QUEENS PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

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Legally Reviewed by:

Alex Nocerino

Alex Nocerino, managing partner and personal injury lawyer at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP in Garden City, NY

Alex Nocerino is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with roots in New York. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice. He has helped injured individuals win hundreds of millions in compensation from large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords. 

With 18 years of experience, he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2019 and has a five-star Avvo rating. He is a true New Yorker and a successful trial lawyer who is unafraid to go up against even the powerful and combative defendants.

Content Last Updated:   November 5, 2024

Chopra & Nocerino is a leading personal injury law firm in Queens providing unparalleled legal expertise to those in need. As the exclusive personal injury law firm of the New York Mets, our reputation is built on a foundation of trust, exceptional results, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. With years of dedicated service, we’ve honed our skills to tackle even the most complex personal injury cases, ensuring that each client receives the personalized attention they deserve.

When faced with the aftermath of an accident, choosing the right attorney is crucial. Trust our Queens personal injury lawyers to guide you through every step of your legal journey with competence, compassion, and a tailored strategy designed to win. Together, we’ll work towards the justice you deserve and the compensation you need to move forward. Call (855) NYC-HURT or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Do You Need a Queens Personal Injury Lawyer To Go To Bat For You?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer offers several key benefits that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Firstly, our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the law, ensuring your case will be skillfully put together and your rights fully protected. We will navigate the complex legal system and paperwork with ease, saving you time and stress.

Our personal injury lawyers are also skilled negotiators who can deal with unscrupulous insurance companies effectively, often securing much higher compensation than injured victims could achieve on their own. We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your claim, gathering all available evidence and expert testimony to build a strong case.

Much like baseball, the law is a team sport. To win, you need a personal injury lawyer you trust from a firm that will empty the dugout when insurance companies try to minimize or deny the full value of your case. You can count on the all-star legal team at Chopra & Nocerino to deliver the high-quality legal representation you deserve.

How Much Does a Queens Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Cost $0We offer free, no-obligation consultations and will use our own resources to investigate and file your case. Further, because we operate on a contingency basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case. This ensures our success is tied to yours. 

Why Should You Hire Chopra & Nocerino for a Personal Injury Claim in Queens, NY?

When selecting a personal injury lawyer, you deserve someone who will not back down against even the most combative defendants. With over 20 years of combined experience, we have developed a strong reputation for excellence among our many satisfied clients and in the legal community. When the other team refuses to hand over what you deserve, we quickly shift gears to a no-nonsense offense. 

We are real New Yorkers committed to defending the rights of injury victims throughout the five boroughs. When you work with us, you can rest assured your case will receive the high-quality, individualized attention it deserves.

Proven Expertise and High-Value Our Case Results

Our history of securing high-value settlements and verdicts shows how fiercely we fight for our clients. We strive daily to create a new perception of legal dominance, digging in at the plate for everyday people against deep-pocketed corporations and insurance companies. Our ability to deliver legal knockouts has resulted in hundreds of millions collected for our clients.

SETTLEMENT
$1.45M
Awarded to a 25-year-old woman who suffered neck injuries when a bathroom ceiling collapsed on her in Queens, NY.

Awarded to a 25-year-old woman who suffered neck injuries when a bathroom ceiling collapsed on her in Queens, NY. Settlement was reached in Kings County Supreme Court.

VERDICT
$1.12M
A 33-year-old male had neck and back injuries after his vehicle was struck when he was making a left turn in Queens.

A 33-year-old male had neck and back injuries after his vehicle was struck when he was making a left turn in Queens.

SETTLEMENT
$1.25M
A 37-year-old female pedestrian was struck in the crosswalk, causing severe injuries, that led to surgery on her leg.

A 37-year-old female pedestrian was struck in the crosswalk, causing severe injuries, that led to surgery on her leg. 

SETTLEMENT
$2.25M
A 33–year-old male who was a passenger in a vehicle became severely injured, needing spinal surgery, after a semi-truck in Queens, NY struck him.

A 33–year-old male who was a passenger in a vehicle became severely injured, needing spinal surgery, after a semi-truck in Queens, NY struck him.

Awards & Recognition

Our law firm is unlike any other out there. Our attorney’s passionate approach to legal representation and zealous advocacy for our clients has resulted in widespread recognition from leading professional publications and organizations, including:

  • Top 100 Lawyers, 2021 Attorney of the Year
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star 2017-2019 & selected as Super Lawyers 2020-present
  • Top 10 Under 40 by the National Academy of Personal Injury Lawyers
  • Voted Top Attorney in North America 2021, 2022, 2023

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Take in Queens, NY

At Chopra & Nocerino, our attorneys have the skills, resources, and expertise to handle even the most complex personal injury cases. If you were injured due to someone else’s carelessness, we are ready to defend your right to full and fair compensation. These are just a few of the personal injury scenarios we handle:

  • Car Accidents New York is a busy place, and its streets are normally packed. From fender benders on neighborhood roads to multi-vehicle pileups on the interstate, you can count on us to hold the responsible party accountable. 
  • Hit and Run Accidents -If you are involved in a hit and run, it’s important to collect any available information about the incident and the vehicle that fled. Our team can help you pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage and other legal options.
  • Truck AccidentsAccidents involving large, heavy trucks can lead to catastrophic accidents. Because their oversized proportions increase their risk of serious accidents, truck drivers must obey strict safety regulations.
  • Motorcycle AccidentsMotorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable in auto accidents because, unlike passengers in a vehicle, they have minimal protection from the full force of a crash. 
  • Bus Accidents – If you are injured in a bus accident, you may have a case against a negligent driver or their employer. If your accident was with a city bus, you must file a notice of claim with the MTA within 90 days of your accident.
  • Bicycle Accidents – Like motorcyclists, bicyclists are also extremely vulnerable in accidents due to their lack of protection. 
  • Pedestrian Accidents – In a city like New York, you get used to walking. However, the busy streets of our great city are also prone to pedestrian accidents. 
  • Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be complex due to multiple parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, and insurance providers. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, our attorneys will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

  • Premises Liability – Property and business owners, management companies, and others who control premises must keep them reasonably safe for visitors. This means inspecting for hazards, warning of their presence, and fixing them in a reasonable time.
  • Slip and Falls – Slip and fall accidents happen due to wet floors, uneven sidewalks, defective stairwells, elevators, and escalators, and in other instances where property owners are negligent in keeping their premises reasonably safe. 
  • Construction AccidentsWorkers’ compensation may cover some construction accident costs, but it may not be enough to help you fully recover your damages. We can help you explore all sources of compensation.
  • Other Workplace AccidentsAgain, if you were hurt in a workplace accident, you can file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer’s insurance policy. You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against third parties. 
  • Medical Malpractice –  You may have a case against a doctor or their employer if their services fall below accepted medical standards. Medical malpractice includes misdiagnoses, improper treatment, prescription errors, surgical errors, and more. 
  • Catastrophic Injuries – People injured due to the actions of others sometimes suffer catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, severe burns, amputations, or severe traumatic brain injuries. Because these cases usually involve high monetary stakes, you need a skilled advocate who can push back against defendants eager to see your case dismissed. 
  • Wrongful Death – No amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. However, New York allows you to file a lawsuit when another party negligently, recklessly, or intentionally caused the death of your loved one. 

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Queens Personal Injury Claim?

The New York statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically three years from the date of the incident that caused your injuries. A judge will likely dismiss your claim if you do not file on time. 

However, the governing deadline may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. For example, if your personal injury case involves the wrongful death of a loved one, you have only two years to file your claim. By contrast, you have two years and six months to file a medical malpractice claim. 

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations in New York

There are narrow exceptions that may extend the deadline governing your case. However, it is best to consult with our experienced personal injury lawyers in Queens before relying on these exceptions. If they do not apply to your case, the normal deadline will be strictly enforced. That said, potential exceptions include the following:

  • Minor plaintiffs  – If the injured party is a minor, the countdown does not start running until they are of age, extending the three-year personal injury statute of limitations until their twenty-first birthday. 
  • Defendant’s absence from the state – Any time defendants spend outside of the state of New York will extend the statute of limitations.
  • Discovery rule – For injuries that are not perceptible until some time has passed after the underlying incident, the “discovery rule” may pause the statute of limitations until it reasonably should have been discovered. 

What Are the Elements of a Personal Injury Case?

Personal injury cases are often very complex. You must have solid arguments and strong evidence to support your claim. You risk low settlement offers, dismissal, or a disappointing verdict if you don’t. Most personal injury cases are based on the legal theory of negligence. 

Proving Fault Due to Negligence

Proving fault due to negligence involves demonstrating that the defendant failed to act with the level of care reasonably expected under the circumstances. This requires establishing that the defendant’s actions were not in line with what a prudent person would do, leading to the plaintiff’s injuries.

Duty of Care & Breach of Duty

The duty of care is an affirmative legal obligation requiring individuals to exercise reasonable care while performing acts that could foreseeably harm others. Breach of duty occurs when an individual fails to meet this standard of care. Proving a breach involves showing that the defendant’s actions or failure to act did not align with the duty owed.

Causation & Damages

Causation connects the defendant’s breach of duty directly to the plaintiff’s injuries, showing that the harm would not have occurred but for the defendant’s negligence. Damages refer to the actual losses the plaintiff suffers as a result, encompassing both economic and non-economic losses. Proving causation and quantifying damages are crucial aspects of any personal injury claim.

What Money Can I Recover After Being Involved in a Personal Injury Accident?

It can be difficult to put an exact number on how much you can recover in a personal injury claim. However, our attorneys can give you a good idea of how much your case may be worth after evaluating your circumstances during your free consultation. 

Factors That Influence Verdicts and Settlements

Numerous factors can move the dial on the potential outcome of your case. These include: 

  • Severity and Documentation of Injuries – More serious injuries, especially with thorough medical documentation, can lead to higher compensation.
  • Emotional Impact – Testimony and evidence demonstrating the injury’s impact on your life can increase award amounts.
  • Clear Evidence of Defendant’s Liability – Strong, clear evidence showing the defendant’s fault will bolster your case.
  • Legal Representation – Our experienced, skilled legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of your case by ensuring effective negotiation and strong presentation of evidence.
  • Witness Testimony – Credible and supportive witness accounts that corroborate your claims can turn the tide of your case.
  • Defendant’s Ability to Pay – Settlements are often larger when the defendant (or their insurer) has substantial financial resources.
  • Precedent Cases – Similar past cases with high compensation awards can influence settlement negotiations and verdicts.

Each of these factors can improve your position in negotiating settlements or achieving favorable verdicts when leveraged effectively.

Economic, Non-Economic & Punitive Damages

Economic damages compensate for direct financial losses from an injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. They are more easily quantifiable and aim to restore the financial position the plaintiff would have been in if the injury had not occurred. 

Non-economic damages address intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and diminished quality of life. These are subjective and vary greatly between cases. 

Punitive damages are awarded not as compensation but as a punishment for the defendant when they engaged in particularly reckless or malicious behavior. These damages also deter similar future conduct. Though less commonly awarded than economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages can significantly raise the value of your claim. 

What if I Was Partly Responsible for the Accident?

Under New York’s pure comparative negligence standard, you can collect even if you are 99 percent responsible for your accident. However, your award will be reduced based on your degree of fault. For example, if you have $1 million in damages but are 40 percent responsible, you can collect $600,000. 

Do Not Trust Injury Settlement Calculators

Injury settlement calculators provide oversimplified estimates that cannot accurately account for the complexities of individual cases. They may undervalue your case because they fail to consider unique factors such as non-economic damages, case-specific nuances, and variations in the law. Relying solely on these calculators can lead to unfounded expectations about the value of a claim. 

Does New York Cap Personal Injury Settlements?

Unlike many other states, New York does not cap compensatory damages or punitive damages in personal injury cases. However, there is a limit on the types of damages you can collect in wrongful death cases. The state also does not allow families to collect for their pain and suffering. The legislature recently attempted to pass the Grieving Families Act to change that, but the governor vetoed that legislation twice.

Let Chopra & Nocerino Handle Your Queens Personal Injury Claim

After being injured by another’s carelessness, you deserve excellent legal representation from a personal injury lawyer who can deliver a legal knockout. We offer free personal injury consultations. If you choose to partner with us, we will use our resources to investigate and litigate your claim.

Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case. In other words, there is zero risk in consulting with our Queens personal injury lawyers. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you. Call (855) NYC-HURT or fill out our online contact form in English or Spanish to request your free consultation.

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