Bayville
Meet Santa by the beach!  This winter holiday park is open on Fridays from 6pm-10pm, Saturdays from 12pm-10pm and Sundays from 12pm-9pm.

Hicks Nursery
Westbury
Santa will be visiting Hicks Nursery from 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm until December 23rd.  There will be reindeer, a walk-through holiday story and a store with holiday villages.  Hicks Nursery also has a collection for nonperishable food items.

For more places to see Santa with your kids this month check out the following articles from Mommy Poppins and Newsday.

Injuries and Illnesses in the Workplace

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

While the number of injuries that occur year after year are on a steady decline, the number is still substantially high.  A little over three million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

It's important that employees understand all of the benefits and compensation available to them.  Here are a few ways we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

• Replace lost wages
• Coverage of medical bills, medications, therapy
• Job retraining
• Monetary damages for permanent, full or partial disability

If you or someone you love has experienced an injury on the job this year, give our office a call.  Our lawyers are experienced in all aspects of workers' compensation law.  

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.

How to Avoid Cyber Monday Scams

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

Will you be doing any online shopping today? Cyber Monday is the biggest online shopping day of the year! Just make sure that you're shopping smart. Here are a few tips to help you avoid online scams while purchasing your holiday gifts.

Tips to Avoid Cyber Monday Scams:

• Do Your Research - Make sure that the company you are buying from is a reputable business. Try Googling "Business Name Scam" to get an idea of whether or not the business is worth purchasing from. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau!
• Buy From Secure Servers - Whenever you make a payment online, make sure that the website is https://. The "s" stands for secure! There will be a padlock symbol next to the website address that lets you know that your website is legitimate.
• Update Your Computer Security - Are you running an anti-virus program? Make sure that it's updated! Don't click on any attachments or links from unknown sources.
• Beware of Phishing - Don't provide your credit card or bank account information to anyone by phone, text, email, or pop-up ad. These are common ways people gain your personal information under the guise of confirmation.

Read more about how you can avoid Cyber Monday scams here. We want to make sure you enjoy the holidays safely!

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.

New Texting and Driving Law in New York

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

New York is cracking down on texting while driving.  Governor Cuomo passed a new law over the weekend that will place stricter rules on young and inexperienced drivers.

Effective November 2nd, new and young drivers convicted of texting-while-driving will have their license suspended for 120 days.  Second and subsequent offenses within six months of reissuance of the license will result in license suspension for a full year.

According to Govenor Cuomo, it's important to instill safe driving habits early on.  By enforcing stricter penalties on texting and driving and establishing texting zones, Governor Cuomo hopes to make safe driving a priority in New York.

Learn more about the new texting while driving law here on Longisland.com.

If you are in need of legal expertese, 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.