New York and New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers

Hofmann & Schweitzer represents accident victims throughout New York City, New Jersey, and the five boroughs in serious personal injury cases. Our experienced NYC and NJ personal injury attorneys help clients recover maximum compensation for car accidents, construction injuries, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases. With over 45 years of legal experience and millions recovered for clients, we provide aggressive representation while offering compassionate support during your recovery.

Our Manhattan and Newark offices serve injured clients in all five NYC boroughs, northern New Jersey, and surrounding communities. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges serious injuries create, and we fight to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.

Please contact our office at 212-465-8840 for a FREE, personalized review of your case.

Free Personal Injury Consultation

What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident in NYC

Critical Steps to Protect Your Rights

1. Seek immediate medical attention - Your health is the priority, and medical records provide crucial evidenc
2. Call 911 if necessary - Report serious accidents to police for an official accident report
3. Document everything - Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and gather witness contact information
4. Do not admit fault - Avoid making statements about who caused the accident
5. Contact an experienced NYC personal injury attorney immediately to protect your legal rights

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in New York

New York follows a "no-fault" insurance system for car accidents, but also allows personal injury lawsuits in cases involving serious injuries. Other types of accidents follow traditional negligence laws:

• Right to compensation - For medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Right to legal representation - Experienced attorneys protect your interests
• Right to refuse quick settlements - Insurance companies often offer inadequate initial settlements
• Right to jury trial - Your case can be heard by a jury of your peers

Time is critical in personal injury cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses forget details, and New York's statute of limitations requires prompt action to preserve your rights.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our New York and New Jersey personal injury lawyers represent accident victims in all types of serious injury cases throughout the NYC metropolitan area:

Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents in NYC often result in serious injuries due to heavy traffic and congested streets. Our car accident attorneys handle:

• Multi-vehicle collisions and intersection accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accident cases
• Drunk driving and distracted driving accidents
• Hit-and-run accident claims
• Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma

Construction Accident Injuries

Construction accidents in NYC are governed by special labor laws that provide enhanced protection for workers:

• Falls from height and scaffolding accidents
• Crane and heavy machinery injuries
• Struck-by accidents involving falling objects
• Electrocution and burn injuries
• Stairway and ladder accidents

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents in NYC occur frequently due to weather conditions, poor maintenance, and unsafe premises:

• Snow and ice accidents on sidewalks and stairs
• Wet floor accidents in stores and buildings
• Inadequate lighting and broken walkways
• Defective stairs and handrails
• Negligent property maintenance cases

Medical Malpractice

When medical professionals fail to meet accepted standards of care, patients suffer preventable injuries:

• Surgical errors and hospital negligence
• Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis
• Medication errors and pharmacy mistakes
• Birth injuries and obstetric malpractice
• Emergency room errors

Wrongful Death Cases

When negligence causes a fatal accident, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for:

• Fatal car accidents and truck crashes
• Construction site fatalities
• Medical malpractice deaths
• Defective product accidents
• Nursing home neglect and abuse

Even if your specific situation isn't listed here, you may still have a valid personal injury claim. Our experienced attorneys can evaluate your case and explain your legal options during a free consultation.

New York Personal Injury Laws & Your Rights

New York No-Fault Insurance System

New York's no-fault insurance system provides immediate medical coverage and lost wage benefits regardless of who caused a car accident. However, you can still pursue a personal injury lawsuit if your injuries meet the "serious injury threshold" defined by New York law.

Serious injury threshold includes:

• Death or dismemberment
• Significant disfigurement
• Fractures or bone injuries
• Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member
• Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
• Medically determined injury preventing normal daily activities for 90 of 180 days

New York Labor Laws for Construction Workers

New York Labor Law Sections 240 and 241 provide special protection for construction workers injured on the job:

• Labor Law 240 ("Scaffold Law") - Absolute liability for height-related injuries
• Labor Law 241(6) - Specific safety violations causing injuries
• Labor Law 200 - General premises liability for unsafe conditions
• No workers' compensation restrictions - Full damages available in third-party claims

Statute of Limitations in New York

New York law requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within specific time limits:

• Personal injury cases - 3 years from date of injury
• Medical malpractice - 2.5 years from date of malpractice
• Wrongful death - 2 years from date of death
• Claims against government - Notice required within 90 days

Comparative Negligence in New York

New York follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for your accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you won't be completely barred from compensation.

Maximum Compensation for Personal Injuries

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses resulting from your injury:

• Medical expenses - All past and future medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy
• Lost wages - Income lost due to time away from work
• Lost earning capacity - Reduced ability to earn income in the future
• Property damage - Repair or replacement of damaged property
• Home care costs - Assistance with daily activities during recovery

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that don't have a specific dollar value:

• Pain and suffering - Physical pain and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life - Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
• Emotional distress - Anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma
• Loss of consortium - Impact on relationship with spouse or family
• Disfigurement and scarring - Permanent changes to appearance

Punitive Damages

In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, New York law may allow punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Recent NYC personal injury settlements: Our firm has secured millions in compensation for injured clients, including a $3.2 million settlement for a construction worker's fall injury, a $2.8 million recovery for a car accident victim with traumatic brain injury, and a $2.1 million verdict for a slip and fall accident. View our personal injury case results.

Common Personal Injury Accidents in NYC & NJ

Manhattan Traffic Accidents

Manhattan's dense traffic and busy intersections create frequent accident risks:

• Times Square and Herald Square pedestrian accidents
• FDR Drive and West Side Highway crashes
• Delivery truck and commercial vehicle accidents
• Taxi and rideshare vehicle collisions
• Bicycle accidents in bike lanes

Brooklyn Construction Sites

Brooklyn's extensive development and construction activity creates risks for workers and pedestrians:

• High-rise construction accidents
• Bridge and infrastructure projects
• Residential development injuries
• Sidewalk shed and scaffolding accidents

Queens Transportation Hubs

Major transportation facilities in Queens see frequent accidents:

• LaGuardia and JFK Airport incidents
• Long Island Rail Road accidents
• Bus terminal and subway injuries
• Van Wyck Expressway crashes

Staten Island Ferry and Bridge Accidents

Staten Island's unique transportation infrastructure creates specific accident risks:

• Verrazano-Narrows Bridge incidents
• Staten Island Ferry accidents
• Port Richmond industrial accidents
• Express bus and local transportation injuries

Bronx Highway and Street Accidents

The Bronx experiences high rates of traffic accidents due to major highways and urban conditions:

• Cross Bronx Expressway crashes
• Major Deegan Expressway accidents
• Grand Concourse pedestrian incidents
• Yankee Stadium area traffic accidents

New Jersey Premises Liability

Our New Jersey office handles premises liability cases throughout northern New Jersey:

• Shopping mall and retail store accidents
• Apartment building and housing complex injuries
• Restaurant and hospitality accidents
• Parking lot and garage incidents

How We Build Strong Personal Injury Cases

Immediate Investigation and Evidence Preservation

Personal injury cases require immediate action to preserve crucial evidence. Our legal team quickly:

• Secures accident scene - Photographs, measurements, and witness statements
• Obtains surveillance footage - Traffic cameras, security cameras, and dashboard recordings
• Reviews police reports - Official accident documentation and citations
• Collects medical records - Emergency room records, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans
• Preserves physical evidence - Defective products, damaged vehicles, or unsafe conditions

Expert Analysis and Medical Evaluation

Complex personal injury cases require specialized expertise:

• Accident reconstruction experts - Determine exactly how accidents occurred
• Medical specialists - Document injuries, treatment needs, and future prognosis
• Economic experts - Calculate lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Safety engineers - Identify code violations and dangerous conditions
• Life care planners - Determine future medical and care needs

Thorough Investigation of Liable Parties

Our attorneys identify all potentially responsible parties to maximize your recovery:

• Property owners and managers
• Employers and general contractors
• Product manufacturers and distributors
• Government entities responsible for roadway maintenance
• Insurance companies and coverage analysis

Aggressive Settlement Negotiation

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to accident victims. Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive damage calculations
• Strong medical evidence of injuries
• Detailed economic loss documentation
• Willingness to take cases to trial when necessary
• Experience with New York and New Jersey courts

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims

How can a personal injury lawyer help me after an accident in NYC?

A personal injury lawyer helps by investigating your accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, calculating fair compensation, and representing you in court if necessary. We handle all legal aspects while you focus on recovery. Our experience with New York courts and insurance companies ensures you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in New York?

In New York, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, medical malpractice cases have a 2.5-year deadline, and wrongful death cases must be filed within 2 years. Claims against government entities require notice within 90 days, so it's crucial to consult with an attorney immediately after your accident.

What compensation can I recover in a New York personal injury case?

Personal injury compensation in NY may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, and in some cases, punitive damages. The amount depends on injury severity, impact on your life, and case circumstances. Our attorneys work to ensure you receive full compensation for all your losses.

Do I need to pay upfront fees to hire a personal injury attorney?

No. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. We also provide free initial consultations to evaluate your claim and explain your legal options without any obligation.

What if the insurance company offers me a settlement?

Insurance companies often make quick, low settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Don't accept any settlement without consulting an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate whether the offer is fair and represents full compensation for your damages.

How long will my personal injury case take to resolve?

Personal injury cases vary in length depending on injury severity, liability disputes, and insurance company cooperation. Some cases settle within months, while complex cases may take years. We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

Why Choose Hofmann & Schweitzer for Your Personal Injury Case

Decades of Personal Injury Experience in NYC & NJ

Our personal injury attorneys have successfully represented accident victims in New York and New Jersey for over 45 years. We understand the complexities of personal injury law and have the experience to handle even the most challenging cases in both state and federal courts.

Proven Track Record of Results

We've recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout the NYC metropolitan area. Our recent successes include:

• $3.2 million settlement for construction worker fall injury
• $2.8 million recovery for traumatic brain injury in car accident
• $2.1 million verdict for slip and fall accident
• $1.9 million settlement for medical malpractice
• $1.6 million recovery for wrongful death case

Local Knowledge of NYC & NJ Legal System

As a New York and New Jersey firm with offices in Manhattan and Raritan, we understand the local legal landscape including:

• NYC and NJ court procedures and judges
• Local insurance companies and their tactics
• Regional medical specialists and treatment facilities
• Community resources for accident victims
• Relationships with local experts and investigators

Comprehensive Legal Services

Our firm handles all aspects of personal injury law, allowing us to provide complete legal representation:

• Construction accident cases under New York Labor Laws
• Maritime injury claims under federal law
• Motor vehicle accidents and no-fault insurance claims
• Wrongful death cases for surviving family members
• Premises liability and slip and fall accidents

No Fee Unless We Win

We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• No upfront legal fees - We only get paid if we win your case
• Free case evaluation - No cost to discuss your legal options
• We advance all costs - Including expert witnesses and investigation expenses
• You owe nothing if we don't recover - No hidden fees or surprise bills
• 24/7 availability - We're here when you need us most

Community Involvement and Recognition

Our attorneys are active members of the legal community and recognized for our expertise:

• Members of New York State Trial Lawyers Association
• American Association for Justice members
• Active community involvement in NYC and NJ
• Regular speakers at legal education seminars
• Peer recognition and professional awards

Contact Our NYC Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you after a serious accident. You have valuable rights under New York and New Jersey law, but these rights must be protected from the moment of your injury.

Free Consultation - No Obligation

During your free consultation, our personal injury attorneys will:

• Review the details of your accident and injuries
• Explain your rights under New York or New Jersey law
• Discuss potential compensation you may be entitled to
• Outline our strategy for your case
• Answer all your questions about the legal process
• Provide guidance on dealing with insurance companies

Two Convenient Office Locations

New York Office:

212 W 35th St Fl 12
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-465-8840

New Jersey Office:

1130 US-202 Ste A7
Raritan, NJ 08869
Phone: 908-393-5662

Serving All of NYC and Northern New Jersey

Our personal injury lawyers represent accident victims throughout:

• Manhattan - Midtown, Upper East Side, Lower Manhattan, Financial District
• Brooklyn - Downtown Brooklyn, Park Slope, Williamsburg, Bay Ridge
• Queens - Astoria, Flushing, Jamaica, Long Island City
• Bronx - South Bronx, Riverdale, Fordham, Castle Hill
• Staten Island - St. George, Stapleton, New Dorp, Tottenville
• Northern New Jersey - Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in New York City, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, or anywhere in New Jersey, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today.

Schedule Your Free Personal Injury Consultation Now

Call 212-465-8840 for immediate assistance. We're here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.