Sobo & Sobo Helps Times Square Attack Victims

MIDDLETOWN – Local law firm Sobo & Sobo, LLP is representing several victims who are seeking justice for wrongful death and serious injuries after a man ran his vehicle into a crowd of pedestrians in Times Square injuring 28 people and killing one.

Two families, including the father of 18 year-old Alyssa Elsman who died in the attack, have sought legal action by filing Notices of Claim against the City of New York Transportation Department, the City of New York, and the New York City Police Department.

Greg Sobo, Esq. of Sobo & Sobo, LLP filed the Notice of Claim on behalf of the victims and says it is time to make changes to the pedestrian traffic patterns in some of New York City’s busiest streets.  “The time for change in New York City is now,” Greg Sobo said. “We are confident that our case will demonstrate that the City should have been aware that this type of attack was imminent, yet failed to protect the innocent families whose lives were forever changed by this senseless act.  It is long overdue that New York City acknowledge that Times Square is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, requiring basic measures to protect those who travel far and wide to its streets and sidewalks.”

Alyssa Elsman, the daughter of claimant Thomas Elsman, was visiting New York City from Michigan with her mother and 13-year-old sister Ava, when both girls were struck by the vehicle while on the sidewalk of Seventh Avenue in Times Square.  The vehicle continued to strike pedestrians on the sidewalk from 42nd Street to 45th Street.  Alyssa was killed, and Ava suffered serious injuries to her pelvis and lungs, requiring multiple surgeries.  Thomas Elsman’s legal papers allege that the City should have been aware of the potential for the attack, and should have provided protection for the pedestrians injured and killed.

Elsman commented, “My prayers and thoughts go out to the other victims of this tragedy.  Alyssa will not have died in vain.  It is now my life mission to make sure this never happens here or abroad again.”

Another claimant, Gayatri Jariwala, also filed a Notice of Claim, echoing the allegations that the City had notice of the attack and failed to provide adequate protection.  She suffered two fractured hips requiring major surgery with the insertion of screws, and remains unable to return to work.  Mrs. Jariwala’s Notice of Claim was also filed by Greg Sobo, Esq. of Sobo & Sobo, LLP.

The Law Offices of Sobo & Sobo, LLP are continuing to move ahead with the law suits and are looking forward to be able to bring further healing to the victims of the attack and change to New York City.