Michael Benenati | New York Personal Injury Lawyers

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I represented Arthur Edey, who was injured while at his job at a senior care facility in Brooklyn. Mr. Edey was of Jamaican descent and was had worked hard his whole life, sometimes working three jobs to provide for his family. When his incident occurred, Mr. Edey was 59 years old and nearing retirement. He sustained a tibia plateau fracture and a torn meniscus, both of which required surgical repair. He underwent extensive rehabilitation and tried to go back to work but his employer believed that he was physically unable to work and would not let him back. Since he planned to work until age 65 and retire to his native country, Mr. Edey did everything he could to find a new job, essentially compiling a list of over 50 job applications but no one would hire him. After having going to trial on his case, and after we presented his case to the jury, and during defendants case, the insurer for the defendants finally made Mr. Edey a significant six figure settlement offer that he could not refuse. He bought a home in Jamaica and because of his settlement, is enjoying a retirement that he believed was not possible. When people criticize plaintiffs for bringing fraudulent cases or milking the system, I think of Mr. Edey's circumstances. He did everything he could to enjoy a fruitful retirement but because of his employer's negligence, he sustained a serious career ending injury. However, that did not stop Mr. Edey, he did everything he could to return to gainful employment and never got hired. This attitude was not lost on the jury and I believe had everything to do with the settlement that Mr. Edey received. I was proud to be a part of that.

How did you build a successful practice?
A successful practice is built upon communication and being honest with your clients. I probably talk about the process more then anything with clients. I believe in educating clients about the case, their respective options and how the system essentially works. I think this communication while time consuming pays dividends in building trust and referrals as the clients feel that they are working with someone who has their interests first. I spend the same amount of time with a potential client whether they have a case or not as they are more likely to remember you for the next time or when a friend or relative needs an attorney.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
I think experience in the process is key.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Depending on the nature of the case, I don't believe its significant. If you have the goods, then it really does not matter significantly in my view.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
I listen to the issue, talk generally about the law and whether an individual's issue is applies. I also analyze their injuries, if any, and offer advice on whether its worthwhile to pursue the matter, relative to issues to be successful, what is required of them and my general background and experience.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
What is the problem, when did it happen and the parties involved, and resulting injuries and/or damages.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I am very responsive to my clients and they know they can reach day or night, weekday or weekend and I will respond.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Helping people during a very difficult time in their life and educating them in the process. If they buy into it, the case is much easier to bring to an acceptable resolution.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
I like to work out at Cross fit, read as a much as I can and be with my two daughters as much as possible.

Are you involved in your community?
I have volunteered in several campaigns for persons running for local offices that have the greatest impact on my community and who I believe puts the community's interest first.

• Member | New York State Bar Association