White Plains, NY Personal Injury Lawyers
Trusted legal advocates fighting for the injured in White Plains
Personal injury accidents can happen quickly and when you least expect them, but the effects can last a lifetime. If you’ve been injured in White Plains due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve more than just medical care; you deserve justice and peace of mind.
The White Plains personal injury lawyers at Giampa Law help injury victims fight for full compensation and regain control of their lives. We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with insurance companies and the legal system on your own, especially when you’re trying to heal.
Our legal team is here to listen, guide you through every step, and build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation. There’s no pressure and no upfront fees. Just honest answers, experienced representation, and a legal team that’s ready to stand up for you.
FAQs About White Plains Personal Injury Claims
- What is considered a personal injury case in New York?
- What are the most common types of personal injury cases in White Plains?
- How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?
- How does New York’s comparative negligence law impact my claim?
- What compensation can I receive for my injuries?
- What steps should I take after getting injured in White Plains, NY?
- How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in White Plains?
- What if my injuries don’t show up until days after the accident?
- Will my case go to trial or settle out of court?
- How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
What is considered a personal injury case in New York?
In New York, a personal injury case usually comes down to one key idea: someone got hurt because another person was careless or acted wrongfully. It could be a car accident on the Bronx River Parkway, a slip and fall on a poorly maintained sidewalk, or even a dog bite in Central Park. If someone else’s negligence or failure to act with reasonable care caused your injuries, you may have a valid personal injury claim.
What ties them all together is the concept of liability. The injured person (the plaintiff) must show that the other party (the defendant) had a duty to act carefully, failed in that duty, and caused harm as a result. New York law allows injured people to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. You don’t need to be completely free of fault to file a claim either. Thanks to New York’s comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame.
What are the most common types of personal injury cases in White Plains?
The attorneys at Giampa Law handle a wide variety of personal injury cases in White Plains, including:
- Car accidents: Crashes on roads such as I-287, the Bronx River Parkway, and local streets are a leading cause of injuries.
- Pedestrian accidents: White Plains has busy crosswalks and intersections where pedestrians are often hit by distracted or speeding drivers.
- Slip and fall accidents: These often occur on poorly maintained sidewalks, stairwells, or inside businesses that fail to clean up spills or hazards.
- Bicycle accidents: Cyclists face risks from drivers who fail to share the road or don’t yield at intersections.
- Construction site injuries: With ongoing development in the city, workers are often injured due to unsafe conditions or lack of protective measures.
- Medical malpractice: Patients may suffer harm due to misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or negligent care.
- Nursing home abuse and neglect: Elderly residents in care facilities can experience physical or emotional harm due to mistreatment or lack of proper supervision.
- Dog bites: Animal attacks in parks or residential areas can lead to serious physical and emotional injuries.
- Wrongful death: These claims arise when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct.
How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?
To know if you have a valid personal injury claim in New York, start by asking yourself a few key questions. First, were you injured physically, emotionally, or financially? Next, was someone else responsible for causing that injury, either through negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions? Finally, can you prove the connection between their actions and your injuries?
For example, if you slipped on a wet grocery store floor that had no warning sign, or got rear-ended at a red light, you may have grounds for a claim. In legal terms, you’ll need to show four elements:
- The other party had a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- Their actions directly caused your injury
- You suffered real damages (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering)
Even if you're partially at fault, New York’s comparative negligence rule may still allow you to recover a portion of your losses. Every case is different, so it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate the details and let you know where you stand.
How does New York’s comparative negligence law impact my claim?
Under New York’s comparative negligence law, fault is shared when more than one party contributes to a personal injury accident, including the person who was injured. Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, the law looks at how much each person was responsible and adjusts compensation accordingly.
Let’s say you were hurt in a car accident, and the court finds that the other driver was 80% at fault for running a red light, but you were 20% at fault for speeding. If your total damages were $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by your share of the blame, so you’d receive $80,000.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault. Your recovery just gets reduced by your percentage of fault. This system allows for a more fair and flexible outcome, especially in complicated cases where the blame isn’t entirely clear-cut.
It’s one reason why having a skilled White Plains personal injury lawyer matters. Giampa Law can help make sure fault is assessed accurately and fairly, so you get the full amount of compensation you’re eligible for.
What compensation can I receive for my injuries?
If you’ve been injured in New York because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. The types of compensation you can receive typically fall into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the financial costs tied directly to your injury, such as:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages or income if you missed work
- Loss of future earning potential
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to treatment or recovery
Non-economic damages are a bit more personal and harder to quantify. These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
Every case is different, and the amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your life, and the strength of the evidence. An experienced White Plains personal injury attorney at Giampa Law can help assess the full value of your claim and fight to make sure you’re not shortchanged.
What steps should I take after getting injured in White Plains, NY?
If you’ve been injured in White Plains due to negligence, taking the right steps afterward can make a big difference in protecting both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical attention immediately: Even if your injuries seem minor, have a doctor evaluate you. Some issues don’t show up right away, and medical records will be key if you file a claim.
- Call the police or report the incident: For car accidents, make sure a police report is filed. For other types of accidents (such as slip and falls), notify the property owner or manager and ask for a written report.
- Document everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, property damage, and anything else that seems relevant. Write down what happened while it’s still fresh.
- Get witness contact info: If anyone saw what happened, their testimony could support your claim later on.
- Don’t admit fault: Be honest but avoid speculating or taking the blame. Let the investigation determine liability.
- Speak with a White Plains personal injury lawyer: Before dealing with insurance companies, talk to an attorney at Giampa Law who can explain your rights and help you build a strong case.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in White Plains?
In New York, you typically have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. It might seem like plenty of time, but it’s important not to wait too long. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and witnesses can become harder to track down the longer you delay.
If your claim involves a government agency, you’ll need to file a notice of claim within just 90 days. In wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is usually two years from the date of death.
If you’ve been hurt, talk to a White Plains personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Giampa Law can help you understand your exact deadline and make sure all the paperwork is filed properly.
What if my injuries don’t show up until days after the accident?
It’s actually very common for injuries to take a few days (or even longer) to show up after an accident. The adrenaline rush you experience during a crash or fall can mask pain and symptoms. Once that adrenaline wears off, things like neck stiffness, back pain, headaches, or even internal injuries can begin to surface.
If this happens to you, don’t panic, and definitely don’t ignore the pain. Seek medical attention as soon as you start noticing symptoms. Timely documentation from a doctor is important for your health, and it can strengthen your personal injury claim.
Insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries aren’t related to your personal injury accident if there’s a gap in treatment. That’s why it helps to get checked out right away, even if you think you’re fine. You should also follow up if symptoms start creeping in later. Giampa Law can help connect the dots and make sure your delayed injuries are taken seriously.
Will my case go to trial or settle out of court?
Most personal injury cases settle through a negotiated settlement rather than going to trial. Settling can save time, reduce stress, and give both sides more control over the outcome.
However, every case is different. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation or denies responsibility, the White Plains personal injury attorneys at Giampa Law are fully prepared to take your case to court. This is more likely in cases involving severe injuries, long-term disability, or disputed liability.
Our legal team can negotiate aggressively on your behalf, but also be fully prepared to take your case to trial if needed. You’ll be involved in every decision along the way, so you won’t be caught off guard.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
One of the biggest concerns people have after a personal injury accident is, “Can I even afford a lawyer?” Fortunately, Giampa Law works on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case or secure a settlement for you.
This fee structure helps level the playing field. You can get high-quality legal representation without worrying about hourly rates, retainer fees, or out-of-pocket expenses while you’re trying to recover. If your case isn’t successful, you typically owe nothing for legal fees. If you're hurt and unsure what to do next, talking to a White Plains personal injury lawyer is a risk-free first step.
Let Giampa Law handle your personal injury case
Let Giampa Law handle your personal injury case so you can focus on healing. During your free consultation, we’ll take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options clearly and without pressure. You’ll meet with an experienced White Plains personal injury attorney who understands how devastating an accident can be and what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
We proudly serve clients throughout White Plains and surrounding Westchester County, including Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, and beyond. Whether you were injured in a car crash, slip and fall, construction site accident, or another incident, our team is ready to fight for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice, recovery, and peace of mind.