Blog > Animal Attacks > Categories > The Importance of a NY Dog License in Personal Injury Cases The Importance of a NY Dog License in Personal Injury Cases Posted by Nemanja on Sep 01, 2023 In the US, dogs are by far the most common pet. There are roughly 600,000 pet dogs in New York City. Since they are loving, devoted, and excellent companions, dogs are popular with most people. Yet, there will probably be some dog bite incidents given the sheer number of dogs. In New York, all dog owners (with a few exceptions) must license their dogs. If an unlicensed dog bites someone, the owner may face harsher penalties than if the dog had been licensed. Also, it is simpler to locate pertinent information about the dog, such as its history of vaccinations or any past documented assaults, when the dog is licensed. Do I Need a License for a Dog in NYC? | Greenberg & Stein P.C. | Contact Us To Get Help Why Do I Need a License for a Dog in NYC? Getting a license for your dog not only has several benefits but it is required by the law. According to New York state laws and regulations, all dogs that are 4 months or older need to be licensed. Dog owners must ensure that their dogs have their licenses attached to their collars when they are in public areas like parks. If you are caught with an unlicensed dog in a public area you may face a fine of $200. The likelihood that you will locate your dog if they become lost is one of the main advantages of acquiring a license for your dog. Dog owner information is linked to dog licenses. As a result, if your dog escapes and is caught, someone will be able to get in touch with you so you may retrieve it. The fact that dog licenses are also connected to the dog’s vaccination record is a very significant benefit. This makes it simpler to determine whether a dog has gotten all essential vaccinations. Checking to see if the dog has had a rabies vaccination is one of the most crucial things to do after a dog bites someone. It is quite simple and quick to examine that information thanks to licensing. What Dogs Must Be Licensed? In the state of New York, all dogs are required to be licensed when they reach four months of age, except for service dogs. Even guard dogs must be licensed, although the fee may be different. Licensing is done on a yearly basis and requires proof of current rabies vaccination. Some cities or municipalities may have additional licensing requirements, so it is always a good idea to check with your local government to see if there are any additional rules or regulations that apply to your specific area. The cost of getting a new license or renewing the license in New York City will depend on whether the dog has been neutered or spayed. For neutered or spayed dogs there is an $8.00 fee and for non-neutered/spayed the fee is $34.50. You can license a dog by attending a dog licensing event organized by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. You can find more information about these events on their website. Liability in a Dog Bite Injury Case In New York, dog owners can be held liable for damages beyond medical expenses caused by their dogs under certain circumstances. Specifically, New York uses a combination of the “one-bite” rule and “strict liability”. This means that when a dog bites someone, the owner is automatically held liable for any losses related to medical expenditures. However, if the dog had a tendency to bite or act aggressively or it had already bitten someone in the past, it can be held liable for damages beyond medical expenditures even for the first bite. These damages can be lost wages, property damages, and other noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering. It is worth noting that there are some exceptions to these rules. For example, a person who is trespassing on private property may not be able to hold the dog owner liable for injuries caused by the dog. Additionally, if the person who was bitten was taunting or otherwise provoking the dog, the dog owner may be able to argue that the person was partially or fully responsible for their own injuries. WHAT ARE NEW YORK CITY DOG BITE LAWS? | Greenberg & Stein P.C. | Contact Us To Get Help How a NYC Dog License Can Impact Liability in a Dog Bite Injury Case Not having a license for your dog could lead to a perception that you are an irresponsible owner. This may increase the liability you face if your dog bites someone, as it suggests that you have not taken the necessary precautions to ensure your dog is well-trained, socialized, and vaccinated. On the other hand, a valuable piece of information that is attached to a dog’s license is a record of any incident. This means that if a dog has bitten someone in the past, that event will be documented. If a licensed dog bites someone for the first time, the dog owner can prove that it has never happened before. It can be greatly beneficial for the dog owner to be able to demonstrate that the dog has never been aggressive because this would release them from liability for any damages beyond medical costs. The Importance of Working With an Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorney An experienced dog bite attorney will have handled many similar cases and will be familiar with the legal issues that are specific to dog bite cases. They will be able to assess the strength of your case and determine the best course of action. Additionally, a dog bite injury attorney will have strong negotiation skills and will be able to negotiate effectively with insurance companies and other parties involved in the case Greenberg & Stein P.C. is a prestigious law firm located in New York. Here you can find attorneys with vast experience and extremely knowledgeable of New York laws. Our legal team has helped numerous people that have been involved in dog bite incidents. Do not hesitate to contact us at 888-716-3843 to schedule a free consultation to review your case. Tags Share
Blog > Accident Lawyer > Categories > Plaintiff Vs. Defendant: The Difference In A Personal Injury Case Plaintiff Vs. Defendant: The Difference In A Personal Injury Case Posted by Nemanja on Sep 01, 2023 Legal jargon can be highly perplexing for most individuals, especially if you have never been involved in a legal situation. People in the United States believe that legal English phrases and legal jargon are unnecessarily difficult. As a result, legal English is attempting to become more intelligible to the general public. There are two terms, however, that have never changed or been attempted to be replaced: plaintiff and defendant. These legal phrases are extremely important in civil proceedings, where they are mostly utilized. The plaintiff is the one who files the case, whereas the defendant is the person accused of wrongdoing. Additionally, there are some crucial differences that must be understood if you are thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced attorney will probably use these terms, but do not worry, they know that not everyone is an expert, so they will gladly explain every word to you. Plaintiff VS. Defendant | Contact Us To Get Help Who is the plaintiff in a personal injury claim? The plaintiff is always the person or entity who files the lawsuit. This person or party is required to file “the complaint.” “The complaint” is a document that contains all of the details of the litigation. This same document must later be served on the defendant. The etymological origin of the word dates back to the 13th century when it was derived from the Anglo-French word “pleintif,” which signified “complaining“: a general description of what the plaintiff must do in court. Around the 15th century, it was introduced into the legal vocabulary. Imagine that two drivers get involved in a car collision. Susan, the driver of car A is hit by Mark, the driver of car B because Mark was texting and he was not paying attention to the road. Susan ended up with a broken arm as a result of the crash. Susan is now filing a personal injury lawsuit against Mark to recover compensation for her damages. In this case, Susan is the plaintiff. What Is A Plaintiff And What Is A Defendant? | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help Who is the defendant in a personal injury claim? On the other hand, the defendant is the person who is being accused of wrongdoing. To easily remember the meaning of this term, just remember that the defendant must defend themselves from the plaintiff’s accusations. If you consider the preceding scenario, Mark is the defendant. Mark is accused of being careless while driving and causing the accident. Susan’s charges require Mark and his attorney to defend themselves. Are petitioner and plaintiff the same thing? Another term you may be familiar with is “petitioner.” Nonetheless, this phrase is distinct from “plaintiff.” There are significant distinctions between these two terms. First and foremost, the plaintiff is the one who files the lawsuit. A petitioner is someone who files a petition in a higher court, regardless of whether they were the plaintiff or defendant in a lower court. Nonetheless, the petitioner is the one who was defeated in a lower court. Typically, the petitioner requests that a decision made in a lower court be reviewed by a higher court. Defendant VS Plaintiff | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help Are the defendant and the respondent the same? The terms “defendant” and “respondent” are distinct and are occasionally used improperly as if they had the same meaning. The defendant is the person against whom a lawsuit is being filed. The respondent is the person against whom a petition in a higher court is being filed. That means that if the petitioner is the person who lost in a lower court, the respondent is the person who won in the lower court. How do you identify a plaintiff and a defendant in a personal injury case? If you are having problems identifying who is the plaintiff and who is the defendant in a personal injury case, there is a very simple way to find out. The plaintiff’s last name is usually first in the case name. Remember the imaginary case with Susan and Mark? Well, let’s imagine that Susan’s last name is Gibbs and Mark’s last name is Watson. The case name would be Gibbs v. Watson. And just like that, you can identify who is the plaintiff and who is the defendant. Who Is Listed First, Plaintiff Or Defendant? | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help What is the burden of proof? When bringing a personal case, the plaintiff must understand that they bear the “burden of proof.” The plaintiff bears the burden of proving that their allegations are true. The plaintiff must show sufficient proof (not amount, but quality) to establish that the defendant was accountable for the wrongdoing they are accused of. Let us return to the case of Gibbs v. Watson. Mark Watson is not required to prove that he was not at fault; rather, Susan Gibbs is required to prove that Mark was at fault for the crash. Susan Gibbs and her attorney will have to provide the evidence that can convince the jury that the chances of Mark being responsible are greater than 50%. Learn how to use these legal terms correctly in a personal injury case The legal world is filled with words and terms that may be not so easy to understand if you have never attended law school. Fortunately, you do not need to know all these complicated words and terms by heart. If you are thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit, make sure to contact an experienced attorney to get the best legal assistance possible. Your lawyer should be able to explain to you every word that you do not understand or you are not completely sure of what it implies. At Greenberg & Stein P.C., our legal team has worked with countless clients and we have helped them succeed in court. Whether you were in a car accident or were attacked by a dog, our lawyers are prepared to help you in every step of recovering compensation for your damages. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call us at 212-681-2535. Related Posts: ATTORNEY VS LAWYER: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?ARE PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENTS TAXABLE?WHAT DOES PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION COVER?HOW ARE PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENTS PAID OUT?WHEN TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER4 REASONS TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER IN NEW YORK Tags defendant and plaintiff, defendant vs plaintiff, plaintiff and defendant, plaintiff v defendant, plaintiff vs defendant, plaintiff vs defendent, the defendant vs plaintiff, what is a defendant and plaintiff Share
Blog > Accident Lawyer > Categories > How To Sue Someone: Personal Injury Claims How To Sue Someone: Personal Injury Claims Posted by Nemanja on Sep 01, 2023 Being involved in an accident and suffering injuries can be a stressful and traumatizing experience. Additionally, it can be very expensive. Medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage can turn a small accident into a very costly event. Personal injury claims occur when the injured person seeks compensation for their financial losses. To sue someone, the injured person must be able to prove that the other party acted negligently and that due to their actions someone was harmed. The injured person can file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. Usually, insurance companies offer less money than what is fair, but it is possible to reach a settlement through negotiation. If the responsible party is not insured or it is not possible to reach an agreement, the plaintiff can file a personal injury lawsuit and go to court. Regardless if the injured person decides to file a claim with an insurance company or decides to file a personal injury lawsuit, hiring a personal injury attorney is crucial. Experienced lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies to get a reasonable settlement. If the injured person decides to file a personal injury lawsuit, having an attorney on their side highly increases their chances of succeeding in court. How To Sue Someone: Personal Injury Claims | Contact Us To Get Help What is a personal injury lawsuit? A personal injury lawsuit is a form of civil litigation. Personal injury lawsuits begin when a person who has been injured as a result of the negligence of another person, business entity, or government institution seeks recompense for their losses. In many cases, civil disputes can be resolved outside of court through an informal settlement. However, there are cases in which a formal lawsuit is needed. In a formal lawsuit, the plaintiff must demonstrate evidence to the jury that the other person is legally responsible for their damages. For instance, a police report can serve as proof that in a car accident the at-fault driver acted carelessly and caused the automobile collision. The plaintiff must also provide evidence that supports their claim. For example, if the plaintiff is seeking compensation for medical expenses, they will have to show medical bills and/or medical records. Where are the laws that govern personal injury cases? Personal injury lawsuits are different from other areas of law and the laws that govern personal injury cases are not in statutes. For example, the laws that rule over criminal cases can be found in penal codes. Most laws that rule over personal injury lawsuits come from court decisions. Some states have tried to create statutes for personal injury lawsuits. However, in the majority of states, court rulings continue to be the primary source of law. Personal Injury Lawsuit | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help What qualifies as personal injury in New York state? Contrary to popular belief, personal injury in New York does not solely refer to bodily injury. According to the New York State laws, any harm that is done to the body, mind, or emotions, whether done purposefully or due to the neglect of another party is considered a personal injury. It is crucial to note that in the case of car accidents, certain standards must be completed in order to launch a personal injury claim against another party. New York is a no-fault state. That means that an injured person is not able to file a lawsuit unless their injuries can be deemed as serious. Here is a list of injuries considered a serious: A fractureLoss of a limbLoss of a fetusPermanent loss of a body organ, function, or systemPermanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or memberA significant limitation of the use of a body function or systemMedically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature that prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts which constitute such person’s usual and customary daily activities for not less than ninety days during the one hundred eighty days immediately following the occurrence of the injury or impairmentSignificant disfigurementDeath When to sue for an injury? It is impossible to tell when is the right time to sue for an injury, as long as you are meeting the deadlines applicable to your case. In most cases, the best thing you can do is to file a claim as soon as possible. In New York, the statute of limitations indicates that personal injury lawsuits can be filed within three years from the date of the event. There are some exceptions that may cause this statute of limitations to increase. However, if you are filing a lawsuit against a government entity, you normally have to submit a “notice claim” within 90 days from the day of the accident. If you do not meet the deadlines, your case may be dismissed. Working with a personal injury lawyer is important because they will help you meet every deadline that applies to your specific situation. Medical Records | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help What damages can you recover? In a personal injury lawsuit, you are able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Here is a list of recoverable damages in a personal injury lawsuit: Medical expensesLost wagesFuture medical treatmentPain and sufferingEmotional distressLost earning potentialPunitive damages (rarely awarded) Is it worth it to sue someone after an accident? Yes, it is worth it to sue someone after an accident. You do not have to carry all the economic burden that comes after an accident if another person is fully or partially responsible for your financial loss. Another compelling motive to sue the accountable party is to prevent future injuries from occurring. Property owners and managers, for example, have a duty of care to maintain their properties secure. If a person slips and falls and the owners are sued, they will almost certainly be more cautious in the future. Personal Injury Compensation | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help What steps to take after suffering an injury? After suffering an injury the first thing you should do is to seek medical assistance. Even minor accidents can cause serious injuries. Once you have done that, the next thing you should do is to contact a personal injury lawyer. Explaining the situation to them and taking action quickly is crucial to gathering evidence that can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries. At Greenberg & Stein P.C., you will find attorneys with vast experience in accident claims. If you want to get the greatest legal advice in New York, do not hesitate to contact us. Call us at 212-681-2535 to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers to review your case. Related Posts: HOW TO FILE A BODILY INJURY CLAIM AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?4 REASONS TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER IN NEW YORKHOW ARE PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENTS PAID OUT?WHAT DOES PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION COVER?WHEN TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERARE PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENTS TAXABLE?ATTORNEY VS LAWYER: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?PLAINTIFF VS. DEFENDANT: THE DIFFERENCE IN A PERSONAL INJURY CASE Tags car accident, car accidents, Greenberg & Stein, greenberg and stein, how long does it take to sue someone, how much does it cost to sue someone, how old do you have to be to sue someone, how to sue someone, how to sue someone for emotional distress, how to sue someone for money, how to sue someone in small claims court, how to sue someone small claims court, manhattan personal injury lawyers, new york car accident, new york personal injury attorneys, NYC law, NYC personal injury lawyers, personal injury lawyers Share
Blog > Accident Lawyer > Categories > Blunt Force Trauma to The Head – What Is It? Blunt Force Trauma to The Head – What Is It? Posted by Nemanja on Sep 01, 2023 You have probably heard the term “blunt force head trauma to the head” while watching the news about a car accident that happened the day before. But, what is blunt force trauma to the head? A blunt force trauma is a type of bodily injury that occurs when we collide with a blunt item or surface but the surface of the afflicted organ does not break or become punctured. If we specifically talk about a blunt force trauma to the head, we are referring to the impact that someone’s head suffers against a blunt object or vice versa, but that does not penetrate the skull. Blunt force head trauma to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This injury can be very dangerous depending on the severity of the collision. Its effects may take a few days to wear off, but in other circumstances, victims may suffer long-term problems. Different events can cause blunt force traumas but they are usually associated with car accidents. Blunt Force Trauma To The Head | Contact Us To Get Help What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)? Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is damaged by a sudden, external, physical assault. It is one of the leading causes of adult disability and death. TBI is a broad term that refers to a wide range of lesions to the brain. The injury might be localized (limited to one part of the brain) or diffuse (more than one brain area is affected). A brain injury can range in severity from a moderate concussion to serious types of injury that result in coma or even death. What are the 4 types of non-penetrating traumatic brain injuries? Blunt force trauma to the head injuries can be broken down into four major categories: Contusion: A contusion is a bruise on the brain. A concussion produces internal bleeding and edema in the brain near the point where the brain was impacted. Contusions can arise as a result of a skull fracture or blood clots. Concussion A blow to the head is frequently the cause of a concussion. Concussions can also be caused by violent shaking of the head and upper body. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that impairs brain function. Headaches and issues with focus, memory, balance, and coordination are common side effects. Concussions are not considered severe injuries because the effects normally disappear after a few days. Hematoma An intracranial hematoma happens when blood vessels rupture inside the brain as a result of a blunt force trauma to the head. As the blood starts collecting in the skull, the intracranial pressure increases pressing on the brain. This head injury can be extremely dangerous. Treatment options include surgery to decrease the blood pressure inside the skull. Diffuse axonal injury Also known as DAI, diffuse axonal injury is one of the most severe brain injuries. DAI is caused by tearing the brain’s axons as the brain shifts and rotates inside the skull. Torn tissue can die and the trauma may cause the brain to swell, damaging soft tissue even more. DAI typically results in unconsciousness and brain damage. What Is Blunt Force Trauma To The Head? | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help What is the most common cause of blunt trauma to the head? Several different events can cause blunt force trauma to the head. Nonetheless, car accidents are the leading cause of blunt trauma to the head. Other causes of blunt trauma to the head include attacks or assaults, falls, and sports injuries. What are the effects of blunt force trauma to the head? Depending on the degree of the damage, a person may have a variety of symptoms following a blunt force trauma injury. Some injuries are considered primary, while others are considered secondary. Primary injuries are those that occur immediately due to an accident. Secondary injuries are those that manifest themselves over time. This amount of time can be rather long in some circumstances, for example, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) can take more than 10 years to manifest. Here are some of the most common symptoms experienced by people who suffered a blunt force trauma to the head: Headaches or migrainesBlurred visionSlurred speechLoss of consciousnessLoss of balanceConfusionSeizuresMemory lossVomitingLoss of coordinationDilated pupilsMood swingsDouble visionDrowsiness or fatigueChanges in blood pressure Blunt Force Trauma To The Back Of The Head | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help How do I know if I have blunt force trauma? If your head was recently struck by an object and you are experiencing any of the symptoms indicated above, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Blunt force injuries can get worse over time, particularly if left untreated. What should I do if I believe I have suffered a traumatic brain injury? If you believe you have suffered a traumatic brain injury you should tell your doctor immediately. A physical examination following a motor vehicle accident may reveal an injury you were unaware of. X-rays and MRIs are common exams used by doctors to determine the type of traumatic brain damage you sustained. Blunt Force Trauma To The Head Car Accident | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help Can I file a lawsuit over traumatic brain Injuries? It is definitely possible to file a lawsuit over traumatic brain injuries. With the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can collect compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenditures. A traumatic brain injury can be a terrifying experience that can become very costly and impact your life permanently. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, seeking legal counseling is crucial. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of another person’s negligence, please contact Greenberg & Stein P.C. Our attorneys have represented individuals who have suffered a variety of injuries. We’ve helped a lot of car accident victims, slip and fall accident victims, and assault victims get compensated for their losses. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your case, call us at 212-681-2535. Related Posts: 6 Reasons Why You Should See a Car Accident ChiropractorHow To Sue Someone: Personal Injury ClaimsWhat Is A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?Can I Sue For A Dog Bite In New York?How Long Does A Car Accident Settlement Take? 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Blog > Accident Lawyer > Categories > 10 Questions To Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer 10 Questions To Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer Posted by Nemanja on Sep 01, 2023 Seeking legal counsel after an injury is one of the most crucial things to do following such an unfortunate event. Choosing an attorney to handle your case is not so simple. You must ensure that the person you choose has the necessary qualifications and that you will be comfortable working with them. That is why, before hiring an attorney, it is best to interview at least three different candidates and ask them about their expertise and methods. Their responses will most likely provide you with a better understanding of how they work and whether they are appropriate for you. Here are 10 important questions to ask your personal injury attorneys: 1. What problems or challenges do you perceive in my case? Because each type of case is unique, you and your lawyer will face a variety of challenges along the way. Some of these challenges are predictable, while others are not. After providing all of the case data to an experienced attorney, they should have a good notion of the challenges they will encounter to win the case. They should also provide you with several remedies to these problems. What Questions To Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer? | Contact Us To Get Help 2. What is my personal injury case worth? It is difficult to determine the value of your case at first glance. However, with the initial evidence and documentation that you present to the attorney, they should be able to provide you with a rough estimate of the value of your case. If the attorney you are working with has previous experience handling cases similar to yours, their knowledge will assist them in determining the value of your case. 3. What information do you require before and during my case? Keep in mind that the attorney will not be able to win the case without your assistance. Winning a case requires you and your attorney to work together as a team. One of the most crucial tasks of the client is to give any documents, bills, and other proof that the attorney may request in order to build a good case. Fortunately, your attorney should be able to assist you in acquiring documentation and proof, such as police reports or medical reports. It is critical to maintain open lines of contact with your attorney; to ensure that your schedule coincides with their time availability. You will then be able to give them everything they require as soon as feasible. Questions To Ask When Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help 4. What is your preferred method of communication? A good working relationship with your attorney will help both you and the attorney win the case. You will also want to get updates on your case on a regular basis. Inquiring with your lawyer about the best approach to reach them will make communication much easier. Some lawyers prefer phone calls, while others prefer email, and still, others prefer a combination of the two. Some people even desire to visit the attorney’s office on occasion. If you deal with a large law firm, your initial contact maybe with one of the senior lawyers, but this does not guarantee that they will handle your case directly. It is very likely that another attorney will be in charge of your case. If this is true, inquire as to how you might establish direct contact with this person. 5. Are you willing to go to trial, if necessary? Most cases are settled out of court rather than going to trial. However, if you and the insurance company are unable to reach an arrangement, your only choice for recovering adequate compensation for your damages is to file a personal injury claim. As a result, it is critical that you ask your attorney if they are willing to go to trial if no settlement offer is reached. If they say yes, ask them if their fees will change. If the matter proceeds to court, some attorneys charge a greater percentage of the payout for the legal representation. Questions To Ask Personal Injury Lawyer | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help 6. How often will you update me on my case? As previously stated, communication plays a crucial role in hiring a personal injury lawyer. Some people like to be updated on the progress of their case very often, while others prefer to step away and be notified less frequently. Just like every client is different, every attorney is different as well. Make sure that you and your attorney are on the same page when it comes to communicating updates. Your attorney may not have daily updates so it does not make sense if you call them every day. Similarly, some clients do not want to receive calls from their attorney every day if it is not something important about their personal injury lawsuit. 7. What are your fees and how will they be calculated? When it comes to personal injury law, the majority of attorneys in this field are on a “contingency basis” and “contingency fee”. This means that they will take a share of the money recovered. Typically, this number ranges between 20 and 40%. For example, if you win the case and recover $50,000 in damages, and you agreed to pay the attorney 30% of the amount recovered, they will receive $15,000. Questions To Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer Before Hiring | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help 8. What happens if the case is lost? Working with an attorney increases your chances of collecting compensation for your losses, but it does not ensure that you will win the case. A lot of people are concerned about what may happen if they lose the case. Since most attorneys work on a contingency basis, they get a percentage of the money recovered. That means that if nothing is recovered, nothing is paid to them. Nonetheless, use caution and thoroughly review the contract you sign with the attorney. Check for hidden costs and make sure you understand all terms and conditions. 9. Do I have to cover the upfront costs if we lose? Even if the attorney you hired works on a contingency basis and does not get paid for their legal fees, they may still charge for other legal costs incurred. If the case is lost, the agreement between the attorney and you should specify who is accountable for these costs. 10. How many client cases do you handle at a time? Attorneys typically work with multiple clients at the same time. Make sure to inquire about how many other clients they work with simultaneously. A competent attorney should be aware of their limitations; if they take on more clients than they can handle, they will be unable to work on each case adequately. If you believe your current attorney is not giving your case the attention it deserves, you should consider hiring someone else. Questions To Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help Our Personal Injury Lawyer Answers Common Questions Greenberg & Stein P.C. is one of New York’s most prestigious law firms. Some of the greatest attorneys in the state can be found here. Please contact us if you desire to pursue legal action following an accident. Our legal experts will address any queries you may have regarding using our legal services. Contact us at 212-681-2535 to schedule a free initial consultation to review your case and answer any questions you may have. Related Articles: How To Sue Someone: Personal Injury ClaimsPlaintiff Vs. Defendant: The Difference In A Personal Injury CaseAre Personal Injury Settlements Taxable?Attorney vs Lawyer: What Are the Differences?How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out? 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Blog > Accident Lawyer > Categories > Can You See Your Own Doctor On Workers’ Comp? Can You See Your Own Doctor On Workers’ Comp? Posted by Nemanja on Sep 01, 2023 Suffering an injury at work can be a very stressful and problematic situation. Most injured workers not only have to put up with the injuries and the recovery process, but they also worry about the financial burden that medical bills may cause. However, if you suffer a workplace injury, you have the right to file a workers’ comp claim to pay for your medical treatment, lost wages, and physical therapy if necessary. A lot of people wonder if they can see their own primary care physician on workers’ comp, especially if they have a pre-existing medical condition that has been treated by their doctor for a long time. Every state has different rules and regulations when it comes to switching doctors or medical providers while on workers’ comp. In New York, for example, it is possible to see your medical practitioner only if the chair of the NY Workers’ Compensation Board approves it. Generally, after filing a workers’ comp claim, your employer or your employer’s insurance company will provide you with a list of doctors, hospitals, or medical providers approved by them. The state of New York requires all employers or their insurance carriers to provide injured workers with at least two options in each medical specialty and two hospitals to visit for the injured worker to choose from. Even if you want to see your own doctor, you will be required to start the treatment with one of the medical providers pre-approved by the insurance company. If you still want to continue to seek medical treatment with your own doctor, you can do it 30 days after starting the treatment with the medical provider assigned by the insurance company. Keep in mind that your doctor needs to be approved by the chair of the New York Workers’ Compensation Board first. Can I See My Own Dr. For Workers Comp? | Contact Us To Get Help What happens if I don’t see an approved doctor when my state requires it? If you decide to visit a doctor that is not approved by your employer or their insurance company, they may dispute your workers’ compensation claim. If, in the end, your case is denied because you visited another doctor, you will have the financial responsibility to pay for your medical treatment. Depending on the severity of your injuries, your medical bills could be enormous. For that reason, if you want to choose your own doctor for treatment, you should speak to an experienced compensation attorney. Since every state has different laws and procedures, speaking to someone who has experience in the field is the best decision you can make. Should I see a doctor or talk to a lawyer first after getting hurt at work? Immediately after an accident, you should go to the emergency room to receive medical care as soon as possible. Some workplace injuries can be life-threatening, therefore, going to the ER is crucial. Once you are in the emergency room, you or someone who is with you need to notify the doctor in charge that you suffered a work-related injury. This is a very important step because this will open your workers’ comp claim. Additionally, when you specify that the injury you suffered was at work, the doctors in the emergency room will have to include that information in the medical report. That way, your visit to the emergency room will be covered by your workers’ compensation benefits. After your visit to the ER, you will most likely need medical treatment to fully recover from your injury or illness. If your doctor is not on the list of pre-approved medical providers, you should contact a lawyer first. A workers’ compensation lawyer will explain how to use a doctor outside the insurance company’s network of medical providers. Nevertheless, before making any decisions, you should consult with your medical physician. Not all doctors or clinics accept workers’ compensation patients. Medical providers that treat injured workers must adhere to certain limits and criteria. Can I See A Workers Compensation Doctor From My Own Medical Provider Network? | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help How to best deal with doctors who treat you for your injury? If you are being treated by a doctor who is part of your employer’s insurance company’s network of approved medical providers, you should be aware that they have a business relationship with the insurance carrier. That means, they will offer the medical care you require while also attempting to limit expenses in order to keep the commercial partnership. For that reason, you need to carefully document everything that the doctor tells you in every appointment. You also have to express any concerns that you may have about the treatment that is being provided. Make sure that the doctors also include in your medical records everything that you tell them or any symptoms that you feel. In case you feel that your medical treatment is not working and you want to see another doctor, you will have evidence that you have been reporting every concern to the treating doctor and you require a second opinion. Do I have to see the business’s doctor for medical treatment? In most cases, you will be required to receive medical treatment from the company doctor or the doctor provided by their insurance company at least for the initial treatment. After a certain period of time, you may be able to see a different doctor if your state’s workers’ comp commission approves it. This does not only apply to the primary care provider, this can also be the case if you request alternative care such as chiropractic care or acupuncture. Just make sure to seek legal counseling with a workers’ compensation attorney before making any decisions that may compromise your claim. Workers Compensation Insurance Company | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help Will an injury sustained at work be covered by my insurance? You should not use your own health insurance to pay for your medical treatment if you suffered a workplace injury. It is your employer’s responsibility to pay for your medical treatment, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses caused by the injury you suffered while working. Furthermore, using your own health insurance may cause you to pay very high deductible fees that you should not be paying. Some health insurance carriers may pay for your medical treatment, but they will ask you to sign a document where you agree to pay them back if you receive a settlement. What not to do while on workers’ comp: If you are on workers’ comp avoid doing the following: Missing medical appointments with the doctor who is treating you.Not following every indication given by your medical provider. Missing physical therapy sessions.Seeing other doctors who have not been approved by your state’s workers’ comp commission. If you start doing any of the things listed above, your workers’ compensation case can be compromised. The insurance company will have grounds to deny your claim by alleging that your injuries were not as serious as you claimed or that you are fully recovered. What else do I need to know in order to protect my workers’ comp claim? Since every state has a different set of rules and regulations it is important to seek legal advice from a workers’ compensation lawyer that has vast knowledge about your state’s laws. Greenberg & Stein P.C. can help you if you were injured at work in New York City. We are a respected law company with some of the state’s best attorneys. Our legal team has represented numerous people who have been injured at work. We can assist you in fighting for your right to fair compensation. Do not hesitate to contact our law firm. Call our law offices at 212-681-2535 to schedule a free case consultation with a member of our legal team. 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Blog > Accident Lawyer > Categories > How Long Can A Workers’ Comp Claim Stay Open in New York? How Long Can A Workers’ Comp Claim Stay Open in New York? Posted by Nemanja on Sep 01, 2023 What is Workers’ Compensation? Workers’ compensation is a benefit that all companies have to offer to their employees. Workers’ comp provides medical care to workers who have suffered a work-related injury or have developed an illness due to their activities at work. However, medical care is not the only compensation benefit provided. Workers’ compensation provides coverage for lost wages, funeral expenses, and other out-of-pocket expenditures related to the injury. How Long Can A Workers Comp Claim Stay Open? | Contact Us To Get Help How long is a workers’ compensation claim valid? One frequently asked question is, how long can a workers’ compensation claim stay open? The answer will vary depending on the state where the claim was filed. Even though workers’ compensation is a federal program, compensation law is not the same for all states. Every state can determine different laws and rules for workers’ comp claims. In some states workers’ comp cases can stay open indefinitely, whereas, in other states, there is a time limit. In the state of New York, for example, an injured employee in a workplace accident has to report the occurrence in 30 days or less and can file a claim within 2 years from the date of the event. The claim can stay open for two years from the date the accident occurred or from the date of the last payment. Whichever date is later is the one that will be used to start counting down the two years before the statute of limitations expires. For example, if the accident happened on March 1st, 2021 but the last payment was March 15th, 2021, the statute of limitations will expire on March 15th, 2023. As previously stated, the statute of limitations can vary from one state to another. As a result, if you have been injured at work, it is critical that you seek legal assistance from a compensation lawyer who is familiar with your state’s legislation. How is the Cost of Workers’ Compensation Determined? The cost of a workers’ compensation claim is difficult to calculate. Remember that an injured worker might seek compensation for their medical treatment costs (both current and future), lost pay, and, in the event of death, burial expenditures. Worker’s compensation claims should pay all expenses incurred as a result of the injury. This may appear simple, calculating all expenses and then determining what you should be compensated for. Nonetheless, it is not as simple as that. In many cases, some injuries can leave workers with sequels for many years or even permanently. As a result, estimating how much money will be spent on medical care for the remainder of a person’s life can be challenging. Furthermore, if the worker who was wounded at work is unable to execute certain tasks that prevent them from doing what they used to do for a living, they must be compensated for the potential loss of income. For all of these reasons, it is frequent to see injured workers who have obtained compensation for a workplace injury but the amount of money received is insufficient to meet all expenses that may occur over time. Experienced worker’s compensation attorneys can help you accurately determine the amount of money you should be compensated for. Workers Comp Claim | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help What Is the Time Limit for Making a Workers’ Compensation Claim? The amount of time an injured worker can file a workers’ comp claim varies depending on the state where the claim is filed. For example, in New York, a person who suffered an injury at work has 2 years from the date of the accident to file a worker’s compensation claim. However, if we are talking about an illness that developed over the years due to the nature of their job, the statute of limitations is two years from the date “you should have known”. Consider someone who has worked in a factory for 20 years and is experiencing signs of respiratory disease. This person visits a doctor, who concludes that the worker has a respiratory condition as a result of the chemicals utilized in the plant. The date this person “should have known” would be the date that the doctor diagnosed the illness. In conclusion, no matter in which state you live, the recommendation will always be to file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible, no matter if the symptoms are mild. Do not make the mistake of filing a claim only when the pain is unbearable, especially if the pain could have been avoided. What is Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)? Permanent Partial Disability is a benefit that is paid to workers who have lost the use of a body part, system, or organ permanently and this impairment prevents them from working. Workers do not instantly receive PPD benefits. PPD benefits begin to accrue once temporary total disability (TTD) benefits have expired, or from the date of the injury if no TTD is paid. Can an old injury be covered by workers’ compensation? It is possible that an old injury will be aggravated after a few years. If this happens, in the state of New York, it is possible to file a second claim. Keep in mind that insurance companies will not make it easy for you to recover further compensation. But if you have a good workers’ compensation attorney and medical records and more evidence that supports your claim, it is very likely that you can be compensated. How To File Workers Comp Claim? | Greenberg & Stein | Contact Us To Get Help Are There Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations? In New York, there is a special rule for hearing loss. Workers who suffer hearing loss may not notice it immediately. For that reason, New York compensation laws allow workers to report the hearing loss within 3 months after the workers left the noisy workplace or stopped working for the company. I reported a work injury, can I get fired for that? Getting fired for reporting a work injury is possible but it is also something very suspicious. After being fired, you may lose your compensation benefits. If you were fired after reporting a work injury and you believe that it happened because your employer does not want to be responsible for your injuries, you need to take legal action immediately. Seek legal representation from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Greenberg & Stein P.C. is a prestigious law firm in New York. Our lawyers have vast experience handling workers’ compensation cases. If you recently suffered an injury at work and you do not know what to do, do not hesitate to contact us. To arrange a free consultation with one of our attorneys to go through your case, contact us at 212-681-2535. Related Articles: What Are The Odds Of Winning A Workers’ Comp Case?What Happens To Medical Bills When Workers’ Comp Is Denied?Can You See Your Own Doctor On Workers Comp?Were you injured on the job? Tags check my workers' comp claim online, filing a workers comp claim, how long can a workers comp claim stay open, how to file a workers comp claim, how to file workers comp claim, workers comp claim, workers comp claims Share