RisCassi & Davis, P.C.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to highlight the profound impact that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have on individuals, families, and communities. As legal professionals, we see firsthand how these injuries—whether caused by car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, or medical negligence—can permanently alter a person’s life. Even mild TBIs, such as concussions, can lead to memory loss, chronic headaches, cognitive impairments, and personality changes, while severe brain injuries often result in lifelong disabilities requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation. For those navigating personal injury claims involving TBIs, the legal challenges are significant. Many symptoms do not appear immediately, making it essential to work closely with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to demonstrate the long-term costs of care and lost earning potential. Securing fair compensation means understanding not just the physical injury, but also the emotional, cognitive, and financial toll it takes on victims and their families. Beyond litigation, Brain Injury Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of prevention and advocacy. Whether it’s through safer driving practices, stronger workplace safety measures, or improved concussion protocols in sports, we all have a role to play in reducing the risk of brain injuries. This month, let’s continue to raise awareness, support survivors, and advance legal strategies that ensure justice for those affected.

Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, from diagnostics to treatment planning. But when AI-driven systems make errors—misdiagnosing a patient, delaying critical care, or failing to recognize life-threatening conditions—who is responsible? Medical malpractice laws were built around human decision-making, but as hospitals and providers integrate AI into patient care, liability becomes a gray area. Is the doctor responsible for relying on faulty AI recommendations? Can hospitals be held accountable for using an AI system that produces incorrect results? What about the tech companies that develop the software? Recent case studies show that AI-driven errors can have severe consequences, yet legal frameworks are still evolving to address accountability. Patients harmed by AI-related medical mistakes may face challenges in seeking justice, and healthcare providers must navigate the fine line between leveraging technology and maintaining oversight. As AI continues to play a larger role in medicine, legal and ethical questions will only grow. What safeguards should be in place to prevent AI-related malpractice? How should liability be shared among medical professionals, institutions, and tech developers?

Private equity’s growing influence in healthcare continues to raise serious concerns—nowhere more so than in the case of Prospect Medical Holdings, which recently declared bankruptcy. This financial collapse has significant implications for plaintiffs with pending lawsuits against Prospect’s Connecticut hospitals, including Rockville General, Manchester, and Waterbury. When private equity firms acquire hospitals, their financial maneuvers often prioritize profit extraction over patient care, leading to understaffing, inadequate medical resources, and preventable harm. Now, with bankruptcy in play, what happens to injured patients seeking justice? Plaintiffs in medical malpractice and personal injury cases face the risk of their claims going unpaid, while the owners and investors shield themselves from liability. What safeguards should be in place to prevent private equity from siphoning capital from critical healthcare facilities - leaving patients, employees, and communities to bear the consequences?

Attorney Sean Stokes of RisCassi & Davis is representing the Estate of Alexis Vicente Hernandez in a lawsuit filed in Hartford Superior Court following a fatal crash on I-95 in New Haven. The lawsuit alleges that the tractor-trailer driver was distracted by an electronic device at the time of the crash, which resulted in the tragic death of Mr. Vicente Hernandez, a New Jersey resident. The suit names the driver and three companies alleged to own the truck involved. This case raises important questions about distracted driving, corporate responsibility, and the role of trucking companies in ensuring safety on the road. If you missed it, check out the full article in the New Haven Register here: https://lnkd.in/ei9Pd3jJ

On Monday, December 9, 2024, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association hosted its 6th Annual Kennedy Walsh Lollapalooza—an event dedicated to advancing the knowledge and collaboration of legal professionals across the state. We’re especially proud that our own Attorneys Paul Iannaccone and Sean Stokes played an active role in this year’s event, leading an engaging seminar that contributed to the continuing education of Connecticut trial lawyers. Their dedication to the profession and willingness to share their knowledge is a testament to the values we uphold at RisCassi & Davis—mentorship, professional excellence, and the relentless pursuit of justice. For nearly 70 years, our firm has believed in the importance of staying engaged in both the legal and local communities. We know that learning from peers, exchanging ideas, and working together strengthens not only our profession but also the quality of representation we provide to those who rely on us. We’re grateful to be part of an event that fosters such meaningful growth and collaboration.

When criminal proceedings intersect with estate law, the legal implications can be complex. The Estate of Dr. Pierluigi Bigazzi, a respected UConn professor, has filed a lawsuit against the estate of his late wife, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in his death but passed away before sentencing. This case raises critical questions about asset distribution and liability in estate disputes following criminal conduct. Attorney John J. Houlihan of RisCassi & Davis, representing Dr. Bigazzi’s estate, emphasizes the importance of this litigation in ensuring rightful asset distribution and accountability. Read more about this developing case: https://lnkd.in/eiF_Ek3e

In 1955, Leon RisCassi and William Davis founded our firm with a clear mission: to protect the rights of Connecticut residents. Seventy years later, we are proud to continue their legacy of justice, compassion, and unwavering dedication. This milestone reflects not only the hard work of our team but also the trust our clients have placed in us throughout the decades. As we celebrate this anniversary, we remain committed to fighting for those who need it most. Here's to the next 70 years of serving Connecticut with integrity and excellence.

We are proud to welcome Katie to the RisCassi & Davis team as our newest attorney! Passing the bar and being sworn in are significant milestones that speak to Katie’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the legal profession. Her passion for advocacy and excellence aligns perfectly with our mission of delivering justice for our clients and serving the Connecticut community. We’re excited to have her join us as we continue our nearly 70-year legacy of exceptional legal representation.

Understanding Meningioma Brain Tumors & Depo-Provera: Insights for Legal and Medical Professionals Prolonged use of medications like Depo-Provera has been linked to the development of meningioma brain tumors—raising serious questions about pharmaceutical safety and patient advocacy. While often benign, these tumors can still cause significant health challenges depending on their location, size, and growth rate. In our latest blog, we explore: ✔️ The medical background of meningiomas and associated symptoms ✔️ The connection between Depo-Provera and tumor development ✔️ Legal considerations when pharmaceutical negligence is involved For our colleagues in the legal and medical fields, this is an opportunity to understand the complexities of these cases and advocate for those affected. 📖 Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/ea8Euk5f

We’re proud to share a recent Hartford Courant feature on Attorney John Houlihan’s $2 million verdict win for our client, a construction worker who suffered serious injuries after being electrocuted by buried, unmarked power lines. Eversource was held accountable, ensuring justice for our client and a safer future for others. At RisCassi & Davis, we stand with those who need it most, advocating for justice and holding negligent parties responsible. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/ecs7YgFE