Insight

Fighting for the Underdog

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

Block O'Toole & Murphy's Courtroom Success
SS

Sean Stonefield

November 19, 2019 12:36 PM

Significant results are a regular occurrence at the New York personal injury firm Block O’Toole & Murphy. Since 2012, the firm has annually obtained the largest number of reported personal injury results exceeding $1 million in New York state, as noted by the New York Law Journal. In total, it has recovered well over $1 billion for its clients, including more than 300 results exceeding $1 million and multiple record-breaking verdicts and settlements.

“I have always enjoyed the challenge of representing the underdog and seeing that justice is done,” says firm founder Jeffrey Block. “Our mission is to help people, and the results we have achieved over the years are proof that we have remained true to that mission.”

In 2019, the firm has continued its remarkable streak of personal injury victories. Foremost, the firm obtained a $110 million award for a 26-year-old cyclist whose spinal cord was shattered after construction workers dropped a 10-foot rail tie on him during a New York City Transit Authority track replacement project in Brooklyn. The firm’s client, who was 23 years old at the time of the accident, is now permanently paralyzed from the waist down.

“Like many of the matters we handle, this case involved basic, avoidable errors on the part of the defendant, which ultimately led to a life-altering tragedy,” says partner Daniel O’Toole, who handled the case with partner Scott Occhiogrosso. “Our hope is that this verdict will provide our client with a better quality of care as he fights to recover from this terrible accident.”

This $110 million award is believed to be the largest non-medical malpractice injury verdict in the history of New York. As such, it ranks among the most notable results in the firm’s history, which already includes a $32.7 million verdict in a pedestrian accident case that was the largest non-medical malpractice injury verdict in Long Island history and a $20.1 million New York State Court of Claims verdict that was the second largest verdict ever for the court.

"The results we have achieved over the years are proof that we have remained true to that mission."

“Our trial experience, energy, and dedication to our clients is our blueprint for success,” says partner Stephen Murphy. “We know how much our clients’ quality of life depends on the outcome of their case, and because of that, we bring a high level of passion to our practice—making our clients’ struggles our own personal battle.”

Related Articles

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 PARTNERSHIP

How to Make Sure You Get the Maximum Compensation for a Personal Injury Claim


by John P. Ford

This article discusses the numerous factors that affect a personal injury settlement and tips for how to maximize compensation in a personal injury claim.

Stethoscope sitting on top of money and medical form

One of NY’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers on 2 Surprising Trends Transforming the Industry


by Gregory Sirico

Lawyer Jeff Korek talks emerging personal injury law trends in IVF litigation and trial scarcity.

Doctor consoles couple in medical office

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

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

Overcoming Obstacles


by Sean Stonefield

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

Block O'Toole & Murphy

As Courts Grapple With the COVID-19 Pandemic, Scarlett Law Group Adapts


by Sean Stonefield

Best Lawyers honoree Randall Scarlett on obtaining results despite unprecedented challenges.

Scarlett Law Group

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

Big Wins From Coast to Coast


by Justin Smulison

Founder Michael S. Burg discusses how Burg Simpson’s lawyers secured major verdicts in some of the nation’s most unique cases in 2019.

Michael S. Burg Best Lawyers 2020

The Malone Legacy


by Alicia Lu

Adam Malone continues the legacy of improving lives he and his late father, Tommy Malone, achieved together.

Adam Malone Best Lawyers 2020

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

Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore


by Jennifer Verta

This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore

Revealing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria


by Jamilla Tabbara

These honors underscore the reach of the Best Lawyers network and its focus on top legal talent.

map of Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria

Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher


by Jamilla Tabbara

The power of effective communication beyond the law.

 Image of Jefferson Fisher and Phillip Greer engaged in a conversation about effective communication

The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In


by Jennifer Verta

Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.

Person standing at a crossroads with multiple intersecting paths and a signpost.

The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.

Lawyers networking

Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing


by Jennifer Verta

How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.

Portrait of Jefferson Fisher a legal marketing expert

Is Your Law Firm’s Website Driving Clients Away?


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key website issues that may be affecting client engagement and retention.

Phone displaying 'This site cannot be reached' message

A Guide to Workers' Compensation Law for 2025 and Beyond


by Bryan Driscoll

A woman with a laptop screen reflected in her glasses

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends in Texas, Utah, Georgia and SC


by Bryan Driscoll

A fresh wave of medical malpractice reform is reshaping the law.

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends hed

Why Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk Want to 'Delete All IP Law'


by Bryan Driscoll

This Isn’t Just a Debate Over How to Pay Creators. It’s a Direct Challenge to Legal Infrastructure.

Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey standing together Infront of the X logo

Best Lawyers Launches CMO Advisory Board


by Jamilla Tabbara

Strategic counsel from legal marketing’s most experienced voices.

Group photo of Best Lawyers CMO Advisory Board members

Common Law Firm Landing Page Problems to Address


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key issues on law firm landing pages to improve client engagement and conversion.

Laptop showing law firm landing page analytics

Changes in California Employment Law for 2025


by Laurie Villanueva

What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond

A pair of hands holding a checklist featuring a generic profile picture and the state of California

New Employment Law Recognizes Extraordinary Stress Is Everyday Reality for NY Lawyers


by Bryan Driscoll

A stressed woman has her head resting on her hands above a laptop

Best Lawyers Introduces Smithy AI


by Jamilla Tabbara

Transforming legal content creation for attorneys and firms.

Start using Smithy AI, a content tool by Best Lawyers

How to Create High-Converting Landing Pages for Your Law Firm


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how to create high-converting law firm landing pages that drive client engagement and lead generation.

Laptop screen displaying website tools to improve client conversion rates