People get injured every day in New York City. While some injuries are due to clumsiness or a freak accident, very often they are due to someone else’s negligence or deliberate action. If you or a loved one suffered injuries at someone else’s hands, you deserve to get compensation. A personal injury lawyer in NYC with McDonald Worley law firm can help you get compensation for the damages you incurred. To find out more, call our office today at (877)721-3423 to schedule your risk-free case review with one of our injury lawyers.
When considering representation for your case, you want to find the best. Having representation will have a huge impact on your settlement, potentially resulting in a larger settlement than you would have received on your own. With all of the medical and personal bills, plus your lost wages, can you afford to miss out on that much compensation? For most people, the answer is no, so don't take the risk of handling your case alone, hire our injury firm in New York City to fight for you.
Our attorneys are committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve and our results prove it. Regardless of whether you suffered a life-changing injury or were involved in a minor fender bender, we are here to fight for you. Best of all, you pay us nothing unless we win your case! Don't jeopardize your claim by trying to take on the insurance companies alone, contact McDonald Worley today to get your claim started.
How Much Could I Get from My Injury Claim?
It's important to remember that there are many reasons why your insurance adjuster discourages you to seek legal assistance. When someone is represented by an injury lawyer in New York they have a good chance of getting substantially more compensation compared to a person who simply accepts the settlement that was initially offered by the insurance company. The insurance company wants you to think that it's not worth working with an attorney, but that is not the case.
There is no set rate that you can expect to get from a compensation case. It depends on the nature of your injury and the kind of treatment that you have already had and will need in the future. An attorney that is working with your best interests in mind will do everything they can to ensure that you get the right treatment. This could include rehabilitation and physical therapy, and you may need to take time off work. Our trained personal injury lawyers can guide you and your family through the case, helping you know what you should expect, and also what compensation you are likely to be able to claim.
When you hire the team at McDonald Worley the first thing we will do is start collecting evidence to help you put together your claim. Our job is to make sure you get the compensation that you are entitled to and that there is a fair value put on your claim. You will need to accurately present the facts to support your case. There isn't a single fool-proof formula that puts a value on a claim. An experienced attorney will take many factors into account, including:
- The extent of treatment required
- How long the treatment took
- Pain and suffering
- Personal hardship from the injury
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
In addition to these factors, we will take into account causation, proof of liability and damages. If you were involved in a car accident and it was not you at fault, then you have a good chance of a high compensation payment. Another thing that we will take into account is the likability of any witnesses because this may affect the likelihood of the compensation claim succeeding if the case goes to court.
What Will It Cost Me To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?
A large percentage of individuals feel reluctant when it comes to hiring a lawyer after they have suffered from personal injuries due to their concerns on the costs involved to hire one. At McDonald Worley, our personal injury attorneys in the NYC area work on a contingency fee basis, which means you are not liable for any fees unless we are able to help you win your case. They then charge a set percentage according to the compensation amount you were awarded by a court of law.
This percentage will be agreed on in advance which usually works out between 25% and 40%. These fees also depend upon how much work and time we are required to set aside for your case. For example, if our staff is able to assist you in reaching a settlement that you are happy with before your case ends up in the local courts, the fee that you will need to pay is usually less. On the other hand, if your case ends up going to court, the fee is usually higher.
This form of payment will mean that you don’t have to worry about coming up with the money to pay us upfront. It will also mean that the lawyer will work as hard as they can to win your case, as they will also secure a larger fee if your payout is bigger.
There are some firms that charge either flat fees or hourly rates. This option might be better when you have the funds available to pay upfront. However, for the majority of personal injury victims, they choose the contingency agreements as there are no risks involved, even if you lose your case.
What Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Do for Me?
Personal injury lawyers have numerous duties when it comes to assisting their clients.. Those duties include the ethical and professional codes of conduct and rules that relate to their conduct. The state bar association has strict requirements. They are allowed to prepare legal documents, offer legal advice, file complaints in court and argue cases. They must meet certain rules while they do this, however.
An injury attorney is responsible for interviewing their clients and making an assessment of the case. They will identify the pertinent issues relating to the client's case, and will thereafter conduct research to help put together a good case. They have the goal of helping their clients to get justice and compensation for the losses they incurred as a result of their injury. This is something they do via advocacy and through both oral arguments and legal advice. Only if the parties are unable to reach an amicable settlement will the case go to trial.
There are strict guidelines about due diligence, confidentiality and avoiding conflict of interest. They are obliged to protect the best interests of their clients, not their own and there are detailed guidelines which explain this.
What Can You Be Compensated for In a Personal Injury Case?
The goal of a compensation claim is to ensure that you are reimbursed for the losses that you suffered due to someone else's negligence. If it were not for the other party being careless, you would not have experienced damages. Monetary compensation may not completely repair any loss that you suffered in an accident, but they are intended to help to "make whole" the damage as much as possible.
Economic Damages
Compensation for economic damages is easy to quantify because the losses can be ascertained. To obtain compensation for economic damages you need to prove via receipts or invoices that you spent money on doctor visits, surgery, medication, and other related costs. If you were unable to work because of the injury then you could prove loss of earnings by using past payslips or your income tax records to show what you would normally earn over the period you were out of work.
Non-Economic Damages
It is harder to layout compensation for non-economic damages. Hardship in the form of reduced quality of life, scarring, disfigurement, pain, and other issues can be claimed, but you will need to prove the loss, which is something that can be hard to do. Our team has a lot of experience with proving non-economic damage and can help you make a strong case in the courts.
Types of Cases our New York Personal Injury Lawyers Handle
At McDonald Worley, we represent clients with injuries arising from various situations. Injuries often occur as a result of car or truck accidents, dog bites and nursing home abuse. Victims suffer a wide range of injuries including brain damage, broken bones, burns, and back problems.
When the injuries are severe, victims incur high medical bills and have to spend lots of time away from work. This means they lose out on weeks or even months of wages. Some never work again and this impacts not just them but their spouses, children and other dependents. Some victims of serious injuries die, causing leaving their families in distress. That’s why we assist not only victims of personal injuries, but relatives who want to file wrongful death lawsuits.
No matter your situation, we will listen to your case and advise you about what you should do next. When you hire us to represent you, the first thing we do is look for evidence. We comb through accident reports, interview witnesses and review reports from your doctor. We even consult with experts to get a better understanding of your case.
Once we are certain you have grounds to file a personal injury claim, we assist you with this and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If we can’t reach a fair settlement this way, we will advise you to file a lawsuit.
Let’s discuss some of the cases we handle.
Car Accidents
New Yorkers always seem to be in a rush, and this makes the streets quite dangerous for road users of all types. Heavy traffic, bad driving habits and impatience often lead to serious accidents. Many people are left with life-changing injuries and significant property damage.
When you or a loved one gets injured in a car accident, life gets more difficult. Depending on how serious your injuries are, you may need to get lengthy and expensive medical treatment. This means you may not be able to work, and you will lose out on wages. This can put a significant strain on you and your family.
New York is a no-fault state so accident victims can have their medical bills and lost wages covered by their personal injury protection insurance regardless of who caused the crash. However, individuals who suffer extensive injuries can also seek additional compensation by filing a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company. PIP offers valuable coverage for drivers, but it doesn’t cover pain and suffering, emotional distress or wrongful death.
If another driver caused your crash, you need to get help from a New York car accident attorney to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. At McDonald Worley, we will use accident reports, eyewitness accounts, expert testimony, and other legal resources to prove that the driver was negligent. We will help to negotiate a settlement or fight your case in court if this is necessary.
Truck Accidents
The damage and injuries are often substantial when a truck gets involved in an accident. That’s because of the mass of a truck. Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds while the average passenger car weighs only between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds. If you escape from such a collision with only minimal injuries, consider yourself lucky. Many victims are seriously injured, and they need the help of a lawyer to recover damages.
This is often necessary since there are often multiple factors to consider in a truck accident. For example, there are specific rules and regulations in place to reduce the likelihood of truck causing accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets out the maximum number of hours drivers can work and requires regular inspections of trucks. This is because drivers travel long-haul routes on tight deadlines and the trucks are pushed a lot harder than many other vehicles.
While driver negligence can cause an accident, sometimes trucking companies are responsible. This complicates matters even more. If the company failed to check the driver’s record before hiring him, they can be held liable. The trucking company may also be responsible if the truck was overloaded or poorly maintained. Truck accident attorneys have to review all the available evidence to determine who was truly at fault for your injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents
Lots of New Yorkers love hitting the road with their motorcycles. For some, it’s a great way to relax on the weekends but for others, it’s their main mode of transportation. Motorcycles offer lots of freedom and even a bit of a thrill. However, the fun comes to an end when the cyclist gets involved in an accident.
Motorcyclists don’t have the protection of a metal frame, seat belts or airbags. Aside from their helmets, there is little to keep them safe from the impact of a larger vehicle. This means the resulting injuries can be very significant. If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident, you may feel overwhelmed when the medical bills begin to pile up. However, it’s important to know that you can seek compensation with the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer in New York City.
We will determine whether another driver was at fault or if we need to go after a third party. Some accidents can be due to defective motorcycles or defective aftermarket parts. This means motorcycle manufacturers, parts manufacturers and distributors may all be held responsible. While you focus on your recovery, we will do our investigations to identify the liable party.
Bicycle Accidents
Many people opt to ride a bicycle in an effort to avoid the traffic on NYC’s streets. This lets them move through the city more quickly while getting some exercise. However, if an accident occurs, the effects can be disastrous. Since bicyclists are not in an enclosed vehicle, their injuries can be serious. They may suffer head injuries, broken bones, neck injuries, and back injuries and they deserve to get compensation.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, you will need help to cover your medical bills, rehab expenses, lost income, and more. You need to move quickly to get legal counsel and begin building a case against the responsible party. Bicycle accidents are often due to drivers who are drunk, fatigued or distracted but there may be other factors involved. We will look into the cause of the accident, determine if the driver was at fault, and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Uber Accidents
Uber and other ride-sharing programs have become the preferred mode of transportation for both residents of New York and visitors to the city. However, when an accident occurs, victims often find it difficult to get compensation. While Uber has a $1 million insurance policy, it only applies in specific instances and insurance companies are always looking for reasons not to pay compensation.
It is also important to note that Uber drivers are independent contractors and not employees like taxi drivers or bus drivers. While they should still be properly screened, this isn’t always done. Of course, Uber drivers make the same reckless decisions and daring maneuvers as other drivers. Uber accidents are often caused by fatigued driving, distracted driving, and drunk driving.
These accidents can have serious consequences given the number of cars on the city’s streets at all hours of the day. If you want to have the best chance of getting compensation, you need to have a Uber injury lawyer on your side. Drivers need to be held responsible when they cause harm whether they are acting in their personal capacity or driving for Uber.
Pedestrian Accidents
There’s a lot to see in NYC and much of it is best seen on foot. Also, walking is a great way to stay active. Between tourists and people rushing to work, there are always lots of pedestrians on the streets. While NYC is very walkable, drivers often put the lives of pedestrians at risk.
Pedestrians have even less protection than motorcyclists so their injuries can be severe when they get involved in a collision. Some even lose their lives in accidents caused by texting and driving, talking on the phone and driving or otherwise distracted driving. In fact, more than 100 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in the Big Apple in 2018.
Regardless of if you were hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle, you should get compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one suffered injuries while walking the streets, you should consult a pedestrian accident lawyer to learn about your legal options. You don’t have to handle the situation on your own if you avail yourself of McDonald Worley’s experience and skill in this area.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death occurs when a victim dies in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. If the person could have filed a personal injury claim if they lived, surviving relatives can seek compensation after they die. Regardless of the specifics of the accident, it will be difficult for you to deal with the consequences.
When you work with an attorney for wrongful death, you can get compensation for funeral arrangements, medical bills, lost income, and loss of companionship. We won’t be able to bring back your loved one, but we can help relieve the financial burden caused by their passing.
Individuals who can file a wrongful death claim include the spouse, parents, and children of the deceased. Sometimes siblings or other close relatives can also seek compensation. If your loved one died due to negligence, you should contact a lawyer. You will need all the help you can get in negotiating a settlement.
The process of calculating damages takes time and there is a statute of limitations that determines how long you have to file a wrongful death claim. In NewYork, you have two years from wrongful death to file a claim. That’s why you need to seek legal help as soon as possible after your loved one’s death.
Nursing Home Abuse
When families place their loved ones in a nursing home, they expect them to get the care they deserve. They certainly don’t expect them to be abused. However, many of them become victims of abuse.
When you think of abuse, you may picture someone slapping or kicking a patient but nursing home abuse isn’t always physical. It can be sexual, emotional, financial or physical. It can even take the form of chemical restraint where patients are given drugs to make them easier to control. Neglect is also a common form of nursing home abuse.
Abuse occurs because many nursing home workers are untrained, overworked and/or unsupervised. If a nursing home is negligent in protecting patients or screening and supervising workers, they can be held liable if patients get hurt. An individual worker who abuses someone in their care can also be held responsible. However, it is often best to take action against the facility since the business may have more resources to pay for damages.
If you suspect your loved one is being abused, you don’t have to handle the situation alone. A personal injury lawyer in NYC will advise you as to the best course to take. You should be able to get compensation for medical costs, therapy, and pain and suffering.
Brain Injuries
Many types of accidents can result in brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries result from motor vehicle accidents, falls, workplace injuries and assaults. Non-traumatic injuries are caused by exposure to toxins, neurotoxic poisoning, and drug overdose..
The majority of brain injuries which come before us in NYC are traumatic brain injuries. TBIs are usually caused by blunt force to head or a puncture through the skull. They can have a major impact on the course of a victim’s life.
Symptoms of mild TBI include headaches, confusion, mood changes, dizziness, and memory loss. More severe TBIs can result in seizures, slurred speech, weakness and numbness, and difficulty waking from sleep. These are serious symptoms that are of great concern to victims and their families.
While mild TBIs don’t cause long-term problems, more severe injuries often mean lengthy hospital stays and a long recovery period. Some TBIs may require surgery to repair hematomas or stop brain bleeds. Some victims are never able to work again.
Our brain injury attorneys understand that this will be a very difficult time for you and your family. We will fully investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury and advise you about the best way to get the compensation you deserve. We know you want the responsible party to be held accountable and we will work with you to ensure this happens.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can occur in a variety of ways. Some happen on construction sites because of an electrical problem or explosion. Others occur when a vehicle involved in a crash goes up in flame. A restaurant worker or even a patron may be burned when hot food or liquid spills. Whatever the cause, burns injuries are often painful and the victim is likely to very scared.
It is important to contact an accident attorney if you believe your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence. Not every burn injury is someone else’s fault, but a lawyer will be able to tell whether you have a case for seeking compensation.
If the injury is very serious, your medical bills will be high. You may have to spend time in the hospital and return for frequent treatment. Until you recover sufficiently, you will likely have to spend time away from work. If someone is responsible for your injury, they should be held liable for your losses. Obtaining counsel will help you get the evidence you need to file a claim for compensation. We can help you to recoup your losses and begin to move on with your life.
Dog Bites
New Yorkers love their dogs. There are an estimated 425,000 pet dogs in New York City along with numerous strays on the streets. While most animals are friendly and they enjoy interacting with people, there’s always a chance that they can attack. In addition to the obvious laceration caused by a dog bite, up to 18 percent of bites result in infection.. If the infection is serious, amputation may be necessary. Sometimes, a mauling can even lead to death.
If a dog bit you or a loved one, you need to seek medical attention immediately and get contact information for the owner. It is also important to find out if the dog has been vaccinated for rabies. If you were bitten by a stray, you need to notify animal control. After this, you need to get a dog bite lawyer on the case.
If you can identify the owner of the dog, you may be able to secure compensation for your medical bills and any wages you lose because of your injuries. At McDonald Worley, our team will represent your interests while you focus on recovering. We will negotiate with insurance companies or take the matter to court if we have to.
Contact an NYC Personal Injury Lawyer at McDonald Worley Today
It is natural to be confused, scared and even angry after suffering an injury through no fault of your own. If you were badly hurt, it can be difficult to return to life as you once knew it. Getting compensation for your injuries helps to relieve the financial burden caused by your accident. It gives you an opportunity to focus your energy on getting better.
However, it often takes a lot of effort to get the compensation you deserve and few people are able to handle this on their own. You need the assistance of lawyers with years of experience and a personal injury law firm with a track record in these types of cases.
That’s why you need to contact the NYC personal injury attorneys at McDonald Worley. Whether you were hurt in a vehicular accident or you suffered a dog bite, we are here to assist you.. You can also benefit from our legal advice if you lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or your elderly relative was abused in a nursing home.
We will take over the hassle of dealing with insurance companies and work to get you the best settlement possible. All you need to do is reach out to us so we can discuss your case. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and you have a lot to handle. Our team has the skills and experience to get you compensation through negotiation or litigation. We can’t change what happened, but we can help you to get back on your feet. Contact us today at 877.721.3423.