Grandelli & Eskenasi is proud to announce a $17.5 million settlement with the City of New York on behalf of Anthony Esposito, a former New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) worker who suffered life-altering injuries during a workplace incident on Staten Island. The settlement was reached the day of opening statements in March 2026, and is believed to be the highest ever recorded for a crash incident on Staten Island.
The Incident
On the morning of September 20, 2022, Anthony Esposito was performing his duties collecting refuse on Duncan Street in the Dongan Hills neighborhood of Staten Island. During the course of his route, a DSNY garbage truck operated by his partner for the day, rolled over his leg, causing catastrophic injuries.
In a remarkable act of heroism, Matthew Mandano who was an off-duty police officer with military experience rushed to the scene before first responders arrived and applied a tourniquet to Mr. Esposito’s leg, which was bleeding severely. Witnesses at the scene credited those quick actions with saving Mr. Esposito’s life.
Emergency responders from the NYPD, FDNY, and EMS then arrived at the scene at approximately 9:15 a.m., and the area was cordoned off. Mr. Esposito was transported to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze. Tragically, Mr. Esposito lost a portion of his right leg in the incident.
The Legal Battle
After the incident, Mr. Esposito retained Grandelli & Eskenasi and filed suit against the City of New York and the Sanitation truck driver, alleging negligence on the part of the driver. Attorney Louis Grandelli led the case alongside partner Leigh Eskenasi and legal assistant, Christian Grandelli.
In 2024, Justice Orlando Marrazzo Jr. determined that the defendants were liable as a matter of law. With liability established, the trial only involved the claims for his injuries and damages.
A jury was selected earlier in March 2026 over a 4 day period, and the trial was set to begin in state Supreme Court, St. George the following week. However, just prior to opening statements, the City of New York agreed to settle with Mr. Esposito for $17.5 million. Mr. Grandelli argued that Mr. Esposito would require very substantial compensation for future medical care and prosthetic needs to provide Mr. Esposito with the best chance at progressing back to his functionality.
“I’m happy the city recognized that he was entitled to be fairly compensated,” said attorney Louis Grandelli.
A Record-Setting Settlement
The $17.5 million settlement covers Mr. Esposito’s medical bills, as well as other economic loss, and his claims to pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Based upon the Grandelli legal team’s research, the settlement appears to be the highest ever on record for a crash incident on Staten Island.
A Community Pillar
Anthony Esposito had served the City of New York as a Sanitation worker for nearly 20 years prior to the incident. Beyond his career in public service, he was a devoted family man and active member of the Staten Island community. Mr. Esposito served as a caretaker for the Woodrow United Methodist Church, and also helped organize fundraisers and food drives.
“Anthony is a role model for every person in our community,” said Grandelli. “His belief in God and bravery throughout this whole thing has been inspiring.”
About Grandelli & Eskenasi
At Grandelli & Eskenasi, we fight tirelessly for individuals who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others. This case reflects our commitment to holding powerful entities, including the City of New York, accountable when their actions cause life-altering harm. If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident or motor vehicle incident, contact Grandelli & Eskenasi for a free consultation.