Albany Personal Injury Lawyer


andrew finkelstein
Albany Personal Injury Attorney, Andrew Finkelstein

Any time you suffer severe injuries in an accident due to the negligence of another party, you may find yourself spiraling. What comes next? How can you protect yourself, and do you have the right compensation? For that matter, how much compensation can you expect for your injuries?

At Finkelstein & Partners, our Albany personal injury attorneys have more than 60 years of experience managing a wide range of personal injury claims and their challenges. We help our clients navigate interactions with insurance companies, determine how much compensation they deserve, and fight for that compensation. Do you need help navigating a personal injury claim in Albany? Contact Finkelstein & Partners to discuss your Albany personal injury claim.

Finkelstein & Partners: Experienced Help for Albany Injury Victims

Finkelstein & Partners firm team Dealing with the effects of an accident can leave you suffering from a great deal of trauma. You have the weight of your injuries to contend with, and you may find yourself fighting the insurance company to get recognition for your losses, injuries, and the compensation you deserve. At Finkelstein & Partners, we aim to help reduce stress for our clients and guide them through the injury claim process in a way that can help them maximize the compensation they can recover.

Keep Up with the Facts

As the victim of devastating injuries, you deserve access to all the relevant information about your claim. You may need to know more about what the insurance company has said, the latest settlement offers, and any evidence that may have come to light. At Finkelstein & Partners, we make sure our clients have access to all the latest facts about their claims by connecting them to our online system, which has the latest details and information available 24/7.

Get Compassionate Support

At Finkelstein & Partners, we know how emotional the aftermath of your injuries and the resulting claim can be. We help support our clients through the entire claim process, providing them with valuable legal advice and ongoing representation as they navigate the complexities of an injury claim and learn more about their rights.

Receive Affordable Legal Services

At Finkelstein & Partners, we believe that cost should not prevent you from receiving the legal services and support you need to win the compensation you deserve. We start with a free consultation to go over your claim. Then, we accept clients on a contingent fee basis: you do not have to pay until we win the compensation you deserve for the injuries you sustained due to another party’s negligence.

Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle in Albany

Finkelstein & Partners team with clients in AlbanyAlbany injury claims can be broken down into a variety of categories. You may have the right to compensation if someone else’s negligence causes a dangerous accident. At Finkelstein & Partners, we handle a variety of personal injury claims in Albany, including:

We also handle injury claims involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, child injuries, and other catastrophic injuries. Talk to Finkelstein & Partners to better understand what likely caused your accident and whether you can pursue compensation.

Our Albany Law Offices

Finkelstein & Partners has two locations in Albany, New York, to serve you:

Finkelstein & Partners, LLP

1707 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12205
518-452-2813

Finkelstein & Partners, LLP

41 State St, Suite 604-21
Albany, NY 12207
518-419-6070

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Finkelstein & Partners, LLP – Winning Serious Injury Lawsuits Since 1959

Drop by our office to speak with one of our attorneys at no cost. You can also call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you.

Albany Accident Statistics

According to reports published by the New York State Department of Health, Albany County experiences many traffic accidents throughout any given year. On average, the Albany area sees the following each year because of traffic-related accidents:

  • 1,869 emergency room visits
  • 150 hospitalizations
  • 25 fatalities

Motor vehicle traffic injuries are a leading cause of death in Albany annually, making up around 11 percent of fatalities. They also make up around 7 percent of injuries requiring hospitalization and 8 percent of ER visits yearly, resulting in nearly $18 million in ER and hospital charges. Motor vehicle accidents are also a major cause of traumatic brain injuries, and both alcohol impairment and speeding were cited as the top causes of motor vehicle accidents throughout the area.

Falls also serve as a potent hazard throughout Albany. Falls cause 15 percent of deaths and around 56 percent of hospitalizations yearly.



Source: www.itsmr.org

Types of Personal Injuries People Suffer in Albany

Finkelstein & Partners law firm teamPeople can suffer a wide range of personal injuries in Albany, depending on the nature of the accident or injury-causing event. Some injuries are relatively minor, while others may be life-threatening and debilitating. Here are some common types of injuries we help clients recover compensation for in Albany:

  • Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments due to overstretching or overuse. Many times, strains and sprains result from work-related duties, particularly in the construction industry.
  • Fractures: Broken bones can result from many different types of accidents or trauma, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and slip and fall accidents.
  • Cuts and Lacerations: Most people have cut their fingers while slicing food, requiring only basic first aid to treat. However, wounds caused by sharp objects in accidents, such as broken glass in a car accident, can be very deep and require immediate medical attention.
  • Burn Injuries: Burn injuries result from damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. You can suffer burn injuries in motor vehicle accidents, at work, or because of a defective product.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These are head injuries that result in damage to the brain, often caused by blows to the head. Car accidents and certain contact sports are leading causes of TBIs.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and other serious complications. Car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and construction accidents can all cause spinal cord injuries.
  • Whiplash: This is a type of neck injury often associated with car accidents, caused by a sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck.
  • Internal Organ Injuries: Damage to organs within the body, often caused by blunt force trauma, can lead to serious complications or even death if not treated properly and promptly.
  • Amputations: Sometimes, injuries are so severe they require the partial or complete removal of a limb or body part due to accidents or medical reasons. In some accidents, limbs are severed completely during the incident.
  • Crush Injuries: These injuries occur when a body part is squeezed between two heavy objects or surfaces, often necessitating amputation.
  • Degloving Injuries: These are severe injuries where the skin is torn away from underlying tissues, resembling the process of removing a glove. These can come from car accidents and work-related accidents, such as getting an arm stuck in heavy machinery.
  • Electrical Injuries: People can suffer harm caused by electric shocks, often resulting in burns and other complications. Those who work in construction or around live electrical wires run the risk of electrocution.
  • Frostbite: Sometimes, people have to work in adverse weather conditions and very low temperatures. They can suffer tissue damage caused by exposure to extreme cold temperatures. Frostbite can lead to serious complications, including the need for amputations.
  • Nerve Damage: Injuries that result in damage to nerves lead to pain, numbness, or loss of function.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent marks or changes to the appearance of the skin or body can result due to injuries.
  • Eye Injuries: Many types of accidents can cause damage to the eyes, which can result in vision problems or blindness.
  • Joint Injuries: Some accidents can damage the joints, often leading to pain, limited mobility, and chronic conditions like arthritis.
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries: These are injuries caused by repeated motions, often associated with certain occupational activities. Many workers’ compensation claims arise from these types of injuries.
  • Respiratory Injuries: Accident victims and workers can suffer damage to the respiratory system, often caused by inhaling harmful substances.
  • Psychological and Emotional Trauma: Along with physical injuries, people can suffer mental and emotional harm due to traumatic events, accidents, or personal experiences. This can include emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and mental anguish. People can also suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This is a psychological injury that can result from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you’ve sustained any type of personal injury in Albany. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, you should consult with a legal professional to understand your options for compensation or recourse.

What Should I Do If I Discover Severe Injuries After Some Time Has Passed Following an Albany Accident?

Some injuries may not show up immediately. To help protect your right to compensation, you should try to pursue medical treatment immediately after any accident. However, sometimes, you might end up walking away from the accident without realizing the extent of your injuries and the damage you sustained. In those cases, you should see a doctor as soon as you realize that you have ongoing symptoms or challenges related to the accident.

If the doctor does diagnose an injury, you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to start discussing your right to compensation and how to proceed with an injury claim that will still help you recover that compensation.

Albany Personal Injury FAQs

Rated by Super Lawyers 2023Did you sustain severe injuries in an Albany accident?

To help protect your ability to claim compensation for your injuries:

  • Get immediate medical attention for your injuries. You will need documentation that you suffered an injury and received treatment to file an injury claim.
  • Review any accident report for accuracy as soon after the accident as possible.
  • Get in touch with an attorney to help you handle your claim. Contacting an attorney soon after the initial accident can make dealing with the insurance company much easier.
  • Document the recovery process: your medical costs, injuries, and any complications or setbacks. Journal about the challenges you have to deal with and how the accident impacts you emotionally.

Dealing with your claim alone may result in less compensation than you deserve. Finkelstein & Partners can provide ongoing legal guidance and present a comprehensive and compelling claim.

national trial lawyers top 100 badgeDetermining whether you have a valid personal injury claim depends on various factors. Not all injuries automatically lead to valid personal injury claims, and the severity and impact of your injury can influence the strength of your claim. Here are some key considerations to help you assess the validity of your Albany personal injury claim:

  • Duty of Care: Was there a legal duty of care owed to you by the party responsible for your injury? For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws, and property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises.
  • Breach of Duty: Did the responsible party breach their duty of care? In other words, did they fail to act reasonably or responsibly, leading to your injury? This could include actions like negligence or recklessness.
  • Causation: Can you establish a direct link between the breach of duty and your injury? You need to show that the breach of duty directly led to your injuries.
  • Damages: Did you suffer actual damages as a result of the injury? Damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.

To establish liability, your attorney will need to gather evidence to support your claim. This could include medical records, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation. If you aren’t able to provide this evidence or your attorney can’t collect it, you may have a hard time showing the other party is liable for your injuries.

The best way to determine the validity of your claim is to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney. They can assess the specific details of your case, consider the applicable laws, and provide you with expert advice on whether you have a viable claim. Keep in mind that laws regarding personal injury claims can vary by jurisdiction and type of injury. An experienced Albany personal injury lawyer can provide personalized guidance based on the specifics of your situation. Many personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations, during which you can discuss your case and determine the best course of action.

super lawyers logoAny time you have severe injuries and the substantial financial and non-financial challenges that accompany them, you may find yourself, quite reasonably, wondering how much compensation you can expect to recover. At Finkelstein & Partners, we cannot guarantee the compensation you will ultimately recover from your injury claim in Albany. Many factors can contribute to the compensation you may ultimately recover.

For example:

  • Who caused your accident? Liability for a serious injury can impact the compensation you can ultimately recover for your injuries. In most cases, you will not directly seek compensation from the liable party. Instead, you will seek compensation through an insurance claim. The insurance policy may determine the limits on the compensation you have the right to recover.
  • What injuries did you sustain? The more serious your injuries, the more compensation you can generally recover.
  • Do you have a lawyer on your side? The insurance company can, in many cases, make it very difficult for you to recover the compensation you deserve. Working with a personal injury lawyer gives you a better idea of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, evidence to support your claim, and ongoing legal support to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Most injury claims will, however, contain the same general elements. By breaking down those elements, you can get a better idea of the compensation you can expect as part of your claim.

Medical Bills

Your medical bills will make up the first, and often most critical, element of your injury claim. In Albany, you might pursue emergency treatment at Albany Medical Center or Albany Memorial Campus. You might go to St. Peter’s Hospital or pursue medical assistance at one of the many urgent care centers in the area.

You can easily accrue high medical bills following treatment at any of those facilities. By carefully calculating those medical bills, you may put yourself in a better position to identify and include them as part of your injury claim.

Lost Income

If your accident prevented you from going back to work, you may have the right to claim compensation for those missing wages as part of your claim. Talk to your lawyer about the time you may have missed, including the initial time missed for your injury and the time missed for follow-up care.

Pain and Suffering

In most injury claims, you will have the right to claim compensation for the pain and suffering you faced after your accident. Talk to your lawyer about what suffering you may have had to deal with and how you can include it as part of a comprehensive injury claim.

Who Has to Pay My Medical Bills If Someone Else’s Negligence Caused My Accident in Albany?

When someone else’s negligence causes your injuries, you may feel the liable entity should bear liability for your medical costs. While you can file an injury claim that may help you recover compensation for your injuries, that claim will not require the liable party to pay your medical bills directly. Instead, the liable party, or, more often, that party’s insurance company, will issue a lump sum payment to you. You can then use the funds from that payment to take care of your medical costs and any other bills associated with the accident.

You may also have the ability to use your health insurance to cover some of the costs associated with medical treatment for severe injuries.

If you suffered a workplace injury, on the other hand, your workers’ comp insurance may cover the cost of your medical treatments directly. Talk to a lawyer if you have trouble getting the workers’ comp insurance policy to cover the cost of needed medical treatments.

top 50 jury verdicts new york 2021In New York, you have three years after the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. This is called the statute of limitations, and if you do not have an attorney file your lawsuit within that time, you may forfeit your rights to pursue compensation. Although three years may sound like more than enough time, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible so you can start moving forward with your claim. Your attorney will need to gather a lot of information and evidence to support your claim, so you have no time to waste in getting the process started.

Also, keep in mind that the insurance company may have its own deadlines regarding when you can file an injury claim with them, which could be as short as 15 or 30 days. If you need to bring a claim against a government entity, such as the city or county responsible for maintaining property and roads that caused your accident, you must reach out to an attorney immediately as municipalities and state governments often have very tight deadlines and strict guidelines and rules on how and when to file an injury claim with them.

american association for justice logoMost personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they don’t charge you anything upfront to represent you and only accept a fee if they recover compensation for you. At Finkelstein & Partners, we offer our No Fee Promise:

  • Our promise to you is that if we don’t collect damages, you don’t owe an attorney fee.
  • We can also guarantee that you will be listened to and your voice will be heard.
  • Our experienced legal team will handle your case with care and diligence.

Since we also offer free consultations, you can get answers to your questions at no cost, and you won’t owe us a dime unless we recover the compensation you need. Thus, you can get quality, effective, and personalized legal representation for your Albany injury claim with no out-of-pocket expenses.

trial lawyers association logoThe duration of a personal injury case in Albany can vary widely depending on a range of factors. It’s important to note that while some cases might resolve relatively quickly, others can take a considerable amount of time. Here are some factors that can influence the timeline of your Albany personal injury case:

  • Severity of Injuries: Cases involving severe or complex injuries might take longer to resolve due to the need for extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and expert assessments.
  • Type of Case: The nature of the personal injury case matters. Some cases, like straightforward car accidents, might settle more quickly, while cases involving medical malpractice or complex liability issues could take longer.
  • Investigation and Evidence Gathering: The time it takes to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the details of the incident can impact the overall timeline.
  • Negotiations with Insurance Companies: Negotiating a fair settlement with insurance companies can take time, especially if liability or the extent of damages is disputed.
  • Medical Treatment and Recovery: Your medical treatment and recovery timeline can affect the overall case duration. It’s often advisable to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before settling your case to ensure all medical costs are accounted for.
  • Legal Process: Filing a lawsuit, if necessary, involves legal procedures that can add time to your case. The litigation process, including discovery, motions, and court dates, can vary in length.
  • Court Backlog: The caseload of the court system can impact how long it takes to get a court date or reach a resolution.
  • Negotiation vs. Trial: If your case goes to trial, the trial process can significantly extend the time it takes to resolve the case compared to settling through negotiation.
  • Defendant’s Cooperation: If the responsible party or their insurance company is uncooperative, it could lead to delays.
  • Legal Strategy: Your attorney’s strategy and approach to handling your case can also impact the timeline. Some cases might benefit from quick settlement, while others might require more time for building a strong case.
  • Settlement Offers: If initial settlement offers are inadequate, it might take additional time to negotiate a fair resolution.

Given the range of factors that can affect the timeline, it’s difficult to provide a specific estimate. It’s important to work closely with a qualified personal injury attorney in Albany who can assess the details of your case, provide you with a better understanding of the expected timeline, and guide you through the legal process. Keep in mind that while you might want a swift resolution, it’s equally important to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Dealing With the Insurance Company After an Accident in Albany

Dealing with the insurance company after a devastating Albany accident can cause great stress. While you, as the victim of the accident, need to maximize the compensation you can recover, the insurance company may want to minimize what it ultimately has to pay. You may find yourself dealing with an agent who refuses to accept the covered party’s liability for the accident or will not acknowledge the full extent of your injuries. You may even get a low settlement offer that does not reflect your injuries’ full impact.

At Finkelstein & Partners, we have extensive experience dealing with various injury claims and insurance companies, including the big names in insurance. We aim to help our clients maximize the compensation they can recover and avoid the tactics insurers use to reduce payments.

national trial lawyers top 100 logoYes, you may still be able to recover damages in an Albany personal injury case even if you were partially at fault for the accident. New York follows a principle called “pure comparative negligence” or “comparative fault.” This means that your ability to recover damages is not completely barred if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced based on the degree of your own fault.

In this system, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of your fault, regardless of how much you contributed. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

It’s important to note that the determination of fault can be complex and might involve negotiations with insurance companies or legal proceedings. Insurance adjusters might try to shift more fault onto you to minimize their own liability. This is where having a skilled personal injury attorney becomes crucial. An experienced attorney can advocate for your rights, assess the facts of the case, gather evidence, and ensure that your level of fault is accurately determined.

If you’ve been involved in an accident in Albany and believe you might share some degree of fault, it’s advisable to consult with an Albany personal injury attorney at Finkelstein & Partners. We can provide you with guidance on how the comparative negligence laws apply to your specific situation and work to ensure you receive a fair and just settlement.


Do You Need an Albany Personal Injury Attorney? Contact Finkelstein & Partners Today

Attorney Andrew FinkelsteinDepending on the extent of your injuries and the challenges you face, you may initially try to handle your injury claim independently. However, you may quickly regret that decision once you discover how complex the injury claims process is and how insurance companies operate to reduce or deny claims whenever they can. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after receiving treatment for your injuries to discuss your case a no cost. Also, always contact a lawyer if:

  • The insurance company disputes liability for your claim. If the insurance company does not admit liability for the accident, it may make it much more difficult for you to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
  • The insurance company fails to recognize the full extent of your injuries. In those cases, you may have difficulty establishing the justification for the compensation you deserve.
  • The insurance company delays the claim process, making it very difficult for you to get compensation in your hands.
  • You get a settlement offer that does not reflect your losses.
  • You have questions about your right to compensation or how you should handle your claim.

If you suffered serious injuries due to the negligence of another party, get in touch with an Albany personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to increase your chance of getting compensation. Do not try to navigate the tricks and challenges the insurance company may throw your way. Instead, contact Finkelstein & Partners at (518) 452-2813 for your free consultation.

Client Reviews

“All my communications with the members of the Finkelstein staff have been clear and useful. Every member to whom I spoke was courteous, compassionate, and competent. I am more than happy with your service.” – Maureen M.

“I was apprehensive about entering into a lawsuit. However, everyone I worked with at Finkelstein & Partners, especially Greta Leary and Tony Grillo was great. I feel the firm handled my case in a clear, straightforward, and honest way. Thank you for everything you did to get my case handled so that I would have the best possible outcome.” – Elizabeth M.

Read more of our client testimonials here.

Resources

Albany Emergency Rooms

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in Albany because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, seek immediate medical attention from any of the area’s emergency rooms or urgent care centers:

*Disclaimer – Finkelstein & Partners does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.

Albany Courthouses

Albany County Court
Albany County Court
Court Administration - Empire State Plaza
Court Administration – Empire State Plaza

Neighborhoods We Serve in Albany

Downtown (12224, 12250, 12201, 12227, 12228, 12202, 12243, 12214, 12207), Washington Park (12203), Pine Hills (12203, 12208), DelSo (12209), North Albany (12204), Krank Park (12202), Sheridan Hollow (12207, 12210), Pastures Historic District (12202), Center Square/Hudson-Park Historic District (12210), Winchester Gables (12208), Melrose (12121), Central Avenue (12210), Ten Broeck Triangle (12206, 12208), Delaware Avenue (12209), Whitehall (12209)

Finkelstein & Partners, LLP – Albany Office

Albany Personal Injury Lawyer

Injury Accident Lawyer in Albany

Personal Injury Attorney in Albany

Personal Injury Lawyer in Albany