Recent Developments

July 2009

Attorney Michael Doran was a zealous advocate for those afflicted with various types of occupational cancers. In addition to his legal work, Michael also dedicated himself to helping various research institutions study the disease and develop treatments for those afflicted. In 2008, Michael and his brother Thomas participated in the Ride for Roswell, an annual bicycling event that raises awareness and money for cancer research at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Bicycling 62 miles, Michael raised over $8,000 for cancer research - the 7th highest out of the 6500 riders.

After tragically passing away in a plane crash in April of this year with fellow attorney and advocate for occupational cancer victims, Matthew Schnirel, Michael and Matthew's families, friends and co-workers were determined to carry on their legacy and united to form Mike's Rough Riders, a team of bicyclists to participate in the Ride for Roswell which took place on June 27, 2009. Michael's brother, Thomas, led the fundraising effort, and the team collected over $17,000 to support Roswell Park Cancer Institute and an emerging new program at Roswell Park, the Stacey Scott Lung Cancer Registry. Four members of Mike's Rough Riders coordinated to relay Michael's bicycle through the ride this year.

Just prior to his death, Michael was working very closely with the Stacey Scott Lung Cancer Registry, a new program at Roswell Park designed to detect lung cancer at an early stage by screening those individuals who have been deemed as having a high risk for developing lung cancer. It has been shown that early detection of cancer can greatly increase one's survival rate. This program has already been successful for two of Michael's former clients who enrolled in the program, which detected early signs of lung cancer. Their lung cancer is now being treated with a much higher chance of survival due to early detection.

April 2009

Doran & Murphy was once again involved in the Buffalo’s Smartest Company competition, a fundraising event for Cradle Beach Camp in Angola, NY. Matthew Schnirel, Colleen Murphy, Kathy Reiss, Stuart Frame and Sarah Brancatella represented the firm in the 3rd annual event. Additionally, the law firm sponsored a round of questions. The team has vowed to train tirelessly to take home the top prize next year.

February 2008

Colleen Murphy successfully argued an appeal at the New York State Appellate Division Fourth Department. The underlying case was successfully tried by Michael Torcello and Michael Doran who obtained a verdict on behalf of a worker who was injured when the engine he was working on was struck by a group of cars being shoved down another track by a remote controlled locomotive. The jury awarded the injured employee damages for past pain and suffering; past lost earnings; future pain and suffering; and future lost earnings. The defendant appealed the award of future lost earnings, claiming that they did not have notice that the injured employee would have to miss work in the future due to side effects from his ongoing medical treatments. The appellate court upheld the jury verdict based on the facts that the railroad did have notice of the plaintiff’s future side effects based on his past side effects, their ability to get the worker’s medical records, and the pleadings and evidence produced throughout discovery.

December 2008

Michael Doran successfully represented a fifty-five year old trackman who was injured when he slipped on a patch of ice while at work. It was shown through trial that the worker had repeatedly requested a set of ice grippers to help him maintain his balance on ice. Despite his requests, his employer failed to provide the requested protection. The employee slipped and fell, resulting in severe injuries to his left wrist, neck and shoulder. The jury from the Western District of Massachusetts found in favor of the employee, awarding him $511,866.90. Mr. Doran, along with co-counsel, is currently appealing this case to prevent a reduction for contributory negligence on the part of the employee.

November 2008

Michael Torcello and Christopher Murphy successfully tried the case of a locomotive fireman and engineer who was diagnosed with chronic lung disease and throat cancer. Following an eight day trial, the jury found a violation of the Locomotive Boiler Inspection Act as well as the Federal Employers Liability Act and returned a combined verdict of $837,000. The defendant argued that the worker’s current state of health was related only to his long history of cigarette smoking and that his railroad exposures had in no way aggravated that condition. Defendant also argued that the worker was not exposed to harmful levels of dust or fumes in his work for the railroad.

September 2008

Doran & Murphy, LLP was proud to be a sponsor of the 2008 ViVA for Life Celebration, a creative black tie benefit for the WNY Breast Resource Center at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Breast cancer research is a cause that is particularly important to the Doran & Murphy family, and we were happy to be a part of this celebration of life for a second year.

August 2008

Doran & Murphy is proud to welcome back Matthew Schnirel, a recent graduate of the University at Buffalo Law School. Matt has worked at the firm since 2006 as a law clerk, and now returns after taking the July 2008 New York State Bar Examination.

July 2008

Doran & Murphy partners, Mike Doran & Chris Murphy were honored to receive recognition from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, Division 34, for their participation in the union’s annual Christmas Drive. Each year, the Columbus, Ohio union sponsors a family whose circumstances render them unable to afford presents for the children or a family Christmas dinner.

June 2008

Attorney Mike Doran and his brother Tom participated in the Ride for Roswell, an annual bicycling event that raises awareness and money for cancer research. Bicycling 62 miles, Mike raised over $8,000 for cancer research this year - the 7th highest out of the 6500 riders.
Both Mike and Tom look forward to participating again next year!

Attorney Mike Doran at 2008 Ride for Roswell