Personal Injury

Accidents happen, but when they result in personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, the consequences can be life-altering. From mounting medical bills to the inability to work, the impact on your daily life can be overwhelming. At Lawrence Sykes Attorney at Law, we believe that you deserve justice and the personal service that every client deserves. Serving the Metropolitan New York area since 2006, our firm is dedicated to providing individualized attention to help you through these challenging times.

What Is Personal Injury?

Personal injury refers to physical or emotional harm caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. This area of law aims to compensate individuals for injuries or losses resulting from various incidents. Personal injury cases can arise from a wide variety of situations, including accidents, unsafe conditions, and professional misconduct. Some common examples of personal injury cases in New York include:

Car Accidents: These can result from negligent driving, distracted drivers, speeding, or driving under the influence. Car accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury claims in New York and can lead to severe physical injuries, property damage, and emotional distress.
Slip and Fall Accidents: These accidents typically occur due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting. Property owners in New York have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition to prevent accidents from occurring.
Medical Malpractice: Injuries caused by the negligence of healthcare providers, such as incorrect diagnosis, surgical errors, or improper treatment. Medical malpractice cases can be complex and often involve significant physical and emotional suffering.
Product Liability: Injuries resulting from defective or dangerous products that pose unexpected risks to consumers. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can all be held responsible if their products cause harm to consumers in New York.
Workplace Accidents: Accidents occurring while on the job, often due to unsafe conditions or a lack of proper safety measures. Employers in New York have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment, and workplace accidents can lead to serious injuries that require compensation.

Each type of personal injury case comes with unique challenges, and it is important to have a dedicated personal injury attorney who understands your needs and provides the support necessary for a successful outcome.

Statute of Limitations in New York

The statute of limitations is the time limit within which a personal injury claim must be filed. In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury (New York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 214). This means that if you have been injured, you must take legal action within three years to protect your right to seek compensation. There are exceptions to this rule in some cases, such as medical malpractice or injuries involving government entities, where different time frames may apply. It is important to act promptly to ensure that your rights are preserved.

Eligibility for Personal Injury Claims

To pursue a personal injury claim in New York, certain criteria must be met:

Duty of Care: You must establish that the defendant owed you a duty of care. This means that they had a legal obligation to act in a manner that would prevent harm to others.
Breach of Duty: It must be demonstrated that the defendant breached this duty by acting negligently or failing to act when they should have.
Causation: There must be a direct link between the defendant’s actions (or inactions) and the injury that occurred. You must prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injury.
Damages: You must have suffered actual damages as a result of the injury. Damages can include physical injuries, emotional distress, medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses.

Our personal injury lawyer in New York will meticulously analyze your case to ensure that all these elements are addressed, giving you the best chance at a successful outcome.

Damages in Personal Injury Cases

When you file a personal injury claim in New York, the goal is to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered. There are several types of damages that may be awarded in a personal injury case, including:

Economic Damages: These are tangible, measurable losses, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage. Economic damages are meant to reimburse you for the financial losses you have incurred as a result of your injury.
Non-Economic Damages: These are intangible losses that cannot be easily quantified, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Non-economic damages compensate you for the physical and emotional impact of the injury.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or intentional misconduct. Punitive damages are less common but can serve as a deterrent to prevent similar behavior in the future.

Understanding the types of damages available in your case is crucial to ensuring that you receive fair compensation. Our team will work closely with you to calculate the full extent of your losses and pursue the compensation you deserve.

How We Can Help You

At Lawrence Sykes Attorney at Law, we take pride in our neighborhood law practice, focusing on providing individualized attention to every client. Our personal injury lawyer is dedicated to understanding the specific needs of each client and tailoring a legal approach that addresses those needs. Here are some ways we can assist you:

Case Evaluation: We will assess your situation and help determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim. Understanding the strength of your case is crucial to building an effective strategy.
Gathering Evidence: Our New York personal injury attorney will work diligently to collect the necessary documentation, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to support your case.
Negotiating Settlements: Insurance companies often try to offer lower settlements to minimize their costs. We will negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to represent you in court to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
Legal Guidance Throughout the Process: We provide clear, concise information at every step of the process, making sure you understand your rights and options.

Call Us Today

When facing the challenges of a personal injury, having a trustworthy and experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference. Let Lawrence Sykes Attorney at Law be your advocate in securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Serving the Metropolitan New York area, our firm is here to provide the personal service that every client deserves. Contact us today at (914) 423-7075 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your life.