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The AVOID Act: New York imposes strict new deadlines for third-party actions, effective April 18, 2026

Friday, May 15th, 2026

The AVOID Act significantly alters third-party practice under CPLR § 1007, When Third-Party Practice Allowed. Commonly referred to as the AVOID Act (Avoiding Vexatious Overuse of Impleading to Delay), Senate Bill 8071-A was signed on December 19, 2025, and became effective on April 18, 2026. While these changes are of special concern in cases involving construction accidents, where multiple contractors, subcontractors, and insurers are often implicated, its impact will be felt across the litigation spectrum.

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Grieving Families Act Delivered to Governor Hochul: Decision Due by December 12

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025

On December 1, 2025, the New York State Legislature delivered the Grieving Families Act to Governor Kathy Hochul for the fourth time. The Governor now has until December 12 to sign or veto the bill.

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New York Adds Clarity to the Use of Affirmations in Lieu of Notarized Affidavits in Civil Proceedings

Monday, November 24th, 2025

Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on November 24, 2025, that makes important clarifying amendments to Rule 2106 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules. Bill A8302/S8195 clarifies and expands the use of affirmations in civil practice under CPLR 2106. 

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Law360 Highlights Hurwitz Fine's Growing Litigation Team

Wednesday, October 29th, 2025

Law360 Pulse recently featured Hurwitz Fine P.C. for its continued growth across New York State, spotlighting the addition of eight attorneys to the firm’s general litigation team.

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Hurwitz Fine Welcomes Eight Attorneys to its Expanding General Litigation Team Across New York State

Wednesday, October 29th, 2025

Hurwitz Fine P.C. is pleased to announce the addition of eight attorneys to its General Litigation team, further strengthening the firm’s depth and experience across multiple offices and practice areas. The new hires bring litigation experience defending clients in complex tort, insurance, and general negligence matters throughout New York State.

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Lee Siegel and Evan Gestwick’s article, "How NY Appeals Ruling Alters Employers’ Sex Abuse Liability featured in Law360’s Expert Analysis section

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

A recent decision by the New York Court of Appeals has clarified a key legal standard in sexual abuse cases involving employer liability.

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Legislative Reactions to Chi Bartram Wright v. State of New York: Relaxing Court of Claims Act § 11(b) Pleading Requirements

Thursday, June 19th, 2025

Governor Hochul vetoed the Grieving Families Act because the Legislature failed to examine the costs.  Will bills expanding the rights of sexual and correctional violence survivors face the same fate? 

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Grieving Families Act Update: Meet the New Bill—Same as the Old Bill

Thursday, June 12th, 2025

A “revised” version of the Grieving Families Act was just passed by the New York Legislature, legislation that would completely overhaul wrongful death claims by permitting recovery for emotional damages and expanding the class of persons who can seek recovery for fatality. Governor Hochul vetoed the last three versions of this legislation, including the last version in December 2024.

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Hurwitz Fine Names V. Christopher Potenza and David R. Adams Co-Chairs of General Litigation Department

Tuesday, May 13th, 2025

Hurwitz Fine P.C. is proud to announce the appointment of V. Christopher Potenza and David R. Adams as Co-Chairs of the firm’s General Litigation Department. This leadership appointment recognizes their extensive litigation experience, longstanding dedication to client service, and strategic vision for the continued growth of the firm. 

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NY Governor Vetoes Grieving Families Act for Third Time

Friday, December 27th, 2024

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, for the third straight year, has vetoed the Grieving Families Act, legislation that would completely overhaul wrongful death claims in New York by permitting recovery for emotional damages and expanding the class of persons who can seek recovery for a fatality.

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Litigation Associates Patrice C.S. Melville and Ashley Cuneo author “A Decade of Changes to Wrongful Death Statutes Across the United States” in the ABA TIPS Magazine, The Brief

Thursday, June 13th, 2024

Hurwitz Fine Litigation Associates Patrice C.S. Melville and Ashley M. Cuneo authored “A Decade of Changes to Wrongful Death Statues Across the United States” in the Winter 2024 issue of The Brief, the American Bar Association (ABA)’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice (TIPS) magazine.

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