Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Huntington

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns in Huntington, call +1 631-852-6000 to reach the Suffolk County Police Department.

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

  Huntington police reports are available at the Suffolk County Police Department’s Central Records Section, located at 30 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank NY 11980. For further assistance, you may call the office at 631-852-6015, Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

• Can you handle a personal injury case on your own in Huntington?

  Yes, but it can be incredibly overwhelming. Handling your personal injury case in Huntington while dealing with physical and emotional pain from your injury can be an extremely difficult ordeal, so it would be wise to hire a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to take care of your case. With their understanding of the legal system and experience in negotiating with insurance companies, they can help you secure maximum compensation as you focus on recovering from your injuries.

• Who pays for the court filing fees for your personal injury case in Huntington?

  If you hire a Huntington law firm that operates on a contingency fee basis, it will take care of all the upfront expenses related to your case, such as hiring expert witnesses, obtaining copies of medical records, and paying court filing fees. The law firm will only get reimbursed for its expenses through your award money if its legal team successfully secures compensation on your behalf.

• If your Huntington doctor cannot cure your condition, can you file a medical malpractice claim against them?

  Not necessarily. Since medicine is not an exact science, your doctor's inability to cure your illness does not equate to medical malpractice. However, if your doctor acted in a manner that does not meet the standards of other practitioners, such as prescribing inappropriate medications or operating on a wrong body part, then you may have a medical malpractice claim in Huntington.

• How will your personal injury settlement be paid out in Huntington?

  Your settlement money from a Huntington personal injury case may be paid out in any of the following ways:

  • Lump sum payment: In this option, you will receive the entire settlement at once.
  • Structured settlement: You will receive the money in installments. This is an ideal option if the settlement amount is very large or if minor children or persons with disabilities are involved in the case.
  • Trust fund: This is somewhat similar to a structured settlement, but with the payments placed in a trust. This is especially helpful if the recipient has trouble managing money.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim in Huntington?

  The standard time window or statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Huntington is three years. That said, it is imperative that you pursue a claim as soon as possible while the evidence is still fresh and intact to help you prove liability and the extent of your damages. Once the statute of limitations expires and you don’t take legal action, you might no longer be able to recover any damages.

• 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.