Accidents and injuries can happen when least expected. From slip-and-fall incidents to car crashes and workplace mishaps, when you’re hurt because of another person’s negligence or wrongful actions, the road to recovery and justice can be complex. The thing is, knowing when to hire a personal injury lawyer in New York City is often a challenging decision.
Whether dealing with a car accident, work injury, product liability, or another accident, realizing the value of trustworthy legal representation is critical for successfully finding your way through the legal maze.
Let’s look at situations where help from a New York City personal injury lawyer might be necessary, what they can do for you, and how to tell when it’s time to reach out to an attorney.
The Need for a Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury law encompasses cases where individuals suffer harm due to accidents or intentional acts. This area of law covers a wide range of incidents, including car accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, and slip-and-fall accidents. Injuries can be physical or emotional and may result in economic losses such as medical bills and lost wages. Victims have legal rights to seek compensation for damages and losses resulting from these incidents.
Often, individuals hesitate to hire a lawyer, believing that minor injuries or straightforward cases can be resolved independently. However, even simple matters can become complex. Compensation for personal injuries may involve long-term medical treatment costs, lost income, or ongoing pain. In such situations, hiring a legal expert can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive proper compensation. For more information on personal injury claims, you can refer to the Office of the New York City Comptroller’s Personal Injury Claim FAQs.
Common Scenarios When You Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Many things combine to answer the question of when you should hire a personal injury lawyer, but let’s review some of the most common scenarios:
Serious Injuries or Permanent Disabilities
If your injury is serious or has resulted in permanent disability, it is advisable to work with a personal injury lawyer. In New York, the median compensatory damages award for personal injury trials is $287,628, significantly higher than the national median of $34,550, according to the Lawsuit Information Center.
When injuries result in long-term or lifelong consequences, the amount of compensation you may be entitled to is far more than a typical settlement. A skilled personal injury lawyer in NYC can fight for a settlement or judgment that adequately covers long-term medical bills, lost earning potential, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Complex Cases Involving Multiple Parties
In some cases, multiple parties might be involved in your injury. For example, in a car accident caused by multiple drivers or a work injury involving multiple contractors or unsafe equipment, determining responsibility and who should pay for damages can be complex.
If your case involves more than one party, a personal injury attorney can investigate the situation and help identify who is legally at fault. With legal expertise, you’ll have a far better chance of reaching a favorable resolution.
Denial of a Claim by Insurance Companies
Insurance companies can be difficult to work with, especially when they deny your claim or offer a settlement far lower than what you’re entitled to. A recent survey found that 38% of healthcare organizations reported a denial rate of over 15% for their claims.
If an insurance company disputes the amount you’re owed, refuses to settle, or offers an unfair settlement, trustworthy legal representation becomes invaluable. A knowledgeable attorney will have experience dealing with insurance adjusters and will know how insurance companies handle personal injury claims.
The primary goal of a New York City personal injury lawyer is to protect your best interests. Whether negotiating with insurance adjusters or pursuing legal action through the court system, your attorney will advocate for a fair settlement that covers all aspects of your injury.
High Medical Bills and Lost Wages
When you’re hurt, medical bills can quickly pile up. Even after receiving initial care, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, or therapy may be required.
If you find that your medical expenses and lost wages due to your injury are considerable, a personal injury lawyer can help by making sure you receive compensation for these financial burdens. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to calculate these expenses and file the necessary legal paperwork to attain this goal.
Work Injury or Occupational Accident
Many individuals who suffer a work injury may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, workers’ compensation does not always cover all costs associated with workplace injuries, particularly if the injury was the result of negligence. In fact, each year, an estimated 31,500 injuries compensable under workers’ compensation involve formal claims against someone other than the employer (a third party).
Sometimes, when the injury is caused by someone other than your employer—such as in cases of faulty machinery, product defects, or third-party liability, you might need to pursue a personal injury claim. A lawyer who handles work injury cases can help you investigate whether a third party was involved and will file a lawsuit to recover additional damages for the incident. This could include compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress, as well as amounts beyond what workers’ compensation offers.
Product Liability Cases
If you’ve been injured by a defective or dangerous product, it might be time to hire a personal injury lawyer. Product liability claims can involve manufacturing defects, design flaws, or insufficient warning labels that led to harm.
Whether a malfunctioning appliance, unsafe vehicle parts, or harmful medications caused the injury, a personal injury attorney experienced in product liability cases will know the intricacies of bringing such lawsuits to court. They can make sure the manufacturers or other responsible parties are held accountable for the harm they have caused.
Prolonged Recovery and Delays
If your recovery from an injury is taking longer than expected or there are delays in your medical treatment or your ability to return to work, it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer. Sometimes, delays can signal that the responsible party or the insurer is trying to avoid paying the rightful compensation.
When you experience prolonged recovery times or complicated medical procedures, an attorney can see what the problem is and take necessary steps to protect your interests.
You’ve Already Been Offered a Settlement
Insurance companies may offer you a settlement before you even have a chance to fully recover from your injuries. While it may seem appealing to accept the offer and move on, the amount proposed is frequently far too low to cover the full extent of your damages.
A skilled personal injury lawyer in NYC will review your case and provide you with an educated opinion on whether the offer is fair. They will work to get you a higher settlement if necessary, taking into account any future medical needs and other ongoing issues caused by the injury.
Legal Complexity of the Case
Some cases are highly complicated, requiring in-depth legal knowledge of New York personal injury law, tort law, and the court system. If you’re facing complex legal issues or suspect that the other party has strong legal representation, a personal injury lawyer will level the playing field.
In New York State, over 60% of cases are resolved either by settlement or an expedited trial within 90 days of being referred, according to the New York State Unified Court System. Hiring an experienced attorney ensures your case is handled competently and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
What Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Do for You?
A New York City personal injury lawyer does much more than simply file paperwork. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, they will be by your side, offering complete legal support every step of the way.
First, your attorney will conduct an investigation into the accident or injury, gathering evidence to support your claim. This may include witness statements, medical records, photographs, police reports, and more. They will also help you gather expert testimony, such as from medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or other experts relevant to your case.
Second, your attorney will assess your damages. This includes both economic losses like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress. They’ll make sure that the total compensation requested reflects both current and future needs due to the injury.
Third, your attorney will handle all negotiations on your behalf. Whether you’re dealing with an insurance company, another attorney, or negotiating a settlement, having a lawyer in your corner provides leverage and helps guarantee the process goes smoothly. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can take the case to court.
When to Get a Personal Injury Lawyer
The ideal time to engage a personal injury lawyer is promptly after experiencing an injury or accident. Early legal involvement ensures the timely collection of evidence, the establishment of a case timeline, and the safeguarding of your rights throughout the legal proceedings. Handling an injury claim on your own can lead to delays or result in a settlement that falls short of covering your actual damages.
An experienced personal injury attorney can adeptly navigate the complexities of the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and strive to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries. In Fiscal Year 2023, New York City resolved 13,227 claims and lawsuits, totaling $1.45 billion in settlements. This underscores the importance of having skilled legal representation to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Choose Mirza Law for Your Personal Injury Case
When you’ve been hurt and need expert legal representation, Mirza Law is here to support you every step of the way. We offer personalized, client-focused solutions that deal with the unique needs of each case.
Our team specializes in personal injury cases, and more, bringing decades of combined legal experience.
At Mirza Law, we pride ourselves on quick resolutions, accessibility, and client service. As a quickly growing law firm, we are driven by the goal to protect your interests with empathy, experience, and knowledge.
We prioritize open communication with our clients and guide them through every phase of the legal process. Our team’s ultimate goal is not just to win cases, but to offer peace of mind during a stressful period in your life.
Call us at 212-500-3274 or use our online form to reach out today and schedule an initial consultation. We are here to fight for your rights!