Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024 
S. Joseph Donahue joined Block O’Toole & Murphy in 2005 and was named Partner in 2012. In his time with the firm, Mr. Donahue has obtained about $400,000,000 in verdicts and settlements for his clients, with a particular focus on construction accidents, motor vehicle accidents, tractor trailer accidents, and medical malpractice cases. His hard work and expertise at trial have earned recognition from Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and the Million and Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forums.
Known and respected in the injury for his trial skills, Mr. Donahue is committed to helping victims of negligence recover after an accident. Some of his top results include:
A $53,500,000 jury verdict for a construction worker in Brooklyn who was paralyzed in a work site fall. The unanimous verdict included $15 million for past pain and suffering, $30 million for future pain and suffering, $1 million for past medical expenses, and $7.5 million for future medical expenses.
A $25,000,000 settlement for a crane operator in the Bronx who was struck by a load of concrete forms being hoisted by a crane. The impact caused the client to fall 12 feet, resulting in devastating injuries.
A $10,875,000 settlement for a laborer who was impaled by a piece of rebar while working on a rooftop in Brooklyn.
A $10,500,000 settlement in a wrongful death case for the family of a union worker who was fatally injured by a defective saw in Staten Island.
A $9,792,412 jury verdict in a medical malpractice case for a patient who suffered a stroke during tumor-removal surgery.
A $9,750,000 settlement for a tow truck operator who was rear-ended by a drunk driver on the Long Island Expressway, causing severe head and knee injuries.
A $9,500,000 settlement for a union roofer who fell from the roof of a school gymnasium and sustained severe spine, wrist, and elbow injuries.
Mr. Donahue began his career as an assistant in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, where he investigated and prosecuted thousands of criminal cases. Later, as Senior Assistant District Attorney, he fought for victims of violent atrocities including homicides, shootings, and robberies.
In 2003, Mr. Donahue made the switch to civil practice, taking a job at a prominent New York City firm that specialized in medical malpractice. His work representing hospitals and physicians in personal injury litigation eventually led him to Block O’Toole & Murphy, where he brings his in-depth knowledge of defense strategies to his plaintiff-side cases.
What Mr. Donahue loves most about being a lawyer is making a difference—something that hasn’t changed for him, even after so many years in the field. Every day, he approaches his work in the hopes that it will make a difference in the lives of those affected by serious accidents.
Mr. Donahue has two teenage sons.
