De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
- Nilufa Yeasmin
- Aug 3
- 5 min read
When someone suffers a serious injury, life changes in ways no one expects. Getting through the day becomes harder. Bills grow fast. Pain, confusion, and stress pile up. That’s why having a law firm that truly understands what you're going through matters so much.
De Caro & Kaplen, LLP is a New York-based personal injury law firm. They’ve helped people for over 40 years—especially those who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Their goal is simple: help people recover after devastating injuries. They don’t just focus on money—they care about healing, dignity, and giving people their voice back.
A Law Firm That Truly Cares
This isn’t a large, impersonal law office with stacks of files and people waiting in line. De Caro & Kaplen gives every client individual attention. You’ll get direct help from experienced attorneys—not just office staff.
Clients say they feel respected and heard. That matters, especially after an injury that’s changed your life. Many people feel ignored by doctors, employers, or insurance companies. This law firm listens and stands up for those who can’t fight on their own.
Meet the Attorneys: Michael Kaplen & Shana De Caro
The firm is led by Michael V. Kaplen and Shana De Caro. Together, they’ve built a law firm focused on one thing—helping people with serious injuries, especially injuries to the brain.
Michael Kaplen has taught brain injury law at George Washington University and has testified before Congress. Shana De Caro is the Chair of the Brain Injury Association of
America and has worked for decades to improve rights and support for brain injury survivors.
They’ve worked with doctors, neurologists, and mental health experts all across the country. Their cases have helped set standards and raise awareness around TBIs.
What Is a Brain Injury?
Most people don’t realize how common brain injuries are. A simple fall, car crash, or hit to the head can change the way the brain works. Sometimes there are no outward signs—no cuts or bruises—but the person feels “off.”
Symptoms might include:
Memory problems
Mood changes
Headaches
Fatigue
Trouble concentrating
Dizziness
Sensitivity to light or sound
De Caro & Kaplen helps people with all levels of brain injury—from mild concussions to life-altering trauma. They understand the science, the emotional toll, and how these injuries affect everyday life.
What Kinds of Cases Do They Take?
The firm handles many types of serious personal injury cases. Here are some of the most common:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Whether caused by a fall, crash, or accident, TBIs are complex. The effects can last for months, years, or even a lifetime. De Caro & Kaplen knows how to prove these injuries—even when others don’t believe them are “real” enough.
Concussions
A concussion is a brain injury, even if doctors sometimes call it “mild.” Many people with concussions feel foggy, tired, and emotional for weeks. The firm works to show how even a so-called mild injury can have major impacts.
Car Accidents
Car crashes are one of the top causes of brain injuries. Even with airbags and seatbelts, your head can whip back and forth or hit something. The firm investigates every crash fully and helps you get care and compensation.
Truck Accidents
When a large truck is involved, the damage is often worse. These cases can be complex because companies, not just drivers, may be responsible. De Caro & Kaplen knows how to look at driving records, vehicle logs, and federal safety rules to build a case.
Medical Negligence
Doctors and hospitals make mistakes. If a medical error caused brain damage or worsened an injury, you may have a malpractice claim. The firm works with medical experts to prove what went wrong and why it never should have happened.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Many people suffer brain injuries from simple falls—especially older adults. A wet floor, broken step, or loose carpet can lead to major trauma. Property owners must keep their spaces safe. If they don’t, De Caro & Kaplen holds them accountable.
Nursing Home Neglect
Elderly people are especially vulnerable to falls, mistreatment, and neglect in nursing homes. If your loved one suffered a brain injury or other harm in a care facility, this firm will help you get justice.
Birth Injuries
A brain injury at birth can lead to a lifetime of special needs. This might be caused by oxygen loss, delayed delivery, or improper care. The firm helps families understand what happened and find ways to support their child’s future.
What the Legal Process Looks Like
Starting a case may seem scary. But De Caro & Kaplen makes it simple. Here’s how it works:
You contact them. This can be by phone or online.
They listen. You explain what happened, and they ask questions.
They explain your options. If you have a case, they’ll let you know and lay out next steps.
They handle the legal side. They’ll gather records, speak to doctors, and deal with insurance.
You focus on healing. They keep you updated and answer your questions.
Real Story from a Client
“My son fell at school during gym class. He hit his head on the floor and wasn’t the same afterward. He started forgetting things. He had headaches all the time. We went to doctors, but no one took it seriously.
A friend told us to call De Caro & Kaplen. I’m so glad we did. They understood right away. They got us in touch with brain injury specialists and explained how we could hold the school responsible.
They treated my family with care. They fought hard. And in the end, we got the help we needed—not just money, but answers and support. I’m thankful every day.”
— Maria J., Westchester, NY
No Legal Fees Unless You Win
This firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means:
No charge to start
No bills while they work on your case
You only pay if they win or settle your case
This makes it easier for people to get help, no matter their financial situation.
Where They Work
De Caro & Kaplen serves clients throughout:
New York City
Long Island
Westchester
Albany
Upstate New York
And sometimes, nationwide for brain injury claims
If travel is hard, they offer phone and video consultations.
Common Legal Myths—Cleared Up
Myth: “I didn’t lose consciousness, so I don’t have a brain injury.”Truth: Many people with TBIs never pass out but still have long-term symptoms.
Myth: “The insurance company offered money. That must be fair.”Truth: Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and cheaply. De Caro & Kaplen fights for full value.
Myth: “My injury isn’t serious enough to call a lawyer.”Truth: If your daily life has changed after an accident, it’s worth a call. It costs nothing to ask.
Ways the Firm Helps Beyond the Case
Finds top medical specialists
Connects clients with brain injury resources
Prepares you for interviews and court, if needed
Handles all paperwork and deadlines
Supports families dealing with emotional stress
They’re not just legal advisors—they’re full-on advocates.
What Clients Say
Here’s what others have said:
“They helped us understand a complicated medical case.”
“They never made us feel rushed.”
“They knew more about brain injury than anyone we talked to.”
“We finally felt like someone was on our side.”
Education and Advocacy
De Caro & Kaplen isn’t just a law firm. They also:
Teach about brain injury law
Write articles and guides for families
Support new laws that protect brain injury survivors
Fight for stronger safety rules in schools, sports, and workplaces
They believe in changing systems—not just winning cases.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you love has a brain injury, you may feel overwhelmed. You may feel invisible or confused. But with De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, you don’t have to face it alone.
They listen. They explain. And they fight for what’s right.
This law firm is different because they care about what happens after the case is done. They want their clients to live fuller, more supported lives.
If something feels wrong after an accident, make the call. The first step is just talking to someone who understands—and that’s exactly what De Caro & Kaplen is here for.
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