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Questions Answered by Jonathan R. Ratchik
1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Personal Injury and Criminal Law for New York on
Q: Is there a way I can sue NYS for neglect if they paid for my boarding school and I was abused there?

I wa sent to a boarding school now shut down by FEDS for abuse etc and they forged documents there to get the NYS BOE to pay for me being there. I never once met with Anyone from the BOE they had a special education plan fore me which was not followed at all this boarding school took me out of... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Oct 28, 2024

Sorry to hear what happened to you. The Child Victims Act created a window in which to bring lawsuits against entities such as the DOE (or perhaps the boarding school) for abuse you experienced as a minor. Unfortunately, the deadline by which to bring any such lawsuit expired in November 2023.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice for New York on
Q: I'm looking for a medical malpractice attorney

I have proof of a pseudomeningocele (collection of a csf leak .cerebro spinal fluid) on many MRIs. I also have h.o.d.(Hypertrophic olivary degeneration) which has no cure. It may also be asymptomatic (no symptoms) as opposed to the csf leak which I have all the symptoms. But whenever I go to the... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Oct 21, 2024

Sorry to hear what you're going through. It sounds like you need appropriate medical treatment, not a medical malpractice attorney. A malpractice lawsuit will not get you the medical treatment you claim to need for your condition. If you cannot afford insurance on the Exchange, you may be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for New York on
Q: personal injury attorney did not my WC attorney to get my settlement numbers prior to mediation.

I had a WC case settled on medical. I did have a lien from WC case in NY. My personal attorney used lien money to leverage the settlement be a higher amount which I understood. During mediation she found out the numbers were incorrect, I lost out on significant amount of money. Now she is... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Oct 8, 2024

It is not uncommon for the lien amount with which you negotiate a settlement is different than the final lien amount. That said, the attorney should arguably take reasonable efforts to get an updated lien amount before engaging in settlement discussions (and finding out whether you settled the... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: My case started in 2016 why is it taking so long

It was a car accident in queens against DOT, I had surgery .

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Oct 8, 2024

Although cases against public entities such as the MTA generally take longer than cases against private defendants, eight years is a bit long. Best to speak with your attorney and ask about the status of your case. Given the age of your case, it should arguably be on the trial calendar. Keep in... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Personal Injury and Sexual Harassment for New York on
Q: When do I introduce interrogatory questions and evidence in civil litigation for adult survivors act?

Can I request multiple things in one motion. Such as production of all relating evidence and production of answers to interrogatories from adversary. Furthermore I would need to amend complaint to include causes of action, which I plan to ask by motion. Do I need to formally have a process server... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Sep 18, 2024

A motion is a means by which to compel a response to a previously served demand for interrogatories or a notice for discovery and inspection, not a means by which to demand discovery for the first time. With regard to an amended complaint, it can only be filed on consent of all parties or by leave... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice for New York on
Q: If a doctor did not point out possibility a procedure might not work, and patient undergoes and it fails, is doc liable?

Initial consultation involved explanation of procedure, alternatives to the procedure, what to expect - during and after, but NOT any mention that it might not work. I had it - 2 1/2 hours awake on the table, and it did nothing to help.

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Sep 16, 2024

In order to obtain a patient's informed consent, a physician has to discuss the risks, benefits and available alternatives to a medical procedure. That a procedure might not work or cure the condition it's designed to treat would fall under the "risks" category (and is arguably... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Do i have the rights for trial jury?

In an injury case, if I rather the decision of the case being made by a trial jury instead of a judge, do I have Constitutional rights to request a trial jury? Thank you for your help.

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Aug 20, 2024

In New York, you have the right to have your case tried by a jury. That said, the judge will decide whether there are issues of fact to be determined by a jury or whether the defendant in your case is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Personal injury settelment denied lawyer is not giving me letter stating they are not representing me anymore?

Lawyer is not providing me the letter stating they have dropped me as a client. It's Been couple of months and everytime I call either they say they sent it or the the person handing my case is not avaliable.

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Aug 20, 2024

If your case was never put in suit, your attorney would not need permission from the court to withdraw as counsel. Although they have not provided you with a letter stating that they are no longer representing you, there is nothing stopping you from hiring a new lawyer. You can find many... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: in April of 2022 I went to the ER for a hurting neck. they didnt take exrays or even look at my neck they gave me pain

meds and sent me on my way about a month later through horrible pain I find out i have a broken neck. Do i have a case for the pain and suffering for the time in between I went in to the time i had sugery

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Jul 9, 2024

Sorry to hear what you went through. In any malpractice case, you need to demonstrate 1) a departure from the standard of care; and 2) harm or injury caused by the departure. Even assuming that the hospital departed from the standard of care in not ordering x-rays of your neck, you'd still... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Small Claims, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: I spent $13,000 on tooth implants from Dr. Glick less than a year later my crowns are falling out do I have a case ?
Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Jun 24, 2024

Sorry to hear what happened to you. If your dentist is a member, you could file a complaint with the New York State Dental Association, https://www.nysdental.org/for-the-public/patient-complaint-form Otherwise and without minimizing what you've gone through, the loss of crowns (which can... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for New York on
Q: t-boned in a car accident ~6 months ago. served with papers last week to go to court. I'm looking for a lawyer.

my car was t-boned about 6 months ago and last week I was served with papers "summons and complaint" the paper states CPLR 1602

The person driving the other car lied to LEO and stated the backseat passenger was driving.

The younger driver was speeding and hit my car after... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Jun 7, 2024

As my colleagues have correctly advised, if you have insurance, report the matter to your insurance company ASAP. It will assign counsel to defend you in the lawsuit and pay any judgment entered against you up to the limits of your liability coverage. If you have no insurance, you'll need to... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for New York on
Q: I was in a car accident was hit by a city vehicle. I was told that the city don’t pay for my loss wages is that true?
Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on May 21, 2024

New York is a no-fault state which means that regardless of fault, the insurance company of the host vehicle will pay for your medical bills, lost earnings, and other reasonable and necessary expenses. If you haven't already, file an application for no-fault insurance benefits within 30 days... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for New York on
Q: If I put money to the side from my settlement for surgery am I entitled to the money if I don’t get the surgery?
Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on May 20, 2024

The short answer is yes. If you already received the settlement proceeds, you can spend it however you see fit. Keep in mind that if end up having surgery, the $ to pay for the surgery may no longer be available. Also, if you are a Medicare beneficiary and the funds were being kept in a Medicare... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice for New York on
Q: I need to appeal to a decided case. The doctor is negligent bcs he didnt provide reasonable advice to ptf’s wound.

I need to appeal to a medical negligence case. The court held that the doctor was negligent because he did not provide reasonable advice to the plaintiff to ensure that the wound was properly taken care of and failed to ensure that the appropriate and reasonable advice was given to him. Also, when... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on May 1, 2024

Your question is unclear. If you are looking for a medical malpractice attorney or an appellate attorney, you can find many such attorneys using the Find a Lawyer tab on the JUSTIA homepage. From your description, it sounds like the court ruled in your favor. Keep in mind that in a malpractice... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Health Care Law, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Can your doctor refuse to see you?

I had back surgery spinal stenosis in 2019. If I remember correctly I only saw him once after the surgery. He had moved to another practice. I had called several time to make an appointment at his new practice.. I was told he was not taking new patient. I told the receptionist that I was not a new... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on May 1, 2024

Your surgeon certainly has a right not to see you again, especially if he's moved elsewhere. Whether that's good and accepted medical practice is another story. If you are in pain, you can certainly seek medical attention elsewhere. You can also contact his office to see if he can... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for New York on
Q: My lawsuit has been going on for about 5 years. I have a judge already assigned so why am I on the calendar control part

We at the end where we are ready for trial. This is on suffolk county.

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 30, 2024

When your case comes up for trial is not determined by how old your case is. Rather, it depends on how long you've been on the trial calendar. Once your case is on the trial calendar, you start waiting "in line" for a trial date. The calendar control part might be a part which... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Can I refuse to answer question?

In a lawsuit am I protected from refusing to answer personal questions about my self and family members, due to religious reasons, privacy, and self incriminating.

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 30, 2024

Section 221.2 of the Uniform Rules sets forth the circumstances in which you can refuse to answer a question at deposition.

A deponent shall answer all questions at a deposition, except (i) to preserve a privilege or right of confidentiality, (ii) to enforce a limitation set forth in an...
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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Bankruptcy and Employment Law for New York on
Q: I am wondering if I can sue my employer for negligent infliction of emotional distress. I'm near Ontario County NY

I have a loan out thru my retirement. My employer didn't make the appropriate payroll deduction to pay my loan payment and the loan went into default. I can no longer borrow against this loan which has forced me to do a bankruptcy. This has caused me extreme emotional distress.. I have been to... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 19, 2024

Sorry to hear what happened to you. In New York, you can only recover for negligent infliction of emotional distress where the behavior in question is extreme and outrageous. An actuarial error relating to your payroll deduction likely does not likely qualify.

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Military Law for New York on
Q: Where can you find a litigants case? if in fact it was filed? So there are no double filings?

Looking to find information on a case that may or may not have been filed with TORTS?

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Feb 12, 2024

If the case was filed in Supreme Court, you can check the New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) system, https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/HomePage You can search by index number, party name and attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Legal Malpractice for New York on
Q: A settlement Agreement was prepared by a party with adequate Attorneys 2 days to it's trial. That same day Pro Se party

A settlement Agreement was prepared by a party with adequate Attorneys 2 days to it's trial. That same day Pro Se party rescind.

A settlement Agreement was made under pressure by attorneys on a Friday the trial was set to begin the following Monday: Party A was unrepresented vs a Party... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Feb 9, 2024

So, if I understand you correctly, you entered into a settlement agreement, the terms of which were changed after you signed the agreement. Under those circumstances, you might have a valid basis on which to say that there was never an agreement in the first place since you never agreed to these... View More

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