what is a personal injury lawsuit?

A personal injury lawsuit is initiated when an individual sustains harm or injury as a direct result of another party's actions or negligence. In response to the injuries suffered, the injured party pursues legal action to seek financial compensation. The objective of such a lawsuit is to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and secure monetary damages that cover medical expenses, lost earnings, emotional distress, and other relevant losses incurred by the injured individual.

how do i know if i have a valid personal injury case?

If you have suffered an injury due to someone else's actions, it is highly likely that you have a potential personal injury case. However, determining the validity of a personal injury case depends on various factors, including the circumstances of the accident or incident, the extent of your injuries, and the negligence or fault of another party. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help assess the viability of your case.

how much will a personal injury attorney cost?

In contrast to many other attorneys, personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they do not require upfront payment. Instead, they receive a percentage of the compensation you receive if they successfully obtain a settlement or court award on your behalf. This arrangement aligns the interests of both you and your attorney, as their payment is directly tied to the amount of money you recover.

do i need to pay a fee upfront?

Personal injury lawyers are prohibited from requesting upfront fees from their clients. Any expenses related to office work or managing a lawsuit are settled at the end, after successfully obtaining compensation for the client, and are deducted from the settlement amount.

What factors should I consider when selecting an attorney?

During your initial consultation with an attorney, it's important to inquire about the number of cases they are currently handling and the size of their legal team. If an attorney is juggling a large caseload of, let's say, 1,000 cases, they might not be able to dedicate as much attention to your specific case compared to an attorney who focuses on a smaller number, such as 100 cases. Additionally, it's advisable to inquire about the attorney's policy regarding returning phone calls. Finding an attorney who promptly responds to your calls within 24 hours can significantly contribute to your comfort and confidence in their services, in contrast to an attorney who requires multiple follow-ups before returning your call.

Once I pick an attorney do I have to stay with them until my case is over?

No. A client can choose at any point in time to change attorneys. They simply find another attorney or tell their current attorney they no longer want their representation.

How can a personal injury attorney help me?

A personal injury attorney will have the experience of negotiating cases with insurance companies. They will know the value of a case after a client has received treatment and doctors have figured out what the injuries are. They can also handle claims for lost wages, property damage and other aspects of an accident that may leave many people stressed and lost with how to handle the situation after an accident. Attorneys are also familiar with the timelines to file many documents with insurance companies and the Court so deadlines are not missed.

Could social media effect my case?

Yes. Following an accident, I strongly recommend refraining from posting on social media. Although social media serves as a valuable means of staying connected with loved ones and even generating income for some individuals, the content such as photos, videos, and comments shared on these platforms can potentially be used against you in a legal proceeding.

Is there a time limit to bring a lawsuit?

Yes. Generally for a personal injury action in the state of New York an injured person has 3 years to bring a lawsuit. This time frame changes if the City or other municipality is involved in the accident. It is important that you see an experienced attorney as soon as possible to make sure you don't miss your ability to make a claim.

how much is my case worth?

The value of each case varies greatly. The duration of your injuries resulting from an accident can range from days to weeks, or unfortunately even extend over years. Numerous factors, including these, are taken into account when assessing the worth of a case. There is no simple way to answer this questions as each client's injuries need to be assessed on an individual basis.