New York Personal Injury Lawyer

We represent people across New York City and throughout the state who have suffered serious injuries because of negligence, abuse, or intentional misconduct. An unexpected injury can leave an individual facing medical expenses, lost income, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about the future.

Our firm was founded by Gloria Allred, one of the nation’s most recognized civil rights attorneys, and we have spent five decades representing individuals against powerful corporations, institutions, employers, and public figures. Gloria Allred is admitted to practice in New York and is known nationally for her advocacy on behalf of people whose rights and safety have been violated.

We take select personal injury cases involving substantial harm, complex liability, powerful defendants, and serious civil rights concerns. Our New York office is at 111 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, near Wall Street, the World Trade Center, and the New York County Supreme Court.

Call Allred, Maroko & Goldberg in New York City today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

How We Help People Injured in New York

Personal injury claims often place an injured person against an insurance company, corporation, institution, or defendant with significant financial and legal resources. These parties may begin investigating immediately, sometimes before the injured person understands the full extent of the harm.

A New York personal injury lawyer can protect evidence, identify responsible parties, and pursue appropriate compensation. Depending on the case, an attorney may:

• Investigate how the injury happened
• Obtain photographs, videos, reports, and electronic data
• Interview witnesses
• Identify every potentially responsible person or organization
• Preserve surveillance footage and business records
• Review applicable insurance policies
• Work with medical, vocational, and financial experts
• Document current and future damages
• Handle communications with insurers
• Challenge unfair blame placed on the injured person
• Negotiate for an appropriate settlement
• File a lawsuit in the correct New York court
• Prepare the case for trial

The insurance company’s initial assessment may not account for future treatment, reduced earning capacity, or long-term emotional harm. Accepting a quick settlement can prevent an injured person from seeking additional compensation later.

What New York Personal Injury Cases Do We Handle?

We carefully evaluate select personal injury matters, including cases involving:

• Sexual assault
• Child sexual abuse
• Physical assault
• Negligent security
• Serious motor vehicle accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle injuries
• Premises liability
• Dangerous property conditions
• Catastrophic injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Sexually transmitted infections caused by wrongful conduct
• Institutional negligence
• Civil rights violations
• Workplace violence
• Wrongful death

Our broader practice also includes sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and hostile work environment claims. An incident may create both personal injury and employment claims when it occurs in the workplace.

Not every injury automatically supports a legal claim. We evaluate how your injury happened, who owed you a duty to act safely, whether that duty was violated, and how the violation caused the harm.

What You Must Prove in a New York Negligence Case

A negligence claim generally requires evidence addressing four questions:

1. Did the defendant owe a duty of care? A driver must operate a vehicle reasonably safely. A property owner may have duties concerning dangerous conditions. An employer may have duties when hiring or supervising employees.
2. Did the defendant violate that duty? A violation may involve unsafe driving, inadequate maintenance, negligent security, failure to supervise, or another unreasonable act or omission.
3. Did the violation cause the injury? You must connect the defendant’s conduct to the harm.
4. What damages resulted? Damages may include medical expenses, lost income, pain, emotional distress, and other losses.

A serious injury on its own does not prove negligence, which is why how we build the case matters. The evidence must connect the injury to legally responsible conduct.

Some cases involve intentional wrongdoing rather than negligence. Assault, sexual abuse, and other deliberate acts can create claims directly against the perpetrator and potentially against institutions whose failures enabled the misconduct.

Who May Be Liable for Your Injury

More than one party may share responsibility. Potential defendants include:

• Negligent drivers
• Vehicle owners
• Employers of negligent employees
• Property owners
• Property management companies
• Security contractors
• Construction companies
• Product manufacturers
• Retailers
• Schools
• Healthcare institutions
• Hotels
• Bars and entertainment venues
• Transportation companies
• Government entities
• Organizations that negligently hired or supervised a dangerous person

Identifying every responsible party matters. Different defendants may have separate insurance policies, different levels of fault, and distinct legal duties.

For example, a person assaulted at a commercial property may have a claim against the attacker. Evidence of broken locks, ignored security complaints, or inadequate access controls may also support a claim against a property owner or management company.

Negligent Security Claims in New York

Property owners and businesses may have duties to take reasonable security measures when criminal conduct is foreseeable. The level of security reasonably required depends on the property, history of incidents, warnings, and other circumstances.

Negligent security cases may involve:

• Broken locks
• Inadequate lighting
• Disabled security cameras
• Unmonitored entrances
• Failure to respond to earlier threats
• Inadequate security personnel
• Failure to restrict unauthorized access
• Ignored reports of dangerous conduct
• Unsafe hotel, apartment, or workplace access systems

A crime happening on someone’s property does not by itself make the owner liable to you. We investigate foreseeability, notice, security practices, and the connection between the failure and injury.

How New York State Handles Shared Fault

New York’s comparative-fault rules can allow an injured person to recover compensation even when that person shares some responsibility. The compensation may be reduced according to the percentage of fault assigned to the injured person.

For example, if total damages are $500,000 and the injured person is found 20% at fault, the recoverable amount may be reduced by 20%, subject to other applicable rules.

However, New York changed its rules for certain motor vehicle cases in 2026. Under the current version of CPLR Section 1411, an injured claimant in a motor vehicle personal injury action subject to Insurance Law Article 51 may be barred from recovery when the claimant’s fault is greater than the fault of the defendant or the combined fault of the defendants.

The New York Department of Financial Services states that this modified comparative-negligence rule applies to affected motor vehicle actions commenced on or after May 26, 2026.

Fault allegations should be taken seriously. Insurers may use statements, photographs, vehicle data, or incomplete reports to assign more blame to the injured person than the evidence supports.

How Does New York’s No-Fault Auto Insurance Work?

New York’s no-fault insurance system generally provides certain benefits after a motor vehicle accident without requiring proof that another driver caused the crash. Depending on the circumstances, benefits may address medical expenses and lost earnings.

No-fault benefits are separate from a liability claim against an at-fault driver. A person seeking compensation for noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering, generally must satisfy New York’s serious-injury requirements.

Deadlines can arise almost immediately. The New York State no-fault insurance guidance states that written notice of a no-fault claim generally must be submitted within 30 days of the accident unless the claimant provides a clear and reasonable justification for the delay. Medical bills and lost-wage documentation are also subject to submission deadlines.

New York’s 2026 motor vehicle reforms changed the serious-injury definition for actions commenced on or after May 26, 2026. The reforms removed the category involving a nonpermanent injury that prevented substantially all usual activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident.

Because these rules recently changed, injured people should not rely on outdated descriptions of New York auto law.

Steps to Take After a Serious Injury

Your health and safety come first. When possible, helpful steps include:

• Obtain appropriate medical attention
• Report the incident to the police, property owner, employer, or other responsible party
• Photograph the location, injuries, and dangerous conditions
• Obtain contact information for witnesses
• Preserve damaged clothing or personal property
• Save medical records and bills
• Keep receipts for transportation and other expenses
• Preserve emails, text messages, and social media communications
• Request a copy of any incident report
• Avoid giving a recorded statement without understanding its purpose
• Do not sign a broad medical authorization without reviewing it
• Avoid posting details about the injury on social media
• Contact an attorney before accepting a settlement

Medical follow-up is important for both health and documentation. Insurers may argue that treatment gaps show the injury was minor or caused by something else.

If you’re unsure whether your rights were violated or another party caused your injuries, we’re here to help. Contact us at 646-992-2184 today.

Evidence That Strengthens a Personal Injury Claim in New York

Useful evidence may include:

• Police and incident reports
• Photographs and video
• Surveillance footage
• Dashcam recordings
• Vehicle-event data
• Building access records
• Maintenance and inspection documents
• Prior complaints
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Diagnostic imaging
• Treatment recommendations
• Employment and wage records
• Tax returns
• Expert opinions
• Insurance policies
• Internal company communications
• A journal describing symptoms and limitations
• Receipts for injury-related expenses

Evidence can disappear quickly. Businesses may routinely overwrite surveillance footage, vehicles may be repaired, and dangerous conditions may be corrected.

We send preservation demands and pursue records through formal legal procedures.

Compensation That May Be Available

What you can recover depends on the evidence, the insurance available, your injuries, and the claims we can bring.

Potential economic damages include:

• Emergency medical care
• Hospital expenses
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation
• Therapy
• Medication
• Medical equipment
• Future treatment
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Home modifications
• Transportation expenses
• Other out-of-pocket losses

Potential non-economic damages include:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Anxiety or depression
• Post-traumatic stress
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Harm to personal relationships

Punitive damages may be available in limited cases involving especially serious misconduct. They are intended to punish and deter rather than simply compensate.

No attorney can guarantee a specific case value. The full value often cannot be assessed until the medical condition, future treatment needs, and effect on employment are reasonably understood.

What If You Had a Preexisting Medical Condition Before Your New York Accident?

A preexisting condition does not bar you from recovering. A defendant may be responsible for worsening or aggravating an existing injury.

Insurance companies frequently review prior medical records and argue that current symptoms were caused by an earlier condition. Medical evidence may be needed to distinguish:

• Symptoms that existed before the incident
• New injuries caused by the incident
• Worsening of an earlier condition
• Treatment that became necessary because of the incident
• New limitations affecting work or daily activities

Be truthful with medical providers and attorneys about previous injuries. Concealing a condition can damage credibility, while accurate records can help show how the person’s health changed.

How Long Do You Have to File a New York Personal Injury Lawsuit?

New York has different deadlines for different claims. The New York Courts statute-of-limitations timetable lists several common periods:

• Many negligence-based personal injury claims: three years
• Many car accident claims: three years
• Slip-and-fall claims: generally three years
• Product liability claims: generally three years
• Medical malpractice: generally two years and six months
• Wrongful death: generally two years from death
• Intentional assault or battery: potentially one year

These are general periods, not universal rules. The correct deadline may depend on the defendant, injury, date of discovery, age of the injured person, and other circumstances.

If you are claiming against a public entity, the notice requirements are far shorter. The New York Courts explain that certain claims against the State of New York may require action within 90 days. Claims involving New York City, public authorities, municipal hospitals, transit entities, or school districts may also involve special procedures.

Contacting an attorney promptly helps preserve both evidence and legal rights.

How a Personal Injury Claim Is Resolved

A claim may proceed through the following stages:

1. Consultation: The attorney learns what happened and evaluates potential claims.
2. Investigation: Evidence, witnesses, medical records, insurance, and responsible parties are identified.
3. Medical evaluation: The nature, prognosis, and future effects of the injury are documented.
4. Demand: The attorney may present the claim and supporting evidence to the insurer or defendant.
5. Negotiation: The parties may attempt to resolve the claim without filing a lawsuit.
6. Litigation: A complaint may be filed in the appropriate New York court.
7. Discovery: The parties exchange records, answer questions, and take depositions.
8. Mediation: A neutral mediator may assist with settlement discussions.
9. Trial: If an acceptable resolution cannot be reached, the case may be presented to a judge or jury.

Major civil cases are generally filed in the New York Supreme Court. In New York City, venue may be located in New York, Kings, Queens, Bronx, or Richmond County depending on the parties and facts.

Should You Accept a Settlement or Go to Trial in New York?

Settlement can provide a faster, more private, and more predictable outcome. Trial may be necessary when defendants dispute fault, minimize the injuries, or refuse to make an appropriate offer.

Before accepting a settlement, consider:

• Current medical expenses
• Future treatment
• Lost income
• Reduced earning ability
• Liens and reimbursement claims
• Long-term physical limitations
• Emotional harm
• Strength of the evidence
• Available insurance or assets
• Risk and duration of litigation

A settlement generally requires you to release the defendants from any further liability, so we review those terms with you line by line. Once the release is signed, the claim usually cannot be reopened because the injury later becomes worse.

We prepare your case for trial even when settlement is the outcome we expect, because that is what moves an insurer’s number.

Wrongful Death Claims in New York

When an injury causes death, the personal representative of the estate may be able to bring a wrongful death action. Recoverable damages depend on New York law and the family’s circumstances.

Potential damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses related to the final injury
• Lost financial support
• Loss of parental care and guidance
• Loss of household services
• Conscious pain and suffering before death
• Other estate-related losses

New York Courts identify a general two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. Other deadlines may apply when a public entity or specialized defendant is involved.

Get legal advice promptly so evidence can be preserved and an appropriate estate representative appointed.

Why Choose Allred, Maroko & Goldberg?

We were founded five decades ago by Gloria Allred, Michael Maroko, and Nathan Goldberg. Our attorneys have represented individuals facing corporations, institutions, employers, and defendants with substantial resources.

 We take on significant personal injury matters that require extensive legal skill, resources, and experience, and we have recovered more than $1 billion for clients across our practice areas.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Our history reflects a longstanding commitment to civil justice and accountability, and we are recognized nationally for our advocacy on behalf of injured clients.

Gloria Allred is admitted to practice in New York, and our office is at 111 Broadway in Lower Manhattan. Clients benefit from determined representation, detailed case preparation, and a willingness to take on powerful defendants.

Allred, Maroko & Goldberg Is Ready to Help, Talk to Us

A serious injury can disrupt your health, livelihood, relationships, and future. Insurance companies and powerful defendants may act quickly to protect their own interests, so preserving evidence and understanding deadlines is critical.

Allred, Maroko & Goldberg is prepared to investigate serious injuries, confront responsible parties, and pursue appropriate compensation through negotiation or litigation.

Call Allred, Maroko & Goldberg in New York City at 646-992-2184 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Personal Injury Claims

Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury claim?

Not for every claim, but the gap tends to widen with severity. Insurers evaluate unrepresented claimants differently, and early offers routinely arrive before the full medical picture is known, which is precisely when they are hardest to assess. Serious injuries involving disputed liability, multiple defendants, or long-term care are where representation matters most. A consultation costs nothing and will at least tell you whether the offer in front of you reflects the actual harm.

What if I was partly responsible?

New York applies pure comparative fault, which means being partly responsible reduces your recovery but does not bar it. If you are found twenty percent at fault, your award is reduced by twenty percent, and this holds even where your share of the blame is substantial. Insurers frequently overstate a claimant’s responsibility in early negotiations precisely because the rule is not widely understood. Being partly at fault is not a reason to walk away from a claim.

Should I speak with the insurance adjuster?

Be careful. Adjusters routinely request recorded statements early, before the full extent of an injury is known, and those statements are used later to limit the claim. You are generally not obliged to give one to another party’s insurer, and you should not do so without advice. Providing basic factual information about the incident is one thing. Discussing your injuries, your recovery, or your degree of fault is another, and it is where most damage is done.

How long will my case take?

It varies considerably. Straightforward claims can resolve in months, while cases involving serious injuries, contested liability, or multiple defendants often take a year or more, and those that go to trial take longer still. One factor is medical: settling before your condition has stabilised risks undervaluing future care, so there is usually a reason to wait. We would rather take the time needed to establish the full extent of the harm than resolve quickly at a discount.

Do most personal injury cases go to trial?

No. The large majority resolve through negotiation or mediation without a trial. That said, preparing a case as though it will be tried is what produces a serious settlement figure, because insurers price cases according to what they expect to face in court. A claim that has been thoroughly investigated, documented, and readied for trial is valued very differently from one that has not.

Can I recover if the defendant does not have insurance?

Possibly. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may respond in a vehicle case, and there may be additional defendants with their own coverage, such as an employer, a property owner, a contractor, or a vehicle owner. Identifying every potentially responsible party and every available policy is one of the first things we do, because the defendant who caused the harm is not always the one whose insurance ultimately pays for it.

Is a settlement taxable?

Compensation for physical injuries is generally not treated as taxable income, but the position varies by the type of damages involved. Amounts allocated to lost wages, punitive damages, or interest can be treated differently, and how a settlement is structured and characterised affects the outcome. This is worth individualised legal and tax advice before you sign rather than afterwards, because the allocation is usually easier to address while the terms are still being negotiated.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

There is no formula, and any figure quoted before the medical picture is complete is speculation. Value depends on the severity and permanence of the injury, medical costs already incurred and still to come, lost income and reduced earning capacity, the strength of the liability evidence, the insurance available, and any comparative fault. Cases involving lasting impairment or clear negligence by a well-insured defendant resolve very differently from those without either.