Insight

Overcoming Obstacles

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, personal injury firm Block O’Toole & Murphy is on track for its most successful year.

Block O'Toole & Murphy
SS

Sean Stonefield

December 11, 2020 08:00 AM

Block O’Toole & Murphy entered 2020 having achieved some of the highest recoveries in the firm’s history: In 2019, the firm garnered more than $250 million for its injured clients, including the number-one verdict in all of New York State ($110 million) and the second- ($11.5 million) and third- ($11 million) highest settlements in the state, as noted in the New York Law Journal’s “Top Verdicts & Settlements” list.

In 2020, Block O'Toole & Murphy looked to continue this remarkable track record of courtroom success. But with the COVID-19 pandemic shuttering courts and offices, the firm was soon facing unprecedented challenges. And yet, despite this uncertainty, the firm has been able to overcome obstacles and still secure top results for its injured clients.

“What differentiates our firm is how hard we will fight for our clients, and even with the pandemic we’re on pace to have our best year ever,” notes firm founder Jeffrey Block. “During the shutdown in the courts, our strategy has been to illuminate for insurance companies and defendants the risks that are inherent in every case and to try and foster or create incentives for them to engage and negotiate.”

By using technology to stay in contact with our clients, we continue to understand how their accidents have impacted every facet of their lives.

“In other words, we have not in any way compromised the value of our cases because of the court shutdown, the pandemic, or the economic struggles that so many people are going through,” says partner Daniel O’Toole. “We demonstrate to our adversaries what a jury will likely decide if a case isn’t settled for fair value.”

Indeed, during the period when the firm was working remotely, it secured countless settlements of $1 million or more for its clients, including a $10.5 million settlement in a wrongful-death case where a 50-year-old union laborer died following a defective-saw accident; a $5 million settlement for a laborer who suffered electric shock while performing excavation work; a $4.5 million settlement for a carpenter who became permanently disabled after a work-related accident; and a $3.5 million settlement for a furniture maker who fell through a poorly maintained vault door.

“By using technology to stay in contact with our clients, we continue to understand how their accidents have impacted every facet of their lives—medically, financially, and emotionally—both now and into the future,” says partner Stephen Murphy. “We continue to fight for these hardworking people who were hurt and whose lives were dramatically changed through no fault of their own. There are new challenges in 2020 but we’re not running from a fight.”

Headline Image: Statia Grossman

Related Articles

A Potentially Precedent-Shifting Verdict


by Sean Stonefield

Preeminent trial lawyer Benedict Morelli on achieving one of the highest pain-and-suffering awards in New York State history.

Benedict Morelli

IN PARTNERSHIP

Results That Make a Difference


by John Fields

Thomas Moore and Judith Livingston continue to secure some of the largest verdicts in New York state for their injured clients.

Male and female lawyer in blue suits

Results That Make a Difference


by John Fields

Thomas Moore and Judith Livingston continue to secure some of the largest verdicts in New York state for their injured clients.

Largest Injury Verdicts in New York State

A Reputation for Success


by Justin Smulison

Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” David Perecman on his 40-plus years representing injury victims.

A 40 Year Career in Personal Injury

New York's Best Lawyers 2022


by Best Lawyers

Our 2022 New York's Best Lawyers publication features top-ranked legal talent and legal editorial from firms in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

New York's Best Lawyers 2022

Leading Cause of Car Accidents in Alabama? Failing to Yield the Right of Way


by Mitchel Lattof

Failing to yield the right of way was the leading cause of car accidents in Alabama in 2018. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, failing to yield the right of way resulted in 23,832 crashes. Ninety-six of those crashes resulted in fatalities.

Shards of car glass on the street

How to Handle Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident


by Craig D. Rosenbaum

Receiving medical attention after a car accident can be expensive. One personal injury lawyer details the steps to take when seeking medical attention after the accident.

Car Accident

The Winning Edge


by Justin Smulison

In its 40th year, Frantz Law Group finalized history-making settlements for clients in California and nationally.

Frantz Law Group

What to Do If You Become a Victim of Police Brutality?


by Edson Legal and Grillo Law

Two Toronto firms, one focusing on police brutality and the other on personal injury, give advice on what are the next steps you should take if you find yourself the victim of police brutality or abuse.

What Can You Do If You Are a Victim of Police

Big Case Warriors


by Best Lawyers

The co-founders of Lyons & Simmons, LLP discuss their relentless dedication to pursuing justice for clients while also invoking change.

Lyons & Simmons Best Lawyers 2020

Trial Law Leadership


by Justin Smulison

Daniel J.T. Sciano, twice-named Best Lawyers® San Antonio “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2010, 2012), discusses how his record of success impacts clients and Texas’ legal community

Daniel Sciano Best Lawyers 2020

Wearing a Hard Hat Significantly Reduces Risk of Injury, Death on NYC Construction Sites


by Michele Mirman

Construction Injury Prevention From Hard Hats

Fighting for the Underdog


by Sean Stonefield

A combination of hard work and excellence in the courtroom has garnered outsize results for the injured.

Block O'Toole & Murphy's Courtroom Success

Benedict Morelli: New York's Trial Attorney


by Best Lawyers

How Benedict Morelli successfully represented comedian Tracy Morgan and others.

Who Is Benedict Morelli

In the News: New York


by Best Lawyers

News and Events for New York Lawyers

In the News: New York

Why Expert Help Is Essential After a Car Accident


by Ted Lorenz

An Attorney Can Help Investigate After an Accident

A Legal Expert Can Help After A Car Accident

Trending Articles

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers® in the United States


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers listed in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and in the 2nd Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2022.

2022 Best Lawyers Listings for United States

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue


by Best Lawyers

The 2021 Global Issue features top legal talent from the most recent editions of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch worldwide.

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue

The U.S. Best Lawyers Voting Season Is Open


by Best Lawyers

The voting season for the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 5th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is officially underway, and we are offering some helpful advice to this year’s voters.

Golden figures of people standing on blue surface connected by white lines

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 Launch


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for 2023, including the top lawyers and law firms from Australia.

Australian Parliament beside water at sunset

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

Inflation Escalation


by Ashley S. Wagner

Inflation and rising costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind as we enter 2023. The current volatile market makes it more important than ever to understand the rent escalation clauses in current and future commercial lease agreements.

Suited figure in front of rising market and inflated balloon

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

A Celebration of Excellence: The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

As we embark on the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are excited to highlight excellence and top legal talent across the country.

Abstract image of red and white Canada flag in triangles

8 Different Types of Criminal Defenses in Law


by Best Lawyers

Learn about the different types of criminal defenses available in law, including innocence, self-defense, insanity and more. Protect your rights today.

Silver handcuffs laying on finger printed papers

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.

Tall buildings and rushing traffic against clouds and sun in sky