FAQs

Some Of The Questions We Answer Every day

At The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. in Rockville Centre, New York, we have helped numerous individuals and families recover millions of dollars of financial compensation they are entitled to for their injuries (or death of a loved one) caused by another party’s negligence. Our only focus is helping people put their lives back together as much as possible after a serious accident.

We are often asked to explain the legal issues involved in a personal injury claim. We understand and are happy to take the time to help our clients feel more comfortable with the process. After all, if you are like most people we talk to, you probably have never faced this kind of life-changing problem before.

To start, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions.

Q. Do I really need the expense of an attorney?

A. Legally, you can handle the claim yourself, but you will be going up against a large insurance company and very experienced defense lawyers. Keep in mind we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no retainer and no attorneys’ fees. We get paid a percentage of the amount we recover on your behalf. Studies show that plaintiffs (the injured party) who hire a personal injury claim generally recover significantly more in a settlement or jury award. While you focus on recovering your health, your attorney will be hard at work focusing on recovering the full and fair compensation you are entitled to.

Q. What if I have already started the claims process?

A. Most of our clients have already talked to an insurance adjuster before contacting us. We are ready to step in at any point in the process. Bring your paperwork to us. We offer a free case review and consultation to explain exactly how we can help, by either starting things over or moving things along.

Q. What financial damages can I fight to recover?

A. We will fight to help you recover every dollar of your costs that is directly related to the accident and resulting care. That includes medical expenses not covered by your health insurance; lost wages or salary from your time out of work; travel expenses to and from your medical appointments; costs related to medication and physical rehabilitation; adaptive equipment you may require for your home, auto and office; and additional money for the pain and suffering you endured. Depending upon the circumstances of your case, you may even be entitled to punitive damages.

Q. What is my case worth?

A. One of the biggest mistakes injured people make is to think their case isn’t worth hiring a lawyer for. Remember, insurance adjusters work for their employers – the insurance companies. They aren’t going to tell you the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. It makes sense to meet with one of our lawyers at no cost to discuss your case before deciding. You can read more about the value of your case elsewhere on our site.

Q. Will my case go public? What if I don’t want anyone to know I’m suing?

A. We handle all cases with the highest degree of confidentiality. The final details of the case will not be made a matter for public record.

Q. How long do I have to decide whether to hire a lawyer?

A. The statute of limitations (deadline) for filing a personal injury claim in New York is three years from the date the injury occurred.

Q. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

A. This is called a “shared-fault” claim. New York follows a “pure comparative negligence rule,” which basically means that the amount of compensation you are entitled to recover will be reduced by the percentage of negligence you share in an accident (or extent of the injury). The bottom line, though, is that you are still entitled to compensation from the other party who shares negligence.

Q. How long until my case settles?

The length of your case depends entirely on the circumstances of your situation and the willingness of the insurance company to offer a fair settlement. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can speed up your case, as insurers may be more likely to offer fair compensation when faced with the prospect of a trial with a respected law firm.

Our clients are in difficult situations, so we always try to get you fair compensation as soon as possible. However, we will not encourage you to settle for less than you deserve.

Call With Your Questions

We know you still have questions, and we will be happy to answer them. Call us at 516-829-7270 or contact us by email to arrange a free consultation with one of our lawyers. We represent clients throughout the greater New York City area and Nassau and Suffolk counties.