March 2017

Attorney Anthony Pastor was convicted of a felony after he was accused of killing his girlfriend’s 4 year old dog, Snoopy.  He repeatedly hit Snoopy who died in August of 2016 of head injuries and broken ribs. The judge said that Pastor had shown “incomprehensible violence” and that the dog was in excruciating pain before it died.  The attorney, after beating the dog, sat at…

These days there are many legal shows on TV.  Often, the stereotype and public perception is that all lawyers are rich, confident and glamorous.  Wrong!  People imagine, well I can’t go to law school myself so then I’ll date a lawyer as the next best thing.  Maybe! Cosmo magazine listed 5 reasons to date a lawyer saying that lawyers “…are a perfect mix of class…

Join Rob Fellows Sunday, October 19, 2014 for the annual United Hospice of Rockland’s Gala, Dancing With Our Stars. Enjoy a glamorous evening filled with cocktails, appetizers, dinner, great auction prizes and watch our fabulous local celebrity dancers perform. Cocktails start at 5 PM, dinner at 6 PM at the Colonial Inn in Norwood, New Jersey. This year’s honorees are Thomas Zugibe & family in…

A teacher from Nyack who can’t stand up without pain in her foot due to what she said was botched surgery she had as a teenager won a $775,000 judgment against the podiatrist who performed the operation. Inayah Davis was 16 when she consulted Bardonia podiatrist Ira Bernstein in 2008 about a bunion, according to court documents. Bernstein recommended surgery to remove the bunion. Davis…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County is pleased to announce that Kimberly Sofia, Esq., has joined the 2014 Board of Directors. The organization is exceedingly grateful to all those wonderful members of the board who provide such dedicated support and commitment to the organization’s mission. Find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters and how you can get involved here: http://bbbsofrc.com/

Riding a bicycle to school can be fun for your child, but can also create concern and stress as a parent. The best way to prepare your child to ride their bike to school is to practice together. Ride bikes together using the safest route. Show your child the safety rules by slowing down at stop signs, signaling when necessary and abiding by the bicycle…

Buffalo Sav Inc. Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Soy In “Grandma’s Perogies Potato & Bacon Perogies” Buffalo SAV Inc of Buffalo, NY is recalling its 907 g (2 lb) package of Potato and Bacon perogies Grandma`s perogies brand because it may contain undeclared soy protein allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Soy protein run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic…

Oscar’s Smokehouse, Inc. Recalls “Eleven Varieties (11) Of Cheese Spreads” Because of Possible Health Risk The food manufacturing company, Oscars Smokehouse Inc. of Warrensburg, New York is recalling eleven (11) of its 7-oz. “CHEESE SPREADS” varieties marked with 3 digit lot numbers ranging from” 719-959” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes: -JALAPENO PEPPER CHEDDAR SPREAD, NET WT 7 OZS. -CHEDDAR SPREAD…

With all of the technology out there today, it means that bullying isn’t limited to schoolyards or street corners. Cyber bullying is becoming a daily occurence for many teens and it is creating a big problem amongst America’s youth. Most teenagers don’t think about being a victim of bullying or becoming a bully themselves. But with the constant availability of mobile devices and computers, kids react…

When Driving…make sure you’re not a Distracted Driver. Don’t eat behind the wheel.  While it is important to practice the golden rule of eating three meals a day, we advise drivers to avoid doing it while behind the wheel. Spilling a hot beverage, the distraction of eating behind the wheel or sudden choking can all be the cause of a serious car accident. Take a…

If a loved one has died in a wrongful death accident, and they do not have a will, this could present many legal problems. The importance of having a will, guarantees that your assets will be dispersed as you wish.  A wrongful death accident can occur from a car accident, a botched medical procedure or a fatal medical condition. Protect yourself and your loved ones…

Recently Ford Motor Co. issued a recall for its popular Escape Crossover. This is the seventh recall to affect the Escape Crossover since its 2013 redesign. Reports indicate that the engine can overheat, causing fuel and oil leaks due to cracked cylinder heads. These leaks result in a serious fire risk. There have already been 13 fires reported as a result of this defective engine…

Cyberbullying occurs when a child or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated or otherwise targeted by another child or teen using the Internet, interactive digital technologies or mobile phones. Although cyberbullying is not physical harassment, it can still cause some very real problems: depression, emotional trauma and tragically, even suicide are not uncommon. Victims often receive hostile and demeaning Facebook posts, text messages, and tweets…

Leading tire manufacturers often find themselves having to issue recalls after their tires prove unsafe or hazardous to drivers. In July of 2013, Michelin alone was forced to recall 100,000 of its tires that were not up to industry standards. Tire failures occur thousands of times yearly, causing destruction of property, devastating injuries, and even death. Unfortunately, these accidents can be a result of tire…

Trick or Treating is an event that children of all ages look forward to every year. Before you head out this Halloween night, here are a few important tips and tricks that will help make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience: Plan your trip ahead of time Try to stick to well-lit paths and trails that both you and your children are familiar…

As fall daylight shortens parents are urged to make sure that their children are as safe as possible as they travel to school and after-school activities. Daylight savings begins November 3rd, and will further reduce the hours of visible sunlight each day. In the fall season many motorists may not account for the diminished visibility during their daily commutes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration…

Motorcyclists are very vulnerable on the roadways. They have limited protection against other vehicles, distracted drivers, dangerous weather conditions and other road hazards. After a motorcycle accident, it can be hard to prove who is at fault. Occasionally liability in a motorcycle accident may be cut and dry; however it is common that many causes are not easily determined instantly. Motorcycle accidents can occur even…

Dogs are man’s best friend and provide countless hours of love and affection, however dog attacks are still a very real problem in America. An ounce of prevention goes a long way. There are several important and useful steps you can follow to keep yourself safe and reduce your risk of being a victim of a dog attack. Never confront an unfamiliar dog The most…

Transportation logistics is a trusted and necessary industry, which brings goods cross-country to millions of consumers and businesses. With the thousands of trucks on the roads 24/7, in order to keep this industry as safe as possible, there are many strict rules, regulations and guidelines that transportation companies and drivers must adhere to. Unfortunately, often times these regulations are not followed and serious accidents occur,…

Each year injuries  from fall sports are responsible for sending 480,000 kids to emergency rooms across the country. Fall sports are a great way for children of all ages to learn the merits of teamwork and strategy, while also helping to keep them physically fit. In today’s age of internet and television, fall sports often play an important role in battling childhood obesity. Unfortunately with…

Freddie Martin’s family is suing Featherbed Holdings LLC, which owns the Nelson St. building in the Bronx where Casmine Aska, 17, allegedly threw the 9-year-old from the roof. They claim the landlord did not properly moniter the top of the building Read the full article here    

The FDA recently issued an official statement informing the public of rare but severe side effects that can develop after taking the drug acetaminophen, an over the counter (OTC) pain reliever and fever reducer. After taking acetaminophen some individuals can develop Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).  This is a severe and potentially life threatening skin reaction that causes blistering and shedding of the upper surface of the…

Flat screen TVs can be found in a large percentage of American homes, however most of us don’t think of them as being dangerous to our children. A recent study published by the Journal Pediatrics shows that flat screen TVs pose a much higher injury risk to children than previously thought. Frightening Statistics On average 17,000 children are hospitalized from TV related injuries each year,…

On July 20th The Rockland Center for the Arts was awarded a generous grant from Wells Fargo Bank. Robert Fellows, President of RoCA’s board of directors, accepted the grant on RoCA’s behalf. Funding will help subsidize Art Worlds, a pilot after school educational outreach art program for students (grades 1–12) in Spring Valley, NY who would not ordinarily be exposed to the arts. To read the…

Fellows Hymowitz Rice is proud to announce that firm associate Kimberly Sofia was recently appointed as the Director of the New Lawyers Committee to the Rockland County Bar Association. On June 27th Kim and the other newly selected Board of Directors were sworn in at this year’s annual Rockland County Bar Association General Dinner Meeting at the Paramount Country Club in New City. Kim is…

Recently Robert Fellows of Fellows Hymowitz Rice  attended Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State and Budget message Presentation at Purchase College. There Governor Cuomo unveiled plans to stimulate both job and economic growth, establish a world-class education system, and maintain fiscal integrity and discipline. “Jobs and education are our key 1-2 punch” Gov. Cuomo stated. While discussing plans to keep New York on track,…

Nursing Home Abuse: More Common Than You May Think Studies show that 1 to 2 million Americans over 65 have been abused, neglected or mistreated by a trusted caregiver.  Furthermore, one out of every three nursing homes across the country have been cited for nursing home abuse.  This abuse can include neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse.  Unfortunately, many of these cases go unreported. What…

What Is A Wrongful Death Claim? A wrongful death claim occurs when a person dies due to the legal fault or negligence of another person. The right to file a wrongful death claim in America has not always existed and is a relatively new concept. Before the late 1800’s people who had family members and loved one die as a result of the negligent actions…

Drunk driving accidents would disappear completely if people would only first think of their personal safety and the safety of others before getting behind the wheel. Unfortunately across America drunk driving statistics continue to climb: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over 10,000 people are killed each year as a result of alcohol related crashes, accounting for an overwhelming 31% of all traffic deaths….

Cook Medical has initiated a nationwide recall of its Zilver PTX Drug Eluting Peripheral Stent after receiving several complaints about delivery system tip separation issues. Two adverse complications, including one death, occurred in cases where a tip separation was reported. The recall includes all sizes, diameters and lot numbers of the defective product. These devices were distributed to medical institutions and distributors across the United…

Distracted driving, especially people texting while driving, is an extremely big problem facing American motorists.  According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 20% of automobile accidents are the direct result of distracted driving, with over 9% of these accidents ending in fatality. New Problems Today’s drivers face problems that didn’t exist in earlier generations. In this day and age everyone seems to…

A Widespread Problem Medical malpractice affects thousands of people every year, causing severe injuries, millions in additional medical costs, emotional pain, loss of quality of life, and even death. Given these distressing emotional and financial consequences, it is important to learn what steps you can take to be as proactive as possible regarding your personal medical care and that of your loved ones. It is…

Recalled Product Name: Siemens Q-Series Temperature and Humidity Sensors 57,000 of these sensors were previously installed in hospitals, schools,  and businesses across the United States. The affected items manage air conditioning, heat, and humidity inside many commercial buildings and public properties. These sensors overheat and pose a severe fire danger to anyone inside the building. Several fires have already been blamed on these defective products….

A 9-year-old Bronx boy who nearly died after allegedly being thrown from his apartment building’s roof has woken from a coma — and talked to NYPD detectives investigating the neighbor accused of trying to kill him, sources told The Post. Those detectives were hoping to obtain a more detailed account from young victim Freddy Martin about how Casmine Aska, 17, allegedly hurled him from the…

Rob Fellows has been chosen as one of sixteen experts to serve on a visual quality panel for the new Tappan Zee Bridge, aimed at improving the aesthetics of the new bridge and hearing community input about its appearance, the state Thruway Authority announced today. The panel will provide guidance to the contractors for the project, Tappan Zee Constructors, who have already released preliminary designs….

Items Affected: About 12,200 2012 and 2013 Specialized brand bicycles and framesets are being recalled due to an improperly manufactured assembly part. The steerer tube in the bicycle’s front fork can break while in use, causing a severe fall and injury hazard. The model name “Tarmac SL4,” “Crux” or “Secteaur” is located on the frame of the affected items. This recall includes all models of…

Before you commit to robotic surgery, you should know all the facts. Hysterectomies are currently the most frequent procedure performed by Intuitive’s daVinci Surgical robot. Patients contemplating robotic surgery are typically told that surgeries with the daVinci robot are safer, and result in a faster healing time after the procedure despite there being a lack of credible scientific evidence to substantiate this claim. In December…

Millions of people were injured last year due to slip and fall and other premises liability accidents. Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their premises safe. Not only must an owner maintain the property to adhere to all local property laws regarding how the property looks and any applicable permits and keeping valid insurance, but they are also responsible for making sure the…

In 2012, despite the committed efforts of several state and local lawmakers across the country, traffic accidents are still on the rise nationwide, including fatalities. According to the Federal Administration, the first six months of 2012 saw an increase of auto accident fatalities when compared to the first six months of 2011. Now more than ever, drivers should be prepared before an accident occurs.  …

Many products today are manufactured unsafely, causing consumers to fall victim to injury, and even death. You may have read a story about a child’s toy that was defective or a prescription drug that has dangerous adverse reactions, or maybe a medical device that was harming patients. These “defective products” are all too common and plaintiff lawyers are the gatekeepers that fight the big pharma…

Negligent security cases occur when either business owners, property owners or landlords do not provide enough security for individuals on their property. Typically in cases like this the injured party is a victim of a mugging, rape, or assault that could have been prevented if the property owned had adequate security precautions. Things like broken door locks, inadequate lighting in parking lots and outdoor areas,…

Nobody ever expects to be in a car accident, yet they happen every day. It is important to always be prepared with a game plan before an accident occurs to avoid any complications and to make sure you are in good standing if you are injured and need to seek reimbursement for your losses. After a car crash occurs it is imperative that you record…

When it comes to drawing an audience for the arts, Rockland County is David to the Goliath of New York City. But when it comes to attracting artists,the region has assembled a pantheon of American cultural deities worthy of Mount Olympus. Robert Fellows, managing partner of the law firm of Fellows Hymowitz Rice PC, is on The Rockland Community Foundation Board of Directors. Rob supports…

Did you know? Most at-home computer security software offers a “family friendly” feature allowing parents to restrict access to and from countless websites. Often time’s hackers and internet predators develop Pop-ups attractive to young children that once clicked lay tracks and recording bugs granting them access to view all internet surfing including confidential online transactions and email exchanges. Danger can also be masked as fraudulent…