NO WIN, NO FEE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONTINGENCY

Like anyone with financial concerns, you may be wondering if it is even worth it to file a lawsuit. You may be worried that it is too costly to try to fight for your rights, even if you think you likely have a strong case. It seems unfair: How can you try to take a stand when it costs so much money? How will you come up with the finances to file a civil litigation? What if you lose the case and can’t pay the attorney fees? When you choose to work with Wittenstein & Wittenstein, you need not be concerned about such things, because we work on contingency.

Contingency is an agreement between the attorney and the client wherein the former agrees to be paid only if the client is awarded a sum. If the client gets a favorable verdict or a settlement, then the lawyer will take a normal fee. However, if no money is granted to the plaintiff, then the attorney does not get money, either. By working on contingency, Wittenstein & Wittenstein puts itself at financial risk in order to help you seek justice.

If you believe you have a case and are worried about the financial implications of taking legal action, contact us at 718-261-8114 or law@wittenstein.com so we can help you discuss your options and figure out the next best step.

KNOW WHEN YOUR RIGHTS RUN OUT: LEARN ABOUT THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

It is not a wise decision to wait when you think you have a case: Act now!

Unfortunately, the law does not have infinite patience. Lawsuits cannot be filed whenever it is most convenient to the litigant (you). According to the law, suits must be filed within a certain amount of time after the date of the incident in question. The statute of limitations is a guideline that determines whether your case is still valid or if you have waited too long to file. Its purpose is to set a calendar deadline for litigation based on a given event.
The start date for the statute of limitations is almost always the date when the incident occurred. There are two exceptions:

• Date of Discovery: When a person could not have known they were injured, like if a surgical instrument was left inside them after surgery and was not discovered until complications arose, it would be unfair to use the date of the surgery (when the accident took place) as the start date for the statute of limitations. In these cases, the start date is the date of discovery.
• Delaying (“Tolling”): When the person who incurred the loss is unable to file suit right away because they are (most commonly) a minor, mentally incompetent, or bankrupt, then the statute of limitations is delayed or “tolled.” To cite a common example, if the litigant was a minor on the date of loss and the statute of limitations is two years, then the statute of limitations is delayed until that person can file as an adult. The start date for the two years will then be the day he or she turns eighteen.

In New York State, the statute of limitations laws are as follows:

• Defective Products or Devices: An action must be brought within 3 years of the date the injury occurred.
• Personal Injury & Negligence: An action must be brought within 3 years.
  • Toxic substance exposure is counted under Date of Discovery.
• Personal Property Damage: An action must be brought within 3 years of date of incident.
• Professional Malpractice: An action must be brought within 2 ½ years.
  • This statute is delayed when there is a foreign object that may have been left in someone’s body or if there was continuous treatment of the plaintiff. The statute of limitations runs from the time when the foreign object is discovered (up to 1 year) or the last date of the continuous treatment.
  • If it is discovered that the medical practitioner withheld the truth about the malpractice, the statute of limitations runs for 6 years from the date when the fraud occurred or should have been discovered.
  • If an infant is the victim of malpractice, the statute of limitations can be extended by up to 10 years from the date of the act or omission that caused the injury.
• Wrongful Death: An action must be brought within 2 years of date of death.

Those whose death came as a result of complications from involvement on September 11th have 2 ½ years from date of death.

As indicated above, the statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case you have. This is why it is of the utmost importance to pursue litigation as soon as possible after you have incurred a loss of any kind. If you have any questions regarding this matter or believe you may have a case that may expire under the statute of limitations, please feel free to contact us at 718-261-8114 or law@wittenstein.com. We are ready to help you figure out your best options and take the next step.

Wittenstein & Wittenstein knows from extensive legal experience that life-changing injuries can happen in a split second.  Our Personal Injury Attorneys at our Queens office are experts at helping victims of negligence.  An experienced Personal Injury Lawyer can get you the compensation you deserve, and a Personal Injury Attorney that knows the turf can get even better results.  Wittenstein & Wittenstein has been handling negligence cases in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island and Nassau County for over 60 years.  The grandchildren of our clients come to us because we get them great verdicts and settlements, and also because they know we really care.

Here’s an example of negligence, and there are many more.  Jane lives in an apartment where steam heat pipes are used to warm the building in the winter. These pipes are placed in every room of the apartment in lieu of regular radiators. However, this type of steam heat piping – which can reach scalding temperatures and cannot be controlled by the tenants – is often justify uncovered by property managers. On this particular morning, Jane stepped out of the shower and put on a towel just like she does every day. But this time she had the misfortune of grazing her arm against the pipe as she wrapped the towel around her to dry off, and the pipe instantaneously justify a large second-degree burn near her elbow that is both disfiguring and painful, so much so that the range of motion in her arm is limited until it heals. But still after it heals, it will scar, leaving behind an ugly blemish that will last the rest of her life. And she realizes that no, the property manager did not push her into the pipe, nor did he intentionally hold Jane’s arm against it. However, the property manager is still at fault for neglecting to do his job by preventing these kinds of horrible and completely avoidable accidents from happening. This pipe needed only to have an inexpensive protective cover to have saved Jane from suffering.

And this is only a mild example of the kinds of neglect that cause serious harm to people. If you believe you or someone you love has incurred an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation, and Wittenstein & Wittenstein wants to come to the rescue. While we do regret your loss, we also hope you will call us at 718-261-8114 to find out what your options are and figure out the best next step in seeking justice.

Car Accident Lawyers queens, Accident Attorneys in Queens, woman personal injury attorney queens, Personal Injury Lawyer NYC, Negligence Lawyer Queens, Sexual Harassment Lawyer, Personal Injury Attorney Forest Hills, woman accident attorney nyc, Queens Car Accident Attorney
Forest Hills Accident Injury Lawyer.

DO YOU HAVE A CASE? LET WITTENSTEIN & WITTENSTEIN HELP YOU DECIDE

When you are thinking about filing a lawsuit, you have lots of factors to consider. There is the money, the time, the energy, and of course, the case itself. How can you determine whether you have a legitimate lawsuit on your hands? Wittenstein & Wittenstein, with our highly qualified attorneys and years of experience, can help you decide whether filing a suit is the right choice for you to make.

Here are a few things to consider before deciding to file a lawsuit:

• Many people are under the impression that trials are only about determining guilt vs. innocence. This is not always the case. Lawsuits are not about differentiating the good guy from the bad guy; they are about determining what has been lost and what if any compensation is deserved for these losses.
• When an incident occurs, there may be a dispute between the parties involved. This is where litigation comes in: Lawsuits are a way to get an impartial assessment of damages and fault.
• Lawsuits are often lengthy. Wittenstein & Wittenstein is confident we have the patience and experience to see you through. Make sure this is something you, too, are willing to commit to.
• Lawsuits filed through Wittenstein & Wittenstein are done on a contingency fee basis.
• You do not need to be a citizen [link to filing w/green card, visa, etc] to file a lawsuit.
• Wittenstein & Wittenstein will always prepare for the full trial, but keep in mind that 99% of all lawsuits we have dealt with have ended in a settlement and have not gone to trial.

If you believe you may be eligible to file a lawsuit, we hope you will contact us at 718-261-8114 or law@wittenstein.com so that we can assist you in determining your options and taking the next step.

TOURISTS AND IMMIGRANTS CAN TAKE A STAND, TOO!

Are you a tourist or an immigrant, and in need of legal assistance in the United States? Do not be afraid to fight for your rights! Wittenstein & Wittenstein can help you seek compensation for any injustices done to you.

Many non-native residents in the United States are hesitant to file lawsuits because they are afraid they do not have the same rights as citizens. But you need not feel fear: let an experienced and highly qualified attorney from Wittenstein & Wittenstein decide the merits of your case. We understand that immigrants face special challenges when filing a lawsuit in the United States. The laws of your home country may not be the same as the laws here. You may not speak English very well, so the idea of sorting through legal jargon—which is difficult even for Americans to understand—is scary. But Wittenstein & Wittenstein is dedicated to helping. With our small size, we are able to give you the individual attention you need to feel comfortable with your litigation. Additionally, we are prepared with translators on staff to assist you in making decisions. This kind of special attention cannot be found at a large firm, which is why Wittenstein & Wittenstein takes pride in its size.

It is not true that you must be a citizen to file a lawsuit in the United States. Common examples of people who are eligible to file suit are:

• Students on Student Visas
• Workers with Work Visas
• Green Card holders
• Non-citizen residents
• Illegal aliens

If you are not from the United States but believe you have a case to file in this country, please call Wittenstein & Wittenstein at 718-261-8114 or email at law@wittenstein.com so we can help you determine what your options are and help you take the next step.

A personal injury lawyer (sometimes called an accident attorney) is a lawyer who represents people that claim to have been injured, physically or psychologically, from the negligence or fault of a person, a company, a government agency. Even though personal injury lawyers are trained and licensed to practice virtually any field of law (as all lawyers are,) they choose to specialize in cases that fall under “tort law” including work injuries, automobile and other accidents, defective products, medical mistakes, and slip and fall accidents.

The expression “trial lawyers” can refer to personal injury lawyers, because even though most cases handled by personal injury lawyers settle rather than going to trial, personal injury attorneys pursue litigation to position their cases for settlement, whereas some other types of lawyers never step foot in court.  Personal Injury/Accident lawyer have various duties in serving his or her clients. These obligations include professional and ethical rules put forward by state bar associations where the attorneys are authorized.  Once they are authorized by their state bar association, legal advisors are legitimately allowed to offer counselling and guidance and to file lawsuit on behalf of their clients in state courts.  Personal Injury attorneys can also be licensed to handle matters for clients in Federal Court.

Sometimes personal injury lawyer called Plaintiff’s Attorneys, even though there are also attorneys that do defense work, representing those that are sued for personal injuries.  Those attorneys usually work for insurance companies.  Many personal injury attorneys will offer a free consultation to decide whether or not they want to take on a new matter.  Most personal injury attorneys work on a “contingency retainer,” which means that the client pays nothing unless money is collected.  This is, of course a risk for the attorney who might end up investing cash and resources for a case and will have a loss if nothing can be collected.  That’s why a smart personal injury lawyer will be very selective about what they take on.  Personal injury lawyers must follow strict ethical rules.  The guidelines do vary from State to State, but what is always paramount is that lawyers owe a duty of loyalty and confidentiality and must zealously prosecute cases for their clients.

In order to practice personal injury/accident law in the United State, a lawyer must sit for and pass at least one State Bar Examination.  Most States also require four years of college and three years of law school.  There are also graduate degrees in various legal specialities that some personal injury/accident attorneys might also have obtained.  Ask your personal injury/accident attorney about his or her qualifications.  Sometimes personal injury/accident attorney will have very narrow specialities such as a malpractice attorney that focuses their practice on a specific disease.  Other examples of narrow personal injury/accident attorney specialities include maritime law (laws of the sea), railroad or aviation accidents.

If you are injured in an accident or in some other way by the fault of another, it is always in your best interests to consult with a personal injury.  Ask the lawyer how much of their practice is devoted to personal injury and accident law.  You wouldn’t want your gynaecologist doing your root canal, so probably you don’t want a divorce lawyer to handle your accident cases.

Call Wittenstein & Wittenstein 718-261-8114, experienced professional personal injury and accident lawyers if you have any questions.  Always remember JUSTICE IS SWEET.

Statement of Client’s Rights
Section 1210.1 of the Joint Rules of the Appellate Division amended April 15, 2013
(22 NYCRR §1210.1)

1. You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and nonlawyer personnel in your lawyer’s office.

2. You are entitled to have your attorney handle your legal matter competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of the profession. If you are not satisfied with how your matter is being handled, you have the right to discharge your attorney and terminate the attorney‐client relationship at any time. (Court approval may be required in some matters, and your attorney may have a claim against you for the value of services rendered to you up to the point of discharge.)

3. You are entitled to your lawyer’s independent professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by conflicts of interest.

4. You are entitled to be charged reasonable fees and expenses and to have your lawyer explain before or within a reasonable time after commencement of the representation how the fees and expenses will be computed and the manner and frequency of billing. You are entitled to request and receive a written
itemized bill from your attorney at reasonable intervals. You may refuse to enter into any arrangement for fees and expenses that you find unsatisfactory. In the event of a fee dispute, you may have the right to seek arbitration; your attorney will provide you with the necessary information regarding arbitration
in the event of a fee dispute, or upon your request.

5. You are entitled to have your questions and concerns addressed promptly and to receive a prompt reply to your letters, telephone calls, emails, faxes, and other communications.

6. You are entitled to be kept reasonably informed as to the status of your matter and are entitled to have your attorney promptly comply with your reasonable requests for information, including your requests for copies of papers relevant to the matter. You are entitled to sufficient information to allow you to participate meaningfully in the development of your matter and make informed decisions regarding the representation.

7. You are entitled to have your legitimate objectives respected by your attorney. In particular, the decision of whether to settle your matter is yours and not your lawyer’s. (Court approval of a settlement is required in some matters.)

8. You have the right to privacy in your communications with your lawyer and to have your confidential information preserved by your lawyer to the extent required by law.

9. You are entitled to have your attorney conduct himself or herself ethically in accordance with the New York Rules of Professional Conduct.

10. You may not be refused representation on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.

Article 51 of the New York Insurance Law aka “The No-Fault Law”

Section 5101. Title.

5101. Title.

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Reparations Act”.

5102. Definitions. In this chapter:

(a) “Basic economic loss” means, up to fifty thousand dollars per person of the following combined items, subject to the limitations of section five thousand one hundred eight of this article:

(b) “First party benefits” means payments to reimburse a person for basic economic loss on account of personal injury arising out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle, less:

(c) “Non-economic loss” means pain and suffering and similar non-monetary detriment.

(d) “Serious injury” means a personal injury which results in death; dismemberment; significant disfigurement; a fracture; loss of a fetus; permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system; permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member; significant limitation of use of a body function or system; or a medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts which constitute such person’s usual and customary daily activities for not less than ninety days during the one hundred eighty days immediately following the occurrence of the injury or impairment.

(e) “Owner” means an owner as defined in section one hundred twenty-eight of the vehicle and traffic law.

(f) “Motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle as defined in section three hundred eleven of the vehicle and traffic law and also includes fire and police vehicles. It shall not include any motor vehicle not required to carry financial security pursuant to article six, eight or forty-eight-A of the vehicle and traffic law or a motorcycle, as defined in subsection (m) hereof.

(g) “Insurer” means the insurance company or self-insurer, as the case may be, which provides the financial security required by article six or eight of the vehicle and traffic law.

(h) “Member of his household” means a spouse, child or relative of the named insured who regularly resides in his household.

(i) “Uninsured motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle, the owner of which is (i) a financially irresponsible motorist as defined in subsection (j) of section five thousand two hundred two of this chapter or (ii) unknown and whose identity is unascertainable.

(j) “Covered person” means any pedestrian injured through the use or operation of, or any owner, operator or occupant of, a motor vehicle which has in effect the financial security required by article six or eight of the vehicle and traffic law or which is referred to in subdivision two of section three hundred twenty-one of such law; or any other person entitled to first party benefits.

(k) “Bus” means both a bus and a school bus as defined in sections one hundred four and one hundred forty-two of the vehicle and traffic law.

(l) “Compensation provider” means the state insurance fund, or the person, association, corporation or insurance carrier or statutory fund liable under state or federal laws for the payment of workers’ compensation benefits or disability benefits under article nine of the workers’ compensation law.

(m) “Motorcycle” means any motorcycle, as defined in section one hundred twenty-three of the vehicle and traffic law, and which is required to carry financial security pursuant to article six, eight or forty-eight-A of the vehicle and traffic law.

5103. Entitlement to first party benefits; additional financial security required.

(a) Every owner’s policy of liability insurance issued on a motor vehicle in satisfaction of the requirements of article six or eight of the vehicle and traffic law shall also provide for; every owner who maintains another form of financial security on a motor vehicle in satisfaction of the requirements of such articles shall be liable for; and every owner of a motor vehicle required to be subject to the provisions of this article by subdivision two of section three hundred twenty-one of the vehicle and traffic law shall be liable for; the payment of first party benefits to:

(b) An insurer may exclude from coverage required by subsection (a) hereof a person who:

(c) Insurance offered by any company to satisfy the requirements of subsection (a) hereof shall be offered (i) without a deductible and (ii) with a family deductible of up to two hundred dollars (which deductible shall apply only to the loss of the named insured and members of his household). The superintendent may approve a higher deductible in the case of insurance policies providing additional benefits or pursuant to a plan designed and implemented to coordinate first party benefits with other benefits.

(d) Insurance policy forms for insurance to satisfy the requirements of subsection (a) hereof shall be subject to approval pursuant to article twenty-three of this chapter. Minimum benefit standards for such policies and for self-insurers, and rights of subrogation, examination and other such matters, shall be established by regulation pursuant to section three hundred one of this chapter.

(e) Every owner’s policy of liability insurance issued in satisfaction of article six or eight of the vehicle and traffic law shall also provide, when a motor vehicle covered by such policy is used or operated in any other state or in any Canadian province, insurance coverage for such motor vehicle at least in the minimum amount required by the laws of that state or province.

(f) Every owner’s policy of liability insurance issued on a motorcycle or an all terrain vehicle in satisfaction of the requirements of article six or eight of the vehicle and traffic law or section twenty-four hundred seven of such law shall also provide for; every owner who maintains another form of financial security on a motorcycle or an all terrain vehicle in satisfaction of the requirements of such articles or section shall be liable for; and every owner of a motorcycle or an all terrain vehicle required to be subject to the provisions of this article by subdivision two of section three hundred twenty-one of such law shall be liable for; the payment of first party benefits to persons, other than the occupants of such motorcycle or all terrain vehicle, another motorcycle or all terrain vehicle, or any motor vehicle, for loss arising out of the use or operation of the motorcycle or all terrain vehicle within this state. Every insurer and self-insurer may exclude from the coverage required by this subsection a person who intentionally causes his own injury or is injured while committing an act which would constitute a felony or while seeking to avoid lawful apprehension or arrest by a law enforcement officer.

(g) A company authorized to provide the insurance specified in paragraph three of subsection (a) of section one thousand one hundred thirteen of this chapter or a corporation organized pursuant to article forty-three of this chapter may, individually or jointly, with the approval of the superintendent upon a showing that the company or corporation is qualified to provide for all of the items of basic economic loss specified in paragraph one of subsection (a) of section five thousand one hundred two of this article, provide coverage for such items of basic economic loss to the extent that an insurer would be required to provide under this article. Where a policyholder elects to be covered under such an arrangement the insurer providing coverage for the automobile shall be furnished with the names of all persons covered by the company or corporation under the arrangement and such persons shall not be entitled to benefits for any of the items of basic economic loss specified in such paragraph. The premium for the automobile insurance policy shall be appropriately reduced to reflect the elimination of coverage for such items of basic economic loss. Coverage by the automobile insurer of such eliminated items shall be effected or restored upon request by the insured and payment of the premium for such coverage. All companies and corporations providing coverage for items of basic economic loss pursuant to the authorization of this subsection shall have only those rights and obligations which are applicable to an insurer subject to this article.

(h) Any policy of insurance obtained to satisfy the financial security requirements of article six or eight of the vehicle and traffic law which does not contain provisions complying with the requirements of this article, shall be construed as if such provisions were embodied therein.

5104. Causes of action for personal injury.

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, in any action by or on behalf of a covered person against another covered person for personal injuries arising out of negligence in the use or operation of a motor vehicle in this state, there shall be no right of recovery for non-economic loss, except in the case of a serious injury, or for basic economic loss. The owner, operator or occupant of a motorcycle which has in effect the financial security required by article six or eight of the vehicle and traffic law, or which is referred to in subdivision two of section three hundred twenty-one of such law, shall not be subject to an action by or on behalf of a covered person for recovery for non-economic loss, except in the case of a serious injury, or for basic economic loss.

(b) In any action by or on behalf of a covered person, against a non- covered person, where damages for personal injuries arising out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle or a motorcycle may be recovered, an insurer which paid or is liable for first party benefits on account of such injuries has a lien against any recovery to the extent of benefits paid or payable by it to the covered person. No such action may be compromised by the covered person except with the written consent of the insurer, or with the approval of the court, or where the amount of such settlement exceeds fifty thousand dollars. The failure of such person to commence such action within two years after accrual gives the insurer a cause of action for the amount of first party benefits paid or payable against any person who may be liable to the covered person for his personal injuries. The insurer’s cause of action shall be in addition to the cause of action of the covered person except that in any action subsequently commenced by the covered person for such injuries, the amount of his basic economic loss shall not be recoverable.

(c) Where there is no right of recovery for basic economic loss, such loss may nevertheless be pleaded and proved to the extent that it is relevant to the proof of non-economic loss.

5105. Settlement between insurers.

(a) Any insurer liable for the payment of first party benefits to or on behalf of a covered person and any compensation provider paying benefits in lieu of first party benefits which another insurer would otherwise be obligated to pay pursuant to subsection (a) of section five thousand one hundred three of this article or section five thousand two hundred twenty-one of this chapter has the right to recover the amount paid from the insurer of any other covered person to the extent that such other covered person would have been liable, but for the provisions of this article, to pay damages in an action at law. In any case, the right to recover exists only if at least one of the motor vehicles involved is a motor vehicle weighing more than six thousand five hundred pounds unloaded or is a motor vehicle used principally for the transportation of persons or property for hire. However, in the case of occupants of a bus other than operators, owners, and employees of the owner or operator of the bus, an insurer which, pursuant to paragraph one of subsection (a) of section five thousand one hundred three of this article, provides coverage for first party benefits for such occupants under a policy providing first party benefits to the injured person and members of his household for loss arising out of the use or operation of any vehicle of such household, shall have no right to recover the amount of such benefits from the insurer of such bus.

(b) The sole remedy of any insurer or compensation provider to recover on a claim arising pursuant to subsection (a) hereof, shall be the submission of the controversy to mandatory arbitration pursuant to procedures promulgated or approved by the superintendent. Such procedures shall also be utilized to resolve all disputes arising between insurers concerning their responsibility for the payment of first party benefits.

(c) The liability of an insurer imposed by this section shall not affect or diminish its obligations under any policy of bodily injury liability insurance.

5106. Fair claims settlement.

(a) Payments of first party benefits and additional first party benefits shall be made as the loss is incurred. Such benefits are overdue if not paid within thirty days after the claimant supplies proof of the fact and amount of loss sustained. If proof is not supplied as to the entire claim, the amount which is supported by proof is overdue if not paid within thirty days after such proof is supplied. All overdue payments shall bear interest at the rate of two percent per month. If a valid claim or portion was overdue, the claimant shall also be entitled to recover his attorney’s reasonable fee, for services necessarily performed in connection with securing payment of the overdue claim, subject to limitations promulgated by the superintendent in regulations.

(b) Every insurer shall provide a claimant with the option of submitting any dispute involving the insurer’s liability to pay first party benefits, or additional first party benefits, the amount thereof or any other matter which may arise pursuant to subsection (a) hereof to arbitration pursuant to simplified procedures to be promulgated or approved by the superintendent.

(c) An award by an arbitrator shall be binding except where vacated or modified by a master arbitrator in accordance with simplified procedures to be promulgated or approved by the superintendent. The grounds for vacating or modifying an arbitrator’s award by a master arbitrator shall not be limited to those grounds for review set forth in article seventy-five of the civil practice law and rules. The award of a master arbitrator shall be binding except for the grounds for review set forth in article seventy-five of the civil practice law and rules, and provided further that where the amount of such master arbitrator’s award is five thousand dollars or greater, exclusive of interest and attorney’s fees, the insurer or the claimant may institute a court action to adjudicate the dispute de novo.

5107. Coverage for non-resident motorists.

(a) Every insurer authorized to transact or transacting business in this state, or controlling or controlled by or under common control by or with such an insurer, which sells a policy providing motor vehicle liability insurance coverage or any similar coverage in any state or Canadian province, shall include in each such policy coverage to satisfy the financial security requirements of article six or eight of the vehicle and traffic law and to provide for the payment of first party benefits pursuant to subsection (a) of section five thousand one hundred three of this article when a motor vehicle covered by such policy is used or operated in this state.

(b) Every policy described in subsection (a) hereof shall be construed as having the coverage required by subsection (a) of section five thousand one hundred three of this article.

5108. Limit on charges by providers of health services.

(a) The charges for services specified in paragraph one of subsection (a) of section five thousand one hundred two of this article and any further health service charges which are incurred as a result of the injury and which are in excess of basic economic loss, shall not exceed the charges permissible under the schedules prepared and established by the chairman of the workers’ compensation board for industrial accidents, except where the insurer or arbitrator determines that unusual procedures or unique circumstances justify the excess charge.

(b) The superintendent, after consulting with the chairman of the workers’ compensation board and the commissioner of health, shall promulgate rules and regulations implementing and coordinating the provisions of this article and the workers’ compensation law with respect to charges for the professional health services specified in paragraph one of subsection (a) of section five thousand one hundred two of this article, including the establishment of schedules for all such services for which schedules have not been prepared and established by the chairman of the workers’ compensation board.

(c) No provider of health services specified in paragraph one of subsection (a) of section five thousand one hundred two of this article may demand or request any payment in addition to the charges authorized pursuant to this section. Every insurer shall report to the commissioner of health any patterns of overcharging, excessive treatment or other improper actions by a health provider within thirty days after such insurer has knowledge of such pattern.

5109. Unauthorized   providers   of  health  services.

(a)  The superintendent, in consultation with the commissioner of health and  the   commissioner of education, shall by regulation, promulgate standards and   procedures  for  investigating and suspending or removing  the   authorization for providers of health  services  to  demand  or  request   payment  for health services as specified in paragraph one of subsection   (a) of section five thousand  one hundred  two  of  this  article  upon   findings  reached  after  investigation pursuant to this section. Such   regulations shall ensure the same or  greater  due  process  provisions,   including  notice  and  opportunity  to  be  heard,  as  those  afforded   physicians investigated under article two of the workers’ compensation   law and shall include provision for notice to all providers of health   services of the provisions of this section and  regulations  promulgated   thereunder at least ninety days in advance of the effective date of such   regulations.

(b) The commissioner of health and the commissioner of education shall   provide  a list of the names of all providers of health services who the   commissioner of health and the commissioner  of  education  shall  deem,   after  reasonable investigation, not authorized to demand or request any   payment for medical services in connection with  any  claim  under  this   article because such provider of health services:

(c)  Providers  of  health  services  shall  refrain from subsequently   treating for remuneration, as a  private  patient,  any  person  seeking   medical  treatment  under this article if such provider pursuant to this   section has been prohibited from demanding or requesting any payment for   medical services under this article. An injured claimant so  treated  or   examined  may raise this as a defense in any action by such provider for   payment for treatment rendered at any time after such provider has  been   prohibited  from demanding or requesting payment for medical services in   connection with any claim under this article.

(d) The commissioner of health and the commissioner of education shall   maintain and regularly update a database containing a list of  providers   of  health  services  prohibited  by  this  section  from  demanding  or   requesting any payment for health services connected to  a  claim  under   this  article and shall make such information available to the public by   means of a website and by a toll free number.

(e) Nothing in this section shall be  construed  as  limiting  in  any   respect   the   powers   and  duties  of  the  commissioner  of  health,   commissioner of education or the superintendent to investigate instances   of misconduct by a health care provider and, after a  hearing  and  upon   written  notice  to  the provider, to temporarily prohibit a provider of   health services under such investigation from  demanding  or  requesting   any  payment  for  medical  services under this article for up to ninety   days from the date of such notice.