The Altman Law Firm, PLLC

04/05/2026

We are pleased to share that, in a decision issued last week, the Appellate Division, Second Department reversed the dismissal of our client’s case for failure to timely file a Notice of Claim and reinstated his action.

You can read the decision here: https://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/current/3dseries/2026/2026_01944.shtml

We thank our colleagues at https://www.facebook.com/GregorySpektorAndAssociates for their excellent work and for entrusting us with the appeal.

In an action to recover damages for personal injuries, the plaintiff appeals from an order of the Supreme Court, Queens County (Kevin J. Kerrigan, J.), entered May 15, 2024. The order granted the defendants' motion pursuant to CPLR 3211(a)(7) to dismiss the complaint.

03/11/2026

We are pleased to report that in a decision issued yesterday, the Appellate Division, First Department affirmed the order appointing a Guardian ad Litem and declining to appoint the child’s father as guardian. It was especially gratifying to play a role in helping ensure that the interests of this tragically injured child are properly protected.

02/02/2026

We are pleased to report that, in a decision issued last week, the Appellate Division, First Department affirmed both the issuance of an adverse inference charge and the preclusion of evidence as sanctions for spoliation. Although striking pleadings may be warranted in cases of spoliation, courts are generally reluctant to impose that ultimate sanction. The remedies affirmed here represent the strongest sanctions typically imposed absent truly exceptional circumstances. We are very pleased with the Court’s decision.

01/06/2026

We are pleased to announce that in a very significant environmental decision handed down last week, the Appellate Division, Second Department, affirmed both the determination that private nuisance causes of action are not limited to those in which the conduct affects only a relatively few individuals, and class action certification. This is a major victory for the victims of environmental pollution.

This was the result of a team effort. Our thanks for the groundwork and great record provided by our friends https://www.facebook.com/michael.greenspan.39 at https://www.facebook.com/GreenspanandGreenspan and https://www.facebook.com/LiddleSheetsPC.

10/01/2025

We are pleased to announce that in a decision handed down last week, the Appellate Division, First Department, reversed the grant of the Defendants' motion for summary judgment and reinstated our client's case.

09/10/2025

It is a twofer Wednesday.

We are pleased to announce the result of two decisions handed down today by the Appellate Division, Second Department.

In one, Medina v Bogdanowicz, the Court reversed the grant of the Defendant's motion for summary judgment and reinstated our client's case. https://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/3dseries/2025/2025_04900.htm

In the other, Leblanc v City of New York, the Court affirmed the denial of New York City's motion for summary.

Added bonus: the City was also (mildly) chastised for withholding documents. https://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/3dseries/2025/2025_04894.htm

07/24/2025

We are pleased to announce that in a decision handed down yesterday in a major medical malpractice action, the Appellate Division, Second Department, reversed the grant of the Defendants' motion for summary judgment and reinstated our client's claims.

05/01/2025

We are very pleased to announce that in a decision handed down today, in a significant products liability case, the Court affirmed the denial of BMW's summary judgment motion and reversed the grant of BMW's motion on the failure to warn claim. We hope that the injured victim, who despite being seat-belted suffered devastating and life-altering injuries when her car was rear-ended while both vehicles were travelling at routine speeds, will be fully compensated for her injuries.

04/16/2025

We are pleased to announce that in a decision handed down today the Appellate Division, Second Department, reversed the motion court's grant of the Defendant's motion for summary judgment on our client's Labor Law §§200 and 241(6) claims, and reinstated those claims.

02/27/2025

We are pleased to announce that in a decision handed down today the Appellate Division, First Department, affirmed the lower court's denial of the Defendant owner's motion for summary judgment.

02/18/2025

We are pleased to announce that in a decision handed down today the Appellate Division, First Department, modified the lower court's grant of the Defendant's motion for summary judgment on our client's Labor Law §200 claim, and reinstated the claim.