FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com september 24, 2015 • The Courier sun 25 SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUEENS George Mirtsopoulos Board Member Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League PERSONAL BACKGROUND: George Mirtsopoulos resides in Whitestone with his wife of more than 30 years, Carmen. The couple star OF queens longtime passion encouraged him to pursue coaching as a way to give children a fun pastime while learning the value of teamwork. He focuses on intramural sports programs including softball, baseball and basketball. Children ages 4 to 18 participate in his programs at the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League. PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND CAREER: From 1978 to 2011, Mirtsopoulos worked at the National Grid in the position of senior supervisor. Since his retirement, he has remained involved with the company working as an independent contractor. In addition to serving as a board member of the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League, he has a direct involvement overseeing girls basketball and softball programs in the role of girls athletics commissioner. BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Mirtsopoulos claims that his biggest challenge has been raising awareness for the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League. Finding new participants and increasing participation for this nonprofit organization continues to be a top priority for him. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS: Watching the children that he’s coached over the years as they grow up and meet their goals never gets old for Mirtsopoulos. He prides himself in being able to share the joy with the members of his teams after leading them to victories and especially the little league championships. brought to you by has one son, Stephen. Recently, M i r t s o p o u l o s received an associate degree in business management from Queensborough Community College. MOTIVATION TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY: Mirtsopoulos has always had an affinity for sports. This SCOTT BARON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1-866-WAS-HURT (866) 927-4878 718.738.9800 By David Rosario VISIT QueensCourier.com FOR MORE STORIES CUTLER’S LIGHTING Over 50 Years Experience REPAIRS • REWIRING • RE-FINISHING • LAMP SHADES FALL SAVINGS TAKE 20-50% OFF 10% OFF ANY PURCHASE With Coupon. Not combinable – New Orders Only. Limit 1 per customer. $150.00 max for discount. Excludes Repairs, Refi nishing, Rewiring. Exp. 9/30/2015 CUTLER’S LIGHTING CUTLER’S LIGHTING LYNBROOK 817 Sunrise Hwy (2 Blocks west of Peninsula Blvd.) 516-887-1300 GREAT NECK 120 Northern Blvd. 516-482-1919 12 years from now, this LED bulb will still be saving you money. OFF 50 LAMP SHADE SALE on yellow and red tagged items Legally Speaking By: Scott Baron, Attorney at Law Advertorial VIOLENT PROPENSITIES Q: In my store, there are several vending machines. The other day, someone appeared who I knew to be a truck driver’s helper for one of the vending companies. When he attempted to service the company’s machine, I questioned his authority to do so. The helper’s response was to strike me several times with a metal bar. The company says that my assailant had stolen the keys to the machine and has validated my hunch that he never was authorized to service it. I have learned that this was not the helper’s first crime. Twenty five years ago, he was convicted of some kind of felony, out of state. A few years ago, he was arrested here, on a misdemeanor drug possession charge. Of course, he is broke. But his company has what you attorneys call ‘deep pockets’. How’s my case against the company? A: The company can be held liable vicariously only if the assault was somehow condoned, instigated or authorized by it. From what you tell me, there is no evidence to support this theory. In general, it is very difficult to prove that a violent attack, bad for business as well as for the victim, was somehow condoned by the employer. With regard to negligent hiring and supervision, our courts generally have held that an employer is under no particular duty to inquire as to whether a hiring prospect has been convicted of crimes in the past. In addition, even if the company had checked the helper’s background, hiring him despite it is not necessarily negligence. Your case with regard to negligent supervision may well turn out to be stronger. Perhaps interviews with other customers and other employers, and a look at the personnel file, will show that this is far from the first time that the helper has flashed his true colors in an ongoing arena. The company can be held directly liable if it knew or should have known of his violent propensities. The law responds to changed conditions; exceptions and variations abound. Here, the information is general; always seek out competent counsel. This article shall not be construed as legal advice. Copyright © 2015 Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. 159-49 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York 11414 • 718-738-9800 1750 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10710 • 914-337-9800 1-866-927-4878
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