Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer

When you’re injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the ability to seek compensation for the harm done through a personal injury claim. In New York, personal injury law aims to provide financial recovery to those harmed by another party’s carelessness or wrongdoing. Most of the time, the negligent party has liability insurance to pay for the injury victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other legal damages. This is typically the case in a motor vehicle accident, or a slip and fall or other injury on commercial property, for instance.

Legal assistance is required to pursue a claim with the insurance company and recover the proper amount of compensation. Insurance companies always settle claims for less money when the accident victim isn’t represented by an attorney. They might also dispute the facts about the injury or argue that their insured isn’t legally liable and therefore try to avoid paying the claim at all. That’s why Long Island personal injury lawyers like the seasoned trial team at Jacobson Law play a vital role in helping accident victims get the compensation they need and deserve. Although trials are not necessary most of the time, by putting every case on a litigation footing from the start, we put our clients in the best position for maximum results whether through a settlement or jury verdict. Contact Jacobson Law in Long Island or Manhattan to learn more or get started today.

Jacobson Law Handles Every Type of Injury

Auto Accidents

Long Island’s roads are among the busiest in the state, and the consequences of a collision can follow you for the rest of your life. Our car accident attorneys have seen firsthand how a single moment of carelessness can shatter a family’s sense of security, and we approach every case with the goal of restoring as much of that stability as possible through full and fair compensation. Many of the crashes we handle involve distracted driving, where a driver glancing at a text message causes a chain reaction on the expressway, or drunk driving, where someone chooses to get behind the wheel after too many drinks at a local bar. We also see a high volume of rear-end collisions during rush hour on the Southern State Parkway and Sunrise Highway, crashes that often produce painful whiplash injuries that insurance companies love to downplay. When a negligent driver flees the scene, our hit-and-run accident lawyers know how to work with law enforcement and track down evidence that holds the responsible party accountable. And in the most devastating collisions, including head-on crashes that result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burn injuries, or serious fractures, we bring in the medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists needed to prove the full extent of your damages and fight for every dollar you are owed.

Truck & Delivery Driver Accidents

Commercial and specialty vehicles present unique dangers on Long Island’s roads, and the legal claims that follow these accidents are often far more complex than a standard car crash. Truck accidents involving tractor-trailers and other large rigs can cause catastrophic injuries or death due to the extreme weight differential, and our attorneys know how to investigate the trucking company’s maintenance records, driver logs, and insurance policies to identify every liable party. The rise of online shopping has also put more Amazon delivery trucks and other delivery vehicles on residential streets than ever before, and when those drivers rush through neighborhoods to meet tight deadlines, pedestrians and other motorists pay the price. Motorcycle accidents are another area where our firm excels, as we understand the bias riders often face and work aggressively to prove that the other driver was at fault. For clients injured while using rideshare services, our Uber accident and Lyft accident attorneys navigate the complicated insurance structures these companies use to avoid paying claims. We also represent passengers and bystanders hurt in bus accidents involving public transit or private charter companies, as well as commuters affected by LIRR accidents and other train accidents where government entities or transit authorities may bear responsibility.

Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrians, cyclists, and anyone traveling without the protection of a vehicle face some of the most serious risks on Long Island’s streets. Our bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers have represented countless individuals who were struck while crossing an intersection, riding in a bike lane, or walking along the shoulder of a busy road. These cases frequently result in amputation injuries, brain injuries, and other life-threatening conditions that require extensive hospitalization and long-term rehabilitation. Whether your accident happened on a crowded village street or a poorly lit stretch of highway, we investigate every detail to establish liability and demand the compensation you need to put your life back together. In cases involving children, our child injury attorneys bring an added level of care and urgency, understanding that a young person’s injuries can affect their development, education, and quality of life for decades to come.

Water Recreation Injuries

Long Island’s waterways and outdoor recreation areas bring their own set of risks, particularly during the summer months. Boating accidents on the Great South Bay, Long Island Sound, and the open Atlantic can result in drownings, propeller injuries, and severe trauma caused by collisions between vessels or impacts with fixed structures. Jet ski accidents are especially common among younger riders who may not have the experience to handle these powerful watercraft safely, and when operators are reckless or intoxicated, the results can be fatal. Backyard and community swimming pool accidents are another serious concern, particularly when property owners fail to install proper fencing, maintain safe drain covers, or supervise children around the water. Our attorneys hold negligent property owners, rental companies, and equipment manufacturers accountable when their carelessness leads to preventable injuries on or near the water.

Construction Accidents

Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces on Long Island, and the injuries that occur on these sites are often severe and permanently disabling. Our construction accident attorneys represent workers who are hurt in falls from scaffolding, struck by falling objects, caught in trench collapses, or crushed by heavy machinery. We also handle cases involving crane accidents, forklift accidents, ladder falls, roof collapses, and injuries caused by faulty or defective construction equipment that should never have been on the job site in the first place. Workers who operate in confined or elevated spaces face the additional threat of electrocution, and those performing hot work are at risk for welding and torch accidents that can cause catastrophic burns. Construction vehicle accidents round out one of the most dangerous categories of workplace hazards on the island, and our legal team understands how to pursue claims under both New York Labor Law and third-party negligence theories to maximize your recovery. We also represent employees in warehouse injuries and other workplace injury claims where unsafe conditions, inadequate training, or OSHA violations contributed to the harm. First responders who are injured in the line of duty also deserve dedicated legal representation, and our firm is proud to stand behind the firefighters, paramedics, and police officers who put their lives on the line for our communities every day.

Premises Liability

Property owners across Long Island have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe for visitors, tenants, and customers, and when they fail to meet that standard, people get hurt. Slip and fall accidents are the most common type of premises liability claim our firm handles, and they happen in parking lots, grocery stores, office lobbies, apartment stairwells, and private homes throughout the island. We also take on cases involving unsafe or dangerous premises where structural defects, poor lighting, broken railings, or lack of security create hazardous conditions that lead to serious harm. Negligent security claims arise when property owners fail to provide adequate lighting, locks, cameras, or security personnel, and someone is assaulted or robbed as a result. Our dog bite attorneys also hold pet owners responsible when their animals attack, and New York’s strict liability rules for dangerous dogs mean that victims often have a strong path to compensation. When the unthinkable happens and someone loses their life due to any form of negligence, our wrongful death lawyers fight to secure justice and financial stability for the families left behind, handling every detail of the legal process so they can grieve and begin to heal.

Our rideshare accident and personal injury attorneys are available around the clock to answer your questions and begin building your case the moment you reach out.

Elements of a Personal Injury Claim

To prevail in a personal injury lawsuit, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove several key elements:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant (the party responsible for the injury) must have owed a legal duty to the plaintiff. For instance, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and drive safely to avoid harming others. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe.
2. Breach of Duty: The plaintiff must show that the defendant breached this duty of care. This typically involves proving that the defendant acted in a manner that a reasonably prudent person would not have under similar circumstances. For example, running a red light or failing to clean up a spill in a grocery store could be considered a breach of duty.
3. Causation: The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the injury. Causation is broken into two parts:
   • Actual Cause: Also known as “cause in fact,” this means the injury would not have occurred if not for the defendant’s actions.
   • Proximate Cause: Also known as “legal cause,” this involves the often complex legal concept surrounding whether the injury was a foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions.
4. Damages: Lastly, the plaintiff must show that they suffered actual damages as a result of the injury. These damages can be physical, emotional, or financial, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. The extent of the injury will need to be proven or demonstrated through various means.

Types of Damages Recoverable in a Personal Injury Claim

In New York, a personal injury plaintiff may recover different types of damages, depending on the nature of the injury and its effects. These include:

• Economic Damages: These are tangible, quantifiable losses that the plaintiff incurs due to the injury. Examples include:
  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Property damage (if applicable)
• Non-Economic Damages: These are subjective losses that don’t have a precise dollar value but significantly affect the plaintiff’s quality of life. They include:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium (loss of companionship or support from a spouse)

In severe cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future, though they are less common in New York personal injury cases.

Comparative Negligence in New York Personal Injury Cases

New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule when it comes to determining liability in personal injury cases. This means that even if the plaintiff was partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages, but their recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if you were injured in a car accident and the court finds that you were 20% at fault for not wearing a seatbelt, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%. If your damages totaled $100,000, you would be entitled to $80,000.

This system benefits plaintiffs by allowing them to recover compensation even if they share responsibility for the accident. However, it also means that the defendant will likely try to minimize their liability by arguing that the plaintiff was partially to blame. Plaintiff’s attorneys like the lawyers at Jacobson Law will strive to prove the full extent of the defendant’s negligence while pushing back against attempts to blame the plaintiff.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in New York

The statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you will lose your right to seek compensation in court.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For instance:

• Medical Malpractice Claims: These must generally be filed within 2.5 years of the malpractice or discovery of the injury.
• Claims Against Government Entities: If your injury involves a government entity, such as a city or state agency, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the incident, and the lawsuit must be brought within one year and 90 days.

The applicable statute of limitations in a given case is not always straightforward. The key is to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. Similarly, don’t simply assume that your claim is too old without talking to a personal injury lawyer first. Jacobson Law offers a free consultation to review your potential claims.

Serving Throughout Long Island

For over a decade, Jacobson Law has been the firm that Long Island families turn to when an accident leaves them facing medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain future. Our personal injury attorneys handle cases across both Nassau County and Suffolk County, and we take pride in knowing the communities we serve on a personal level. If you were injured in a construction site incident in Ronkonkoma, a rear-end collision in Bay Shore, or a trip and fall at a commercial property in Brentwood, we have the experience and resources to pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf. Our attorneys regularly represent clients from Suffolk County towns like Deer Park, Lindenhurst, West Babylon, West Islip, Babylon, Amityville, and East Islip, where busy roadways and active job sites create daily risks for workers, drivers, and pedestrians alike. We are equally trusted by families in Central Islip, Islip, Bohemia, Holbrook, Oakdale, and Sayville, where we have built a reputation for treating every client’s case with the urgency and attention it deserves. Residents of eastern Suffolk communities including Patchogue, Bellport, Mastic, Shirley, Medford, and Yaphank rely on our team to navigate the legal process so they can focus on healing. Along the North Shore, we serve accident victims in Smithtown, Kings Park, Stony Brook, Centereach, Selden, Coram, Port Jefferson, and Ridge, and we handle just as many claims from the mid-island corridor that runs through Lake Ronkonkoma, Lake Grove, Islandia, Hauppauge, and Farmingville. Clients in Commack, Dix Hills, Melville, Huntington, Huntington Station, East Northport, and Northport have counted on our firm to secure results in cases ranging from serious truck collisions to dog bite injuries and everything in between. We also proudly represent individuals on the East End in Riverhead, Hampton Bays, Southampton, and East Hampton, where seasonal traffic and tourism-driven activity increase the risk of preventable accidents.

Throughout Nassau County, our firm has deep roots in communities like Garden City, Westbury, Hicksville, Jericho, Syosset, Plainview, Old Bethpage, Bethpage, and Farmingdale, and we bring that same commitment to families in Levittown, Wantagh, Seaford, Bellmore, Merrick, Freeport, Oceanside, and Rockville Centre who need an attorney willing to go the distance. Along the south shore, accident victims in Long Beach, Island Park, East Rockaway, Lynbrook, Malverne, Hewlett, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, and Inwood turn to our team for straightforward legal guidance and aggressive representation from day one. On the north side of Nassau, residents of Great Neck, Manhasset, Port Washington, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Woodbury, Carle Place, Williston Park, Stewart Manor, New Hyde Park, and Floral Park know they can count on Jacobson Law to protect their rights when it matters most. We are just as dedicated to the people of East Meadow, Uniondale, Roosevelt, Baldwin, Franklin Square, Elmont, Valley Stream, Massapequa Park, and Wyandanch. If you or someone you love has been hurt anywhere on Long Island, call Jacobson Law today for a free consultation and let us show you what experienced, client-focused representation looks like.

Protecting Your Rights After an Injury

If you’ve been injured in New York due to someone else’s negligence, it’s essential to act quickly and seek legal advice. An experienced Long Island personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you file your claim within the statute of limitations. By working with a skilled lawyer, you can maximize your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.

On Long Island or throughout New York City, contact Jacobson Law by calling 631-661-2030 for a free consultation over the phone or at our offices in Bohemia or Garden City. We can also arrange to meet in Manhattan by appointment. Pursuing a personal injury claim can help you secure the financial recovery needed to move forward. Jacobson Law is here to help.