Whether you’re hurt due to a car accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, or other type of incident, it can help to have a personal injury lawyer in New York on your side. Filing a personal injury claim can be stressful, and waiting for it to be resolved may add to your burden. Learn how working with a personal injury attorney in New York may help you navigate the claim process and pursue compensation for your losses.
Who Can Seek Legal Representation?
According to the National Safety Council, 62 million Americans required medical care for some type of preventable injury in 2023. Some common causes of injuries include workplace accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and accidental slips, trips, and falls. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to sue an at-fault party.
Anyone interested in filing a claim can seek legal representation, including victims of:
- Medical malpractice: The American Medical Association reports that 31% of physicians will face a medical malpractice claim at some point in their career.
- Workplace accidents: Injuries that occur within the workplace cost an estimated $176.5 billion, according to the National Safety Council.
- Slips and falls on poorly maintained properties: 75% of premises liability cases involve injuries that occur on a business’s property, per the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
- Dog bites: The New York City government reports that dog bite incidents lead to over 6,000 emergency room visits per year.
Those hurt in car crashes may not be able to sue a third party unless they meet the “serious injury” threshold, due to New York’s no-fault insurance laws. However, they can still rely on a personal injury lawyer when filing a claim for accident compensation. Attorneys are willing to communicate with insurance companies on a claimant’s behalf as they await a settlement offer.
Understanding the Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
How exactly can a personal injury lawyer in New York help you? These legal professionals juggle many tasks when representing victims. The role typically involves:
- Gathering evidence: Attorneys often aid clients in collecting evidence that may support their claim.
- Assessing liability: Legal counsel will review the evidence and the accident’s circumstances to identify a potential at-fault party.
- Evaluating damages: They also look at a claimant’s losses to calculate a settlement offer that fairly represents their damages.
- Negotiating with insurance providers: A pivotal way that personal injury lawyers help clients is through settlement negotiations. They’re familiar with common insurance company tactics, such as making a lowball first offer, and can advocate for the claimant.
The Law Dictionary reports that 95% of personal injury cases resolve with a pre-trial settlement agreement. However, if negotiations remain at an impasse, your next course of action may be to bring the case to court. A qualified attorney will prepare for litigation and represent you in a trial.
Cases that reach this final stage will ultimately be in the hands of a judge and jury. Accepting a settlement generally means that you’ll receive some accident compensation. This isn’t a certain outcome if your case goes to trial.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Filing a Claim
Immediately after an accident, you should focus on treating any injuries and documenting the scene, if possible. After you receive medical care and gather preliminary evidence, schedule an injury case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in New York. They can review your case and assist you during the claims process.
Waiting too long to file an insurance claim may lead to a denial. If you want to file a lawsuit against a negligent party, you’ll need to do so before the statute of limitations expires. New York imposes strict deadlines for personal injury cases, though some exceptions may apply.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer in New York Could Influence Your Potential Settlement
One of the first questions people ask a personal injury attorney is, “How much is my case worth?” The answer depends on several factors, including documented economic damages and the injury’s impact on your quality of life.
Some injured individuals don’t provide enough evidence in their insurance claim, such as pay stubs showing lost income or property repair estimates. If you don’t demonstrate these damages, an insurance company may not include them in their settlement offer. A seasoned attorney can outline key pieces of evidence that may impact their offer.
Work with a lawyer if you’re expecting a lowball offer and want to negotiate. The insurance company may be willing to increase its offer when you have legal representation, though outcomes vary.
Let an Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm Handle Your Case
Finding an attorney you trust doesn’t have to be difficult. Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC is a respected personal injury law firm serving Queens and the surrounding areas. Our attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience and are committed to protecting our clients’ interests.
Meet with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in New York if you need help understanding personal injury coverage, filing a claim, or assessing liability. We’ll review your case and discuss potential strategies for maximizing an insurance settlement. To request a free consultation, submit our online contact form or call (718) 205-1010 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have unanswered questions? Discover more insights from a New York personal injury attorney below.
What Evidence Is Used To Support a Personal Injury Claim?
Potential pieces of evidence in personal injury claims include police accident reports, photos, video footage, medical bills, and witness statements.
Why Would Someone Receive a Reduced Settlement?
Per New York’s comparative negligence rule, someone who is partially at fault in an accident will see their settlement reduced by their percentage of fault.
What Does It Cost To Hire a New York Personal Injury Attorney?
It won’t cost you anything up front to hire a personal injury lawyer in New York. Many firms, including Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, follow a contingency fee structure and only charge clients who settle their claims out of court or win a trial.