What Types of Injuries Does a New York Personal Injury Lawyer Handle?

Have you been injured in New York? Accidents happen, and sometimes they’re not your fault.

If you’re dealing with an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be wondering if you need a lawyer for injuries. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the stress and confusion that comes with an accident.

We’re here to help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve.

This comprehensive FAQ page explores the common personal injuries handled by personal injury lawyers in New York. We’ll cover everything from the most frequent cases to some unique situations you might not have considered.

Remember, this is just a starting point. If you have any questions or your injury isn’t listed, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injuries. New York roads can be challenging, and unfortunately, crashes occur frequently.

Here are some injuries we can help you with if you’ve been in a car accident:

1. Whiplash: This neck injury can cause pain, stiffness, and headaches. Don’t underestimate the impact of whiplash; it can significantly affect your daily life.
2. Broken Bones: Fractures are a common consequence of car accidents. We can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
3. Head Injuries: Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can have lasting effects. We’ll fight for the compensation you need to recover and get back on your feet.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries: These are devastating injuries that can cause paralysis and permanent disability. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you need a skilled legal team on your side.
5. Internal Injuries: Car accidents can cause internal bleeding and organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe. If you’ve been injured due to negligence, we can help you hold them accountable.

Common slip and fall injuries include:

1. Broken bones: Particularly wrists, ankles, and hips
2. Head injuries: Including concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries
3. Back and spinal cord injuries: Which can lead to chronic pain or even paralysis
4. Soft tissue injuries: Such as sprains and strains

Pedestrian Accidents

Whether you’re crossing the street or walking on the sidewalk, you have the right to be safe. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, we can help you fight for compensation.

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians, including:

1. Multiple fractures
2. Traumatic brain injuries
3. Spinal cord injuries
4. Internal injuries

Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently risky, but proper safety precautions can prevent accidents. If you’ve been injured on a construction site due to negligence, we can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common construction accidents include:

1. Falls from heights
2. Crushing injuries
3. Electrocution
4. Exposure to hazardous materials
5. Machinery accidents

Work Injuries

Work shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. In New York, workers’ compensation laws are in place to protect you if you’re injured on the job.

However, navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex. If you’ve been injured at work and are struggling to get the benefits you deserve, we can help.

Common work-related injuries include:

1. Repetitive strain injuries: Such as carpal tunnel syndrome
2. Back injuries: Often from lifting or poor ergonomics
3. Falls: On construction sites or in office environments
4. Occupational illnesses: Including respiratory diseases or cancer from exposure to harmful substances

Unique Situations

Life throws curveballs, and sometimes those curveballs result in unexpected injuries. Here are some less common situations where we can help:

Dog Bites

Dog attacks can be frightening and cause serious injuries. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, we can help you recover compensation for medical bills and emotional distress.

Dog bites can lead to:

1. Lacerations and scarring
2. Infections
3. Nerve damage
4. Emotional trauma

Defective Products

Faulty products can cause serious injuries. If you’ve been injured by a defective product, we can help you hold the manufacturer or seller accountable.

Product liability cases may involve:

1. Defective medical devices
2. Faulty vehicle components
3. Dangerous children’s toys
4. Malfunctioning household appliances

Medical Malpractice

When medical professionals make mistakes, it can have devastating consequences. If you’ve been injured due to medical malpractice, we can help you fight for justice.

Medical malpractice cases may include:

1. Surgical errors
2. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
3. Medication errors
4. Birth injuries

Beyond Physical Injuries

Personal injury cases aren’t just about physical injuries. There are other ways injuries can impact your life:

Emotional Distress

Accidents can cause significant emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. We understand the impact of these issues and can help you recover compensation for your emotional suffering.

Loss of Income

Injuries can prevent you from working and earning a living. We can help you recover:

1. Lost wages
2. Future earning potential
3. Job retraining costs

Reduced Quality of Life

Injuries can limit your ability to participate in activities you enjoy. We can help you recover compensation for the impact the injury has had on your life, including:

1. Loss of enjoyment of life
2. Inability to pursue hobbies or sports
3. The strain on personal relationships

Scars and Disfigurement

Some injuries leave permanent scars. We can help you recover compensation for the physical and emotional impact of scarring and disfigurement.

What if I’m Not Sure if My Injury is Serious Enough?

Don’t hesitate to reach out. Even if you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies as a personal injury case, it’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer.

We can assess your situation, provide guidance, and determine if you have a valid claim.

Here’s what you can expect when you contact us:

1. Free Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have.
2. No-Obligation Evaluation: We’ll review the details of your case and determine if we can help.
3. Personalized Approach: We’ll tailor our approach to your specific needs and goals.
4. Aggressive Representation: If we believe you have a valid claim, we’ll fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation Available in Personal Injury Cases

In personal injury law, the compensation awarded to an injured party is often referred to as “damages.” The goal of these damages is to make the injured person “whole” again, as much as possible from a financial standpoint.

There are two main categories of damages in personal injury cases: economic damages and non-economic damages. In some cases, a third type, called punitive damages, may also be awarded.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are those that compensate for tangible financial losses. These are typically easier to calculate as they often have specific dollar amounts attached to them.

Economic damages include:

1. Medical expenses: This covers all costs related to your medical treatment, including:
   • Hospital bills
   • Doctor’s visits
   • Prescription medications
   • Physical therapy
   • Medical equipment (like crutches or wheelchairs)
   • Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment
2. Lost wages: This compensates you for any time missed from work due to your injury, including:
   • Wages lost while recovering
   • Bonuses or commissions you missed out on
   • Vacation or sick days you had to use
3. Loss of earning capacity: If your injury affects your ability to earn money in the future, you may be compensated for:
   • Reduced future earnings
   • Loss of career advancement opportunities
   • Cost of vocational rehabilitation or job retraining
4. Property damage: This covers repair or replacement costs for any personal property damaged in the accident, such as:
   • Vehicle repair or replacement in a car accident
   • Personal items damaged during the incident (e.g., clothing, jewelry, electronic devices)
5. Out-of-pocket expenses: Any other expenses directly related to your injury or the accident, including:

• Transportation costs to medical appointments
• Home modification expenses (e.g., wheelchair ramps)
• Costs for hiring help for household chores you can’t perform due to your injury

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are less tangible and compensate for losses that aren’t easily measured in dollars. These can be more difficult to calculate but are just as significant. Non-economic damages include:

1. Pain and suffering: This compensates for physical pain and discomfort experienced due to the injury, both in the immediate aftermath and on an ongoing basis.
2. Emotional distress: This covers the psychological impact of the injury, which may include:
   • Anxiety
   • Depression
   • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
   • Sleep disturbances
   • Other mental health issues resulting from the accident or injury
3. Loss of enjoyment of life: This compensates for the inability to enjoy day-to-day activities, hobbies, or other pleasures of life that you engaged in before the injury.
4. Loss of consortium: This addresses the impact on your relationship with your spouse, including loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.
5. Disfigurement or physical impairment: If your injury resulted in scarring or permanent disability, you may receive compensation for the physical and emotional impact of these changes.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, usually those involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Punitive damages are relatively rare and are typically only awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious.

Factors Affecting Compensation

The amount of compensation you may receive depends on various factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• The impact of the injuries on your daily life and prospects
• The clarity of fault in the accident
• The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
• The skill and experience of your legal representation

It’s important to note that New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident.

For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in New York

It’s crucial to be aware of the time limits for filing a personal injury claim in New York:

• The general statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident.
• For medical malpractice cases, the limit is 2.5 years from the date of the alleged malpractice or the end of continuous treatment.
• Cases against government entities may have shorter time limits.

Don’t delay in seeking legal advice, as missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to compensation.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

A skilled New York personal injury lawyer can be invaluable in your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. Here’s how we can assist you:

1. Case Evaluation: We’ll assess the strength of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
2. Evidence Gathering: We’ll collect and preserve crucial evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies.
3. Negotiations: We’ll handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you’re not taken advantage of.
4. Legal Representation: If necessary, we’ll represent you in court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
5. Paperwork and Deadlines: We’ll manage all legal paperwork and ensure all deadlines are met.
6. Expert Connections: We have a network of medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen your case.
7. Emotional Support: We understand the stress of a personal injury case and will provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we’re committed to helping you recover from your injuries and rebuild your life.

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. Contact us today at (516) 689-1132 for a free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.