January 19, 2010

(Sup. Ct. N.Y. Cty. 5/5/03)

In this personal injury action, plaintiffs, EMTs employed by NYC Emergency Medical Services, sought to recover for personal injuries sustained when they were allegedly attacked by NYC Department of Correction officers demonstrating at and blocking access to a bridge leading to Rikers Island. After finding that the defendants assumed a special duty towards the plaintiffs based on such facts as the presence of police officers in riot gear, plaintiffs’ emergency response to a distress call to provide medical assistance after two other EMTs were attacked in the Rikers parking lot, and a plaintiff-EMT’s request for police backup after that distress call, the court denied the defendant’s motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of the complaint.  Link to Full Text of Decision

(Supreme Court, NY County, October 8, 1999)

In this personal injury action, plaintiffs, EMTs employed by NYC Emergency Medical Services, sought to recover for personal injuries sustained when they were allegedly attacked by NYC Department of Correction officers demonstrating at and blocking access to a bridge leading to Rikers Island. Plaintiffs sought permission to depose the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Correction and the Chief of Department of DOC at the time the incident allegedly occurred. Defendant the City of New York cross-moved for a protective order precluding the depositions. Plaintiff’s motion was granted and the depositions were allowed.  Link to Full Text of Decision

EMS Worker is Now Target in Rikers Probe
Newsday, September 13, 1990

“Itkowitz accused the district attorney’s office of deliberately shifting the focus of the grand jury probe from the guards.” Read More…

EMS Rikers Duo Probed
New York Post, September 12, 1990

“Jay Itkowitz, said he was “incredulous” over the allegation that his client fabricated the slashing.” Read More…