The trend of fraudulently labeling pets as “therapy” or “emotional” animals to avoid a building’s no pet policy is on the rise. Landlords are increasingly reluctant to challenge their tenants as any denial could result in a discrimination suit resulting in fines up to $250,000. Unlike trained service animals such as a seeing-eye-dog, emotional support animals do not need formal training. In fact, there are websites online that will generate a doctor’s note stating the tenant’s need for a service dog for under $200. Despite the therapy exemption, the concern is that therapy animals may become a nuisance to landlords and neighbors.
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Attorneys and Real Estate Transaction
The real estate industry in New York is constantly changing. One aspect of this industry that has not changed too much in the past few decades is the role of an attorney in the process. When purchasing a home or a piece of property, the assistance of an attorney is necessary. An attorney with draft documents, aid in negotiations, assist in the closing of the deal, answer any abstract questions that may arise, and more. Without an attorney, purchasing a home would be challenging for those without experience with the process.
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A Negligent Ambulance Driver Can Cause Serious or Fatal Injuries
Ambulance accidents have become common throughout New York State. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nationally, on average, there are approximately 4,500 accidents involving ambulances and 33 deaths each year. The vast majority of these deaths are to the driver of the other vehicle. Ambulance accidents often involve:
- Pedestrians;
- Bicyclists;
- Motorcyclists;
- Drivers of vehicles;
- Passengers of vehicles; and,
- Patients that are transported.
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Suffolk County Committee Decides to Extend Red-Light Camera Program
On September 19, 2018, Newsday reported that the Suffolk County Legislature’s Waiver Committee unanimously voted in favor of extending the contract of the county’s red-light camera vendor, resulting in the red-light camera program being extended for at least another year.
Conduent Inc., a technology company based in Florham Park, New Jersey, received an extension on its contract with the county which will run the end of 2019. Republican legislators were upset that the contract was renewed without seeking competitive bids or requests for proposal, but they are more upset that the red-light camera program is more about collecting revenues than making the roads safer for drivers.
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Avoid Intoxicated Driving This Summer
As we begin to reach the height of summer, it seems every weekend is consumed by barbeques, vacations, beach days, holidays, and other activities. Many people choose to relax at these weekend festivities with alcohol and some even choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence. July 4th has become one of America’s deadliest holidays as a result of the increased number of DWI accidents and overall, the abundance of summertime activities tend to heighten the risk of these tragic incidents.
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What to do if You Have Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident
As the weather warms, bicycles become a more popular form of transportation and leisurely activity. However, with the increased use of bicycles comes an increased risk of injury as well. Bicycle accidents may be the result of many different circumstances, such as poor road or sidewalk conditions, negligent drivers, or careless pedestrians and fellow cyclists. In some cases, the state, county or municipality can be held responsible for failing to provide safe roadway conditions. In addition, negligent drivers, pedestrians, and fellow cyclists, can be held responsible for the injuries sustained from a bicycle accident if their actions caused the accident.
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Using the SUNY (State University of New York) Cap to Determine Higher Education Contributions
Oftentimes, parents seeking to contribute to their child’s higher education are unaware of how child support may be impacted. In New York State, child support is based on a pro-rata (fewer deductions) share of parental income for the first $80,000 of combined income. Once you have the pro-rata share, the state applies a statutory percentage of income as follows:
ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Injuries Can Have Lasting Effects
An ENT is a physician that treats abnormalities in the ear, nose, and throat. While most procedures conducted by an ENT pose a minimal risk to a patient, there are still common medical errors that can negatively impact a patient. Common medical errors involving an ENT include:
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Avoiding Online Rental Scams
In recent years, more people are seeking rental units through the Internet. However, individuals often find themselves falling victim to an online scam. Some of the Internet sites commonly associated with rental scams are Craigslist, Trulia, and Zillow. While these websites do their best to eliminate scammers from using their sites, it is important to look for possible signs of a rental scam as well as perform due diligence in the event that a scammer has slipped through the cracks.
AAA Says Federal Government Underestimated Car Crashes Caused by Drowsy Driving
USA Today reported that the Automobile Association of America (AAA) that the federal government grossly underestimated the percentage of car crashes caused as a result of drowsy driving and is alerting the public of the seriousness of this danger.
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