If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing on the bustling streets of Queens, you need a fierce advocate by your side. Our Queens personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we are your dedicated allies in the fight for justice. We've earned a reputation for our unwavering commitment to our clients' rights and our unrelenting advocacy in the pursuit of fair compensation for their injuries.
An injury can turn your world upside down, taking a toll on your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. That's why we approach each case with compassion and thoughtful legal guidance. Our proven track record speaks volumes, with millions recovered for injured clients across New York State.
Every minute you wait puts the strength of your case at risk. Reach out to our personal injury lawyers today, and let us start building your case for compensation!
No matter how you've been injured, we can help. We help injured victims seek justice after suffering injuries in a wide array of incidents, including:
With years of experience handling complex auto accidents, we know the ins and outs of New York’s traffic laws.
Our team can build a strong case on your behalf, including gathering evidence from sources such as traffic camera footage and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
As Queens continues to undergo constant development, we stand ready to protect workers injured on construction sites throughout the borough.
We'll fight for all available compensation in your case, including workers' compensation and third-party claims if applicable.
Whether you’ve been injured in a slip and fall in a Flushing shopping center or due to inadequate security in an Astoria apartment building, we hold negligent property owners responsible.
Our investigators will thoroughly investigate the hazardous conditions that led to your injury, building a strong case for compensation.
From misdiagnoses at local clinics to surgical errors in major medical centers, we've successfully handled a wide range of malpractice cases.
Our attorneys are skilled at explaining complex medical issues to judges and juries, increasing your chances of a favorable verdict.
From rare drug interactions to unexpected equipment malfunctions, we are ready to deal with personal injury cases that don't fit the usual mold.
No matter how unique your case, we have the resources to build a compelling argument for compensation.
If you've suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly impact your health and your ability to pursue a personal injury claim.
Here's your roadmap:
Seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries, particularly neck injuries and internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious, long-term consequences.
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. You should also try to collect contact information from any witnesses. If applicable, file a police report with the NYPD or an incident report with the relevant authority.
Keep all medical records, bills, and correspondence related to the incident. This documentation will be crucial for your claim and can help your personal injury attorney build a strong case.
Avoid discussing fault or the details of the incident with anyone other than your personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies may try to use your statements against you, potentially jeopardizing your right to fair compensation.
Before speaking with any insurance representatives or accepting any settlement offers, it's crucial to consult with an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer. At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case. We’ll help ensure you're not shortchanged in your pursuit of maximum compensation.
Injury victims often find themselves at a crossroads, wondering whether they should accept an insurance settlement or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
While every case is unique, understanding the benefits of each option is crucial for making the right decision for your situation.
A quick settlement might seem appealing when you're dealing with mounting medical bills and lost wages. However, these initial offers tend to undervalue the true cost of your injuries and suffering, leaving you without the resources you need for long-term care and recovery.
This is particularly true in cases of serious injuries, such as:
These types of injuries require extensive medical treatment and often lead to long-term or permanent disabilities, significantly impacting your quality of life and earning capacity.
On the other hand, a personal injury lawsuit can offer several significant advantages. For one, a lawsuit allows for a thorough assessment of all damages, including future medical costs, long-term care needs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Second, legal action can help hold the negligent party fully accountable, potentially preventing similar incidents in the future and making our community safer.
Finally, filing a lawsuit often motivates insurance companies to offer fairer settlements in an effort to avoid costly litigation. This is particularly important in serious injury cases, where the potential damages are high.
Thanks to New York’s pure comparative negligence rule, reinforced by Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) Chapter 8, Section 1411, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the incident that caused your injuries. However, your award would then be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found to be 20% at fault for a car accident, you can still recover 80% of the total damages.
With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses you've sustained due to your injury. These include:
Non-economic damages address the intangible losses you've suffered as a result of your injury. These can include:
Our legal team will work to identify all potential forms of damages you may be eligible for and help you fight for maximum compensation.
In order to win a personal injury case, you typically need to prove the at-fault party’s negligence, which requires demonstrating several key elements:
Understanding these components can help you and your personal injury attorney build a strong case for compensation.
New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is usually three years. However, medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years and six months of the incident or the end of continuous treatment. For cases involving government entities, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days, followed by a lawsuit within one year and 90 days. Finally, wrongful death cases have a two-year deadline. These restrictions emphasize the importance of taking prompt legal action after an injury.
Depending on the circumstances of your injury, various parties may be held responsible:
In premises liability cases — such as slip and fall accidents in shopping centers or apartment buildings — property owners or managers may be held liable if they failed to maintain safe premises.
In motor vehicle accidents on busy Queens thoroughfares, negligent drivers can be held responsible for injuries they cause.
Companies may be liable for injuries caused by their employees while on the job. They might also be held liable for failing to provide a safe work environment, particularly in industries like construction or manufacturing.
In product liability cases, manufacturers, distributors, or retailers may be held accountable for injuries caused by defective products.
Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals can be held liable in cases of medical malpractice. These claims are also often pursued against the hospital itself.
Government agencies may be responsible for injuries occurring on public property. They might also be liable if injuries were caused by government employees, such as accidents involving MTA buses.
If the accident occurred at one of Queens' many construction sites, multiple parties might share liability, including contractors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers.
In cases of dog bites or attacks in Queens neighborhoods, pet owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their animals.
An experienced personal injury attorney from Fellows Hymowitz Rice can help investigate your case and identify all potentially liable parties, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve under New York law.
Most personal injury attorneys in Queens operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront to hire a lawyer. Instead, the attorney's fee is a percentage of the compensation recovered in your case — typically around 33.33% for pretrial settlements and 40% for cases that go to trial. Make sure you ask about your attorney’s fee structure during your free consultation.
Note that these lawyers only get paid if they win the case, which means you pay nothing if your attorney fails to recover compensation for you. This aligns their interests with yours and allows you to seek legal representation without taking on additional financial stress.
The duration of a personal injury case can vary depending on several factors, including case complexity, court schedules, and how cooperative the insurance company is.
Generally, the process looks like an investigation period of one to three months, three to 12 months of treatment and recovery, and a negotiation period of one to four months. If litigation is necessary, it can add six to 18 months to the process. A trial may only last a few days, but it can take months to schedule.
Imagine fighting a seasoned boxer with your hands tied behind your back. That's what it's like taking on a major insurance company by yourself.
Here's how a personal injury attorney fights for you as your heavyweight champion:
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we understand that behind every case is a person whose life has been upended by their injury.
When you walk through our doors, you're not just another case number — we take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and tailor our approach to your unique situation. We combine aggressive legal strategy with compassionate care to help you get fair compensation, all while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Rob Fellows is more than just a lawyer; he's a seasoned advocate and a respected leader in the legal community. With over 40 years of experience, he's earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, unwavering advocacy, and a genuine commitment to his clients.
Steve Hymowitz is a champion for the underdog, specializing in medical malpractice and construction accident cases. He’s known for his warmth and unwavering dedication, relentlessly pursuing justice for those who feel powerless against insurance companies.
Matthew brings an unparalleled level of energy and drive to every case, earning a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He goes beyond financial wins, building deep connections with clients and becoming a trusted advisor during their most difficult times.
Joanne Horowitz is a skilled legal strategist and a strong advocate for those facing injuries due to negligence, construction accidents, and medical malpractice.
Margaret is a seasoned negotiator, expert in civil dispute resolution, with extensive experience handling homicide cases.
Don't let an injury define your future. Get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
We serve clients in New York City, Rockland County, and across New York State, including:
Whether you're dealing with a workplace injury or a car crash, Fellows Hymowitz Rice is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation, and start your journey to justice!
