A Brookhaven personal injury lawyer from our team is here to help if you suffered injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. We build personal injury claims and lawsuits, holding the at-fault parties accountable. If you or a loved one was hurt in Brookhaven, NY, we can handle your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, our Brookhaven personal injury attorney represents clients hurt by another party’s negligence. We provide free case consultations so victims can better understand their legal rights and options. Contact us today to discuss your case and next steps. We will answer your questions and explain how our attorneys handle cases like yours.
Our Brookhaven Personal Injury Attorneys Seek Fair Compensation for Victims
When someone suffers injuries, the costs often add up quickly. They require emergency transport to the hospital, stabilization, treatment, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. Recovery takes time, and accident victims could miss weeks of work. Serious and catastrophic injuries could cause life-altering challenges and require a lifetime of care and therapies.
Regardless of the severity of their injuries, personal injury victims deserve fair compensation from the responsible parties. Our Brookhaven personal injury lawyers do not believe victims should have to bear any of the financial burden for an accident they did nothing to cause.
To this end, we identify and document the expenses and losses our clients incurred and seek a payout to cover them. Each case is different, but some common examples of recoverable damages include:
- Current and future medical bills and related costs
- Current and future income losses if the injuries and treatment require missing work
- Reduced earning ability if there are lasting impairments that prevent returning to work or finding a new career
- Miscellaneous expenses, such as parking and travel expenses
- Pain and suffering
Working With a Brookhaven Injury Lawyer From Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, is a family of lawyers fighting for the rights of injury victims for over 85 years. Since 1938, our team has helped Brookhaven victims pursue fair compensation for their necessary medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering. When you hire our team, you become a part of our family. You can expect to receive personalized attention and support throughout your case.
We take on the most difficult and complex cases, never hesitating to take a case to court when needed. When we work together, you can trust us to protect your best interests and seek the payout you deserve. We will never settle for less.
When you work with us, we will:
- Handle communications with all other parties on your behalf, including insurance companies and the liable party
- Speak with expert witnesses, such as medical professionals, to assess the value of your case
- Offer responsive legal representation throughout your case
- Advocate for your best interests so you can focus on recovering from your mental and physical injuries
Our Successful Track Record Shows Our Commitment to Helping Personal Injury Victims
Over the years, we have used our experience, knowledge, resources, and reputation to recover millions of dollars for our clients. Recent settlements and verdicts won for our clients include:
- $850,000 recovered in an insurance settlement, holding the at-fault driver responsible for rear-ending our client on the Long Island Expressway and causing neck and back injuries
- $750,000 secured through negotiations with the insurance carrier of a driver who rear-ended our client on a NY Expressway, causing his shoulder, neck, and back injuries
- $325,000 paid to our client after a negotiated settlement with the insurer of a distracted driver who caused pedestrian accident injuries in a parking lot
We provide free case reviews for victims and manage all personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. Our clients never need to pay a retainer or worry about tracking hourly fees.
Our Injury Lawyers Have Experience with Many Types of Brookhaven, NY, Negligence Cases
Personal injuries occur in many ways. Almost any situation where one person’s careless actions cause another to suffer injuries could support a personal injury case under the right circumstances. If you have questions about whether you have a valid injury claim or lawsuit, you can reach out to our team. We can assess your legal options based on the information you provide.
Our Brookhaven personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases including:
Brookhaven Auto Accident
Our Brookhaven car accident lawyers know how car accidents and insurance laws work. We can assess your crash case to determine whether you might be eligible to pursue compensation in a fault-based claim or lawsuit.
Brookhaven Bicycle Accident
When careless drivers strike cyclists, serious injuries are common. Our Brookhaven personal injury attorneys understand what causes these collisions and how important it is for victims to recover fair compensation for their current and future care expenses. We are here to help you get justice.
Brookhaven Motorcycle Accident
Our Brookhaven motorcycle accident lawyers know there are many unique aspects to consider after a motorcycle crash. Because we ride, we understand how these accidents can affect victims. We know how to dispel the many misguided judgments and myths about motorcyclists and what causes accidents, which allows us to hold the at-fault driver responsible for a collision.
Brookhaven Pedestrian Accident
New York traffic laws protect pedestrians and reduce the risks associated with motor vehicles and foot traffic sharing the same space, whether in parking lots, crosswalks, or other areas. When drivers are distracted or otherwise careless, accidents and injuries occur. Our Brookhaven pedestrian injury lawyers hold these drivers accountable.
Brookhaven Truck Accident
When a commercial driver causes a crash on Long Island, their employer is generally liable. Our Brookhaven personal injury lawyers build cases against trucking companies and seek fair compensation for our clients. We will not back down regardless of the size or reputation of the company.
Brookhaven Construction Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, our law firm is here to provide you with the experienced legal representation you need. With the assistance of a skilled Brookhaven construction accident lawyer from our firm, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected and your case will be handled with the utmost care and diligence.
Brookhaven Dog Bite Lawyer
When our clients suffer injuries in a dog bite incident, our personal injury attorneys can often hold the dog’s owner responsible. We can build these cases based on the dog’s history of similar behaviors or the owner’s negligence.
Brookhaven Slip and Fall Injury
When someone suffers injuries because of an unreasonable hazard, the property owner is often responsible. Property owners must protect guests on their grounds, including homes, parking lots, businesses, and other areas. Many types of premises liability injuries can occur.
Our Brookhaven injury lawyers most commonly handle slip and fall and trip and fall cases. However, we can help with almost any type of premises liability claim.
Injuries for Which You Can Seek Compensation
Victims of such incidents can seek compensation for a range of injuries, which can significantly impact their lives. Below is an overview of common injuries for which individuals can seek compensation in Brookhaven.
Physical Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and contusions affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can result from slip and fall accidents and car accidents. Symptoms might include pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, and they often require physical therapy or other treatments.
- Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are common in accidents involving high impact, such as vehicle collisions or falls from heights. Depending on the severity, these injuries may necessitate surgeries, immobilization with casts, and extensive rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs occur when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. They range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties. Severe TBIs can lead to long-term disabilities requiring ongoing medical care and support.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting a person’s ability to move and control their body below the injury site. These injuries often require significant medical treatment, rehabilitation, and adaptive devices, and they can dramatically alter a person’s life.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after an accident. These injuries often require emergency medical intervention and can result in long-term health issues.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
- Emotional Distress: Experiencing a traumatic event can lead to significant emotional distress. Symptoms might include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may need psychological counseling or therapy to address these issues.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When an injury prevents a victim from participating in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed, they can seek compensation for this loss. This type of damage recognizes the reduced quality of life and the emotional impact of not being able to engage in fulfilling activities.
Chronic Pain and Long-Term Disabilities
- Chronic Pain: Some injuries result in ongoing, persistent pain even after the initial healing period. Chronic pain can interfere with daily activities and may require long-term pain management strategies, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Disabilities: Injuries leading to permanent or long-term disabilities can severely affect a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities. Compensation for disabilities often covers medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and costs for necessary modifications to the victim’s living environment.
Damages You Can Seek After Suffering a Personal Injury on Long Island
The damages you can seek are intended to compensate you for the losses and harm you have endured. The primary categories of damages available in personal injury cases include compensatory damages, which are further divided into economic and non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Compensatory Damages
- Economic Damages: Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses resulting from the injury. These can be calculated with a reasonable degree of certainty and include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: If the injury causes the victim to miss work, they can claim compensation for the income lost during their recovery period. This also includes potential future earnings if the injury impacts the victim’s ability to work in the future.
- Property Damage: In cases where personal property is damaged in the incident, such as a car in an automobile accident, the victim can claim the cost of repairs or the fair market value of the property if it is deemed a total loss.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This can include costs like transportation to medical appointments, home modifications if the injury leads to a disability, and other incidental expenses incurred due to the injury.
- Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that do not have a specific monetary value but significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. These include:
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and discomfort endured as a result of the injury.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and trauma caused by the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injury prevents the victim from engaging in activities and hobbies they previously enjoyed, they can seek damages for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: If the injury adversely affects the victim’s relationship with their spouse, such as the loss of companionship or sexual relations, the spouse may also claim damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not awarded in every personal injury case and are not intended to compensate the victim for their losses. Instead, they are designed to punish the defendant for malicious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. In New York, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant’s actions were willfully negligent, reckless, or intentional.
Factors Affecting Damage Awards
Several factors can influence the amount and type of damages awarded in a personal injury case in Brookhaven, NY:
- Severity of the Injury: More severe injuries that result in long-term or permanent disability generally attract higher compensation.
- Clear Evidence of Liability: Strong evidence that the defendant is at fault can increase the likelihood of a higher settlement.
- Impact on Quality of Life: The greater the impact on the victim’s daily life and activities, the higher the potential compensation for non-economic damages.
- Age and Health of the Victim: Younger victims or those in good health prior to the injury might receive higher compensation for future lost earnings and medical care needs.
Seeking damages is a complex process, which is why having a personal injury attorney to handle the legal aspects of your case ensures that you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled.
Our Brookhaven Personal Injury Attorneys Can Prove Negligence and Liability
To recover fair compensation based on our clients’ injury cases, we need to show that the liable party acted negligently and caused the damages they endured. The at-fault party’s carelessness or recklessness is at the heart of almost every personal injury case. Without strong evidence to show their role in the incident or accident, we cannot hold them responsible and recover fair compensation.
There are four key elements of negligence:
- The liable party owed our client a duty of care
- They breached the duty of care, failing to uphold it
- Their action or inaction was the proximate cause of the accident
- Our client suffered physical, emotional, and/or financial harm
Depending on the type of accident you were injured in, the liable party could be a vehicle driver, a property owner, a dog owner, a trucking company, or any other party whose negligence caused you to sustain an injury. Our legal team will investigate your case to determine who we can hold financially accountable.
Let’s win your case TOGETHER
Evidence Can Prove Who Owes You Compensation After a Personal Injury
Using the available evidence, we can hold the negligent party accountable for your accident.
Our Brookhaven injury lawyers know how to identify, gather, and organize the evidence to show what happened and who is responsible. This serves as the leverage we need to negotiate a fair settlement or win in court. Some types of evidence we often use in personal injury cases include:
- Reports filed by police, animal control, or other officials: These official reports provide an unbiased, detailed account of the incident. They typically include vital information such as the date, time, and location of the accident, statements from involved parties and witnesses, and any observations made by the responding officers. In personal injury cases, these reports serve as critical evidence to establish the facts and circumstances of the incident, helping to determine fault or negligence.
- Video of the incident: Video footage can offer an objective and precise depiction of the events leading up to, during, and after the incident. It can capture key details that may be missed in verbal accounts, such as the behavior of the parties involved, the conditions at the scene, and the sequence of events. This visual evidence is often compelling in court, providing clear proof of liability by showing exactly what happened.
- Eyewitness statements: Statements from individuals who witnessed the incident can provide additional perspectives and confirm other evidence. Eyewitnesses can describe the actions of the involved parties, the environmental conditions, and other relevant details. Their accounts can strengthen the case by supporting the victim’s version of events and establishing the credibility of the claims.
- Relevant medical records: Medical records document the injuries sustained and the treatment required, linking them directly to the incident. They include diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical opinions on the cause of the injuries. These records are crucial for demonstrating the extent of the harm suffered and the connection between the injury and the accident, which is essential for proving liability and justifying compensation.
- Photographs from the scene: Photographs provide visual evidence of the scene, capturing conditions such as road hazards, weather, vehicle damage, or unsafe environments that contributed to the incident. These images help to reconstruct the accident and identify factors that may indicate negligence or fault. Photographs taken immediately after the incident can also preserve transient evidence, such as skid marks or debris, that may otherwise be lost.
- Expert witness testimony: Experts in fields such as accident reconstruction, medical care, or engineering can provide specialized knowledge and professional opinions that clarify complex aspects of the case. Their testimony can explain how the accident occurred, the severity of the injuries, and the likely causes based on the evidence. Expert witnesses can offer authoritative insights that support the claim of liability and counteract any opposing arguments.
Using these types of evidence, a personal injury attorney can build a strong case to demonstrate the other party’s liability and secure fair compensation for the victim.
Our Brookhaven Personal Injury Lawyers Handle Wrongful Death Cases
Not all negligence injuries are survivable. Unfortunately, some victims pass away because of the severe injuries suffered in a Brookhaven incident or accident. When this occurs, their surviving family members may get justice by pursuing a wrongful death case against the at-fault party.
Under EPTL § 5-4.1, New York only allows the estate’s executor, known as the personal representative, to serve as the plaintiff of a wrongful death lawsuit. Our Brookhaven wrongful death attorneys handle these cases, working with the personal representative to seek fair compensation for lost income, loss of services, medical bills, funeral expenses, and more.
Legal Process in Brookhaven, NY
Role of the Personal Representative
- Under New York’s Estates, Powers & Trusts Law (EPTL) § 5-4.1, only the estate’s executor or personal representative can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- The personal representative is responsible for gathering evidence, filing the lawsuit, and managing the legal process on behalf of the estate and beneficiaries.
Working with a Brookhaven Wrongful Death Attorney
- Case Evaluation: An attorney will evaluate the circumstances of the case to determine its viability.
- Investigation: Conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
- Filing the Claim: The attorney will file the wrongful death lawsuit within the statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date of death in New York.
- Negotiation and Settlement: The attorney will negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to seek a fair settlement.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the attorney will represent the estate in court to pursue maximum compensation.
Impact on the Family
Financial Impact
- The loss of a primary earner can lead to significant financial hardship for the family.
- Compensation aims to alleviate the financial burden by covering lost income and future financial contributions.
Emotional Impact
- The emotional toll on the family can be profound and lasting.
- Non-economic damages seek to provide some measure of relief for the emotional suffering and loss of companionship.
Future Considerations
- Compensation for loss of inheritance and future earnings helps to secure the financial stability of the deceased’s dependents.
- Addresses the long-term impact on the family’s quality of life.
Working with experienced wrongful death attorneys is crucial in ensuring that the family receives fair and just compensation for their profound loss. This legal support helps to hold the responsible parties accountable and provides the family with the necessary financial resources to move forward.
How Can a Brookhaven Injury Attorney Win Your Case?
Generally, there are three ways our attorneys in Brookhaven can win a personal injury case. This includes:
- Negotiating a fair settlement with the liable party or their insurance carrier
- Representing our client in alternative dispute resolution measures, such as mediation or arbitration
- Filing a lawsuit, taking the case to trial, and receiving a court award
Our team will keep you informed on your legal options throughout your case. You do not have to make any uninformed decisions when you retain an attorney from Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC.
Generally, we recover compensation for clients by negotiating with the insurance adjuster and reaching a fair agreement. This could occur before we file a lawsuit, afterward, or even in the middle of a trial. Our law firm will keep you updated throughout your case, so you know what to expect.
Don’t Wait to Begin Working on Your Personal Injury Case
Our Brookhaven personal injury team encourages you to connect with us about your case as soon as you can. The sooner we know about your injuries, the faster we can protect your right to pursue compensation and help you develop your case for financial recovery.
Getting started on your case as soon as possible has several benefits, including:
- It gives our firm time to collect time-sensitive evidence
- We’ll be able to speak to witnesses before their memory of the incident fades
- We can ensure you’re aware of the filing deadline that applies to your case
Generally, CVP § 214 gives us three years to sue the liable party after an injury, but other deadlines could apply.
Speak to Our Brookhaven Personal Injury Legal Team for Free Today
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC provides free case consultations for Brookhaven, NY, accident victims. If you were hurt and believe someone else might be responsible, we can assess your options and discuss your rights. Let Our Family Help Your Family.
Contact us by calling our office today. A member of our team can take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.