Not necessarily. The majority of personal injury cases are resolved through settlement, which can happen more quickly and without the uncertainty of a trial. That said, we are fully prepared to take your case to court if a fair and reasonable offer is not made. Every offer you receive will be discussed with you thoroughly so you can make an informed decision. We make no guarantees about the outcome of any case.
Every case is different, and the timeline depends on a number of factors — many of which are outside of anyone’s control. Court backlogs, the complexity of your injuries, ongoing medical treatment, and the willingness of the opposing party to negotiate in good faith can all affect how long the process takes. What we can tell you is that we will make every effort to move your case forward as efficiently as possible while never sacrificing the quality of your representation.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Our fee is a percentage of your monetary recovery, whether obtained through settlement, trial, mediation, or arbitration. Case-related expenses are also reimbursed from the recovery. Legal fees in personal injury cases are regulated by court rules set by the Office of Court Administration, which governs how proceeds are distributed.
While some firms handle personal injury cases alongside many other areas of law, our practice is dedicated exclusively to personal injury and medical malpractice. We believe that focus matters. When attorneys spend their careers handling these specific types of cases, they develop a depth of knowledge and courtroom experience that a general practice firm simply cannot match. When you work with us, you are working with attorneys for whom personal injury law is not just one of many practice areas — it is the only one.
Every case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on a number of factors including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, your medical expenses, and the circumstances of the accident itself. There is no honest way to predict an exact outcome at the outset of a case. What we can tell you is that as your case develops and we gather the necessary information, we will be able to give you a clearer picture of its potential value. Our goal is always to pursue the full compensation you are entitled to.
The steps you take immediately following an accident can have a meaningful impact on your case. If you are able to do so safely, document the scene by taking photographs of the area, any vehicles involved, and your visible injuries. Gather contact and insurance information from any other parties involved and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not feel seriously injured — some injuries are not immediately apparent. Report the accident to the appropriate parties, whether that is the police, a property owner, or an employer. Finally, contact an attorney before speaking with any insurance company representative.
We strongly advise against it. Insurance adjusters are trained to gather information that can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Even a casual or well-intentioned statement can be used against you later. Before speaking with any insurance representative — including your own — contact our office first. We will guide you through the process and make sure your rights are protected from the very beginning.
You may still be entitled to compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not automatically barred from recovering anything. Every situation is different and the specific facts of your case matter greatly. We encourage you to contact us so we can evaluate your situation fully.
In most personal injury cases in New York, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, there are important exceptions that can significantly shorten this deadline. Claims against a municipality or government entity, for example, require that a Notice of Claim be filed within 90 days of the accident. Medical malpractice cases carry a two and a half year statute of limitations. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, which is why it is critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
This is a common concern and one we take seriously. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, there may be several options available to help cover your medical expenses while your case is ongoing. New York’s no-fault insurance can cover medical bills and lost wages in motor vehicle accident cases regardless of who was at fault. In other cases, some medical providers will treat patients on a lien basis, meaning payment is deferred until your case is resolved. We will work with you to help identify the options available in your specific situation.
