How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in New York
Most personal injury lawyers in New York handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any attorney fee unless you obtain a monetary recovery through settlement or trial. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the amount recovered, so there are no upfront costs to retain counsel. The precise percentage can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the stage at which it resolves, and the terms of your written fee agreement. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we handle personal injury claims on contingency – you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Our firm’s New York location is at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent accident victims throughout the state, from New York City and Long Island to the Hudson Valley and Western New York. For a free initial case evaluation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Personal Injury Law in New York
Personal injury law in New York allows an injured person to seek monetary compensation when someone else’s careless or wrongful conduct causes harm. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the accident. Your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering altogether. This is a different legal standard than the contributory negligence rules applied in some neighboring states, and it makes insurance settlements in New York often more favorable to injured claimants.
The types of accidents that commonly give rise to personal injury claims in New York include motor vehicle collisions – car, truck, motorcycle, rideshare, and pedestrian accidents – as well as slip and fall incidents on property, construction site injuries, defective product claims, and medical malpractice. Each type of case involves different insurance coverage layers, and New York’s no-fault insurance system adds a layer of complexity in auto accident cases. Under the no-fault law, your own auto insurance pays your initial medical bills and lost earnings regardless of who was at fault, but you may step outside the no-fault system and file a liability claim against the at-fault driver if you sustained a serious injury as defined by the Insurance Law.
Time is limited. Personal injury claims in New York must be filed within three years from the date of injury under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). If you miss this deadline, your claim will likely be barred forever. Therefore, reaching out to a lawyer promptly after an accident is important. The earlier an investigation begins, the better the preservation of evidence and witness statements.
The statute of limitations for personal injury actions in New York is three years from the date of injury.
Source: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Personal Injury Cases in New York
When you contact our firm, we first interview you to understand the facts of your accident, the nature of your injuries, and the available insurance coverage. We then collect police reports, medical records, photographs, and other evidence. If your case is an auto accident, we evaluate whether your medical condition meets the serious injury threshold necessary to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, and we identify all applicable insurance policies, including underinsured motorist coverage.
Once we have a clear picture of your losses and the responsible parties, we send a demand package to the insurance company detailing liability and damages. Many cases settle during the negotiation phase before a lawsuit is filed. If the insurer does not make a fair offer, we file a complaint in the appropriate New York state court – typically the Supreme Court in the county where the accident happened. Discovery then proceeds, including depositions and document exchange. Throughout the process, the firm works with medical experts, accident reconstruction attorney, and life-care planners to build the strong case. At all times, you are kept informed, and decisions regarding settlement offers are yours to make. Our contingency fee arrangement ensures our interests align with yours: we recover only when you do.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He is a former prosecutor whose work includes testimony before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris leads a dedicated team of Of Counsel who concentrate in personal injury litigation across all five states and Washington, D.C. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a contingency fee work for a New York personal injury case?
A contingency fee means the lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or judgment only if you win. You pay no attorney fee upfront. If no recovery is obtained, you generally do not owe attorney fees, though you may still be responsible for case expenses such as filing fees or expert witness costs. The percentage is set in a written retainer agreement and is subject to New York court rules that require the rate to be disclosed and approved. Our firm’s retainer explains exactly how the fee is calculated, and we are happy to discuss it during your consultation. To discuss a fee arrangement, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a personal injury lawyer for a car accident in New York?
While you are not legally required to retain a lawyer, having experienced counsel can significantly impact your claim’s value. Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize settlements, and without attorneys representation you may undervalue non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. New York’s serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102 further complicates automobile claims, requiring proof that your injury meets a statutory category. An attorney can gather the necessary medical proof and negotiate effectively. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What if I am partly at fault for my accident in New York?
Under New York’s pure comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not completely barred. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and the total damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000. This rule is more forgiving than the contributory negligence standard used in some other states. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the facts and work to minimize the share of fault attributed to you. Contact our firm to request a consultation.
How long does a personal injury case take in New York?
The duration of a personal injury case varies widely depending on the complexity and whether it settles or goes to trial. A straightforward case might settle within several months, while a contested case with litigation can take a year or longer. Factors include the severity of injuries, the need for expert testimony, court scheduling, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate. Our firm works to resolve cases efficiently without sacrificing the value of your claim. For more information, call (888) 437-7747.
What should I bring to my first consultation with a New York personal injury lawyer?
Bring all documents related to the accident and your injuries. This includes the police accident report, photographs or videos of the scene, contact and insurance information for all involved parties, medical records and bills, proof of lost wages, and any correspondence from insurance companies. Even if you do not have everything, come with whatever you have. The attorney can then advise you on what additional records to obtain. To schedule a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Are there any limits on how much I can recover in a New York personal injury case?
New York generally does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Damages can include medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. However, there are exceptions: medical malpractice cases have certain procedural and evidentiary restrictions, and punitive damages are limited in some contexts. The value of your case depends on the specific facts, such as the severity of your injury and the available insurance coverage. Results may vary. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related New York Personal Injury Pages
Manhattan personal injury lawyer |
Brooklyn personal injury attorney |
Queens personal injury lawyer |
Staten Island personal injury attorney |
Long Island personal injury lawyer
New York Legal Resources
New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214 (Statute of Limitations) |
New York State Unified Court System |
New York CPLR Article 14-A (Comparative Negligence)
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.