Nassau County Personal Injury Lawyer
Accidents happen every day. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of bad luck. But in other cases, a person is injured because of something that someone else did – or failed to do.
In this situation, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Through this type of claim, you can recover money for your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other losses. A seasoned Nassau County personal injury lawyer will fight for your right to maximum compensation.
The Odierno Law Firm advocates for clients throughout Long Island who have been injured in all types of accidents. With more than 150 years of combined legal experience, we have the knowledge and the skills to help you get the best resolution to your claim. Give our law office a call to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our legal team.
Call (631) 752-8580 Today to Schedule Your Free Case Review
Do You Have a Personal Injury Case?
If you were hurt in an accident, you may be wondering if it was just a matter of bad luck – or if you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. While each case is different, it may be possible to pursue a claim for compensation after an accident, even if it isn’t obvious that someone else caused your injuries.
In New York, personal injury cases are based on a theory of negligence, which is a type of carelessness. A person may be considered negligent if they fail to use the level of care that a reasonable person would use in a similar situation. There are four elements to negligence:
- Duty: the at-fault party (defendant) owed you a duty of care.
- Breach: the defendant violated that duty in some way.
- Causation: this breach was the but-for cause of your injuries.
- Damages: you (plaintiff) suffered injuries as a result.
Negligence can arise in any number of ways. For example, many of us are occasionally careless when we drive, such as by speeding. If our negligence causes a car accident, then we may be held financially responsible for any injuries that result.
In the same way, if another person caused your injuries, then you can pursue a lawsuit against them. Our law firm represents clients who have been hurt in all types of accidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Dog bites
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle collisions
- Bus wrecks
- Boating accidents
For each case, we get to work immediately, gathering evidence to support a strong claim for damages (compensation). Our legal team will interview witnesses, review medical records, request an accident report, seek out photos and videos from the accident scene, and consult with expert witnesses.
Negligence isn’t always straightforward. There may be cases where you aren’t sure if someone else is responsible for your injuries, such as in a single-vehicle automobile accident. Our team will thoroughly analyze the facts of your case to determine if another person or entity – such as a government agency responsible for maintaining the road – can be held legally responsible for your injuries.
If you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still seek compensation from the other party or parties. New York is one of just 13 states that follows a pure comparative fault legal theory. Under this law, even if you played a role in causing an accident, you can still file a claim. Your total recovery will then be diminished by the percentage that you were at fault.
Filing a Claim for an Injury
Most personal injury claims begin with a free initial consultation with a Nassau County personal injury law firm. If you decide to hire an attorney, they will begin an investigation and start to research New York law related to your case.
Your lawyer will then draft a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter will explain the facts of the case and the legal reasons why their insured is responsible. It will then make a demand for damages.
Most often, the insurance company will respond to a demand letter with a counter-offer. The parties will then go back and forth until a fair settlement can be achieved. In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your:
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, such as drunk driving accidents, you may be able to recover punitive damages. This category of damages is only available when a defendant acted intentionally or recklessly.
Most personal injury claims are resolved by settlement. However, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit to ensure that you get the money that you deserve for your injuries. Filing a lawsuit does not mean that your case will go to trial. Instead, it is an opportunity to continue negotiations while each side gathers evidence.
How a Nassau County Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
After an injury claim, you may be approached by a claims adjuster for the insurance company. They may ask you to make a statement or sign some paperwork. They may even make you an initial settlement offer.
It can be tempting to cooperate with the adjuster, especially if they are offering a settlement. However, doing so will often undermine your claim – and may result in a much lower settlement than you are entitled to under the law. Keep in mind that the adjusters work for the insurance company, and the insurer’s goal is to resolve your case for as little money as possible.
Instead, reach out to schedule a free consultation with a Nassau County personal injury attorney. During this appointment, they will listen to your story and then offer you advice on your legal rights. If you choose to hire a lawyer, then they will take over all communications with the insurance company so that you can focus on what truly matters – your health and well-being.
Throughout the process, your attorney will work to protect your rights and build the strongest possible claim for damages. They’ll use their knowledge of the law and similar cases to advocate for your right to full compensation. If necessary, they’ll take your case to trial and ask a jury to return a verdict in your favor.
Hiring a Nassau County personal injury lawyer makes good financial sense. A study by the Insurance Research Council shows that people with legal representation recover as much as 40% more in personal injury claims, compared to people who represent themselves. Because you won’t have to pay anything upfront for your attorney, there is no risk to scheduling a consultation or working with a lawyer to get the compensation that you deserve.
Hurt in an Accident? Give Our Law Firm a Call.
If you have been hurt in an accident, you may not know where to turn for help. You can trust our law firm to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Based in Melville, the Odierno Law Firm represents clients throughout Long Island. We are dedicated to helping accident victims get top dollar for their injuries. To schedule a free consultation with a Nassau County personal injury lawyer, give our law office a call at 631-651-6246 or fill out our online contact form.
