By: Indhira Benitez
Recently in the news, the tragic loss of a mother was broadcast on televisions
and newspapers all over the City of New York. On June 4th, Sofia Russo,
26, lost her 4-year-old daughter, Ariel, due to a car crash which occurred
in Manhattan.
Ariel was struck by a sport utility vehicle on June 4 as she was walking
on the sidewalk with her grandmother on her way to school. The driver
of the S.U.V., Franklin Reyes, 17, lost control of the car as he was being
pursued by the police.
Unlike most car accidents where the driver is held responsible for the
death of an individual, this accident proves a little different. Sofia
intends to file a lawsuit against the City of New York claiming that her
daughter's death could have been avoided had emergency vehicles not
been delayed in their response.
City officials have acknowledged that there was a four-minute delay in
dispatching an emergency vehicle to the accident site at Amsterdam Avenue
and 97th Street. At a news conference last week, the fire commissioner,
Salvatore J. Cassano, blamed the 911 dispatcher sitting at the screen
for failing to read the message and respond in time. Despite acknowledging
this apparent negligence, Cassano rejected any suggestions that the mistake
was a result of a broader failure in the city's new 911 system, a
more advanced dispatch system that will cost the city $2 billion.
There is no amount of money that can compensate for the loss that Sofia has suffered. Whether the City of New York or the driver of the vehicle are responsible for the death of Arielle is left in the hands of our legal system.
Our attorneys here at Rheingold law seek to find justice for individuals like Sofia and her daughter Arielle in an attempt to bring some peace of mind for families such as Sofia's.
