WORKERS COMPENSATION LAWYER
COMMON TYPES OF WORKERS COMPENSATION ACCIDENTS
- TAXI DRIVERS Some types of taxi drivers are covered by Worker’s Compensation, such as drivers for fleets. Owner/Drivers are usually not covered. It’s a good idea to check with a workers compensation lawyer who can investigate your coverage.
- SLIP AND FALL When you are injured in a slip and fall at work, you cannot sue your employer unless you meet the exceptions below. If you are seriously injured, you will need the help of a workers compensation lawyer to get you the benefits you are entitled to under Workers Compensation Law.
- CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS Due to the inherently dangerous nature of construction work, Worker’s Compensation law provides additional compensation in many cases. If you are seriously injured in a construction accident, you should call a workers compensation attorney immediately.
YOU USUALLY CANNOT SUE YOUR EMPLOYER, BUT THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS
- If your employer fails to provide workers compensation insurance
- If your employer intentionally harms you
- Under Section 11 of the Workers Compensation Law in NY, it is an exception if you sustained “grave injuries” such as:
death;
permanent, total loss of use or amputation of arm, leg, hand or foot;
loss of multiple fingers or toes;
loss of index finger;
paraplegia or quadriplegia;
total, permanent blindness or deafness;
loss of nose or ear;
permanent, severe facial disfigurement; and
acquired brain injury related to physical force that results in permanent and total disability.
An experienced workers compensation lawyer will be able to apply the facts to the law and tell you whether or not your injury meets the standard for these exceptions.
THE SCAFFOLD LAW
There is another exception primarily intended for Construction Accidents. In New York, this is referred to as The Scaffold Law(NYS Labor Law sections 240/241), which allows workers injured by elevated falls to hold general contractors and property owners “absolutely liable” for their injuries, regardless of the employee’s own negligence or mistake, no matter how obvious or serious. The intention of the law is an incentive for employers to make workplaces are safer as possible, but business interests protest the cost of these safety precautions as an impediment to business growth.
YOU CAN SUE A “THIRD PARTY”
When you have an accident at work you should also consult a Personal Injury Attorney to investigate whether, in addition to Workers Compensation Benefits, it is possible to sue a “third party” whose negligence was at least in part responsible for your injuries. In some cases, it’s obvious, such as a taxi driver hit in the rear by another vehicle. Clearly, the driver can sue the driver that caused the traffic accident. If a delivery person drops a box on you, causing you to fall, you can sue HIS employer for his negligence. Sometimes it’s not clear at first whether a third party is responsible. For example, when a machinist is injured it may be due to poor maintenance of the machine by an outside contractor who could be sued for negligence. That’s why you should seek a consultation with a workers compensation attorney and a personal injury attorney to know all your rights.
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What are My Rights After a Hit and Run Accident In Queens?
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WORKERS COMPENSATION LAWYER
How the Law Protects Children
The law takes into account the immaturity and fragility of children and creates laws that have a higher level of protection than those that apply to adults. Not everybody knows this. I was outraged when a mother brought in her son that was hit by a car on his way to school. He was being taken to school by an older child. Her son was 8 and the older child was 10. Probably not the best decision to allow a 10-year such responsibility, but that was in the past. As they were crossing the street, a block from a school where there were hundreds of children on their way in, a driver hit the child. The child flew up onto the hood of the car, and rolled off. The children were in a state of shock, and the driver gave the kid a business card and took off. He didn’t call the police and he didn’t call an ambulance for the child. Clearly, this man was not aware that there are special laws that protect children.
HOW THE LAW PROTECTS CHILDREN THAT ARE AFRAID
The kid went to school and spent the whole day there, afraid to tell his teachers what happened, afraid he might get in trouble. His mother did not know about the accident until he came limping home after school. The driver did not know that he would be held to a much higher standard of care because he was driving in a school zone, where it should be expected that children might cross in the middle of the street or chase a ball. Even if there are no “school zone” signs posted, a reasonable person would notice that a hundred or so children are converging on a school in the morning.
HOW THE LAW PROTECTS CHILDREN THAT ARE CURIOUS
Children love to play, and they can be very curious. When I was a teen, I am embarrassed to admit that I loved to explore burned out houses. My friends and I had a slogan, “If it’s burned out, we’re there!” Luckily, none of us ever got injured, but the owners of those burned-out homes that were accessible would have been in big trouble if we did get hurt! This concept is called “attractive nuisance,” and it holds property owners liable for allowing access to something dangerous that children might find interesting such as a construction site or pool.
DO SPECIAL LAWS THAT PROTECT CHILDREN GO TOO FAR?
This is how the law protects children, and there are many other examples. Car seat safety has evolved to protect children from parents that might be too lazy or cheap to provide safe seating, and it also applies to any caregivers that are in charge of a child. A hospital will not let you take your baby home in a car without an infant seat, hospital personnel will inspect your car and issue an approval. Yes, there are special laws that protect children, and opponents of regulation may feel that they go too far and are too costly to parents and property owners. Let us know how you feel about this.
Despite New York’s passage of more stringent construction worker safety laws, lack of employer compliance still leads to an alarming amount of avoidable accidents. The NYC Department of Buildings reports that last August, a worker was seriously injured when a piece of plywood was used to conceal a hole, instead of repairing it. This happened 56 floors above the ground, and the worker is lucky to be alive. Sadly, this is happening all the time as employers fail to implement safety protocols. Construction safety in New York City can only be improved with both laws and enforcement.
In October, 2017 Local Law 196 was passed, but the City is not doing an adequate job with enforcement. The most important aspect of the new law was training, but the Department of Buildings keeps delaying the date requiring full compliance. This destroys the entire intent of the bill as people are still dying because they do not know how to put on a harness correctly!
The Mayor’s “management report” states that there are two construction accidents a day in New York City – 744 a year! This includes both small injuries and fatalities such as the worker that was killed in a building collapse accident last September. The total number of injuries keeps increasing steadily. There were only 212 injuries reported for the entire year just five years ago.
This increase is being attributed to fraud and inadequate training. Another ploy is the extensive use of “fake OSHA certifications,” that was reported on by the Daily News, NBC, and other media. The 10-hour training class costs more than $100 and a day without working is a big hit from a worker, and with fake certificates widely available, the temptation is huge. Another ruse is “online training,” as it is widely known that office workers often take the training for an entire crew.
Hopefully, the Mayor will improve construction safety in New York City with more enforcement to protect workers.
Construction Accidents are becoming more frequent as laws and regulations protecting workers are being abolished so that real estate developers can put more money in their pockets. Sadly, this is causing an increase in the rate of accidents, with serious injuries and fatalities increasing. If you have been the victim of a construction accident, here are the reasons to hire a construction accident attorney:
- Get Workers Compensation Benefits Quickly – an experienced construction accident attorney will know how to process your claim quickly so money is coming into your family as soon as possible.
- Investigation of All Exceptions to Workers Compensation that May Allow You to Sue Your Employer – New York State does not allow employees to sue their employers, but there are many exceptions that often apply to construction accidents such as “grave injuries,” falling from a height and failure to employ certain safety standards.
- Investigate Applicable Product Liability Claims – If the accident was caused, even partially, by malfunctioning equipment, the manufacturer of the equipment can be held liable.
- Investigate Third-Parties – There are often employees of other companies working on a site that may have contributed to the accident.
- Public Policy – Trump era deregulation is abolishing laws and regulations that protect worker safety, causing serious injuries and fatalities among construction workers to skyrocket. Making a claim will hold employers accountable, and could reduce future accidents.
- Peace of Mind – Knowing that you have top lawyers at your side will allow you to focus on your recovery/
- Money Can’t Buy Happiness, but it Can Help – Collecting a substantial amount of money will help you to rebuild your life financially after the accident.
Not all serious injuries show up on X-rays, and a follow-up with a specialist, including testing such as an MRI might indeed show a serious injury.
Section 5102(d) of the New York State Insurance Law gives guidance for what is legally considered a “serious injury.”
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- A permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system
- A permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member
- A significant limitation of use of a body function or system
- A “medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts which constitute such person’s usual and customary daily activities for not less than 90 days during the 180 days immediately following the occurrence of the injury or impairment.”
In order to make a claim for pain and suffering in New York, an injured person must legally prove that they have a serious. Let’s look at each of the categories:
- When somebody is killed in an accident, they will have a “wrongful death” claim, with its own rules and regulations.
- Dismemberment is when a part of the body is lost, such as losing a finger or arm. This is obviously “serious.”
- Significant disfigurement can take many forms, but often it is a scar in a prominent place. This can happen when a laceration does not heal well, and is an injury that might not show up on an x-ray.
- Fractures show up on X-rays and even the smallest fracture will meet the “serious injury” threshold.
- It must be proven that the loss of the fetus was caused by the accident, and did not happen spontaneously or for some other reason.
- This item can apply to a serious “soft-tissue” back injury, neck injury or other injuries that cause a permanent loss of use of a body part – such an nerve damage that causes paralysis, which might not show up on an x-ray.
- When a body part sustains a permanent “limited range of motion,” it is considered a serious injury.
- Very similar to number 7, but referring to different parts of the body
- When a person loses time from work or other activities for 90 days during the first 180 days after an accident, it is considered a “serious injury” even if there is a full recovery.
If you are feeling pain after an accident, you should see a doctor for a follow-up and consult a personal injury attorney, even if all your x-rays at the emergency room are negative.
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Personal Injury Attorneys call this type of scenario “delayed injuries.” It happens all the time. Right after the shock of an accident, and the police come to the scene and you tell them you’re fine, but then you go home and realize that everything is hurting. Of course, it is always better for an injury lawsuit if you notice your injuries right away, but it’s not too late to seek medical treatment for “delayed injuries” at any time after the accident when you realize you were hurt. Even though they are “delayed injuries,” its still “the sooner the better,” so as you soon as you notice you’re hurt, you should go to the emergency room to get checked out. Follow the instructions on the discharge sheet for follow-up and call a personal injury attorney for a consultation. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to make a case for your delayed injuries.
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NEW YORK INMATE ABUSE AND NEGLECT ATTORNEY
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CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
If you have been seriously injured while working at a construction site, the laws are complicated. You are entitled to Workers Compensation, but you may also meet an exception to the law that bars lawsuits by employees against employers and you may also have a claim against a third party. This is why you would benefit from hiring a Construction Accident Attorney to help you obtain compensation.
There are many claims to file for benefits, and possibly lawsuits to file against several entities. Once a settlement is proposed you will also benefit from the advice of an experienced Construction Accident Attorney that knows how much your case is worth. You should also know that a Construction Accident Attorney usually works on a contingency fee, so you don’t have to pay any money up front. You certainly have nothing to lose by having a free consultation.
CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
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CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
SPORTS INJURIES LAWYER
- When you play sports you “assume the risk” that you may be injured by the “inherent risks of the sport.” A sports injuries lawyer can explain how this relates to your particular sport.
- In order to sue for a sports injuries, it is necessary to prove that somebody else’s negligence or recklessness caused the injury. An experienced sports injuries lawyer will know right away based on the facts at hand.
- For children, it could be that the coach, school or camp did not provide proper safety equipment, this claim would be more difficult for an adult, who would have to prove that they were not aware of the need for the equipment.
- Improper supervision is a claim for a child, but not an adult.
- For beginners of a sport at any age, lack of safety advice and improper coaching can give rise to a claim. A sports injuries lawyer knows what types of advice and coaching are appropriate for various sports.
- A manufacturing defect in safety can give rise to a claim for product liability for a child or an adult. An experienced sports injuries lawyer can research recalls and defects in equipment for you.
- Premises liability rests with owners of sporting fields and schools, who are liable for unsafe playing areas and for the conduct of their staff.
If you suspect that your sports injury may have been caused by negligence or recklessness, a free consultation with a sports injuries lawyer will help you sort this out. At Sports Injuries Lawyer, Wittenstein & Wittenstein, we’ve been helping injured people for more than 60 years. Please don’t hesitate to call if you think you might have a claim.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Bicycle Accidents
Many cities, including New York City, are encouraging residents and visitors to use bikes to get around the city. There are more bike lanes being put in every day, and you can rent a "Citi-bike" just about anywhere. It's not surprising that this has resulted in an increasing number of bike accidents citywide. They only have two wheels, so they are easy to tip over when they are hit by a car. There is no protection other than a helmet for the bicyclist, so injuries from bike accidents tend to be serious. If you are injured in a bicycle accident, an experienced bicycle accident attorney in NYC can explain the law as it applies to [...]
Injured Construction Workers Have Rights Under Labor Laws
Labor Laws protect construction workers injured on the job. New York’s Labor Laws impose a heavy duty on employers to provide a “safe place to work.” There is special protection for Construction Workers injured while doing work such as renovation, demolition, alteration or repair of buildings and other structures. The justification for these laws is that construction work is an extremely dangerous profession, and employers should be discouraged from “cutting corners” on safety with these strict laws. Injured construction workers have protection under these laws that allow them to sue their employers in addition to collecting Workers Compensation benefits. Section 200 This is the “safe place to work” law, and it very broad. In order to bring [...]
New York’s “Scaffold Law” Protects Injured Construction Workers
New York State Labor Law § 240/241 was one of the first labor laws enacted in the United States. It predates the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Workers Compensation Programs. It was enacted in 1885, and despite lobbying to repeal it, has survived to this day. A similar law in Illinois was repealed in 2013. There is even a website scaffoldlaw.com, dedicated to “Scaffold Law Reform,” with scurrilous claims that the laws actually makes worksites “less safe.” Why is a law that protects injured construction workers so controversial? So, you must be wondering now, what’s the big deal about this Scaffold Law? What makes it so terrifying to builders? First off, it operates as [...]
Who’s The Best Accident Attorney in New York City?
If you’ve been injured in accident, you might be wondering, "Who's the best accident attorney in New York City?" Just like you would want to find the best doctor, auto mechanic or interior decorator, you want the best lawyer. Of course, you do! But how is “best” defined? There’s a little dive in Chinatown that has the “best” dumplings, but I know some of you would say the food is “weird” and “Where’s the chow mein?” McDonald's has served billions of customers, but are their hamburgers really the best? I prefer mine cooked rare, on a brioche with swiss cheese. Let’s talk about the type of lawyer that’s best for you! You might tend to think [...]
What Happens if the Car Accident is My Fault?
Lawyers are always offering advice on what to do if you are involved in a car accident that’s not your fault. This is because when somebody else causes the accident, lawyers can represent you in claims for compensation. It is also important to know what steps to take if you are at fault for causing an accident. So you are driving down the road and your phone rings. You are momentarily distracted and hit the car in front of you in the rear. The accident is your fault! You are hurt and so are the people in the other car. Don’t panic. It’s not the end of the World! Follow the proper procedures and there will [...]
What are My Rights After a Hit and Run Accident In Queens?
There are few things more shocking than being seriously injured in an accident, and seeing the other driver take off. Recently, one of my clients was walking ON THE SIDEWALK when an out of control car went up ONTO THE SIDEWALK and hit him. His leg was broken in several places and thankfully some people inside adjacent homes heard the noise and called for an ambulance and the police. He was successfully treated for his injuries and the police caught the driver, who is being charged. This bring us to the question of legal rights to compensation after a hit and run accident. An experienced Queens Car Accident Attorney knows that there is always somewhere to [...]
SPORTS INJURIES LAWYER
ARE YOU WONDERING WHEN TO CALL A CRASH CRASH LAWYER?
You should call a car crash lawyer if you are injured in an accident. It might not be clear how serious your injuries are right after an accident, but an experienced car crash attorney can advise you about steps to take to preserve your rights. For example, a car crash lawyer is likely to suggest that you take the ambulance to the hospital to be checked out – you could be in a state of shock and the injuries might be worse than you think. A car crash attorney will also suggest that you file for “no-fault benefits” so your medical bills will be paid, because a car crash lawyer knows that the deadlines are short. A car crash attorney will also recommend how to best handle your property damage claim, should there be damage to a vehicle.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE CALLING A CAR CRASH ATTORNEY
There are so many reasons to call an experienced car crash lawyer after an accident. Here is the list of recommended steps to take:
- Check the physical condition of yourself and others in the car
- Get out of the car, if possible. and help others if necessary
- Call 911 for the police and ambulance
- Call your car crash lawyer for more advice
A call to your car crash attorney is always a good idea. Car crash lawyers recommend calling as soon as possible so that they can provide the best advice for your particular situation.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A GREAT CAR CRASH LAWYER?
Car Crash Lawyers, Wittenstein & Wittenstein, will give you free advice from the scene of the accident, so you don’t have to guess at what to do. There’s no reason not to call a car crash attorney after an accident, and the sooner the better.
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WITTENSTEIN & WITTENSTEIN WILL HELP YOU WHETHER YOU ARE A CITIZEN OR NOT
If you are wondering, “Can I sue in New York if I’m not a citizen,?” the answer is yes. TOURISTS AND IMMIGRANTS CAN TAKE A STAND, TOO! So, if you are a tourist or an immigrant, and in need of legal assistance in the United States, don’t be afraid to fight for your rights! Even if you are in the country illegally, you still have a right to sue. Attorneys and insurance companies are not required to report immigration status. Wittenstein & Wittenstein can help you seek compensation for any injustices done to you, just like anybody else.
Non-native residents and tourists in the United States are hesitant to file lawsuits because they are afraid they do not have the same rights as citizens. But you need not feel fear: let an experienced and highly qualified attorney from Wittenstein & Wittenstein decide the merits of your case. We understand that immigrants face special challenges when filing a lawsuit in the United States. The laws of your home country may not be the same as the laws here. You may not speak English very well, so the idea of sorting through legal jargon—which is difficult even for Americans to understand—is scary. But Wittenstein & Wittenstein is dedicated to helping. With our small size, we are able to give you the individual attention you need to feel comfortable with your litigation. Additionally, we are prepared with translators on staff to assist you in making decisions. This kind of special attention cannot be found at a large firm, which is why Wittenstein & Wittenstein takes pride in its size.
It is not true that you must be a citizen to file a lawsuit in the United States. Common examples of people who are eligible to file suit are:
- Students on Student Visas
- Workers with Work Visas
- Green Card holders
- Non-citizen residents
- Illegal immigrants
- Tourists
If you are not from the United States but believe you have a case to file in this country, please call Wittenstein & Wittenstein at 718-261-8114 or email at law@wittenstein.com so we can help you determine what your options are and help you take the next step.
WITTENSTEIN & WITTENSTEIN – HELPING VICTIMS OF NEGLIGENCE FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS
If you are wondering, “What is Negligence,?” you should know that it is when somebody caused harm accidentally, by not being careful enough, not taking proper precautions or by breaking rules and regulations.
Wittenstein & Wittenstein knows from extensive legal experience that life-changing injuries can happen in a split second. Our Personal Injury Attorneys at our Queens office are experts at helping victims of negligence. An experienced Personal Injury Lawyer can get you the compensation you deserve, and a Personal Injury Attorney that knows the turf can get even better results. Wittenstein & Wittenstein has been handling negligence cases in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island and Nassau County for over 60 years. The grandchildren of our clients come to us because we get them great verdicts and settlements, and also because they know we really care.
Here’s an example of negligence, and there are many more. Jane lives in an apartment where steam heat pipes are used to warm the building in the winter. These pipes are placed in every room of the apartment in lieu of regular radiators. However, this type of steam heat piping – which can reach scalding temperatures and cannot be controlled by the tenants – is often justify uncovered by property managers. On this particular morning, Jane stepped out of the shower and put on a towel just like she does every day. But this time she had the misfortune of grazing her arm against the pipe as she wrapped the towel around her to dry off, and the pipe instantaneously justify a large second-degree burn near her elbow that is both disfiguring and painful, so much so that the range of motion in her arm is limited until it heals. But still after it heals, it will scar, leaving behind an ugly blemish that will last the rest of her life. And she realizes that no, the property manager did not push her into the pipe, nor did he intentionally hold Jane’s arm against it. However, the property manager is still at fault for neglecting to do his job by preventing these kinds of horrible and completely avoidable accidents from happening. This pipe needed only to have an inexpensive protective cover to have saved Jane from suffering.
And this is only a mild example of the kinds of neglect that cause serious harm to people. If you believe you or someone you love has incurred an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation, and Wittenstein & Wittenstein wants to come to the rescue. While we do regret your loss, we also hope you will call us at 718-261-8114 to find out what your options are and figure out the best next step in seeking justice.
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Forest Hills Accident Injury Lawyer.
KNOW WHEN YOUR RIGHTS RUN OUT: LEARN ABOUT THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS WHEN FILING A LAWSUIT IN NEW YORK
It is not a wise decision to wait when you think you have a case: Act now! If you are wondering “What are the time limits for filing a lawsuit in New York,?” the best thing to do is immediately contact an attorney who can apply the law to your situation. That said, here’s an overview of the time limitations for various types of situations.
Unfortunately, the law does not have infinite patience. Lawsuits cannot be filed whenever it is most convenient to the litigant (you). According to the law, suits must be filed within a certain amount of time after the date of the incident in question. The statute of limitations is a guideline that determines whether your case is still valid or if you have waited too long to file. Its purpose is to set a calendar deadline for litigation based on a given event.
The start date for the statute of limitations is almost always the date when the incident occurred. There are two exceptions:
- Date of Discovery: When a person could not have known they were injured, like if a surgical instrument was left inside them after surgery and was not discovered until complications arose, it would be unfair to use the date of the surgery (when the accident took place) as the start date for the statute of limitations. In these cases, the start date is the date of discovery.
- Delaying (“Tolling”): When the person who incurred the loss is unable to file suit right away because they are (most commonly) a minor, mentally incompetent, or bankrupt, then the statute of limitations is delayed or “tolled.” To cite a common example, if the litigant was a minor on the date of loss and the statute of limitations is two years, then the statute of limitations is delayed until that person can file as an adult. The start date for the two years will then be the day he or she turns eighteen.
In New York State, the statute of limitations laws are as follows:
- Defective Products or Devices: An action must be brought within 3 years of the date the injury occurred.
- Personal Injury & Negligence: An action must be brought within 3 years.
- Toxic substance exposure is counted under Date of Discovery.
- Personal Property Damage: An action must be brought within 3 years of date of incident.
- Professional Malpractice: An action must be brought within 2 ½ years.
- This statute is delayed when there is a foreign object that may have been left in someone’s body or if there was continuous treatment of the plaintiff. The statute of limitations runs from the time when the foreign object is discovered (up to 1 year) or the last date of the continuous treatment.
- If it is discovered that the medical practitioner withheld the truth about the malpractice, the statute of limitations runs for 6 years from the date when the fraud occurred or should have been discovered.
- If an infant is the victim of malpractice, the statute of limitations can be extended by up to 10 years from the date of the act or omission that caused the injury.
- Wrongful Death: An action must be brought within 2 years of date of death.
Those whose death came as a result of complications from involvement on September 11th have 2 ½ years from date of death.
As indicated above, the statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case you have. This is why it is of the utmost importance to pursue litigation as soon as possible after you have incurred a loss of any kind. If you have any questions regarding this matter or believe you may have a case that may expire under the statute of limitations, please feel free to contact us at 718-261-8114 or law@wittenstein.com. We are ready to help you figure out your best options and take the next step.
DO I NEED TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER IN NY?
LET WITTENSTEIN & WITTENSTEIN HELP YOU DECIDE
Knowing that most cases are settled with insurance companies without litigation, people wonder whether they really need to hire a personal injury lawyer. In some cases, it might not be necessary. For example, if you are hit in the rear by another vehicle, and have a police report that indicates that the accident was completely the other driver’s fault, you could probably settle the claim for your property damage on your own. All you would need to do is send an estimate for the damages to the driver’s insurance company and they will likely pay your claim without much hassle. They might want to inspect your car, but that’s no big deal either. The advantage of doing this yourself is that you get to keep all the money and don’t have to share it with a lawyer.
Sometimes it’s trickier, even with a simple car accident. You saw the other driver blazing through a solid red light while texting, but when the police arrive, he tells them that YOU went through the light. There are no witnesses and the police did not observe the accident, so they have no choice but to say that both drivers accuse the other of going through the light. Now, if you send the estimate for your car to the insurance company with the police report, they will tell you that they will only pay you for 50% of the damage, or, even worse, that they are sticking by “their insured’s” version and will not offer to pay you anything. Hopefully, you have full-coverage on your car in case this happens!
In the scenarios above there are “no injuries,” but already it’s complicated. If you are injured, not only will the insurance company not be willing to pay the full value based on the conflicting stories, but they will also discount the value of your injuries. You need an attorney to prove that the accident was the other driver’s fault. If there is a dispute over liability, this is when you should hire a personal injury attorney. It might be necessary to bring in accident reconstruction experts as well as other methods of proving fault – not something easily done on your own.
Let’s say now that the police report gives all the fault to the other driver, and the insurance company pays you in full for the damage to your car, but you are injured. When you finish with your treatment, you send your medical reports to the insurance company and they assign a claims representative to your case. You send the medical reports to the claims representative, who reviews them and tells you that they are not paying you anything because you don’t have a “serious injury.” You need an attorney.
What may seem simple in theory is much more complicated in practice. They are filing deadlines, and statutory limitations, as well as a host of regulations that personal injury lawyers know how to handle, so the value added by a good attorney is well worth the fee, especially if you have severe injuries or have lost time from work.
SEVERE INJURIES
If your injuries are severe and you have lost time from work, this is something to take very seriously. It might not be possible at the onset to know how long it will take to heal or when you will be able to return to work. In such cases, it is important to ensure that your claim is being handled properly from the very beginning. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to negotiate with the insurance companies to get you the services you need for a complete recovery and to make sure that you get the maximum compensation down the line.
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
This is the kind of case that it is virtually impossible for an indiviaul to handle on their own. The cost of prosecuting a malpractice case is enormous as doctors must be hired to testify, and spending that kind of money without knowing what you are doing (and risking the case getting dismissed,) makes no sense at all. Malpractice insurance carriers never settle cases in the early stages, so it’s not like you can just pick up a phone. Litigation will be necessary.
WHEN THE INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSES TO PAY OR LOWBALLS YOUR CLAIM
Some insurance companies are easier to settle with than others. There are insurance companies that will not settle claims at all unless there is some litigation done. Personal injury attorneys know the insurance companies and what has to be done with each one to maximize a claim. A good lawyer will make a jury case to a jury if necessary.
WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR CASE
It is difficult to make a decision to settle your case if you don’t understand it’s value. Personal injury attorneys have seen similar sets of facts before and have a good sense of what a case is worth. You may think you case is worth $100,000, but it’s really only worth $50,000. You may have a $200,000 and settle for only $10,000. You need a legal expert to guide you in these decisions.
If you have any questions please feel free to request a FREE CONSULTATION with WITTENSTEIN & WITTENSTEIN. Call 718-261-8114 to make an appointment.
SHOULD I FILE A LAWSUIT IN NEW YORK?
LET WITTENSTEIN & WITTENSTEIN HELP YOU DECIDE
When you ask “Should I file a lawsuit?”, you have lots of factors to consider. There is the money, the time, the energy, and of course, the case itself. How can you determine whether you have a legitimate lawsuit on your hands? Wittenstein & Wittenstein, with our highly qualified attorneys and years of experience, can help you decide whether filing a suit is the right choice for you to make.
Here are a few things to consider before deciding whether to file a lawsuit:
- Many people are under the impression that trials are only about determining guilt vs. innocence. This is not always the case. Lawsuits are not about differentiating the good guy from the bad guy; they are about determining what has been lost and what if any compensation is deserved for these losses.
- When an incident occurs, there may be a dispute between the parties involved. This is where litigation comes in: Lawsuits are a way to get an impartial assessment of damages and fault.
- Lawsuits are often lengthy. Wittenstein & Wittenstein is confident we have the patience and experience to see you through. Make sure this is something you, too, are willing to commit to.
- Lawsuits filed through Wittenstein & Wittenstein are done on a contingency basis.
- You do not need to be a citizen [link to filing w/green card, visa, etc] to file a lawsuit.
- Wittenstein & Wittenstein will always prepare for the full trial, but keep in mind that 99% of all lawsuits we have dealt with have ended in a settlement and have not gone to trial.
If you believe you may be eligible to file a lawsuit, we hope you will contact us at 718-261-8114 or law@wittenstein.com so that we can assist you in determining your options and taking the next step.
DO YOU HAVE A CASE? LET WITTENSTEIN & WITTENSTEIN HELP YOU DECIDE
When you are thinking about filing a lawsuit, you have lots of factors to consider. There is the money, the time, the energy, and of course, the case itself. How can you determine whether you have a legitimate lawsuit on your hands? Wittenstein & Wittenstein, with our highly qualified attorneys and years of experience, can help you decide whether filing a suit is the right choice for you to make.
Here are a few things to consider before deciding to file a lawsuit:
- Many people are under the impression that trials are only about determining guilt vs. innocence. This is not always the case. Lawsuits are not about differentiating the good guy from the bad guy; they are about determining what has been lost and what if any compensation is deserved for these losses.
- When an incident occurs, there may be a dispute between the parties involved. This is where litigation comes in: Lawsuits are a way to get an impartial assessment of damages and fault.
- Lawsuits are often lengthy. Wittenstein & Wittenstein is confident we have the patience and experience to see you through. Make sure this is something you, too, are willing to commit to.
- Lawsuits filed through Wittenstein & Wittenstein are done on a contingency fee basis.
- You do not need to be a citizen [link to filing w/green card, visa, etc] to file a lawsuit.
- Wittenstein & Wittenstein will always prepare for the full trial, but keep in mind that 99% of all lawsuits we have dealt with have ended in a settlement and have not gone to trial.
If you believe you may be eligible to file a lawsuit, we hope you will contact us at 718-261-8114 or law@wittenstein.com so that we can assist you in determining your options and taking the next step.
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