An injury is more than an inconvenience. It can take over your life, lead to immense pain and suffering, and harm your finances. If an injury is caused by someone else, you deserve compensation. At Towey Law, PLLC, we’re here to help when you need a Cheektowaga personal injury lawyer by your side. We know you need compensation, and we’re ready to step up on your behalf.
Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle in Cheektowaga
At Towey Law, PLLC, we handle a variety of personal injury cases, each with unique challenges. Our experienced team works diligently to build strong cases and win maximum compensation for our clients, no matter the type of injury they have sustained. Some of the most common personal injury cases we handle include:
- Car Accidents. Whether caused by reckless driving, distracted driving, or weather conditions, vehicle collisions remain a leading cause of injury in New York.
- Truck Accidents. Collisions involving large trucks can be devastating. These cases often involve complicated liability issues due to the involvement of trucking companies, drivers, and insurance carriers.
- Pedestrian Accidents. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to catastrophic injuries when struck by vehicles. We assist clients in pursuing claims for compensation, whether the accident occurred in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or elsewhere.
- Bicycle Accidents. Cyclists often suffer severe injuries in collisions with motor vehicles. Our firm advocates for bicyclists’ rights, ensuring that negligent drivers are held accountable.
- Dog Bite Incidents. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, we can help you pursue a claim for damages. New York has strict liability laws in place for dog owners, and we will fight to secure compensation for your injuries.
- Medical Malpractice Claims. When a healthcare provider’s negligence leads to harm, victims may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. We handle cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and more.
- Product Liability Incidents. Defective products can cause serious harm. We represent clients injured by dangerous consumer products, ranging from faulty electronics to defective medical devices.
- Slip and Fall Incidents. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident due to hazardous conditions, we can help you hold the property owner responsible.
- Wrongful Death Claims. Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Our firm handles wrongful death claims with compassion, helping families recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
- Workplace Accidents. Injuries on the job can lead to costly medical bills and missed work. We help clients navigate the workers’ compensation system and pursue third-party claims when applicable.
Common Types of Personal Injuries
Personal injuries vary widely, but many are severe enough to require ongoing medical treatment or lead to long-term disability. Some of the most common types of personal injuries we see include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Brain injuries can occur in accidents involving falls, vehicle collisions, or direct impact. TBIs often result in significant cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries. We handle all types of spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal column can lead to paralysis (sometimes complete paralysis, but partial paralysis can still lead to devastating long-term consequences).
- Broken Bones and Fractures. While some fractures heal quickly, others may require surgery and lead to long-term complications.
- Burns. Severe burn injuries can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, as well as significant emotional trauma.
- Soft Tissue Injuries. Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue trauma may seem relatively minor compared to these other injuries, but they can lead to chronic pain and restricted mobility if not treated properly.
What to Do After Suffering a Personal Injury
If you have suffered a personal injury in Cheektowaga, it is important to take specific steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is crucial to see a healthcare provider to assess your condition.
- Document the incident. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Gather contact information from witnesses if possible.
- Report the accident. Whether it was a car accident, workplace injury, or slip and fall, make sure to report the incident to the appropriate party, which will vary depending on the nature of the incident.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer. An experienced Cheektowaga personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, investigate your claim, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve including any punitive damages you are entitled to.
Statute of Limitations in Cheektowaga
In New York, the legal time limit to file an injury claim in court is typically three years from the date of the injury. This means that you have three years to file a lawsuit or settle your claim. However, certain circumstances can affect this deadline, such as claims against government entities (state or city government), cases involving medical malpractice, and claims involving minors, which may have shorter time limits.
It is essential to act quickly after an injury to preserve evidence and ensure that your case is filed on time. Consulting with a Cheektowaga personal injury lawyer today can help you keep track of any pertinent and approaching deadlines.
Establishing Negligence in a Cheektowaga Personal Injury Case
To successfully recover compensation in a personal injury case, you must prove that the other party was negligent. Negligence occurs when someone (or an entity or business) doesn’t act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. Establishing negligence typically involves four key elements:
- Duty of Care. The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff (e.g., drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws).
- Breach of Duty. The defendant breached that duty by acting carelessly or recklessly.
- Causation. The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
- Damages. The plaintiff suffered actual harm as a result of the defendant’s actions.
Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong argument to establish the defendant’s liability.
Call a Cheektowaga Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been injured due to the negligence of another party, Towey Law, PLLC, is here to help. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.