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Published on: September 18, 2023

Deliberate indifference to safety must be shown for a finding of a violation of the 8th Amendment. Wilson v. Seiter, 501 U.S. 294 (1991)

by Stephen Bilkis

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution holds a critical role in safeguarding the rights of inmates, ensuring they are protected from cruel and unusual punishment. Despite the misperception that prisoners may not possess rights, they do indeed retain fundamental human rights, including the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. The Eighth Amendment underscores a foundational principle of justice, asserting that punishments should align proportionately with the offense committed, avoiding any form of unnecessary suffering or humiliation. For instance, subjecting an inmate to solitary confinement for a minor violation, such as a verbal disagreement, constitutes a clear case of cruel and unusual punishment, highlighting the necessity to respect fundamental human rights within the criminal justice system.

Wilson v. Seiter, a landmark Supreme Court case in 1991, addressed the Eighth Amendment’s application to prison conditions. The case questioned whether inadequate prison conditions that do not involve direct physical abuse could still violate the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. This legal analysis was crucial in defining the threshold for Eighth Amendment violations concerning prison environments. The court’s decision in Wilson v. Seiter set an essential precedent impacting the rights of prisoners and the responsibilities of correctional facilities.

Factual Background

Published on: September 11, 2023

U.S. Supreme Court examined the question of excessive force used by corrections officers. Hudson v. McMillian, 503 U.S. 1 (1992)

by Stephen Bilkis

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution safeguards individuals from cruel and unusual punishment. This vital clause aims to prevent excessive, barbaric, or degrading treatment in criminal justice systems. It establishes a fundamental principle of justice, emphasizing that punishments should be proportionate to the offense and should not involve unnecessary suffering or humiliation. For instance, sentencing a minor offense with a punishment like life imprisonment without parole could be deemed an example of cruel and unusual punishment, given its disproportionate severity.

Hudson v. McMillian, a pivotal case in U.S. constitutional law, underscored the legal contours surrounding the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. This case, decided by the Supreme Court in 1992, examined the excessive use of force against an inmate by prison officials, sparking significant debates about the protection of prisoners’ rights. The case questioned the permissible limits of force used by correctional officers, shedding light on the delicate balance between maintaining institutional security and upholding the rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals.

Factual Background

Published on: September 4, 2023

On appeal, the court determined that the damage award was excessive based on the plaintiff’s injuries. Sutherland v Don Dee Trucking Corp. 2008 NY Slip Op 52576(U) [22 Misc 3d 1101(A)]

by Stephen Bilkis

A rear-end accident, often called a rear-end collision, occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. It’s one of the most common types of car accidents. Typically, the trailing vehicle is at fault for failing to maintain a safe following distance or failing to stop in time to avoid a collision. These accidents can result in various injuries, with whiplash being a frequent outcome due to the rapid forward and backward movement of the occupants’ heads. Rear-end accidents can vary in severity, from minor fender benders to more serious collisions, depending on the speed and force of impact.

In the case of Sutherland v Don Dee Trucking Corp., liability was not contested. The issue was the amount of damages. The Supreme Court, Kings County was asked to determine if the amount of damages the jury awarded was plaintiff was reasonable given the defendant’s injuries.

Factual Background

Published on: August 30, 2023

Prison officials can be held liable for injuries to an inmate if they show deliberate indifference. Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825 (1994)

by Stephen Bilkis

In the context of the 8^th Amendment and incarcerated individuals, deliberate indifference is a legal concept that refers to a conscious and reckless disregard for an inmate’s safety or well-being. It involves a clear awareness of a substantial risk to an inmate’s rights, health, or safety, and a failure to take reasonable measures to mitigate that risk. It implies a purposeful or knowing neglect of the risk, showing a callous and uncaring attitude towards the potential harm, demonstrating a severe departure from acceptable professional judgment and prison standards. Deliberate indifference constitutes a violation of an inmate’s constitutional rights under the Eighth Amendment.

Farmer v. Brennan, a seminal case in 1994, dealt with the Eighth Amendment’s applicability to deliberate indifference in the context of prison conditions. The case was significant in determining whether prison officials, by exhibiting deliberate indifference, could be held accountable for the harm inflicted on an inmate by fellow prisoners.

Factual Background

Published on: August 16, 2023

Appellate Division considered whether the plaintiff had alleged sufficient facts to move forward with her case of police brutality. Guadalupe v. City of New York, 141 A.D.3d 1053 (2d Dep’t 2016)

by Stephen Bilkis

Guadalupe v. City of New York involves an allegation of the use of excessive force by police officers during an arrest.

Factual Background

On August 25, 2008, the plaintiff, Maria Guadalupe, was walking to a grocery store in Brooklyn, New York, when she was approached by two police officers, John Kuklewicz and Michael Gonzalez. The officers were responding to a report of a fight in the area, and had received a description of a Hispanic woman wearing a yellow shirt who was allegedly involved in the fight.

Published on: August 14, 2023

Trial court decision in favor of defendant in a slip and fall case upheld on appeal. Gonzales v. 1477-79 LLC, 124 A.D.3d 1141 (2d Dep’t 2015)

by Stephen Bilkis

In premises liability cases, landlords have a duty to ensure that their property is safe for visitors, including tenants. When landlords fail to maintain their property and a visitor is injured as a result, they may be held liable for the visitor’s injuries.

In a slip and fall case, a plaintiff must typically show that the defendant had a duty to maintain the property in a safe condition, that the defendant breached this duty by allowing a hazardous condition to exist, that the plaintiff was injured as a result of this breach, and that the defendant’s breach was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. To establish a breach of duty, the plaintiff must show that the defendant knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to address it. Additionally, the plaintiff must show that they exercised reasonable care and caution and that their own negligence did not contribute to their injuries. The specific legal requirements and burden of proof may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. In Gonzales v. 1477-79 LLC, the plaintiff was injured in the common area of his apartment building due to the defendant landlord’s failure to maintain the property.

Factual Background

Published on: August 9, 2023

Court addressed the issue of whether the defendant was negligent in maintaining its premises. Scheer v. Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., 110 A.D.3d 1039 (2d Dep’t 2013)

by Stephen Bilkis

Product liability cases are complex and require a thorough understanding of the law and the facts surrounding the case. In a premises liability case against a retailer store, the plaintiff must show that the store had a duty to maintain a safe environment for its customers and that it breached that duty by failing to address a known hazard or dangerous condition. The plaintiff must also show that the store’s breach of duty was the proximate cause of their injuries, and that they suffered damages as a result.

In Scheer v. Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., the plaintiff, Susan Scheer, was injured while shopping at Stop & Shop Supermarket when a can of food fell from the shelf and struck her in the head. Scheer filed a lawsuit against Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., alleging that the store was negligent in failing to properly maintain and inspect its shelves.

Factual Background

Published on: August 7, 2023

Court considered a product liability claim based on an injury from a table saw. Whitaker v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 120 A.D.3d 865 (2d Dep’t 2014)

by Stephen Bilkis

Whitaker v. Sears, Roebuck & Co. is a product liability case that was decided by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York in 2014. The case involved a plaintiff, Michael Whitaker, who was injured while using a table saw that he had purchased from Sears. The decision of the court in this case is important because it provides guidance on the extent of a manufacturer’s duty to warn consumers about the dangers associated with their products.

Factual Background

In 2003, Michael Whitaker purchased a table saw from Sears. The table saw was designed and manufactured by Rexon Industrial Corp., a Taiwanese company. The saw was sold under the Craftsman brand, which is owned by Sears. The saw came equipped with a blade guard and anti-kickback pawls, which are safety features designed to prevent serious injuries.

Published on: August 2, 2023

Appellate Court found that there was a triable issue of fact as to whether a bottle of acetaminophen was defective. Kelly v. CVS Pharmacy, Inc., 73 A.D.3d 1019 (2d Dep’t 2010)

by Stephen Bilkis

Product liability cases arise when a product causes harm or injury to a consumer due to a defect in its design, manufacturing, or labeling. In such cases, the manufacturer or seller may be held liable for the damages caused. Product liability cases are complex and require the expertise of an experienced New York product liability lawyer. The case of Kelly v. CVS Pharmacy, Inc. is one such example where the plaintiff filed a product liability claim against CVS Pharmacy claiming that she sustained injuries due to a defective product.

To prove a defective product case, a plaintiff typically needs to demonstrate that the product in question was unreasonably dangerous due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warning. The plaintiff must show that they suffered an injury or damages as a direct result of the product’s defect. Additionally, the plaintiff must show that the product was being used in a foreseeable manner at the time of the injury, meaning that the product was being used as it was intended or in a way that was reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer. To establish liability, the plaintiff must identify the party responsible for the defect, which may include the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the product. To prove the defect, the plaintiff may rely on expert testimony, product testing, or other evidence that establishes that the product was unreasonably dangerous. If the plaintiff is successful in proving their case, they may be entitled to recover damages for their injuries, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Factual Background

Published on: July 31, 2023

Appellate Division determined that plaintiff presented enough evidence to proceed with her product liability claim. Ippolito v. Sears Roebuck & Co., 121 A.D.3d 529 (2d Dep’t 2014)

by Stephen Bilkis

In Ippolito v. Sears Roebuck & Co., the plaintiff, Linda Ippolito, alleged that she was injured by a defective product that she purchased from Sears Roebuck & Co. This case demonstrates the importance of product liability law and the duty that manufacturers and sellers have to ensure the safety of their products.

A product liability case is a legal case brought against a manufacturer, seller, or distributor of a product that has caused harm or injury to a consumer. The basis for the case is that the product is considered defective, either due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions for use. In a product liability case, the injured party seeks compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These cases can be complex and often require the assistance of an experienced New York product liability lawyer with expertise in product liability law.

Factual Background