Jacoby & Meyers, LLP

39 Broadway
Suite 1910
New York, NY 10006
212-445-7000

The Manhattan Personal Injury Attorneys of Jacoby & Meyers, LLP

Manhattan is one of the largest cities in North America. More than 1.63 million people live in an area of just 23 square miles, making it one of the densest cities in the world. On weekdays, commuters from the surrounding boroughs and New Jersey increase the population in Manhattan to more than 3.9 million. With this many people packed so closely together for work, school, and living, accidents are bound to happen.

Perhaps you suffered an injury in a car accident on Broadway. Maybe you slipped and fell at a Starbucks or the Millennium Hilton in Downtown Manhattan. Maybe you got hurt in a construction accident at any of the 5,000+ construction projects always underway in Manhattan and surrounding boroughs. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you should speak to a Manhattan personal injury attorney immediately. Your attorney will help you evaluate your legal options, discuss your eligibility to recover compensation.

A Manhattan personal injury lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, can guide you through the legal process and may provide other services as well. Read on for more information about personal injury law and the importance of having our Manhattan, NY personal injury lawyers assist you with your case.

Experience You Can Rely On After an Injury Accident in Manhattan, NY

Why Choose Us?

At Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, New Yorkers walk through our doors every day. Many of those clients find themselves in the midst of some of the darkest, saddest, or most frightening times of their lives. They are in extreme physical, emotional, and/or financial pain. They need so much support that sometimes they feel frozen by not knowing what to do.

Our team has years of experience guiding clients through these difficult moments. We offer compassionate and skilled legal representation when you need it most. Our track record of success speaks for itself and is a major reason why so many injured Manhattan residents choose us to represent them in their darkest hours.

Here are just some of our successful cases to date:

  • $8.323 million for a medical mistake that caused cerebral palsy
  • $5.7 million for a school bus accident
  • $5 million for a multiple vehicle collision on Van Wyck Expressway
  • $5 million for a nursing home abuse case
  • $4.2 million for a two-year-old with burn injuries
  • $4 million for a medical malpractice case in Brooklyn
  • $3.5 million for a contraction accident resulting in a car accident
  • $3.24 million for a fire in an apartment in the Bronx

While past success never guarantees future results, when you choose Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, you know you have a team of legal professionals on your side. We give it our all and treat every client with the personalized dedication they deserve.

Find a Manhattan Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me

At Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, our Manhattan personal injury lawyers are here when you need us most. We have an office directly in the heart of Manhattan at 39 Broadway, Suite 1910. Our office sits just blocks from the New York Stock Exchange, the 9/11 Tribute Museum, and the Wall Street Station. We have an office in Manhattan because we believe that you should be able to access experienced and aggressive legal representation from the moment your accident occurs.

If you do choose Jacoby & Meyers, LLP to represent you after a personal injury accident in Manhattan, NY, you can rest assured knowing you have a strong legal team on your side.

When you suffer an injury, our attorneys can be there quickly, meeting you at the accident site, in the hospital, or in your home. We can also meet with you virtually during this time, so you do not have to come to our office. We offer FREE initial consultations and reviews, so you can explore your legal options in a safe and supportive environment. Call us today at 212-445-7000 or fill out our confidential contact form for more help!

“I had an amazing experience with Jacoby & Meyers, LLP. I would highly recommend them for anyone needing a law firm.” -Paul T.
★★★★★

How Much is My Manhattan Personal Injury Case Worth?

Getting the Compensation You Need

One of the most common questions our personal injury clients ask is “how much is my case worth?” It is natural to want to find the answer to this question. After all, you likely have rising medical bills and expenses with little to no income to help offset these costs. If your injuries left you unable to work for a long period of time, you may find yourself falling further and further into debt. When this occurs, you need to know how to get the compensation you need to put your life back together again.

At Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, our Manhattan personal injury lawyers can help you file the necessary claims with your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy first to get quick money for your injuries. You may also file claims with your health insurance at this time. We will then explore your legal options for filing a lawsuit or personal injury claim. In the state of New York, injured accident victims must first exhaust their own PIP policy before filing a lawsuit with the at-fault driver. We can help you do just that.

How much your case is ultimately worth depends largely on several factors:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • How your injuries have impacted your life
  • If you suffered any long-term disability or impairment
  • The amount of your financial losses both now – and in the future
  • The overall effect your injuries have on your mental health and wellbeing
  • The level of negligence or carelessness showed by the other party

When you meet with us for a free initial evaluation and review of your case, we can learn more about the particulars of your case. We will then work with your medical team and other experts to determine how much compensation you need to effectively handle your injuries and your future. Our attorneys use this knowledge to fight aggressively with insurance companies to obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages you suffered.

What Types of Injury Cases Does Our Manhattan Personal Injury Law Firm Handle?

Personal injury law is a fairly wide umbrella for different types of cases. Some of the practice areas that our Manhattan personal injury lawyers handle cases for include:

Car Accidents

In one month, 3,429 motor vehicle collisions resulted in 258 injuries to motorists and another 178 injuries to their passengers. Car accidents are most frequently a result of human error. Many things can cause a car accident, including distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, failure to yield, speeding, and aggressive driving behaviors.

Accidents Involving Injuries or Fatalities Citywide


Source: https://www1.nyc.gov/

Construction Accidents

Accidents at construction sites in Manhattan result in death and injuries every month. From scaffolding accidents to heavy machinery entrapment, construction accidents can result in horrific and disfiguring injuries. Construction is among the most dangerous industries for workers, and falls are the leading cause of death and injury for construction workers. This may result in a third party lawsuit or filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Motorcycle Accidents

Without the protective characteristics of other types of motor vehicles—including a steel frame, seat belts, and airbags—motorcyclists face an increased risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents, with many riders failing to use a helmet. Other common injuries include broken bones, facial trauma, bun injuries, road rash, spinal cord injuries, damage to the nerves and tendons in the arm as a result of the rider attempting to “catch” him- or herself during the accident (known as biker’s arm), and internal damage.

Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can be extremely dangerous and lead to tons of injuries. Not only do buses usually involve more people at the scene of the accident but in determining fault and recovering compensation there are more considerations than most auto accidents. To learn more about what the experienced bus accident attorney can assist you with your case.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, approximately 10 percent of the elderly population has suffered abuse, either physically, sexually, psychologically, or financially. Studies of the prevalence of abuse and neglect in nursing homes revealed that 70 percent of state inspections reveal at least one deficiency in the health and safety of the care provided, while about 15 percent of inspections miss deficiencies that could result in immediate harm to residents. Abuse and neglect have severe medical and emotional consequences for older adults.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

In one month, 188 pedestrians and 108 cyclists suffered injuries in accidents with motor vehicles. Manhattan is one of the most deadly cities for pedestrians and cyclists. Distracted driving, drunk driving, and aggressive driving can all lead to catastrophic and fatal pedestrian and cycling accidents.

Dog Bites

Each year, dog bites result in about 800,000 injuries that are serious enough to require medical treatment, and 30,000 of those bites require reconstructive surgery to repair the damage. In New York, if a dog bites someone, the owner of the dog may be liable for the cost of medical treatment. If the dog had a previous history of biting, its owner may also be responsible for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall or trip and fall accidents are the most common premises liability claims. Falls are the leading cause of death for elderly individuals and are also particularly dangerous for young children. Business owners, the owners of private residences, and governmental agencies tasked with maintaining public lands and buildings must ensure that their properties are safe and free of hazards for their guests. If a lawful visitor becomes injured due to an unsafe feature on a property, the owner may be liable for damages.

Rideshare Accidents

As more and more people are utilizing the services of rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, the reports of rideshare accidents has also increased. Liability may be complex in these cases because the drivers for these companies are not employees of the company but independent contractors. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you sort this out and pursue the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.

Truck Accidents

Accidents involving commercial trucks resulted in the deaths of 4,102 people in one recent year. Weighing as much as 20 to 30 times more than the average passenger car, trucks pose size-related risks, including:

  • A longer distance required to come to a safe stop
  • Wide turns that place drivers in adjacent lanes at risk of becoming trapped between the truck and the curb
  • Significant blind spots on all four sides
  • A high center of gravity, which makes the trucks prone to rolling over
  • A high ground clearance, which may result in smaller vehicles sliding beneath the truck in an accident, also known as an underride

Product Liability

The manufacturers and distributors of products—including prescription medications, food, toys, appliances, and auto parts—are required to ensure that their products are safe for consumers when used as directed. If they don’t, they may face liability for injuries and deaths caused by accidents involving their products. There are two types of product liability claims:

  • Claims resulting from improper or inadequate labeling
  • Claims resulting in unsafe or defective products

Medical Malpractice

Medical providers have a duty to provide a standard of care that any prudent provider would give in similar circumstances. Some examples of medical malpractice, also known as medical negligence, include:

  • Birth injuries
  • Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis
  • Surgical errors, including wrong-site surgery or leaving a foreign object, such as a surgical tool or towel in the body during surgery
  • Failure to provide adequate follow-up care
  • Improper discharge

Wrongful Death

In New York, when a person dies as the result of negligent, reckless, or intentional acts, the individual who caused the death may be liable for damages as if the person had lived and suffered injury. The personal representative of the decedent’s estate may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of family members including the spouse, children, and parents of the decedent, as well as other family members in some cases. Some of the damages that may be sought in a wrongful death claim include medical expenses for treatment of the deceased’s final injuries, pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death, lost wages, loss of inheritance, and the cost of burial.

Get the Help You Deserve

Our Manhattan Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You

After sustaining any kind of preventable injury in Manhattan, it’s natural to feel confused. Nobody plans for an accident, so trying to figure out your rights can become overwhelming. It is important to understand that you do have rights. When someone else’s actions cause your injuries, the law entitles you to seek fair and just compensation.

Personal injury law is an area of civil law in which an injured person seeks compensation for injuries from a liable party or multiple liable parties. While the most common source of liability is negligence, personal injury law also involves injury accidents that were the result of intentional acts, as well. A successful outcome to a personal injury claim hinges on the ability to prove liability.

To establish liability, we must prove the following:

  • The defendant (at-fault party) owed a duty of care to the plaintiff (injured person). The duty of care is dependent on the facts of your case. However, a common duty of care in a car accident case would be to operate the vehicle in a safe and lawful manner. In a slip, trip, and fall case, the duty of care that a property owner would have to a guest would be to ensure that the property was safe from hazardous conditions, such as broken handrails or loose flooring.
  • There was a breach in the duty of care. This breach is the action that constituted the defendant’s failure in upholding his or her duty of care to the plaintiff. For example, in the car accident scenario, the breach might be driving while intoxicated or following too closely.
  • The breach in the duty of care resulted in the accident. This accident caused the plaintiff’s injuries and associated expenses.

In addition to legal guidance, the personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers, LLP can perform the following services for our clients:

  • Establishing the value of the case based on the economic expenses of the injury, such as medical costs, lost wages due to being too injured to work or required to miss work for medical appointments, as well as non-economic impacts such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Careful examination of the case to determine all liable parties and insurance resources to compensate you.
  • Skilled negotiation with insurance company representatives to attempt to obtain a fair settlement for you.
  • Use of experts such as medical professionals and accident reconstructionists to present a strong case on your behalf.
  • The timely filing of a personal injury lawsuit in the appropriate jurisdiction and in compliance with court requirements.
  • Attendance at all pre-trial conferences and hearings, experienced litigation, and continued representation after the trial concludes in the event we file an appeal.
  • Assistance with collecting your settlement or award.

Manhattan Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Life in Manhattan is not always predictable. That’s part of what makes living in the City so exciting and worthwhile. You never know who you might meet, what you might see, or when an unexpected turn of events might affect your day-to-day life.

Of course, not all of the unforeseen situations that typify living in, working in, or visiting Manhattan have a good outcome. Sometimes, the seemingly-random incidents that impact our lives as New Yorkers cause devastating loss and serious injury. When those unwanted, preventable events do harm, victims have lots of questions about where to turn and what to do to protect themselves physically, emotionally, and financially.

Below, we answer some of the most common of those questions. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today.

Most everyone has heard the term personal injury law, but not everyone knows what that means. In a nutshell, personal injury is an area of the law that deals with seeking compensation for physical, mental, and financial injuries caused by someone else’s careless, reckless, or intentionally harmful actions. New Yorkers get hurt, and gain the legal right to seek compensation, in a wide variety of scenarios.

However, a few day-to-day circumstances produce the vast bulk of personal injury cases. They are:

    • Motor vehicle accidents: Motor vehicle accidents happen every day in Manhattan involving cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Across the state, an average of 1,098 motor vehicle fatalities happen every year. Over 136,000 people visit the emergency each year because of these accidents. Car and truck accidents can lead to serious injuries including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

Most people can guess the basic answer to this question: The person who should pay is the person (or company) whose bad decisions or dangerous actions caused you to get hurt.

It’s a simple answer in theory, but not so simple in practice.

The longer answer is that every preventable injury has unique facts and circumstances. One frequently important job of an experienced Manhattan personal injury attorney is to investigate those details to identify all individuals and entities whose wrongful conduct may have contributed to a client’s injuries.

For example:

  • In a motor vehicle accident, the at-fault parties may include the other driver, the driver’s employer (if the accident happened in connection with the driver’s work), an auto manufacturer or a mechanic (if one of the vehicles involved in the accident experienced mechanical failure), and even a government entity (such as when a city bus gets into a crash, or dangerous-but-preventable road conditions cause a crash).
  • In a slip, trip, or fall, parties with a potential legal liability could include a property owner or occupant who failed to fix a dangerous property condition, a contractor who created a dangerous property condition, or a third party whose actions led to someone falling and getting hurt.
  • In a case of medical error, an injured patient may have the right to seek compensation from a healthcare practitioner, a healthcare company, a drug company, or a medical device supplier.

We could go on, but you get the idea. Many preventable injuries in Manhattan have multiple causes traceable to multiple individuals or entities. As a general matter, the more of those potentially liable entities a lawyer can identify, the better the injured client’s chances of recovering full compensation for a preventable injury.

You probably still have rights to compensation, so speak to a lawyer right away. After an accident, it’s normal to overanalyze. Many people have a natural instinct to apologize or accept some of the blame after an accident. Resist this urge. What you tell others about your preventable injury could affect your legal rights more than the facts themselves. You may find that even if you feel like you could have prevented your own injury, in fact your actions played little or no role.

Typically, yes. Your right to recover compensation from someone whose actions harmed you usually does not preclude you from using your own insurance coverage to cover expenses. However, through a legal doctrine called subrogation, your insurance company may have a right to reimbursement of its payments to you from the parties who harmed you in some circumstances. So, let your attorney know whether you have filed a claim against your own insurance policy to pay for injury-related expenses.

After sustaining a preventable injury in Manhattan, many people naturally wonder how much money they should receive for their injury-related legal claim. The answer depends entirely on the facts and circumstances of their injury.

Generally speaking, the factors that contribute to determining the value of a personal injury claim include:

  • Amount of medical bills: The cost of medical care for a preventable injury caused by someone else should not fall on your shoulders. An important goal of virtually every personal injury case is to obtain compensation or reimbursement for these costs, including for doctor visits, medication, counseling, and rehabilitation services.
  • Amount of past and future lost wages: Serious injuries can make it difficult to return to work. If an injury prevents you from working, either temporarily or permanently, then you may have the right to seek compensation for the wages you would have earned in the past, and in the future, were it not for your injury.
  • Degree of pain and suffering: New Yorkers have a special toughness, but that does not mean they do not endure physical discomfort and mental anguish because of a preventable injury. Victims of personal injuries caused by someone else’s careless actions typically have the right to receive compensation for these soft (but significant) costs.
  • Loss of companionship: Humans are social creatures. We find joy and fulfillment in personal relationships. A preventable injury can interfere with those relationships, and victims should receive compensation for that.
  • Loss of life enjoyment: We take for granted the simple tasks we do every day, from cooking dinner to playing with our children. Even a seemingly minor back injury can interfere with your ability to do the things you love, and for that, you also deserve to receive financial damages.
  • Wrongful death: Unfortunately, unintentional injury is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Nothing will bring back the loss of a loved one, but family members of a deceased personal injury victim may seek compensation for their loss and its related expenses through a wrongful death legal action.

It depends. Many Manhattan personal injury cases settle long before they see the inside of a courtroom. A settlement is an agreement by which an injured New Yorker releases a party from legal liability in exchange for a payment. Sometimes, however, it takes filing a lawsuit in Manhattan courts to convince a party to come to the negotiating table. Other times, even that does not push the case to a settlement, and so, an experienced Manhattan personal injury lawyer may advise a client that the best course of action is to take the case to a trial.

Yes. You have one mission after sustaining a preventable injury: getting better. You have neither the bandwidth, nor the legal training, to try to act as your own lawyer, and no one will take your claim seriously if you do. Lawyers serve multiple roles for clients in a Manhattan personal injury case. They frequently act as investigators, digging into facts to identify the parties who owe money. They act as negotiators, interacting with insurance companies and defense attorneys in pursuit of a fair and reasonable settlement of a case. And they act as trial lawyers, drafting documents and presenting arguments in court.

Do not stress about cost. Manhattan personal injury attorneys also represent clients on a contingency fee basis, in which they get paid a percentage of the amount of money they recover on their clients’ behalf. So, as an injured victim of someone else’s careless conduct, you do not have to worry about paying legal fees as you go.

All personal injury matters have a statute of limitations that dictates how long a person has to assert a legal claim for damages. Once the statute of limitations expires, a personal injury victim will usually lose the right to recover damages from any at-fault parties. In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury matters is three years. However, in the case of medical malpractice, the timeframe is shorter. This time starts from the date of the injury. There are a few exceptions, particularly for medical malpractice.

This includes:

  • The victim was a minor: For medical malpractice, the statute of limitations extends to 10 years after the date of injury.
  • Cancer misdiagnosis: Two years from when you discover the misdiagnosis.
  • Missing defendant: If you do not know who the defendant is or cannot locate the other party, the court may pause the statute of limitations until you can find them.

Call Our Manhattan Personal Injury Lawyers for Answers to Your Questions

Contact Us

Do you have legal questions? Were you injured in an accident and want to know more about the process of obtaining compensation? Contact us online or by phone at (212) 445-7000 for a free case evaluation with our skilled Manhattan personal injury lawyers.

Client Testimonials

Review: 5/5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“David was always there for me to guide me through this difficult car accident. He helped me get better, was always there to listen to me and fought to get me an amazing settlement. I am very pleased with this beyond expectations result and his professional handling. If you need a lawyer, David and his team is the one to go to!”
Review by: Qing L.

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