Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Stephen J. Murphy
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2014 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Stephen J. Murphy joined Block O’Toole & Murphy after a successful career as a homicide prosecutor for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office. Best known for his work in the courtroom, Mr. Murphy handles a wide variety of personal injury cases, but his main focus is serious construction accidents and catastrophic personal injury cases.
As a partner at the New York City law firm since 2008, Mr. Murphy has already amassed extremely impressive results, regularly returning verdicts and settlements over a million dollars. In his 16 years of civil practice, he has garnered over $400,000,000 in results for clients. Since 2013, he has averaged well over $40,000,000 in settlements every year. In 2021, he was the lead attorney on the top three construction accident settlements in the entire Northeast, as reported in VerdictSearch’s 2021 Top Verdicts and Settlements report.
Prior to his career at BOM, Mr. Murphy was appointed by the District Attorney to the Homicide Bureau, making him the youngest attorney there at the time. He earned a reputation as a tough but fair prosecutor, successfully handling several high-profile murder cases, including double and triple murders, arson homicides, and child murders. In addition to his trial work, Mr. Murphy served as an Adjunct Professor of Law with St. John's School of Law for nine years. Under their trial advocacy program, his students won national championships in trial competitions five of the nine years he was involved.
Described as one of the "Top Attorneys in New York” by The New York Times, Mr. Murphy has earned multiple accolades from both his peers and opponents. He is recognized by various notable legal organizations including Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, National Trial Lawyers, Irish Legal 100, and Brehon Law Society. He has also appeared as a guest host and commentator on civil and criminal cases for many local and national media outlets, including Court TV, Fox Radio, The New York Post, New York Daily News, and Newsday. In addition, Mr. Murphy has been published in The New York Law Journal for a series of columns that he co-authored with colleague David Scher regarding construction accident law.
Outside of the office, Mr. Murphy volunteers his time for various charities and fundraisers. One that is very dear to his heart is St. Jude Children’s Hospital, where he serves as an active member of the fundraising team, raising over $5,000,000 for the organization. For over ten years, Mr. Murphy, along with the other partners at Block O’Toole & Murphy, has hosted an annual Autumn Wine Tasting in support of St. Jude, bringing together local restaurants and vendors to help raise funds for the research of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Overview
- English
- St. John's University, J.D., graduated 1998
- New York, New York State Bar Association
- Brooklyn Manhattan Trial Lawyers Association - President 2012, Present Member
- Labor Law Committee, The New York State Trial Lawyers Association - Member
- New York County Democratic Judicial Screening Panel - Panelist
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Chairperson, Annual Autumn Winetasting
- The Brehon Society - Member
- The New York State Trial Lawyer's Association - Member of the Board of Directors
- English
- New York, New York State Bar Association
- Brooklyn Manhattan Trial Lawyers Association - President 2012, Present Member
- Labor Law Committee, The New York State Trial Lawyers Association - Member
- New York County Democratic Judicial Screening Panel - Panelist
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Chairperson, Annual Autumn Winetasting
- The Brehon Society - Member
- The New York State Trial Lawyer's Association - Member of the Board of Directors
- St. John's University, J.D., graduated 1998
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, New York City (2022)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
- Personal Injury Litigation
- Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants
Special Focus:
- Construction
- Tractor-Trailer Collision
Awards:
- Frances Pope Memorial Foundation, 2010 Man of the Year
- "Best Lawyers in America' List, 2014
- Super Lawyer, New York Metro Area, 2011-2013
- Irish Legal 100, 2013
- National Trial Lawyer, Top 100 Trial Lawyers List, 2011-2014
- Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Brooklyn to Alaska Project, 2017 Man of the Year
- St. John's University School of Law PTAI 2014 'Alumni Excellence' Award
- Brehon Law Society, 2015 Honoree
News & Media
Insights
Raising the Bar: Block O’Toole & Murphy
by John Fields
New York City-based powerhouse Block O’Toole & Murphy continues to set new benchmarks for personal injury cases, with the firm achieving landmark victories.
Shine with Wine: One Firm’s Heroic Efforts to Combat Pediatric Cancer
by Best Lawyers
Block O’Toole & Murphy’s annual event has raised millions—and counting—for the world’s premier pediatric cancer treatment facility. Their commitment to the cure is unmatched, and each year boasts more success than ever before.
Building a Safer Culture
by Stephen J. Murphy
More construction workers die on the job in the U.S. than in any other occupation, yet rules and regulations are often honored more in the breach than the observance. Here’s an overview—and a blueprint for change.
2022: Another Banner Year
by John Fields
Block O’Toole & Murphy continues to secure some of New York’s highest results for personal injury matters.
Talent Meets Teamwork
by John Fields
A combination of skill and collaboration has led to enduring success at personal injury firm Block O’Toole & Murphy.
Teamwork and Strategy
by Justin Smulison
In 2018, Block O'Toole & Murphy continued to secure multimillion-dollar results for injured victims and workers.
Case History
Cases
- Dunne v. LLoyd
$32,756,156 for Injured Vietnam VetDATE OF VERDICT 2007-12-12 COURT AND COUNTY Supreme Suffolk AGE AND OCCUPATION OF PLAINTIFF 60 Retired Long Island Railroad Conductor DESCRIPTION OF CASE On March 13, 2004, Plaintiff, a Vietnam Veteran, was a "good samaritan" helping accident victims at the scene of an unrelated motor vehicle collision in Port Jefferson, New York. The road was later blocked off by emergency personnel including members of the local police and fire department. Defendant was driving her car while impaired by marijuana and prescription pain killers. She drove through a police barricade and struck the plaintiff, propelling him 30 feet in the air. Plaintiff crashed to the ground and sustained severe life threatening trauma to his head. He was rushed to the nearest hospital. INJURIES/DAMAGES Plaintiff fractured his skull and hip. He underwent an emergency craniotomy to evacuate the hemorrhage in his brain and an open reduction internal fixation to repair his hip fracture. Plaintiff sustained severe brain damage and has been confined to a nursing home since the accident. VERDICT/SETTLEMENT AMOUNT $32,756,156 NOTE The jury verdict, which was covered extensively by the media, is the largest reported non-medical malpractice verdict in Long Island history
- Krluc v. City, Accardi & Mena
$8,800,000 Settlement For Victim in Queens Pedestrian Accident Who Suffered a Brain Injury This suit was brought against New York City as well as the drivers of two different vans. The vans collided at the intersection of 103rd Avenue and 93rd Street. Each road had a stop sign prominently positioned at the corner and the words "Stop" printed in the street. However the stop sign on the 103rd Street side was partially blocked by a neighboring tree. Despite the driver on 103rd Street initially claiming he stopped at the stop sign, trial lawyers Stephen Murphy and David Scher were able to prove that the driver went through the stop sign and successfully argued that one of the reasons he went through the stop sign was because it was obscured by a problematic tree. The tree, they established, would block the stop sign consistently as the foliage would mature each year.
When the vans collided, the van driving on 103rd Avenue was thrusted on to the sidewalk where it struck the unwary plaintiff, a woman, 53.
When the vans collided, the van driving on 103rd Avenue was thrusted on to the sidewalk where it struck the unwary plaintiff, a woman, 53.
- Argudo v. 32-90 36th Street Inc
$5,585,000 Jury Verdict For Undocumented Worker in Construction FallDESCRIPTION OF CASE: Plaintiff, a spanish speaking 35 year old non-union laborer, was working at a construction project in Astoria, Queens.
At the time of the accident, Plaintiff was told to stand on a ladder on top of a scaffold so he could paint a ceiling beam. The Plaintiff was elevated between fifteen and eighteen feet. Plaintiff and the ladder he was on fell to the ground because the scaffold was unsteady.
Plaintiff successfully moved for summary judgment on the issue of liability pursuant to Labor Law 240(1), rendering the case a "damages-only" trial.
INJURIES/DAMAGES: As a result of this incident, Plaintiff suffered a right wrist fracture and disc herniations to the L3-L5 levels of his lumbar spine. Plaintiff had an open reduction and internal fixation to his wrist.
Plaintiff also underwent a lumbar spine fusion to levels L3-4 and L4-5 due to pain caused by the disc herniations at those levels. As a result of his injuries, Plaintiff continued to experience pain to his back and right wrist. Plaintiff had not returned to work following his accident. Plaintiff did not pursue a lost wage claim for various reasons.
VERDICT/SETTLEMENT AMOUNT: The jury returned a verdict for $5,585,000.
NOTE: The case was handled by Stephen J. Murphy, a partner with the firm.
At the time of the accident, Plaintiff was told to stand on a ladder on top of a scaffold so he could paint a ceiling beam. The Plaintiff was elevated between fifteen and eighteen feet. Plaintiff and the ladder he was on fell to the ground because the scaffold was unsteady.
Plaintiff successfully moved for summary judgment on the issue of liability pursuant to Labor Law 240(1), rendering the case a "damages-only" trial.
INJURIES/DAMAGES: As a result of this incident, Plaintiff suffered a right wrist fracture and disc herniations to the L3-L5 levels of his lumbar spine. Plaintiff had an open reduction and internal fixation to his wrist.
Plaintiff also underwent a lumbar spine fusion to levels L3-4 and L4-5 due to pain caused by the disc herniations at those levels. As a result of his injuries, Plaintiff continued to experience pain to his back and right wrist. Plaintiff had not returned to work following his accident. Plaintiff did not pursue a lost wage claim for various reasons.
VERDICT/SETTLEMENT AMOUNT: The jury returned a verdict for $5,585,000.
NOTE: The case was handled by Stephen J. Murphy, a partner with the firm.
- Tirado v. Fed Ex
$5,500,000 for an electrician that fell from an extension ladder and sustained a head injuryPlaintiff, 40, an electrician, was working in a Federal Express warehouse. He and a co-worker were assigned to the area to repair various high bay lighting fixtures that were attached to the ceiling of the loading dock area. In order to reach one of the fixtures, Plaintiff climbed a 28-foot aluminum extension ladder. While working on the fixture, he was caused to fall approximately 14 to 16 feet and landed on his head. Plaintiff claimed that he was not provided with any protection as he climbed the 28-foot ladder and that while he was in the course of his duties he received an electric shock, causing him to fall. The court granted the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment on liability. Following the fall, Plaintiff was rendered unconscious after landing on his head. He was found at the scene bleeding from his mouth, ears and head. He was subsequently rushed from the scene by ambulance and presented to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where he was diagnosed with numerous injuries, including skull fractures and brain hemorrhaging, contusions and swelling. Plaintiff also sustained fractures to five levels of the thoracic spine and to the L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 levels of the vertebrae.
- Trinca v. Northgate Electric et al
Catastrophic motor vehicle collision that occurred in Suffolk County, New York resulting in a $7,525,000 Settlement. Represented a family who lost a young mother and a 7 year old boy in a tragic accident. A 4 year old girl and a 2 year old boy were also injured in the crash. Witnesses all said that the mother ran a steady red light and caused the crash. Murphy and his partners still convinced the insurance companies to pay $7,525,000 to avoid a trial.
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