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Ronald Katter Says Property Owners Can Be Held Liable for Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Harlem

NEW YORK, NY — Ronald J. Katter of The Katter Law Firm is urging those in Harlem who tested positive for Legionnaires’ Disease to exercise their legal rights against the property owners who failed to properly maintain the cooling towers on top of the buildings.

On July 25, five people residing within the 10027, 10030, 10035 and 10037 ZIP codes were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease by the New York City Department of Health. Several others have been tested and are awaiting their results.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires’ Disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria, which are usually found in water. The bacteria can grow in warm water found in hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems and decorative fountains. People contract the disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria. Symptoms include pneumonia with other signs, such as cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches.

“The spread of this disease could have been prevented, had the property owners followed local law and kept the cooling towers regularly cleaned and maintained,” Mr. Katter says. “If you believe you contracted the disease as the result of the building owner’s willful negligence, consult with an attorney who is experienced in handling Legionnaires’ cases.”

Mr. Katter has a proven track record of handling Legionnaires’-related lawsuits, including those against landlords and corporations who failed to properly maintain their water systems.

Mr. Katter is available for interviews on this matter. For more information, call (212) 809-4293 or visit www.katterlaw.com.

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About Katter Law Firm

The Katter Law Firm represents clients throughout New York City in personal injury cases including those who have suffered injuries in automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, slip/trip and falls, hotel accidents, assaults, workplace accidents, construction accidents, professional malpractice, nursing home negligence, hospital mistreatment, police abuse, accidental deaths and pet attacks. The firm aggressively represents injured victims through the five boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens as well as Westchester County. For more information, call (212) 809-4293 or visit www.katterlaw.com.

 

Top Environmental Attorney Warns EPA Rollback Will Trigger Public Health Crisis

Williams Cedar Partner Says Proposed Policy Reversals Put Millions at Risk
from Pollution

HADDONFIELD, N.J., July 23, 2025 — A prominent environmental attorney is sounding the alarm over a newly proposed EPA rollback that could sharply weaken America’s ability to fight climate change — and seriously endanger public health.

Gerald Williams, partner at the environmental law firm Williams Cedar LLC, says the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to rescind a long-standing scientific finding — known as the “endangerment finding” — would undermine decades of progress in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and open the door to increased air, water, and land pollution.

“This isn’t just a legal change — it’s a health crisis in the making,” said Williams. “If the EPA removes the scientific foundation that says carbon dioxide and methane endanger human health, it strips away the government’s power to regulate them. That means more pollution, more illness, and fewer tools to fight the climate emergency.”

The EPA’s July 22 proposal seeks to overturn the 2009 endangerment finding, which underpins both the Clean Air Act’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases and more recent Biden-era vehicle emission standards designed to accelerate electric vehicle adoption.

Williams warns that this reversal could block future administrations from implementing any meaningful climate policy — even as scientists report rising health risks tied to heatwaves, wildfires, and degraded air quality.

“This proposal isn’t just dangerous — it’s reckless,” Williams added. “It will tie the hands of future leaders and endanger the health of millions of Americans, particularly the most vulnerable.”

A veteran litigator, Williams has decades of experience in environmental toxic torts and civil rights cases. He helped secure a groundbreaking victory in Ambrogi v. Gould, the first case to establish medical monitoring under Pennsylvania’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act.

For more information, call (856) 470-9777 or visit williamscedar.com.

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About Williams Cedar LLC

Williams Cedar LLC is a personal injury law firm that serves areas throughout the State of New Jersey, with offices located in Haddonfield. The firm is focused on the practice of personal injury law, employment law, and civil rights litigation, serving victims of negligence and civil rights violations throughout New Jersey. They assist clients with a variety of claims, including product liability claims, toxic torts, wage and hour violations, police misconduct, and malicious prosecution, among others. For more information, call (856) 470-9777 or visit williamscedar.com.

REAL ID Law Causing Chaos for Travelers, Married Persons, and Trans Americans — New York Attorney Urges Legislative Fixes

Manlius, NY — July 21, 2025 — As the federal government begins enforcing the long-delayed REAL ID Act, a New York attorney is sounding the alarm over widespread confusion and bureaucratic roadblocks that are preventing thousands from obtaining compliant identification—particularly married persons, transgender individuals, and anyone with mismatched paperwork.

Caterina Ranieri, principal attorney at Caterina Ranieri, P.C., says a growing number of inquiries from New York State residents unable to get REAL ID cards have exposed serious flaws in the law’s rollout and design.

“We’re seeing people turned away because their birth names don’t match the names on their current documents — often due to marriage, divorce, or minor clerical errors,” said Ranieri. “This law wasn’t built with real life in mind.”

The REAL ID Act, originally passed in 2005 and modified in 2018, is now being enforced nationwide after years of pandemic-related delays. As of May 7, 2025, travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant license to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. But in New York, a unique complication is compounding the confusion: the existence of “enhanced” driver’s licenses, once compliant under the 2008 law, is now insufficient under new federal standards.

“People think they’re fine when they apply for an enhanced license or REAL ID, but they’re not. They show up at the DMV and get blindsided.”

Who’s most affected?

  • Married persons who changed their last names after marriage or reverted them after divorce
  • Transgender individuals whose gender markers or names differ from their original documents
  • Those who have added a middle name to their identity that is not also recorded on their birth certificates
  • Immigrants and natural-born citizens alike whose vital records contain misspellings, outdated names, or other inconsistencies
  • Any New Yorker whose name does not match what is on their certificate/passport

Ranieri says the verification system behind REAL ID lacks flexibility — and common sense.

“We’ve helped clients fix errors on birth and marriage certificates, but it’s time-consuming and expensive,” she noted. “Worse, many don’t even realize they’re not in compliance until it’s too late—like the day before a flight.”

She is calling on lawmakers to introduce clearer guidance, streamlined correction procedures, and greater leeway for applicants with good-faith documentation inconsistencies.

“This isn’t just a red tape issue,” Ranieri said. “People are being denied the ability to travel because the system can’t account for the realities of how names and identities change.”

Ranieri’s firm assists individuals with correcting errors in birth, marriage, and death records to ensure compliance with federal ID requirements. She urges anyone unsure about their status to act before they book their next flight.

For more information, call (315) 409-1091 or visit www.caterinaranieripc.com.

 

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Legal Expert Warns Millions Could See Credit Scores Drop After Federal Judge Reinstates Medical Debt Reporting


NY Debt Attorney Urges Action as Protections Roll Back for Consumers with Medical Bills

JAMAICA ESTATES, NY — July 17, 2025 — A recent federal court ruling could soon put millions of Americans with medical debt back in financial jeopardy — and one New York debt collection attorney says now is the time to act.

Attorney Tanya Hobson-Williams of Hobson-Williams, P.C., a firm that represents consumers in debt-related legal matters, is sounding the alarm after a Texas federal judge struck down a rule that had barred medical debt from appearing on credit reports.

“This ruling is a wake-up call,” said Hobson-Williams. “Consumers who thought medical debt wouldn’t impact their credit scores anymore may be in for a shock — unless they get ahead of it now.”

The ruling, handed down July 11 by U.S. District Judge Sean Jordan, declared that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) overstepped its authority by prohibiting medical debt from being factored into credit reports. The CFPB had previously estimated that the now-overturned policy helped raise credit scores by an average of 20 points and removed $49 million in medical debt from reports.

Now that the legal protection is gone, Hobson-Williams says consumers need to be especially cautious when choosing how to address medical debt.

“Before jumping into debt settlement or relief programs, make sure you understand the consequences,” she said. “Some of these services charge high fees, and in some cases, they can actually damage your credit further.”

She advises those receiving collection letters or facing medical bills they can’t pay to seek legal guidance before taking action.

“Consumers still have options, but the window to act before their credit is impacted again is closing fast,” Hobson-Williams said.

For more information, call 1-866-825-1529 or visit www.nyguardian.com.

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About Hobson-Williams, P.C.

With offices located in Jamaica Estates and Brooklyn, New York, the law firm of Hobson-Williams, P.C. is comprised of a highly knowledgeable and diligent staff. With over 28 years of experience, the firm’s skilled attorneys are dedicated to protecting and serving their clients’ needs and legal interests, and are committed to providing unparalleled client service. Practice areas include elder law and estate planning, Guardianships, Medicaid, real estate, landlord/tenant and business law. For more information, call 1-866-825-1529 or visit www.nyguardian.com.

Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo Announces Community Service Scholarship

The law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo announced  the recipients of its annual Community Service Scholarships. On June 5, 2025 at the East  Hampton High School Senior Awards Night, the 2025 Scholarship recipients were  announced. This year’s recipients were Jonathan Armijos Calle and Susanna DiSunno, both of East Hampton. This is the twenty-fifth consecutive year the Firm has awarded  scholarships in East Hampton as well as Southampton and Riverhead, and the eleventh  consecutive year the Firm has awarded a scholarship in Mattituck.

Mr. Armijos Calle volunteered for South Fork Sea Farmers, and served the  community, along with a small team, by collecting clams, mussels and scallops into  biodegradable bags. Forty bags, approximately 25 pounds per bag, were then transferred into a Springs reserve, creating a significant layer of a reef for environmental benefits.  Mr. Armijos Calle is also a member of the National Honor Society, serving the community  by volunteering his services for the local Blood Drive, Sock Drive, Trunk or Treat and  Bonac Lights.

Ms. DiSunno served as President of the Kiwanis Key Club as well as the Student  Representative on the Board of Directors for the Sag Harbor Community Band. As  President of the Key Club, Ms. DiSunno significantly contributed to its growth and  success by preparing the agenda and running their biweekly meetings for 178 members.  Ms. DiSunno volunteered at events such as Fall Family Fun Day, Montauk Seafood  Festival and the annual LVIS Fair. Ms. DiSunno also marched in local parades and sorted  toys at the annual Kiwanis Toy Drive. Ms. DiSunno lobbied for student representation  on the Sag Harbor Community Band’s Board of Directors, and attends monthly board

meetings while serving as the voice for the younger members of the band. Ms. DiSunno  values the rich local history of the Sag Harbor Community Band and the strong tradition  of bringing members of all of the community together while the band performs.

The scholarship for each recipient includes a check to help with college expenses.

Aviation Safety Expert Weighs In After Skydiving Plane Crash in Tennessee


Keith Williams: Crash Highlights Urgent Need for Stricter Pre-Flight Inspections

NASHVILLE, TENN. (June 10, 2025) — Following the crash of a plane carrying 20 skydivers at Tullahoma Regional Airport, noted aviation attorney Keith Williams is calling for tighter safety protocols and more rigorous pre-flight inspections for private aircraft.

The plane, a twin-engine DeHaviland DH-6 Twin Otter, went down shortly after takeoff on June 8, crashing into trees near the runway in Coffee County. Six people were seriously injured, with two airlifted and four transported by ambulance. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation.

Williams, who has represented victims in numerous aviation incidents, says the crash is a wake-up call for operators and regulators alike.

“When you have 20 people on a twin-engine aircraft—especially skydivers who are relying on that plane to get to altitude—there is zero margin for error,” Williams said. “Every private aircraft should undergo a full inspection before takeoff. No detail is too small.”

While no fatalities were reported, Williams warns that luck may have played a role this time.

“This could have easily been a mass casualty event,” he added. “It’s critical that we treat these flights with the same scrutiny as commercial aviation.”

Williams is available for comment on aviation safety, FAA oversight, and legal considerations following aircraft incidents.

In addition to his practice, Mr. Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

Media Contact:
Hank Russell
hrussell@theprmg.com
Work: (631) 310-5268; Cell: (516) 983-3890
Keith Williams Law Group – www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

“Game-Changer for College Sports”: Attorney Andrew Sack Says $2.8B NCAA Settlement Signals End of Unpaid Labor Era for Student-Athletes

GARDEN CITY, NY — The recent $2.8 billion NCAA settlement could fundamentally reshape college sports—and finally put money in the pockets of student-athletes. That’s the analysis from sports law attorney Andrew Sack of The Law Offices of Steven Mitchell Sack, who says the court-approved deal ends decades of unpaid labor under the guise of amateurism.

“This is a seismic shift,” Sack said. “For the first time ever, colleges can directly pay athletes for the billions they generate through their names, images, and likenesses. This isn’t just a win—it’s a complete transformation of the student-athlete model.”

The settlement, approved by a federal judge, resolves multiple antitrust lawsuits and will compensate athletes retroactively dating back to 2016. It also establishes a new path forward, allowing schools to share media and broadcast revenues with athletes who previously saw none of those profits.

Though the NCAA continues to deny any wrongdoing, Sack says the message is clear: “The era of free labor in college athletics is over. Schools can no longer profit off athletes without sharing the wealth.”

As media rights deals and NIL collectives evolve, Sack predicts this landmark decision will ripple across every major program—and change the recruiting landscape permanently.

“This isn’t the end of the conversation,” he added. “It’s the beginning of a new era.”

Mr. Sack has a legal background in the sports industry which he brought to the firm as a new practice area. He teaches both Bachelor’s– and Master’s–level sports law courses at LIU Post which entail the legal and ethical issues, sports marketing and management and the business of sports, such as Sports Law, Legal and Ethical Issues in Sport, Sports Marketing, Legal Aspects of Business Administration, and Principles of Management.

For more information, call Mr. Sack at (516) 526-3319 or The Law Offices of Steven Mitchell Sack at (917) 371-8000.

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Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo Announces Community Service Scholarship

The law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo announced the recipients of its annual Community Service Scholarships.  On June 4, 2025 at the Southampton High School Senior Awards Night, the 2025 Scholarship recipients were announced. This year’s recipients were Jillian Swiatocha and Maria Buelvas, both of Southampton.  This is the twenty-fifth consecutive year the Firm has awarded scholarships in Southampton as well as East Hampton and Riverhead, and the eleventh consecutive year the Firm has awarded a scholarship in Mattituck.

Ms. Swiatocha is a student leader at The Long Island Teen Institute & Human Understanding and Growth Services, where she worked to discourage substance and relationship abuse. Ms. Swiatocha is also a member of the Environmental Activism Club, where she became passionate about promoting viable, sustainable solutions regarding environmental policy. Ms. Swiatocha will be attending Wake Forest University in the fall.

Ms. Buelvas is a member of the Art Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society and serves as the President of the Latino Cultural Club. One of the most rewarding experiences, according to Ms. Buelvas, was her participation in BOCES adult English classes. Ms. Buelvas tutored students and helped to create a comfortable learning environment, enriching the lives for those willing to learn English.

The scholarship for each recipient includes a check to help with college expenses.

Civil Rights Attorney Demands Federal Monitors to Oversee Elections in Mount Vernon Amid Allegations of Political Corruption, Voter Suppression

Also Calls on State, Federal Agencies to Investigate City’s Financials

Mount Vernon, NY — With just weeks before Mount Vernon’s critical municipal election, prominent civil rights attorney Lauren P. Raysor is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to deploy federal election monitors, citing what she describes as a “coordinated campaign to undermine the democratic process.”

Raysor, who has a long history of fighting for voter protection and civil rights, warns of systemic abuses ahead of the June 24 election for City Council, City Court Judge, and City Comptroller.

“This is not politics as usual — this is a full-scale effort to manipulate an election using public funds, intimidation, and deceptive campaigning,” said Raysor. “Without federal oversight, voters in Mount Vernon cannot have confidence in a fair and transparent election.”

Allegations Include:

  • Untraceable Political Spending: A group known as Rise Up Mount Vernon — which claims to be an independent expenditure committee — is promoting a full slate of candidates closely aligned with the Mayor. Despite its “independent” label, the group appears to operate as an unofficial arm of the Mayor’s political machine, complete with coordinated messaging, graphics, and campaign slogans.
    Public filings show its sole $25,000 donation came from Rella Fogliano, CEO of MacQuesten Development, a developer with multimillion-dollar interests in city projects. The company has been the subject of investigative reports regarding political contributions in Westchester.
  • Misuse of Public Resources: City employees, taxpayer-funded facilities, and municipal funds have allegedly been used for partisan purposes — a direct violation of city law (Mount Vernon Code §24-4), which prohibits city workers from engaging in political activity while on duty or with public resources.
  • Conflict of Interest and Abuse of Office: The Mayor is accused of actively campaigning for favored candidates while using her official capacity to host forums, attend fundraisers with city-funded security, and certify petitions — including for candidates she personally endorsed.
  • Fraudulent Election Materials: Flyers labeled as “Official Sample Ballots” — omitting opposing candidates — were distributed through Rise Up Mount Vernon and local religious networks, misleading voters and potentially suppressing turnout.
  • Partisan Activity by Religious Organizations: Multiple 501(c)(3) religious institutions allegedly endorsed candidates and distributed campaign materials, violating IRS nonprofit regulations and New York State nonprofit law.
  • Election Security Concerns: Questions have been raised over the integrity of Mount Vernon’s voting machines, with no clear plan for independent oversight.
  • Intimidation and Voter Suppression: Opponents of the current political establishment report harassment, public defamation, and even the theft and vandalism of campaign materials. One example includes a city official allegedly launching a website to smear rival candidates — a matter now under appeal with the State Education Department.

Call for Immediate Action

Raysor is urging the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to launch an immediate investigation and station federal monitors in Mount Vernon throughout the election process — from ballot preparation and staffing to vote tabulation.

In addition, Raysor is asking the U.S. and New York Attorney General’s Offices and the New York State Comptroller’s Office to investigate the Mayor’s office for misuse of taxpayer funds, not only during this campaign, but during the Mayor’s tenure in office.

“We are witnessing a coordinated effort to rig this election from the inside,” said Raysor. “It’s not just unethical — it may be illegal. Without intervention, this election will not reflect the will of the people.”

For more information, call (914) 733-8080 or visit www.laurenpraysor.com.

 

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About Lauren P. Raysor

Lauren P. Raysor is an attorney concentrating in personal injury, civil rights, bankruptcy, matrimonial and family law. She has litigated numerous cases over the years, taking more than 35 cases to verdict and has argued before the Appellate Division in the case of Makeda Barnes Joseph v. Universal Music Group. She served as Corporation Counsel for the City of Mount Vernon, where she was in charge of the city’s Law Department. Ms. Raysor is currently outside counsel for the New York State Dormitory Authority, and served as the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Upper Manhattan Region, outside counsel to the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone and counsel at a Wall Street law firm.

Victim of Police Abuse by Nassau County Officers Wins Civil Rights Lawsuit; Jury Awards Him Nearly $2.9 Million after Three-Week Trial

After a three-week trial before the Hon. Nina Morrison in the Federal District Court, Eastern District of New York, a Brooklyn Jury came to a decision on May 29, 2025.  Mr. Brian Pfail was victorious in proving that he had been beaten and maliciously prosecuted by four Nassau County Police officers from an incident that took place on November 3, 2014. He received a monetary award of nearly $2.9 million.  Mr. Pfail was represented by The Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington.  Mr. Brewington tried the case along with Attorney Cobia M. Powell of the same office. Full story is below and related information is attached.

 

Mr. Pfail’s (Current photo of Mr. Pfail attached-credit Frederick K. Brewington) story begins with a frail human being who was making an attempt to return to some level of normalcy after being subjected to violence by Nassau County Police, that shattered his life. Back on April 7, 2007, Mr. Pfail was visiting the mall with his friend when he saw a group of boys suddenly and viciously attack his friend. Mr. Pfail instinctively reacted to protect his friend and charged into the altercation.  He threw a punch and hit someone, which led the group of assailants to focus all of their energy on Mr. Pfail. The assailants kicked and punched him in the head over and over again, inflicting a traumatic brain injury (TBI). At the time of his beating in 2007, Mr. Pfail was a senior at Chaminade High with excellent grades and a large group of loyal friends.  He had been accepted to attend Villanova University the following year. All of this was taken from him by a senseless act of violence, which permanently altered the course of  Mr. Pfail’s life.

 

Mr. Pfail’s TBI required extensive treatment. He had been undergoing this treatment for seven (7) years, and had been isolated from the social world for months, when he was invited to spend a night out with his friend at Buffalo Wild Wings on November 3, 2014.  Mr. Pfail hoped that a peaceful night of watching hockey with his friend would provide him with a much-needed semblance of normality. Because of his brain injury, his speech was impacted and he suffered from trembling hands.  After ordering one drink, Mr. Pfail sought to order a beer, when the waitress mistook the results of his brain injury for intoxication and the waitress cut Mr. Pfail off from any further bar service.  Mr. Pfail instantly began to feel intense embarrassment and anxiety, as though every eye in the establishment was focused on him. Due to his TBI, Mr. Pfail is prone to bouts of stuttering when he is forced into high-stress scenarios. The waitress, unaware of Mr. Pfail’s disability, after conferring with her manager, the waitress loudly told Mr. Pfail that he could not have another and accused him of being drunk, in effect drawing the entire establishment’s attention to Mr. Pfail. This was a nightmare scenario for Mr. Pfail, who felt as though the world was ready to devour him. Mr. Pfail was immediately assailed by memories of a time when he was able to negotiate difficult social situations, and he was deeply troubled by his feelings of present inadequacy.

 

Mr. Pfail found himself at a restaurant, surrounded by people who appeared to him to be hostile.  As Mr. Pfail tried to explain himself, he was dismissed. As the situation deteriorated, he was scared, frustrated, and embarrassed, and with every passing moment, he felt less able to process the events occurring around him. Mr. Pfail panicked and, in an attempt to escape this traumatic situation, he paid his bill and ran from the restaurant. While leaving, Mr. Pfail did strike the window in one of the doors, causing it to break.

 

The breaking of the glass was directly related to his inability to process an overwhelming situation.  After Mr. Pfail left Buffalo Wild Wings, he hopped a fence and went to a nearby Fairway supermarket in a nearby shopping center, and called his girlfriend and spoke to his brother to explain his situation. Mr. Pfail was at this time standing with his back turned to the shopping center’s parking lot. Suddenly, several Nassau County Police Officers, JOSEPH MASSARO, POLICE OFFICER JONATHAN PANUTHOS, SERGEANT THOMAS IANNUCCI, all dressed in plain clothes, pulled up in an unmarked Jeep Cherokee. (Copy of Video available upon Request). The officers made no attempt to identify themselves, ask Mr. Pfail to surrender, or provide any warning whatsoever of what they were about to do. Instead, the officers rushed Mr. Pfail, who was still on the phone and causing him to be startled at their presence.  As they rushed him, Panuthos kicked Mr. Pfail in his abdomen (See attached still taken from video), knocking the wind out of him and they began beating him and tackled him to the ground into the vestibule of the Fairway Supermarket.

 

The video footage shows that Mr. Pfail was surprised and immediately overwhelmed by a wave of bodies and had no opportunity to take any action against the officers, let alone defend himself. Despite Mr. Pfail’s lack of resistance, the officers continued to beat him about his body and especially his head. This beating was witnessed by a bystander who called 911 to report an assault in progress.  (Copy of 911 call attached). The three officers were then joined by a fourth Nassau County Police Officer, KAREN C. O’BRIEN, who continued to batter Mr. Pfail.

 

By the time the officers finally relented, Mr. Pfail suffered multiple wounds, including a gash to his front forehead/frontal lobe area from which he was bleeding and he lay in a puddle of blood 8-10 inches in diameter. (Still from the video is attached) The officers, whom Mr. Pfail still had no way of identifying as police officers, essentially forced Mr. Pfail to relive the traumatic gang assault which had cost him his bright future.

 

The officers’ actions were obviously excessive, unreasonable, unlawful, and contrary to proper police procedure. Similarly obvious is the officers’ motive for charging Mr. Pfail with multiple felonies: to justify and conceal their unlawful and brutal beating of Mr. Pfail. On November 3, 2014, Mr. Pfail was arrested by members of the Nassau County Police Department, and then indicted under Indictment No.: 00402N-15 with committing the following crimes: four (4) counts of Assault in the Second Degree in violation of Penal Law §120.05(3), Resisting Arrest in violation of Penal Law §25.30, and Criminal Mischief in the Third (3rd) Degree in violation of Penal Law §145.05(2). The criminal case was tried to a jury and he was acquitted of all the charges, except the breaking of the window.

 

As a result of the beating, unreasonable and excessive force,  malicious prosecution,  abuse of process, battery and other violations, Mr. Pfail received at the hands of the officers, Mr. Pfail received staples in his head (Photo attached) and has been deeply traumatized and brought a lawsuit, suing for the serious damages caused by the Nassau Police. All of his prior symptoms intensified after the police beat him on November 3, 2014.

 

On May 12, 2025 the trial in Mr. Pfail’s civil lawsuit against Nassau County and four police officer began and in a split (bifurcated) trial on May 23, 2025 a Jury of four men and four women rendered a verdict finding the officers liable for Excessive Force, Malicious Prosecution, Abuse of process and Battery and on May 29, 2025 that same jury awarded Mr. Pfail $2,884,000. (Copies of the Verdict Sheets are attached.)

 

For more information, call (516) 489-6959 or visit www.brewingtonlaw.com.

 

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About The Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington

The Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington is a well-respected litigation firm with an office in Hempstead, Long Island. Our focus is primarily in the area of civil rights, voting rights, employment discrimination, police misconduct, personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death and criminal law. However, the Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington is a full-service law firm handling matters in numerous areas of law and providing a wide range of services from contract formation to litigation and trial practice. It is the largest African-American-owned law firm on Long Island and has been designated by the New York Law Journal as one of the top minority-owned firms in the state of New York. For more information, call (516) 489-6959 or visit www.brewingtonlaw.com.

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