Phillip J. Lagana

Phillip has been admitted to practice in New York for 11 years, and for 10 years he has focused his practice on New York workers’ compensation law. Phillip represents both insurance companies and private employers, and for all his clients he strives to provide the best possible counsel through clear analysis and cost-effective strategies to minimize potential exposure and optimize the chance for favorable outcomes. Some of his successes include obtaining a:

• Disallowance of claim for alleged mental stress injuries, thereby eliminating any potential liability for the client related to the claim. In response to claimant’s appeal, successfully litigated the issue at the appellate level and secured a favorable decision affirming the disallowance of the claim.
• Disallowance of claim for alleged injuries to claimant’s back and bilateral legs that claimant allegedly sustained while working at a construction site by successfully arguing that claimant was an independent contractor rather than an employee of the insured employer. In response to claimant’s appeal, successfully litigated the issue at the appellate level and secured a favorable decision affirming the disallowance of the claim.
• Disallowance of claim for alleged injuries to the neck, back, and right shoulder that claimant allegedly sustained while working for AAA Northeast Inc. when he was assaulted. At trial, Phillip successfully litigated the denial of the claim, in part by introducing video evidence undermining claimant’s allegations, thereby resulting in the disallowance of the claim, thereby terminating any potential exposure to this claim for the client.

Phillip understands the importance that each case has for his client and takes the time to focus on any questions they have as the case progresses. He manages cases from inception to completion and takes personal ownership of every matter that he handles. Phillip prides himself on being highly responsive to both case-specific and general inquiries and advises all his clients that he is available 24/7 to meet their needs.

Prior to joining the firm, Phillip worked at a mid-sized, regional litigation firm where he managed the firm’s New York workers’ compensation practice.