On behalf of Smiley & Smiley, LLP posted in Personal Injury on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

It can be difficult to know what to say to loved ones and to the community after disaster strikes. As a personal injury law firm, we often serve as witnesses and as advocates for those who have suffered catastrophic injuries and for loved ones coping with the wrongful death of a family member as a result of another's negligence. Though it is an honor to serve those who are grieving, it never becomes an easy task.

All of New York is suffering now and as a community we are grieving, coping and re-building together. New Yorkers have banded together in tragedy before and we will likely be called upon to do so again. It is in the resilience of our community that we can all be inspired and find hope.

The media has covered the depth of the suffering being felt throughout New York, New Jersey and the rest of the communities affected by Sandy. However, it has also done a service to all of us by highlighting those stories of assistance, sacrifice and bravery that remind us that we will not only survive this time, we will ultimately become even stronger as a result of it.

To all of the first responders, volunteers and brave affected victims who helped neighbors and strangers even as your own homes were flooded, burning or falling apart, we thank you and honor what you have done for the community. In times to tragedy, even the smallest gestures can impact the rest of another person's life. Whether the rain is pouring or the sun is shining, the spirit of New York shines through in every single one of these gestures large and small.

Source: CBS News, "New York community comes together amidst Sandy tragedy," Nov. 4, 2012

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