Insight

Teamwork and Strategy

In 2018, Block O'Toole & Murphy continued to secure multimillion-dollar results for injured victims and workers.

Image that aligns with article content.
JS

Justin Smulison

January 3, 2019 03:28 PM

At Block O’Toole & Murphy (BOM), the firm’s trial-tested lawyers are known for delivering for their clients, and with good reason: in addition to recovering well over $1 billion for its construction accident and personal injury clients, the firm has achieved the sort of consistent precedent-setting results that set it apart from other plaintiffs’ firms. BOM lawyers have attained more than 300 verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million, and in each of the last seven years, stood out among others for having the most reported million-dollar awards.

BOM’s record-setting results include a $20,181,484 verdict in New York State's Court of Claims and a $32,756,156 verdict in a pedestrian accident case—the largest non-medical malpractice verdict in the history of Long Island.

The firm continues its tradition of newsworthy results in 2018 with a $5.85 million injury settlement for a Bronx woman who sustained neck and back injuries after her apartment ceiling collapsed on her.

“Our promise to our clients is that we will aggressively pursue their case. We begin envisioning how the trial plays out on the first day we meet the client,” said partner Jeffrey A. Block. “That has always been our recipe for success.”

Block O’Toole & Murphy is consistently regarded as a firm that fights for injured construction workers, and their track record for reported million- and multimillion-dollar results is second to none. In 2018, BOM registered several multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured construction workers. Standout cases included a $4 million settlement for a union worker who fell off a ladder and sustained an ankle injury which required multiple surgeries, and a $3.5 million settlement for a 35-year-old construction worker who sustained critical injuries to his arm and hand when a saw he used malfunctioned. The firm’s lawyers used their expertise and years of experience handling construction matters to demonstrate the severity of their clients’ injuries.

“One of our key missions is to represent hard-working people who are injured while simply doing their job to the best of their ability,” said partner Daniel P. O’Toole. “They are often compelled to work under unsafe conditions that nobody should endure. We are honored to be their voice in the courtroom.”

The firm’s presence is felt outside the courtroom as well—in the legal and local communities. All three name partners have been recognized in the The Best Lawyers in America© for their work in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in New York since 2015. Additionally, Block and O'Toole have each been recognized by New York’s Super Lawyers for more than 10 years, while Murphy celebrated his eighth straight year receiving this designation in 2018. Three more firm partners, five associates and an of counsel attorney were also recognized in 2018 by the publication with the same designation or as Rising Stars.

The firm is also well-known for its charitable efforts and contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. They run the popular Autumn Wine Tasting, an extremely well-attended event in the legal community, to benefit the hospital. This fall, the firm raised $760,000 in a single evening, putting its total fundraising efforts for the children’s cancer hospital at more than $5 million over the past decade.

“We try to do our best when it comes to helping people in need,” said partner Stephen J. Murphy, a former homicide prosecutor. “Every lawyer and staff member of our firm takes pride in what we do, in and out of the courtroom, and we are extremely proud of that reputation.”

Related Articles

Out of the Sky: What Construction Workers Can Do if Injured on the Job


by Justin Smulison

Construction zones with unsafe working conditions have long been the sites of injuries for workers. The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. fights for victims in New York City and Long Island.

Image that aligns with article content.

Wearing a Hard Hat Significantly Reduces Risk of Injury, Death on NYC Construction Sites


by Michele Mirman

Image that aligns with article content.

Fighting for the Underdog


by Sean Stonefield

A combination of hard work and excellence in the courtroom has garnered outsize results for the injured.

Image that aligns with article content.

Legal Highlights from Georgia: Noteworthy 2018 Recognitions


by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from Georgia lawyers and law firms.

Image that aligns with article content.

Georgia’s Tort Reform Overhaul


by Bryan Driscoll

A New Front in the National Battle Over Civil Justice

Georgia tort reform hed

Supreme Court Opens New Door for Personal Injury Claims Under RICO


by Bryan Driscoll

The litigation landscape is rapidly shifting

Personal injury RICO claims marijuana hed

New Employment Law Recognizes Extraordinary Stress Is Everyday Reality for NY Lawyers


by Bryan Driscoll

A stressed woman has her head resting on her hands above a laptop

A Guide to Workers' Compensation Law for 2025 and Beyond


by Bryan Driscoll

A woman with a laptop screen reflected in her glasses

IN PARTNERSHIP

How to Deal with the Aftermath of a Car Accident


by Mark Roman

A crash can have physical, psychological and financial consequences. Here are five steps to take to effectively deal with the aftermath of a car accident.

Woman on phone surveys damage to vehicle

IN PARTNERSHIP

What Is Contributory Negligence and How Does It Affect My Alabama Injury Case?


by Keith Belt

Injured in a car accident in Alabama? Based on the theory of contributory negligence, your role in the accident can affect your ability to collect post-trial.

Worker on construction site steps on nail

IN PARTNERSHIP

How to Make Sure You Get the Maximum Compensation for a Personal Injury Claim


by John P. Ford

This article discusses the numerous factors that affect a personal injury settlement and tips for how to maximize compensation in a personal injury claim.

Stethoscope sitting on top of money and medical form

IN PARTNERSHIP

Six Tips for a Successful Mediation


by Pullman & Comley and Judge Michael E. Riley

Mediation encourages open dialogue and allows parties to express their concerns, fostering a collaborative atmosphere to reach resolutions efficiently.

Two animated figures with puzzle piece speech bubbles

One of NY’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers on 2 Surprising Trends Transforming the Industry


by Gregory Sirico

Lawyer Jeff Korek talks emerging personal injury law trends in IVF litigation and trial scarcity.

Doctor consoles couple in medical office

IN PARTNERSHIP

More Experience, More Results


by John Fields

New York-based powerhouse Morelli Law Firm has secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for injured clients. Read more about the firm below.

Three lawyers in suits pose for picture with cityscape in background

Scarlett Law Group: Mastering TBI Trial Law


by Justin Smulison

Randall H. Scarlett shares successes in traumatic brain injury cases, fueling Scarlett Law Group's growth across Northern California with specialized insights.

Two lawyers, suited, standing in front of law firm sign

One of the Greatest Ever...


by Justin Smulison

Steve Yerrid, a top catastrophic injury lawyer, has secured over 300 verdicts of $1M+ and has been recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" multiple times in Tampa.

Lawyer in blue suit poses in office for headshot

Trending Articles

2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States


by Jamilla Tabbara

The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.

Map of the United States represented in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 awards

Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore


by Jennifer Verta

This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore

Revealing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria


by Jamilla Tabbara

These honors underscore the reach of the Best Lawyers network and its focus on top legal talent.

map of Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria

Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking


by Jamilla Tabbara

How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.

Abstract web of connected figures symbolizing online networking among legal professionals

The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.

Lawyers networking

Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections


by Jamilla Tabbara

How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.

Lawyer typing blog content on laptop in office

A Guide to Workers' Compensation Law for 2025 and Beyond


by Bryan Driscoll

A woman with a laptop screen reflected in her glasses

Why Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk Want to 'Delete All IP Law'


by Bryan Driscoll

This Isn’t Just a Debate Over How to Pay Creators. It’s a Direct Challenge to Legal Infrastructure.

Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey standing together Infront of the X logo

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends in Texas, Utah, Georgia and SC


by Bryan Driscoll

A fresh wave of medical malpractice reform is reshaping the law.

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends hed

Changes in California Employment Law for 2025


by Laurie Villanueva

What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond

A pair of hands holding a checklist featuring a generic profile picture and the state of California

Best Lawyers Launches CMO Advisory Board


by Jamilla Tabbara

Strategic counsel from legal marketing’s most experienced voices.

Group photo of Best Lawyers CMO Advisory Board members

New Employment Law Recognizes Extraordinary Stress Is Everyday Reality for NY Lawyers


by Bryan Driscoll

A stressed woman has her head resting on her hands above a laptop

As Fla. Pushes to Repeal Controversial 'Free Kill' Law, DeSantis Signals Veto


by Bryan Driscoll

The fight to transform state accountability standards may be in trouble

free kill law hed

AI Tools for Lawyers: How Smithy AI Solves Key Challenges


by Jamilla Tabbara

Understand the features and benefits within the Best Lawyers Digital Marketing Platform.

Legal professional editing profile content with Smithy AI

Best Lawyers Introduces Smithy AI


by Jamilla Tabbara

Transforming legal content creation for attorneys and firms.

Start using Smithy AI, a content tool by Best Lawyers

Key Issues to Tackle on Law Firm Landing Pages


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key issues on law firm landing pages to improve client engagement and conversion.

Laptop showing law firm landing page analytics