Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Brooklyn

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Brooklyn, New York?

  If there are non-emergency situations in Brooklyn, call 311 for a response from the NYPD.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Brooklyn, New York?

  Submit a request online at www.nyc.gov/openrecords for incident reports in Brooklyn. Additionally, requests can be sent by mail or submitted in person to the FOIL Unit at the NYPD headquarters in One Police Plaza on Park Row in Civic Center, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment through the number 646-610-5296 before going to the headquarters.

• When you sign a settlement agreement from the insurance company for a personal injury case in Brooklyn, is it final?

  Generally, yes. A signed settlement agreement from the insurance company is considered final and binding in court once you sign it. The agreement legally releases the party held liable in a personal injury case in Brooklyn from the responsibility of compensating the injured party. Additionally, it prevents the injured party from further filing claims to recover compensation for injuries not covered in the agreement.

• How is negligence defined in a personal injury case in Brooklyn?

  Negligence is failing to exercise a level of care and not taking reasonable action in a given situation. Negligence in a Brooklyn personal injury case can be proven by showing that the defendant owes a duty of care to the injured and failed to provide this duty of care, resulting in injuries to the victim.

• Can you get punitive damages in a Brooklyn personal injury case?

  Yes, but rarely. Punitive damages are only given by a jury in a trial to set an example to the public that reckless negligence comes with steep financial punishment. Some personal injury cases in Brooklyn, such as accidents resulting from excessive speeding or actions criminal in nature, could be awarded punitive damages. The amount the injured party receives for punitive damages is usually high because there is no cap on the amount.

• Where do you file personal injury papers for cases in Brooklyn?

  The personal injury papers for Brooklyn cases must be sent by mail, fax, or delivery to the Chief Clerk's Office in the Robert Abrams Building for Law and Justice, which is at the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza in Albany. The fax number is 518-432-3411. Additionally, it can be submitted online through the NYSCEF (E-Filing) System.

• What is the statute of limitations in a personal injury case in Brooklyn?

  Generally, personal injury claims in Brooklyn must be filed within three years following the date of the accident. Lawsuits involving wrongful death should be filed within two years, while those involving medical malpractice should be filed within two and a half years. In addition, injury lawsuits against government agencies should be filed within one year and 90 days, while claims should be submitted in 90 days.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.