New York and New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers

Life changes in an instant when serious injuries occur. One moment, you're driving to work on the New Jersey Turnpike or crossing a busy Manhattan intersection. The next, you're waking up in a hospital bed, facing a future filled with medical appointments, rehabilitation sessions, and mounting bills.

Serious injuries don't just cause physical pain; they disrupt every aspect of your life. Family relationships may be strained with new caregiving responsibilities. Career plans may derail due to disability. Financial security can crumble as medical expenses pile up and income disappears.

During this challenging time, you need more than just legal representation. You need an advocate who understands the unique challenges of severe injury cases in New York and New Jersey, from understanding complicated medical evidence to calculating long-term care needs.

The personal injury lawyers at Hofmann & Schweitzer focus on severe injury cases. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take and fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.

What a Severe Injury May Mean for You

Serious injuries affect every aspect of a victim's life, often requiring significant adjustments to daily routines and future plans. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be enormous and include:

• Physical challenges. Many victims face years of painful recovery, multiple surgeries, and ongoing physical therapy. Some never regain their previous abilities and must adapt to permanent disabilities.
• Emotional trauma. The psychological impact of serious injuries often includes depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and loss of enjoyment of life. These non-physical injuries deserve recognition and compensation.
• Financial strain. Medical bills can quickly reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars for serious injuries. Combined with lost income and reduced earning capacity, many families face financial ruin.
• Family burden. Spouses and family members often become caregivers, creating additional stress and changing relationship dynamics. The impact on children can be particularly difficult when parents are seriously injured.

Our New York and New Jersey personal injury lawyers understand these challenges and work to secure compensation that addresses all aspects of your suffering and losses.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in New York?

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, one of the most important things to know is how much time you have to take legal action. In New York, this time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and missing it can cost you the right to recover compensation.

The General Rule: 3 Years

For most personal injury cases in New York, including car accidents, slip and falls, and other negligence-based claims, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in civil court.

That means if your accident happened on March 1, 2025, you would generally have until March 1, 2028 to take legal action.

Important Exceptions

While the three-year rule covers most situations, there are some key exceptions:

• Claims Against a Government Entity: If your injury involved a city, county, or state agency (like slipping on a sidewalk maintained by the city or being hit by a government vehicle), you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days, and a lawsuit must follow within one year and 90 days of the incident.

• Medical Malpractice: These cases have a 2.5-year (30 months) statute of limitations from the date of the malpractice, or from the end of continuous treatment by the same provider for the same condition.

• Wrongful Death: If a loved one passed away due to someone’s negligence, the statute of limitations is typically 2 years from the date of death, not the date of the injury.

• Minor Victims or Mental Incapacity: If the injured person is a minor or legally incapacitated, the clock may be paused ("tolled") until they reach legal age or regain capacity.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Even though you technically have time, the sooner you act, the stronger your case may be. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and delays can make it harder to prove your claim. Early involvement of an attorney also allows for proper investigation, medical documentation, and communication with insurers.

Why Choose Hofmann & Schweitzer Personal Injury Lawyers

When selecting a personal injury lawyer to handle your serious injury case, experience and resources matter. Our legal team offers:

• Proven results. Our attorneys have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for serious injury victims throughout the region.
• Trial experience. While many cases are settled, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, strengthening our negotiating position.
• Personal attention. Despite handling serious cases with high stakes, we provide individualized attention to every client and keep you informed throughout the process.
• No upfront costs. We handle severe injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.