Information on Law
What you should know ~

There are many types of accidents that occur on a regular basis.  Unfortunately, in today’s complex world, hazards exist that can cause serious injury to the unsuspecting person.  Here’s a brief guide to the proper steps that you ought to take if you have the misfortune of being involved in an accident of any kind:

NO-FAULT or AUTOMOBILE  the most common kind of accident, usually involves personal injury and requires the police and immediate notification of the proper insurance carriers or company.

PREMISES  Usually an accident occurring in or around the home or business and usually involves a trip, slip or fall.

MEDICAL  Usually an accident involving a departure from good medical practice, the failure to diagnose or the failure to perform a simple diagnostic test; the most difficult and expensive type of case.
WORKER’S COMPENSATION  An accident occurring during the course of the employment, usually prevents a lawsuit against the employer, but may allow a case against others.

OTHER Any type of accident not included in the above four definitions, such as food poisoning, intentional assault, libel, slander infliction of emotional distress.

Three parts of the case ~
Each case has three important parts.  Each part is necessary for a strong case. Without one part, the case is problematic.  The parts are;

LIABILITY or NEGLIGENCE - How an accident happens is extremely important and will determine the direction a claim may take.  For example, the driver of a motor vehicle who strikes a stopped vehicle in the rear will have a very difficult time winning a negligence case for personal injuries against the car he struck, because he caused the accident himself (even if he is seriously injured).  Yet the same driver may have a case against the automobile manufacturer for designing and producing a defective gas pedal causing his acceleration into the rear of that other vehicle.

DAMAGES - The seriousness of the injury plays an important role in determining the value of a claim.  For example, New York automobile accidents are regulated by the “serious bodily injury threshold rule” which requires that a person meet a certain defined amount of injury before a lawsuit can be maintained. 

INSURANCE or MONEY - The amount of collectible monies plays a vital role in the valuation of a case.  In New York, all registered automobiles must maintain a minimum policy of liability insurance, ($25,000) yet, rarely is this small policy sufficient to cover the pain & suffering in a catastrophic injury or death claim.

What you can do ~
There are some basic ways that you can help  your lawyer in preparing your case. 

Talk to no one  Do not speak to anyone regarding your case, unless one of the lawyers from our office is present or has been notified. 

See your doctor  You should return to each of your doctors as often as they feel it is necessary and report each of your symptoms to them. If you see any new doctors please tell their name and address.

Records  Please keep accurate and detailed records of lost time, wages, income, hospital, doctors, drug or other medical bills. All  bills should be paid by check and you should keep receipts.

Witnesses   Immediately furnish us with the correct names, addresses and telephone numbers of any and all witnesses that you may learn of.

Evidence  Please obtain and deliver to us any photographs pertaining to your case. A picture is worth a thousand words.  Save any physical evidence.

Your address  Be sure to keep us advised of any change in your address or telephone number.