Queens County Jury Awards Over $38 Million For A New York Birth Injury
In December of 2022, a Queens County jury found in favor of the plaintiff in a New York Birth Injury case. The infant plaintiff suffered lack of oxygen during delivery and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy upon her birth. The jury awarded the plaintiff damages in excess of $38 million, which...
What Do I Have To Do to Get Ready for A Bed Bug Exterminator?
The exterminator will let you know what steps you have to take in advance of extermination — and you should follow those instructions to the letter. Usually, it will involve dry-cleaning or washing and double-drying all bedding, clothing, and linens; some items that can’t be washed, such as woolens and luggage, can...
Can I Use a Bed Bug Infestation as a Defense in a Nonpayment Case?
Yes, you can. Housing Court has awarded rent abatements for bedbug infestations. But you should be prepared to document the infestation, the notice that you gave to the landlord of the infestation, the steps that you took to prepare the apartment for extermination where relevant, and...
Our Recent $75,000 Bed Bug Settlement
The Law Offices of Effie Soter, P.C. is pleased to announce our latest bed bug settlement. The Plaintiff sustained bed bug bites while in their apartment through no fault of their own. This bed bug exposure completely ruined all of Plaintiff's furniture and needed to seek medical treatment to treat their bites...
Were You Injured Due To A Landlord Failing To Provide Reasonable Security?
If the answer to the question is yes, you should speak with a New York Negligent Security Attorney to discuss your legal rights and all options available to you.
In New York State, a landlord has a duty to take "minimal" precautions to protect tenants from reasonably...
What If I Have to Move Out of My Apartment While Extermination Takes Place?
Most landlords probably won’t voluntarily pay temporary relocation costs. Trying to get the landlord to relocate you while the apartment is being exterminated will probably require a court proceeding, and there’s no guarantee that housing court would...
What if My Landlord Refuses to Take Care My Bed Bug Problem and I Hire My Own Exterminator?
If you are compelled to hire your own exterminator because the landlord refused to do so, you can try deducting the cost of the extermination from your rent. Make certain, however, that you have written proof that you asked your landlord to hire an exterminator before...
What If the Extermination Company the Landlord Hires Can’t Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
This can be a tough call. If you refuse to let the landlord’s exterminator do the work, then you may be accused of being the problem. Generally, in court cases involving contractors of any kind, judges in Housing Court will say that that you need...
What if My Landlord Refuses to Take Care of My Bed Bug Problem?
You can bring an H.P. (Housing Part) proceeding against the landlord to compel him or her to exterminate. An H.P. proceeding is commenced in Housing Court. Once you file the proceeding, inspectors from HPD will inspect your apartment to verify the presence of bedbugs. HPD inspectors only accept evidence of actual...
Who is Responsible for Getting Rid of Bed Beds in My New York Apartment?
No. That's not true. Your landlord is responsible for it. For tenants in New York, the right to a bedbug-free environment is included in the city’s housing and maintenance code,...