Whether you are strolling through Times Square, heading to work through the streets of Manhattan, or exploring the natural landscapes of Upstate New York, anywhere in this state you could face various legal challenges. We want you to know that if you have an accident or face workplace injustices, we are here to help you find lawyers in New York who can assist you in Spanish and English.
We work hard to ensure that members of the local community can have access to the legal help in Spanish and English that they need. For this reason, we will do everything possible to connect you with a lawyer who can offer you a free, completely confidential consultation in your language.
The attorneys in our network fight to ensure their clients receive the justice they deserve. They are legal professionals who help the community in New York with car accident cases, workplace accidents, work-related injuries, and labor law.
We invite you to keep reading so that you can make informed decisions when hiring a lawyer in New York.
How Lawyers in New York Can Help You
If you are injured in an accident caused by another person or if your labor rights are being violated, you may have the right to file a claim to obtain compensation, or even initiate a lawsuit. These types of situations require the assistance of professionals, and lawyers do much more than defend your legal interests; they take on various responsibilities throughout the judicial process, ensuring that your case is handled properly and with the seriousness it deserves.
A lawyer in New York can offer legal services to help you, such as:
- Identifying, gathering, and preserving key evidence.
- Developing a legal strategy tailored to the particularities of your case.
- Formulating legal arguments that support your claim.
- Collaborating with experts whose testimonies can be decisive for your case.
- Handling all communications with opposing parties, insurers, and third parties involved.
- Negotiating agreements with all parties involved to seek the best possible solution.
- Representing you at trial (if a prior settlement is not reached).
- Fighting to obtain fair compensation.
Additionally, lawyers in New York have experience in various areas of law, providing comprehensive support in accordance with the particular needs and specific circumstances of their clients. Below, we will explore some of the practice areas of lawyers in New York.
Car Accidents in New York
Traffic accidents in New York can vary enormously, from minor collisions to severe crashes involving multiple vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, and large trucks. Each type of accident presents unique legal challenges, including personal injury cases resulting from car accidents, which is why it is essential to have a legal strategy adapted to the circumstances of each case.
In 2022, 1,148 fatal traffic accidents were recorded in New York counties, a figure that is relatively low compared to other states. This number may be due to the low vehicle ownership rate in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area, the lowest in the country according to USA Today. This implies that there are fewer vehicles on the roads and that, potentially, fewer serious accidents occur that often lead to personal injury cases.
Nevertheless, traffic accidents continue to represent a significant risk in New York, especially in the city and during festive seasons, holidays, and vacations, affecting both residents and tourists. It is essential to be well informed about these risks in order to make safe decisions when planning visits to the Big Apple.
According to data from the New York City Police Department and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2022 statistics show significant differences between NYC boroughs:
- Brooklyn: With 32,788 accidents, represents 33% of the city’s total, with the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Coney Island standing out as particularly dangerous.
- Staten Island: The safest borough, with only 5,272 collisions, representing 5% of the total.
- Queens, Bronx, and Manhattan: Report 27,943, 17,678, and 16,827 accidents, respectively.
In any accident, it is essential to have the support of an attorney experienced in traffic accident cases in New York, who can guide you properly and fight for fair compensation.
Compensation in Personal Injury Cases
In traffic accident cases, “damages” refer to all the losses suffered due to the accident and the compensation you should receive for your recovery. If you or someone close to you has suffered a car accident, whether driving or as a passenger, you may have the right to claim compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Loss of property
- Pain and suffering
- And more
Who Is Responsible for the Damages: No-Fault Insurance
No-fault insurance generally ensures that damages are covered regardless of who caused the traffic accident. This type of insurance mainly includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medpay.
Generally, PIP is mandatory in no-fault states like New York, and covers a portion of lost wages and medical expenses, in addition to protecting passengers, affected pedestrians, and members of the insured’s household. Medpay, on the other hand, is optional and covers medical expenses.
This type of insurance does not cover damages for pain and suffering or punitive damages. In specific circumstances, and once no-fault coverage is exhausted, it is permitted to file claims under the other driver’s liability insurance.
The Role of Insurance Companies After an Accident
If you have ever been in a car accident in New York, for example, you will know that the role of insurance companies is crucial. Perhaps you have heard it said that “in case of an accident, insurance companies are your best allies.” And in part, this is true, but not always.
Insurance companies could attempt to:
- Minimize the severity of your injuries to reduce the amount of money they should pay you.
- Offer a quick settlement for less than what your claim could be worth.
- Ask you for an overwhelming amount of documents to process your claim, which can be a tactic to discourage or delay the claims process.
- Ignore your request or deny your claim.
In these scenarios, the legal help of an accident lawyer who represents your interests before the insurers can make all the difference. This professional can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring your rights are respected and you receive fair compensation.
New York Pure Comparative Fault Law
Under this law, if you suffered an accident where the parties involved share some of the fault, you may still be entitled to compensation for damages, although this will be adjusted according to your level of responsibility in the accident. For example, if the total damages amount to $120,000 and it is determined that you are 75% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by 75%, resulting in a sum of $30,000.
In personal injury cases, courts must apply the state’s pure comparative negligence standard. However, this dynamic can change when negotiating with an insurance adjuster outside of a judicial setting.
Workplace Accidents in New York
The law protects employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their work activities. After a workplace accident, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, which can include:
- Comprehensive medical care
- Partial coverage of lost wages
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Death compensation
The workers’ compensation available to eligible employees is generally less than what could be achieved through a lawsuit for a workplace accident; however, it is more accessible, as it does not require the injured person to prove that there was negligence, recklessness, or malicious intent on the part of the defendant.
But if you are considering pursuing a lawsuit against your employer, contact a workplace accident lawyer. This professional can guide you through every stage of the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you truly deserve.
Construction Workers Face Greater Risk of Accidents
Approximately 70 people die in workplace accidents in New York every year, according to Univision. Figures indicate that immigrant workers in the construction industry face higher risks of suffering workplace accidents.
Statistics show that falls, electrical incidents, and being struck by objects are particularly dangerous because safety standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are often not met. The accident lawyers in our network have experience handling and resolving cases related to construction accidents.
Slip and Falls in New York
Trip, slip, and fall accidents often occur in places where floors are slippery, uneven, or not properly marked, among other causes. Often, these incidents are due to the negligence of those responsible for keeping visitors and passersby safe in these spaces.
If you had this type of accident and it was due to the fault of another person or entity, the first and most important thing you can do is seek medical attention. Afterward, consider speaking with a slip and fall lawyer. These professionals can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
New York Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is, basically, a law that establishes how much time you have to initiate a lawsuit in court. If you were injured because of someone else’s fault and are thinking about taking legal action in New York, it is important to keep in mind the time limit for doing so. In most cases, this deadline is three years from the day the accident that injured you occurred, according to New York law.
Think of this legal deadline as a countdown: once the clock starts running, you have that specific amount of time to act. Keep in mind that if you do not initiate legal action within the legal timeframe, you could lose the right to be compensated for your losses.
There are situations in which the standard three-year period could vary. That is why, after suffering injuries in an accident, it is vital that you contact a lawyer to clearly understand what limitations period applies to your case and ensure you do not miss the opportunity to claim what you are entitled to.
Other Practice Areas of Lawyers in New York
Labor law attorneys can handle different types of litigation that arise in the workplace. These professionals offer personalized solutions, adapting to the particular needs of each of their clients and their families.
Additionally, labor law attorneys cover various aspects of state and federal employment laws. These attorneys are prepared to handle labor disputes related to workplace harassment cases, discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, wage theft, and more.
Workplace Harassment in New York
Harassment is considered a form of workplace discrimination according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This violates several federal and state laws that protect employees.
Among the most common forms of harassment are offensive comments, threats, unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate physical contact, and the distribution of offensive material. For conduct to be considered harassment, it must be severe or repetitive, creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Additionally, it is illegal to be forced to tolerate this behavior as a condition of maintaining your employment.
If you suspect you are facing unfair treatment at work, the workplace harassment attorneys in our network are available to provide you with legal assistance in Spanish or English. We understand that starting this process can be challenging, but we want you to know that you do not have to go through it alone.
Wrongful Termination in New York
Losing your job can be extremely difficult, especially when you face financial obligations without a stable income and search for employment in a competitive labor market. But did you know that you may have the right to receive compensation after an illegal termination?
What Is a Wrongful Termination
A wrongful termination can be considered unlawful when it occurs for illegal reasons. This can happen when an employer violates labor laws. Likewise, if the employer has not properly followed their own termination policies, it can also be considered wrongful termination.
For example, an employer cannot fire someone for complaining about unsafe working conditions or lack of accident prevention measures in the workplace.
Wrongful termination lawyers are prepared to guide their clients through every step of the legal process.
Labor Law in New York
If you are facing the consequences of a workplace accident, harassment, discrimination, or any other workplace injustice, the labor law attorneys in New York who are part of our network are prepared to provide you with the necessary guidance. These professionals handle a variety of labor disputes, including:
- Workplace accidents
- Workplace harassment
- Discrimination
- Retaliation
- Wrongful termination
- And more
We encourage you to search for a labor law attorney within our network to obtain a free legal consultation about your legal matter.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer in New York?
In the United States, if you face a personal injury case, accident, or labor dispute, there is something essential you should know: many lawyers, including the attorneys in our network, offer their legal services without asking their clients for any type of upfront payment. How does it work?
These legal professionals operate under what is known as a “contingency fee.” This means that a lawyer in New York can represent you without charging you anything upfront. This professional will only receive payment if you manage to obtain compensation, whether through an out-of-court settlement or through a court victory.
Fees Charged by Lawyers Under This Model
Lawyers in New York who follow this model charge a percentage of the amount their clients receive as compensation, which generally ranges between 25% and 40%. Clients can also negotiate with attorneys a sliding scale fee structure, where the percentage varies depending on when the case is resolved. If a settlement is reached early, the percentage could be lower. However, if the case extends and goes to trial, the percentage would increase.
It is also important to consider that if the case is lost, the client could be responsible for covering other costs associated with the litigation, such as payments to law firm staff, travel expenses, and photocopying. It is important to keep this possibility in mind before signing a contingency fee agreement.
Request Your Free Consultation with a Lawyer Today
The attorneys in our network are always ready to assist their future clients. To obtain legal help in Spanish and English, costs should not be an additional concern. The attorneys in our New York network can work with you on a contingency fee basis, which means they do not charge you anything until — and unless — you obtain compensation for your losses.
Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whether by phone or online. Contact us now to receive your free, confidential, and no-obligation legal consultation. Remember that to initiate legal action, there are deadlines you must keep in mind. In less than 10 minutes, we will connect you with a local attorney who can evaluate your case at no cost.
We hope to be able to help you very soon!
Cities in New York Where We Offer Services:
New York City
- Accident Lawyers in New York City
- Labor and Employment Lawyers in New York City
Hempstead Town
- Accident Lawyers in Hempstead Town
- Labor and Employment Lawyers in Hempstead Town
Brookhaven
- Accident Lawyers in Brookhaven
- Labor and Employment Lawyers in Brookhaven
Islip
- Accident Lawyers in Islip
- Labor and Employment Lawyers in Islip
Oyster Bay
- Accident Lawyers in Oyster Bay
- Labor and Employment Lawyers in Oyster Bay
Buffalo
- Accident Lawyers in Buffalo
- Labor and Employment Lawyers in Buffalo
North Hempstead
- Accident Lawyers in North Hempstead
- Labor and Employment Lawyers in North Hempstead
Babylon Town
- Accident Lawyers in Babylon Town
- Labor and Employment Lawyers in Babylon Town
Rochester City
- Accident Lawyers in Rochester City
- Labor and Employment Lawyers in Rochester City
Yonkers
- Accident Lawyers in Yonkers
- Labor and Employment Lawyers in Yonkers