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Questions Answered by Jonathan R. Ratchik
1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: Received wrong medication and suffered side effects in New York, what are my legal options?

I was mistakenly given Metformin, a diabetes medication, by my pharmacy, even though I do not have diabetes. I have been taking it for over three weeks, experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, and a reduced appetite. I have proof that they dispensed the wrong medication. I plan to visit the pharmacy... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 18, 2025

Sorry to hear what happened to you. Without minimizing what you went through, temporary vomiting and diarrhea, without more, will not justify the time and expense of a malpractice lawsuit. You should certainly report the matter to the pharmacy and perhaps try to get reimbursed for any medical and... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Potential continuous treatment case after 2019 emergency surgery in NY, seeking medical malpractice legal help.

It says 'don't answer this email' on my email, but, 'You may still have a case under the concept of continuous treatment if your surgeon has failed to properly assist you after the emergency surgery in 2019' and 'it's advisable to consult with an attorney who... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 14, 2025

Under the continuous treatment doctrine, the statute of limitations is tolled during the time in which the healthcare provider is treating you for the condition giving rise to the malpractice action. The treatment has to be continuous and ongoing, e.g. regularly scheduled follow-up appointments. If... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Can I pursue a continuous treatment case for inadequate follow-up after surgery?

You may still have a case under the concept of continuous treatment if your surgeon has failed to properly assist you after the emergency surgery in 2019. It’s advisable to consult with an attorney who handles medical malpractice or patient rights cases.

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 14, 2025

Under the continuous treatment doctrine, the statute of limitations is tolled during the time in which the healthcare provider is treating you for the condition giving rise to the malpractice action. The treatment has to be continuous and ongoing, e.g. regularly scheduled follow-up appointments. If... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Can I sue my school for pneumonia potentially contracted from campus food with cited health violations?

I contracted pneumonia while living and eating on campus at my school. Initially, I visited the campus doctors who didn't test me for pneumonia, but I later had to go to the hospital where they confirmed it. Although the hospital couldn't determine how I contracted it, food establishments... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 14, 2025

Sorry to hear what happened to you. Putting aside the question of whether you could causally connect your illness with the school's food (pneumonia is a lung infection that is generally spread through the air), absent a permanent injury, the time and expense of a lawsuit would arguably not be... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Wrongful Death, Products Liability and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Can we join a hidden lawsuit by sibling over mother's talc-related cancer?

I discovered that my sister secretly filed a lawsuit related to my mother's passing from ovarian cancer, allegedly linked to Johnson & Johnson talcum powder. I wanted to file a separate lawsuit but was told I couldn’t because one was already open. My siblings and I were not involved or... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 10, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Generally speaking, only the duly-appointed representative of your mother's estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit on her behalf, i.e. the executor (if she had a will) or administrator (if she didn't). Depending on how the settlement proceeds are allocated... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Education Law, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: What steps should I take if my child reports being scratched by a teacher?

My child came home with scratches on his arm and said his teacher caused them. The school questioned a student and two teachers; no one saw it happen, and the teacher denied doing it. The administration acknowledged my email about the incident and interviewed the teachers involved. We have photos... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 9, 2025

So sorry to hear what happened to your son. You should certainly report the teacher's conduct to the school's principal and perhaps even the school district's administrator, in writing. With regard to potential legal action, if this occurred in a public school, you have to file a... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: What are my options after a missed diagnosis of osteoporosis led to severe health issues?

In January 2025, I learned that a doctor missed diagnosing my severe osteoporosis 5 years ago. This has led to significant health issues, including back pain, loss of height, severe dental disease, and an inability to work. I am now receiving treatment for these issues from another doctor, but have... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 9, 2025

Sorry to hear what you've gone through. If the original misdiagnosis occurred in 2020, it is likely that the statute of limitations has expired as it is only 2.5 years from the date of malpractice. Even assuming you had received a correct diagnosis, you would still have to demonstrate that you... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Personal Injury and Legal Malpractice for New York on
Q: Is it legal for attorney to base fee on original judgment after a reduction in NY?

I obtained a $900,000 judgment in a personal injury case, but the appeal court later reduced it to $500,000. My attorney calculated their fee based on the original $900,000 judgment. Is this legal, considering that New York State law doesn’t prohibit such a practice?

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 7, 2025

It's not so much illegal as it is unethical. As my colleague correctly advised (and as is likely set forth in your retainer agreement), the attorney's fee is calculated based upon the actual recovery obtained by the client, not the judgment which is later reduced by an appellate court... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Landlord didn't disclose lead paint, child affected, options?

I signed a lease agreement for my rental property, but my landlord did not disclose any information about possible lead paint. I recently discovered that my child has lead in his system. The landlord has offered $2,500 to help us move out. What are my legal options in this situation?

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 31, 2025

Sorry to hear what happened to your son. There is no safe lead level in the blood which can cause developmental delays in children. Depending on your son's lead levels and whether it can be causally connected with your apartment, he could have a viable claim against the landlord for lead... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Do I have a case under continuous treatment if my surgeon doesn't assist further?

I have H.O.D., a rare disease caused by complications from emergency surgery in 2019, resulting in a CSF leak (cerebrospinal fluid) and pseudomeningocele (a collection of cerebrospinal fluid), which is clearly written in my reports. Since then, I've been bedridden. I left AMA (Against Medical... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 25, 2025

Under the doctrine of continuous treatment, the statute of limitations is tolled until the last date of treatment where there has been continuous treatment for the condition giving rise to the malpractice action. There has to be some objective continuity between the patient's complaints and... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation and Social Security for New York on
Q: How to obtain legal representation to access account info related to a settlement in NY?

As an infant, I was involved in a legal case where Stewart T Schantz and Franklyn Engel represented and won a settlement due to an accident that killed my mother and injured me in Ulster County and Poughkeepsie, NY, between 1985-1995. I'm currently facing a significant hardship, and banks... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 21, 2025

If the accounts are in your name (or for your benefit), you shouldn't need any legal representation whatsoever. Proof of identification should be sufficient, i.e. driver's license, along with a copy of the court order pursuant to which the account was opened. That said, it's likely... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Prolonged tourniquet use caused permanent damage; legal advice?

Several months ago, during a routine medical procedure in New York, a tourniquet was applied to my arm and left on for over 3 to 4 hours. Standard medical protocol, especially for patients on blood thinners like myself, limits the application of a tourniquet to no longer than 2 to 3 minutes. Due to... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 17, 2025

Sorry to hear what happened to you. As my colleague correctly advised, obtain copies of your medical records, take photographs of your scar, and speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. You can find many excellent attorneys using the Find a Lawyer tab on the JUSTIA homepage. Without... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: Timeline for response to amended complaint after serving additional defendants from the same entity.

I was granted leave to amend my complaint to add additional defendants, who are all part of the same entity but under different names. I served these additional defendants recently and will be e-filing the amended complaint. I haven't received specific instructions or deadlines from the court,... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 13, 2025

Under CPLR § 3012(a), service of an answer is to be made within twenty (20) days of service of the pleading to which it responds, in your case the Amended Complaint. https://law.justia.com/codes/new-york/cvp/article-30/3012/

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Assault on NY college campus 6 months ago: legal options now?

I was assaulted in my dorm on my college campus in New York about six months ago. I wasn't ready to report it immediately, but I did write about the incident in my diary and told a few people, including a counselor who facilitated a room change. I've attended counseling sessions since... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 12, 2025

So sorry to hear what happened to you. As it relates to pursuing a civil lawsuit against the individual who assaulted you, the statute of limitations in New York is one (1) year from the date of the incident. If you can demonstrate that the school had notice of the assailant's vicious... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Brain surgery complications and avoidance by surgeon, potential case inquiry.

In 2019, I had emergency surgery to remove a brain bleed, which led to complications. Now, I'm bedridden and compromised, yet the surgeon responsible is not mentioned in my reports and has been avoiding my attempts to seek follow-up care. The surgeon's office has repeatedly made excuses,... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 12, 2025

So sorry to hear what happened to you. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases in New York is 2.5 years from the date of malpractice. Where there is continuous treatment for the condition giving rise to the lawsuit, the statute of limitations begins to run from the last date of... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Nursing Home Abuse and Wrongful Death for New York on
Q: How can I legally proceed against NYC-based organization for assisted housing negligence?

I believe the organization financing and overseeing an assisted housing facility in NYC is liable for negligence that contributed to my mother's death. The facility neglected infection and COVID-19 precautions, dehydration, unattended falls, and cleanliness, resulting in severe health issues.... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 11, 2025

Sorry for your loss. Generally speaking, assisted living facilities have a legal duty to monitor the elderly residents under their care and could be responsible if their negligence, i.e. a departure from the standard of care, causes harm. Keep in mind that the statute of limitations for wrongful... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Workers' Compensation for New York on
Q: Implications of missing required range of motion exam for hip injury in NY.

I injured my hip in a car accident a year ago and received two workers' compensation checks. A lawyer informed me that I am required to undergo a range of motion exam, and if I don't comply, workers' compensation in New York might reclaim the money I received. I'm confused about... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 10, 2025

Generally speaking, your receipt of workers' compensation benefits (and no-fault benefits) is contingent upon your appearance for a physical examination with the insurance company's doctor (oftentimes more than once). How the physician conducts the actual examination is up to the... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Consumer Law and Insurance Defense for New York on
Q: Can I claim compensation for a head injury on a NYC tour bus?

I was injured on a tour bus in NYC when I hit my head on a TV screen at the front of a 'hop on hop off' bus. I needed two staples in my head, which we paid for and are trying to claim back through our travel insurance. The incident happened on February 22nd, the day we arrived, and has... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 6, 2025

Sorry to hear what happened to you. Although you can certainly seek compensation from the bus operator for your injury, there needs to be some fault on the part of the tour bus. The television screen is arguably an open and obvious condition about which the bus company does not need to warn... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for New York on
Q: Do I have a vet malpractice case if my dog wasn't triaged and died?

I brought my dog to a veterinary clinic as an emergency patient after he collapsed but was not triaged upon arrival. We waited for 30-45 minutes while a receptionist, not a veterinarian, claimed he was fine despite his critical condition. When finally seen, the vet stated he was experiencing... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 5, 2025

I'm so sorry for your loss. To prevail in a veterinary malpractice case, you'd have to demonstrate that the clinic departed from the accepted standard of care and that such a departure caused the death of your dog. Unfortunately, in the eyes of New York law, pets are "chattel"... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Seeking compensation for medical bills after foot injury caused by another person.

I'm seeking advice on obtaining compensation for medical bills after an individual fell on my foot and broke it in three places. The incident happened in a school, and there is potential footage available. It was entirely his fault, and witnesses were present. I have medical bills that need to... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 5, 2025

Sorry to hear what happened to you. That someone fell on your foot does not necessarily mean that they are responsible for your injury and resulting medical bills. Instead, you need to demonstrate that someone owed you a duty of care and that their breach of that duty, i.e. negligence, caused the... View More

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