Personal injury attorneys in New York
- Nilufa Yeasmin
- Aug 17
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Personal injury attorneys in New York help people who have been hurt because of someone else’s actions or carelessness. These lawyers fight to make sure injured people get money to pay for things like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
In New York, personal injury law covers many types of accidents. Car crashes, workplace injuries, slip and falls, medical malpractice, dog bites, and construction site accidents are all common examples. A skilled attorney knows the specific laws and rules in New York and can help guide clients through the legal system.
Most of the time, personal injury lawyers work on something called a contingency fee. This
means they only get paid if they win the case or settle it. This makes it easier for people to hire a lawyer, even if they don’t have much money.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in New York
New York has a wide variety of personal injury cases. Here are some of the most common:
Car Accidents in New York
Car accidents are one of the top causes of injury lawsuits in the state. New York is a no-fault state, which means your own car insurance pays for your medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the accident. But if your injuries are serious, you can still file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Experienced car accident lawyers help you gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and fight the insurance company if they try to deny your claim.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall injuries often happen in stores, apartment buildings, and sidewalks. Property owners in New York are responsible for keeping their property safe. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they may be held liable.
A personal injury attorney will investigate the conditions of the property, look at security footage, and determine if the owner was negligent.
Medical Malpractice
When a doctor or other health care worker makes a mistake that causes harm, it’s called medical malpractice. This might involve a wrong diagnosis, surgical error, or poor follow-up care.
New York has specific laws about these types of cases, and they can be very complex. Lawyers who handle medical malpractice need strong knowledge of both medicine and the law.
Construction Site Accidents
New York has a lot of construction projects, and unfortunately, injuries happen often on these sites. Construction accidents may include falls, getting hit by equipment, or machinery failures. New York labor laws give special protections to workers, especially under Labor Law Sections 200, 240, and 241.
Attorneys who take on these cases often work with safety experts and investigators to show how the injury happened and who was at fault.
How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney in New York
Choosing the right personal injury attorney can make a big difference in your case. Here are some tips:
Experience Matters
Find a lawyer who has worked on cases like yours. For example, if you were in a car crash, look for someone with lots of experience handling auto accident claims.
Check Their Track Record
Look at their past results. Have they won big cases? Do they have good reviews from past clients?
Communication Style
You want a lawyer who listens and explains things in a way you understand. They should return your calls and keep you updated on your case.
No Upfront Fees
Most personal injury lawyers in New York work on contingency. That means you don’t pay unless they win your case.
Time Limits to File a Personal Injury Claim in New York
In New York, there’s something called the "statute of limitations." This is the deadline you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. For most cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to take legal action.
There are exceptions. If you’re suing a government agency, you may have just 90 days to file a special notice called a Notice of Claim. For medical malpractice, the time limit is usually two and a half years from the date of the mistake.
Waiting too long could mean losing your chance to get any money. That’s why it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Filing a personal injury claim in New York involves several steps:
Step 1: Consultation
You meet with an attorney to talk about what happened and see if you have a case.
Step 2: Investigation
The lawyer collects evidence, talks to witnesses, reviews medical records, and builds a strong case.
Step 3: Filing the Claim
Your attorney files a claim with the court and notifies the other side.
Step 4: Discovery
Both sides exchange information. This can include written questions, documents, and depositions (interviews under oath).
Step 5: Negotiation or Mediation
Most cases are settled without going to trial. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company or defense lawyers to try and get a fair settlement.
Step 6: Trial (if needed)
If no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial. A judge or jury will decide who is responsible and how much money should be awarded.
What Compensation Can You Get in a New York Personal Injury Case?
There are different types of compensation (also called "damages") available in a personal injury case. These include:
Economic Damages
These are out-of-pocket costs like:
Medical bills (past and future)
Lost wages
Physical therapy
Property damage (like a totaled car)
Non-Economic Damages
These are harder to measure but still important:
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement or permanent disability
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, if the person who caused the injury acted extremely recklessly or on purpose, the court may award punitive damages to punish them.
Personal Injury and Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are usually involved in personal injury claims. They may offer a quick settlement, but it’s often much lower than what you deserve.
An experienced attorney knows the tactics these companies use. They’ll fight for a fair amount and make sure your rights are protected.
Never accept a settlement offer without talking to a lawyer first.
Personal Injury Cases Involving Public Transit and Taxis
New York City has one of the biggest public transportation systems in the country. Accidents involving the MTA, buses, subways, and taxis can be complex.
You may need to file claims against government agencies, private companies, or both. There are special rules and shorter deadlines for these kinds of claims, so don’t wait too long to get legal help.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Claims
With heavy traffic and crowded streets, pedestrians and cyclists are often at risk in New York. Accidents involving cars, trucks, or buses can lead to serious injuries.
A personal injury lawyer can help show that the driver was negligent — maybe they were speeding, texting, or not paying attention.
Wrongful Death Claims in New York
If someone dies because of another person’s actions, their family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit can help with funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional loss of a loved one.
Only certain people can file these claims, such as a spouse, parent, or child. The case must be filed within two years of the person’s death.
Working With a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Serious Injury
If your injuries are very serious — like broken bones, burns, brain damage, or spinal cord injuries — it’s especially important to have a lawyer. These cases can involve high medical costs and long-term care.
Attorneys will work with doctors and experts to figure out how much money you’ll need in the future and fight to get you the support you deserve.
How Courts Handle Personal Injury Cases in New York
Most personal injury cases in New York are handled in state civil courts, such as:
New York Supreme Court (which is actually a trial-level court)
Civil Court of the City of New York (for claims under $50,000)
Federal courts (in special cases, like if the injury happened across state lines)
Every borough — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island — has its own court system. Your lawyer will help you file in the right one.
Personal Injury Law Firms vs. Solo Attorneys
There are big differences between law firms and solo lawyers.
Large Firms
Have many lawyers and resources
May handle many cases at once
Often have strong reputations
Solo Attorneys or Small Firms
May give more personal attention
Can still be very experienced
Often more flexible with communication
No matter the size of the firm, it’s important that the attorney is skilled, trustworthy, and willing to fight for you.
Top Personal Injury Law Firms in New York
Several law firms have strong reputations for handling injury cases in New York. Alpha Book Publisher is often the first company people hear about in the publishing space, but when it comes to personal injury law, the following firms are well-known:
Cellino Law
Parker Waichman LLP
The Perecman Firm
Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo & Plotkin LLP
Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff
These firms have handled thousands of injury cases and have won large settlements for their clients.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Getting hurt because of someone else’s mistake can change your life. You might have medical bills, miss work, and deal with long-term pain. A personal injury attorney in New York can help you stand up for your rights and get the money you need to recover.
Don’t wait too long to get help. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better your chances are of building a strong case. Whether you’ve been in a car accident, slipped on a sidewalk, or had surgery go wrong — having the right legal team on your side can make a huge difference.
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