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Imagine you’re working at a construction site in Queens, and suddenly and without warning, a scaffold you’re working on collapses. You slip and fall, and you’re hurt pretty badly. In fact, your injuries are so serious that you can’t work ever again or at least for a very long time.

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state and local government sector in New York saw 53,900 personal injury and illness cases in 2022. That’s equivalent to a rate of 5.6 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers

Personal injury cases are common in New York and the US at large. They can arise from workplace accidents, slips and falls, and many other ways.

You may think you can handle your personal injury case yourself, but with the complexities of the New York legal system coupled with what is at stake, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced attorney.

In this blog, we share five reasons why hiring a reputable New York personal injury attorney could be one of the most important decisions you make following a personal injury accident.

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1. Helps You Navigate New York’s Complex Legal Landscape

New York’s legal system is as complicated as its subway map. Procedural rules, like deadlines and the documents you need to file, can be as daunting as the accident itself if you’re not familiar with them.

That said, working with a seasoned New York personal injury lawyers brings years of experience navigating these complexities. For example, New York has a “pure comparative negligence” rule that lets you recover damages even if insurance finds you at fault.

With this rule, your damages may be significantly reduced as per the percentage of fault you bear for an accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can guarantee that your case is developed and presented in the best way possible to maximize recovery.

And they will be well-versed in New York’s relevant statute of limitations on getting your claim filed within time; generally three years for a personal injury claim.

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2. Access to Professional Resources and Networks of Experts

Top personal injury lawyers in New York have spent years developing the professional networks needed to build your case. They regularly work with:

• Doctors who can offer proper documentation of your injuries and expert testimony regarding medical diagnoses or treatment.
• Accident reconstruction experts can recreate the accident and determine who is at fault.
• Researchers who can find the proof needed and locate the witnesses.

These resources can be the difference between a fair court settlement and getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

In addition, experienced New York City lawyers are familiar with local doctors and can assist you in finding good medical care. They can also have doctors agree to hold off on payment until your case reaches resolution.

3. Helps You Level the Playing Field against Insurance Companies

Insurance companies come equipped with a team of attorneys and adjusters who start evaluating your claim right away. Because they have experienced and well-connected lawyers on their side, you will need one on your side as well to ensure a fair settlement.

The insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible in settlement. And since you’ll be going against a highly-trained insurance defense lawyer who is motivated to pay you as little as possible, having an attorney with experience in negotiations is always beneficial.

Your New York personal injury lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. This includes presenting a claim, filing a lawsuit if necessary, and taking them to court to get full compensation for current and future medical bills, loss of earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering.

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4. Helps Maximize Your Compensation through Skilled Negotiation

Did you know that many personal injury victims who handle their claims often settle for far less than their case is worth? Pursuing a personal injury claim on your own, without professional legal help, weakens your position when it comes time to negotiate.

A skilled New York personal injury lawyer not only knows how to maximize your compensation through out-of-court negotiations, but they also know how to figure out what your claim is worth.

Some factors that an experienced lawyer will take into account include:

• Current medical bills and any projected future medical expenses.
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential.
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

They have experience handling cases involving auto accidents, slips and falls, and other accidents commonly occurring in New York City. They can help you navigate the legal system, gather evidence to prove your claim, and are familiar with insurance tactics.

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5. Enjoy Peace of Mind during Recovery

One of the most valuable and often overlooked benefits of enlisting the services of a New York personal injury lawyer is the peace of mind you’ll enjoy. When recovering from an accident, you should focus on healing, not dealing with legal paperwork or arguing with insurance adjusters.

When you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your claim, you’re delegating them the power to deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. They’re your advocate and handle every aspect of your case, including:

• Gathering and preserving evidence.
• Filing the required paperwork.
• Meeting deadlines set by the court.
• Responding to legal correspondence.
• Preparing for trial if necessary.

This professional support allows you to concentrate on what’s most important: your health and well-being. And, since most New York personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay unless they win your case.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the time after an accident is critical, and your role during that time can significantly influence your future. While you can certainly handle a personal injury claim alone, having an experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney on your side always pays.

It dramatically increases the chances of receiving full compensation for all you are entitled to receive, plus it will help take the pressure off your shoulders during this challenging period.