Earlier this year, partners Jeffrey Block, Daniel O’Toole, and Stephen Murphy were once again honored by the Best Lawyers® list, and this month, all three are featured on the cover of the 2018 New York City Best Lawyers® magazine.
Each year, Best Lawyers® releases regional supplements in magazine format that contain an exclusive coverage of news, events, and the list of attorneys who were designated Best Lawyers in over 25 regions in the United States. For the New York City supplement, Block O’Toole & Murphy’s three name partners were highlighted on the cover with a special report which can be accessed here: https://www.bestlawyers.com/article/results-matter/1726
One of the oldest and most prestigious attorney rating systems, Best Lawyers® of America publishes a list each year of the best legal talent nationwide based on a rigorous peer review process from various established lawyers. The award is given only to the top 4% of attorneys in the country for their specific practice areas.
“We’re honored to be recognized by our peers, including by many defense attorneys from whom we’ve earned respect by battling in a tough but fair way,” said Founding Partner Jeffrey Block. “I am also incredibly grateful to our talented legal team – our results speak to the dedication and commitment we invest in each of our cases.”
In 2016, Block O’Toole & Murphy attained 4 of the 5 highest settlements in New York State, including settlements of $9.95 million, $7.4 million, $7.3 million, $6 million, and $5.5 million for auto accident and work injury victims.
This year, the law firm continues its record of top results for personal injury victims. Notable 2017 recoveries include:
- $13,500,000 recovery for pedestrian hit by company-owned car
- $12,000,000 settlement for worker injured during subway extension project
- $4,000,000 settlement for laborer who fell from a wet roof
- $3,800,000 settlement in products liability case for delivery driver
- $3,720,000 settlement for glass installer after a construction site accident
In 2017 alone, the attorneys have attained over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for clients. Among them is a catastrophically-injured pedestrian who was struck while walking home at night. Represented by Block O’Toole & Murphy, she was awarded $13.5 million – the largest personal injury settlement in the history of Suffolk County, New York. Other notable results include multi-million dollar recoveries for workers hurt on the job, including a $12 million result for a construction worker injured while working on the number 7 train extension project in Manhattan.
“Many of our clients are hardworking New Yorkers who just want to make a living for their families. Then, they are devastated both professionally and personally because of an accident caused by a negligent third party. It’s heart-breaking. We do our best to recover the financial compensation they deserve to help them move on with dignity,” said Partner Stephen Murphy.
In addition to fighting for injury victims, the law firm is also active in lending a hand to multiple charities, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Frances Pope Memorial Foundation, and many others.
In 2017, the firm raised over $650,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by hosting the St. Jude’s Annual Fall Wine Tasting. The event was attended by over 700 guests and was later covered by the New York Law Journal.
Additionally, the firm also aided in Hurricane Maria disaster relief efforts by donating over half a container’s worth of necessary supplies to residents of Puerto Rico. The effort was organized and led by Partner Jeffrey Block and his wife Maritza.
“Being of service to others is a value that our attorneys embrace,” said Partner Daniel O’Toole. “It’s incredible to be part of a team that is committed to doing the best they can to serve the needs of our clients, the local community, and important causes.”
Several attorneys at the firm are active in the New York State Trial Lawyers Association’s Labor Law Committee, a group dedicated to improving laws that further the safety of workers.
With 2017 coming to a close, the firm looks onward to 2018 as another potential banner year to make a difference.