Personal Injury
An injury caused by someone else’s fault can have life-altering consequences. While you cannot undo what happened, you can seek compensation for your suffering from the at-fault party. By holding them accountable for their actions, you send a strong message to them to act responsibly. You may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries.
At The Law Offices of Robert E. Brown, PC., we offer legal expertise for all types of personal injury cases. We are proud of our reputation as a trustworthy and successful personal injury law firm, something we have developed through years of fighting for our clients. When you need expert legal guidance and representation for personal injury cases in New York, you need our top personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert E. Brown, PC.
Personal Injury Cases That We Handle
With our extensive experience in personal injury cases, we can handle a wide range of cases. Unlike personal injury mills that focus on volume, we provide personal attention to every case we take. Here are some of the most common personal injury cases we handle at The Law Offices of Robert E. Brown, PC.
Car Accidents
Unfortunately, car accidents on Staten Island are a top cause of personal injuries that range from minor cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. The most common causes of car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and reckless behavior.
Our attorneys can help you gather evidence and build a strong case. In addition, we can handle communication with insurance companies, which often try to minimize their payout using underhanded tactics.
Slip And Falls
A simple slip and fall can cause all sorts of injuries. The most common causes of slip and fall accidents include slippery floors, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, loose rugs, or cluttered walkways.
If you are seeking compensation for a slip and fall accident, you need to prove that your injury was a result of someone’s negligence or wrongdoing. For example, if a property owner knew about an unsafe condition on their premises, and didn’t fix the issue or provide adequate warning, then you can hold them liable for your injuries.
Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing homes are supposed to be a source of comfort and care for the elderly; however, that is not always the case. Nursing home abuse refers to neglect of elderly residents at long-term care or nursing home facilities. Neglect can include emotional or physical abuse. We offer legal services for nursing home abuse cases to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions.
Motorcycle Accidents
Any accident that involves a motorcycle can result in serious injuries as there is minimal protection for the rider. The most severe motorcycle accidents are those that involve a collision with a large vehicle, such as a truck or car. Using our legal expertise, we can get the personal injury victims of motorcycle accidents full and fair compensation for their suffering. This may include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Truck Accidents
The trucking industry is heavily regulated, requiring trucking companies and truck drivers to follow strict laws including hours of service (HOS) regulations and commercial driver license (CDL) requirements. However, truck accidents are still common.
With our guidance, you can navigate the complexities of a truck accident case. Our attorneys can do a thorough investigation to gather evidence, such as data from the electronic logging device (ELD) of the truck, to strengthen your case.
What Should I Do Immediately After Experiencing A Personal Injury?
With any injury caused by an accident, your first step should be to seek immediate medical attention. Not only is this important for your health and safety, but it can also help your case. Medical records play a key role as evidence in personal injury cases. In some cases, the severity of the injuries might not be clear until a few hours or days after the accident, so it is best to get a medical check even if you suffered a minor injury.
If possible, try to gather available evidence at the accident scene. For example, if you suffered a slip and fall injury, taking a photo or video of the safety hazard can help your case. If you are not able to document the accident scene, the property owner or operator might remove the safety hazard and you may never get the opportunity to use it as evidence.
Another key step is to involve an experienced personal injury attorney early in the legal process so they can guide you on the legal aspects of an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Depending on the type of injury, you may need to notify certain parties, such as your employer. In any case, try to avoid discussing the incident with anyone else other than your attorney or healthcare provider.
Establishing Liability in Personal Injury Cases
Staten Island, just like the rest of New York, follows a system where the parties that have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, can seek to recover compensation for their losses. One of the key elements in a personal injury case is establishing liability, which determines who has to pay for the damages in the accident.
To establish liability, you have to prove the alleged at-fault party owed you a duty of care, and that they breached this duty, either through negligence or wrongdoing, resulting in your losses. For example, motorists owe a duty of care to other road users but if they don’t follow traffic laws or engage in reckless driving, then they could be held liable for accidents caused by their actions.
Similarly, property owners owe a duty of care to provide a reasonably safe environment to guests on their property and if someone gets injured due to a safety hazard that the property owner was aware of, then the victim can file a premises liability claim or lawsuit against the property owner or operator.
Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
You can seek compensation for various damages that are a result of the accident. This includes economic and non-economic expenses. Not only will you need to establish liability, but you will also have to provide proof of the amount of damages you suffered. You can work with your attorney to determine the damages. Here are some of the most common damages in personal injury cases:
Economic Damages
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Home modifications
- Funeral or burial expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
FAQs
What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Staten Island NY?
Generally, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case in New York is three years from the date of the accident. If you want to get damages for a personal injury case, you must file within this timeframe. You may qualify for exceptions or exemptions but they are rare. Check with our team of attorneys to learn more about applicable laws for personal injury cases on Staten Island.
Is it Necessary to Hire an Attorney for Personal Injury Cases?
No, it is not necessary to hire an attorney for personal injury cases. However, if you want to reduce your burden and ensure you get the maximum possible compensation for personal injury claims, it is best to hire an attorney.
How Long Does it Take to Resolve a Personal Injury Case?
Each case is unique, so there is no set time frame for resolving a personal injury case. Some of the more straightforward cases can be resolved in a few weeks, while others can take years. If you want a specific answer to this question, you can consult our team of attorneys who can provide some guidelines on what to expect in your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you believe your injuries are a result of someone else’s fault, then you have the right to seek compensatory damages. Our law firm specializes in personal injury cases and can guide you on how to recover full and fair compensation. After assessing your case, we can determine the best legal strategy based on its strengths and weaknesses. Ideally, you want to involve our personal injury lawyers early in the process so they can have maximum impact on the outcome of your case.
At The Law Offices of Robert E. Brown, PC., we handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay attorney fees unless there is a settlement or verdict on your case. We handle all types of cases including medical malpractice, wrongful death, and premises liability claims. You can contact us to schedule a free consultation with our attorney.
