Poughkeepsie Personal Injury Attorney
Did you get hurt or injured in an accident in Poughkeepsie? If so, you deserve to have a Poughkeepsie personal injury lawyer on your side from the start. At Finkelstein & Partners, we know that your recovery is all that matters right now. Let us fight the insurance companies for you, so you can focus on getting your life back on track after a serious accident.
We’re local attorneys with a large national presence. Our attorneys understand the uphill battle Poughkeepsie accident victims face when trying to collect the compensation they deserve. Insurance companies don’t play fair and often try to pay out as little as possible. We help injured accident victims fight back and obtain justice.
Located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Poughkeepsie offers residents a blend of urban and suburban life with a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. It’s a great place for families, with plenty of schools, colleges and universities. But it’s not immune to accidents resulting in serious injuries. If you were injured by another person or party’s careless or negligent actions, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Contact a Poughkeepsie personal injury attorney at Finkelstein & Partners, and let’s discuss your case.
Why Should I Hire a Finkelstein & Partners to Handle My Poughkeepsie Personal Injury Case?
Finkelstein & Partners personal injury law firm is large enough to have the resources and experience to take on large insurance companies, but small enough to provide you with the personal attention your case deserves. For over 50 years, our personal injury lawyers have fought for justice on behalf of victims of personal injury and built a solid track record of recovering compensation through verdicts and settlements.
Here are some of our recent results:
- A $9.25 million settlement for a client who suffered catastrophic injuries in a multi-vehicle accident.
- A $7.5 million verdict for the family of a man who drowned while staying in an Airbnb.
- A $6.8 million jury award for a client who suffered severe injuries in a truck accident.
While we cannot guarantee results, our Poughkeepsie personal injury attorneys will fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation and let’s discuss your legal options.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Our lawyers handle a wide variety of personal injury claims in Poughkeepsie, including:
- Poughkeepsie Car Accidents
- Poughkeepsie Catastrophic Injuries
- Poughkeepsie Child Injuries
- Poughkeepsie Construction Accidents
- Poughkeepsie Dog Bites
- Poughkeepsie Medical Malpractice
- Poughkeepsie Motorcycle Accidents
- Poughkeepsie Nursing Home Negligence
- Poughkeepsie Pedestrian Accidents
- Poughkeepsie Premises Liability
- Poughkeepsie Slip and Fall Accidents
- Poughkeepsie Social Security Disability Insurance
- Poughkeepsie Spinal Cord Injuries
- Poughkeepsie Truck Accidents
- Poughkeepsie Uber Accidents
- Poughkeepsie Workers’ Compensation
- Poughkeepsie Wrongful Death
If you don’t see your accident listed, we’d still like to hear your story and discuss how we can help. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Finkelstein & Partners today.
Common Personal Injury Accidents in Poughkeepsie
Here’s a closer look at the different types of personal injury cases we handle:
Poughkeepsie Motor Vehicle Accidents
About 1,200 car accidents occur each year in Poughkeepsie. Whether you drive your own vehicle, catch a ride in an Uber or Lyft, or rely on public transportation, you are at risk of being in a motor vehicle accident. Car and truck accidents, even motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries or death. New York is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. That means, if you are involved in a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering your medical bills, loss of income earnings, and other reasonable expenses.
Because of this, all licensed drivers in the state must purchase a minimum of personal injury protection insurance. New York allows accident victims to file lawsuits against the at-fault driver for economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) that exceed their no-fault benefits and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) only if the victim suffered a serious injury in the accident. Insurance claims in New York can be confusing. Our Poughkeepsie motor vehicle lawyers have decades of experience representing victims of motor vehicle accidents in claims against insurance companies and at-fault parties. Contact us to learn how we can help you.
Poughkeepsie Nursing Home Abuse
We trust nursing homes to take good care of our loved ones. But sometimes staff take advantage of or fail to provide adequate care to vulnerable nursing home residents and our beloved family members become victims of nursing home abuse or neglect. If your family member was harmed while living in a nursing home, you can hold the nursing home accountable. Learn how our nursing home abuse attorneys can seek justice on behalf of your loved one.
Poughkeepsie Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, surgeon, or other medical staff, fails to provide the standard of care expected in their profession, resulting in harm, injury, or death to a patient. Medical malpractice cases can involve a wide range of issues, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, failure to obtain informed consent, improper treatment, and more.
These complex cases can often require expert medical testimony to establish both the standard of care and the provider’s departure from that standard. If medical malpractice injured you or a loved one, our medical malpractice lawyers in Poughkeepsie can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Poughkeepsie Premises Liability
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners or occupiers responsible for injuries and accidents that occur on their property. In essence, it means that the person or entity in control of a property has a duty to ensure that the premises are reasonably safe for those who enter the property. If a hazardous condition on the property injures you, you can hold the property owner or occupier liable for the resulting damages.
Premises liability cases can encompass a wide range of situations, including slip and fall accidents, negligent security, swimming pool accidents, and dangerous conditions. If you were injured at a grocery store, restaurant, apartment complex, or other establishment, discuss your case with our experienced Poughkeepsie premises liability lawyers.
Poughkeepsie Construction Accidents and Other Workplace Injuries
Construction projects are a common sight in Poughkeepsie, with roadway upgrades and building projects frequently underway. Construction is one of the most dangerous industries, with risks such as falling, electrocution, being struck by objects or being caught in hazardous equipment.
Workplace accidents are usually compensated through the New York Worker’s Compensation system. New York requires most employers in the state to carry this no-fault insurance. It provides medical treatment and wage replacement to injured workers, as well as survivor benefits if a worker suffers a fatal on-the-job injury. However, there are occasions when a worker may need to file a personal injury claim against a third party, such as a manufacturer of defective equipment or a negligent driver passing through a construction zone. Our Poughkeepsie construction accident and workplace injury attorneys can review your case to see if you may be eligible to seek additional compensation for your injuries.
How to Find a Poughkeepsie Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me?
The Finkelstein & Partners Poughkeepsie Personal Injury law firm is located at 319 Mill Street, Suite 1, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
You can call us at 845-445-9964 for a free case evaluation.
Poughkeepsie Accident Statistics
A combined 76,000 people live in the City of Poughkeepsie and the surrounding Town of Poughkeepsie. Roads here are exceptionally confusing for newcomers to navigate with so many scattered one-way streets, high-speed arterial highways, and even an intersection that allows a left turn on red. Many accidents can injure you here.
Traffic accidents are a leading cause of accidents in Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County. According to the latest city data, 60 traffic accidents in Poughkeepsie last year included two fatalities.
According to the latest annual statistics from the New York State Department of Health, Dutchess County motor vehicle accidents resulted in:
- 23 deaths
- 166 hospitalizations
- 1,826 emergency department visits
The county also saw
- 30 bicycle accidents
- 99 motorcycle accidents
- 86 pedestrian accidents
Source: itsmr.org
What Types of Injuries Do People Suffer in Poughkeepsie Personal Injury Accidents?
Accidents in Poughkeepsie can result in serious and catastrophic injuries. Some of the common accident injuries we see at Finkelstein & Partners include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: These can occur due to blunt force trauma to the head, such as in car accidents or falls. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
- Fractures and broken bones: Accidents can lead to fractures and breaks in various bones, such as limbs, ribs, and the spine. These injuries can cause significant pain and require medical attention.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons can occur during accidents, often leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Spinal cord injuries: Accidents involving high impact or force can damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries may require surgery and intensive medical care.
- Cuts and lacerations: Accidents can result in cuts and deep lacerations, which may require stitches or other forms of wound closure.
- Burns: In accidents involving fires or chemical exposure, individuals can suffer burns of varying degrees, which can lead to serious complications.
- Whiplash: Common in car accidents, whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden jolt that jerks the head forward or backward. It can result in neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Emotional and psychological injuries: Accidents can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the traumatic experience.
- Amputations: Severe accidents can result in traumatic amputations, where a limb is severed either during the accident or as a result of subsequent medical procedures.
- Crush injuries: These occur when a part of the body is trapped between two objects, often resulting in severe tissue damage and fractures.
What You Should Do After an Accident in Poughkeepsie
If you’re in an accident, ensure your safety, and the safety of others, and protect your rights and well-being.
Here’s a general guideline of what you should do after an accident.
- Ensure safety: If it’s safe to do so, move to a safe location to avoid further danger from traffic or other hazards.
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call for medical assistance immediately by dialing 911.
- Contact authorities: Depending on the severity of the accident and local regulations, you may need to report the accident to the police. This is especially important if there are injuries, significant damage, or if the accident involves a hit-and-run situation.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with the other parties involved in the accident. Collect names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, vehicle license plate numbers, and insurance details.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including the positions of vehicles, damage to vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any relevant details. You need this documentation for insurance claims and legal purposes.
- Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company to report the accident and provide them with the necessary information. Follow their instructions for filing a claim.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries may not immediately appear, and a medical evaluation can properly document any injuries.
- Gather witness information: If there are witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Their statements may help with your insurance claims or legal proceedings.
- Stay calm and polite: Avoid arguing or placing blame at the scene. Stay calm, exchange information, and cooperate with authorities.
- File an accident report: If the police are not called to the scene, you might need to file an accident report with your local law enforcement agency.
- Keep records: Maintain a record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and any other relevant expenses.
- Consult legal counsel: If the accident resulted in serious injuries or complex liability issues, or if you face legal challenges, consult a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law.
Poughkeepsie Personal Injury FAQ
How Do I Know if I Have a Personal Injury Case in Poughkeepsie?
Whether you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall incident, or were a victim of medical malpractice, you must show the other party’s negligence caused your injuries.
To do this, your Poughkeepsie personal injury lawyer with Finkelstein & Partners will need to establish the following four elements:
- Duty of care: The other party owed you a duty of care. For example, truck drivers have a duty of care to drive safety and ensure their vehicles are safe to be on the road with other motorists.
- Breach of duty: The other party breached their duty of care. For example, a speeding truck driver or one who is driving fatigued because he logged too many service hours is breaching his duty of care.
- Causation: The other party’s breach of duty caused the accident that injured you. So, if the truck driver’s speeding caused him to lose control of his vehicle and crash into yours, resulting in your injuries, you’ve established causation.
- Damages: Your accident injuries resulted in damages, such as medical bills, lost income earnings, and pain and suffering.
What if I’m Partially at Fault for My Injuries? Can I Still Receive Compensation for My Poughkeepsie Personal Injuries?
New York follows the principle of pure comparative negligence in personal injury cases. Comparative negligence addresses situations where both the plaintiff (injured party) and the defendant (at-fault party) share some level of responsibility for the accident or injury. In states that follow a comparative negligence rule, the compensation awarded to the plaintiff decreases by a percentage that reflects their degree of fault.
Comparative negligence laws are complex. When you hire our Poughkeepsie injury law firm, we’ll make sure you get the compensation you deserve. We won’t let insurance companies pin the blame on you. Our injury accident attorneys fight back and hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from a Poughkeepsie Personal Injury Claim?
Victims of Poughkeepsie personal injury may receive compensation for damages, depending on the circumstances of their case.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of damages you might recover:
- Medical expenses: This includes the costs of medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any other related healthcare expenses incurred due to the injury.
- Lost income earnings: If the injury resulted in the victim being unable to work, they can seek compensation for the wages or income they lost as a direct result of the injury.
- Future earnings: If the injury leads to long-term or permanent disabilities that affect the victim’s ability to earn a living, they may be able to recover compensation for the future income they would have earned.
- Property damage: In cases where personal property is damaged or destroyed due to the injury-causing incident, such as a car accident, the victim can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.
- Pain and suffering: This type of damage compensates the injured person for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress they experienced because of the injury.
- Emotional distress: Separate from pain and suffering, emotional distress damages specifically address psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional effects resulting from the injury.
- Loss of enjoyment: If the injury impacts the victim’s ability to enjoy life and engage in activities they once engaged in, they may seek compensation for this loss.
- Loss of consortium: This type of damage applies when the injury damages the injured person’s relationship with their spouse or family members, leading to a loss of companionship, support, or services.
How Long do I have to File a Poughkeepsie Personal Injury Claim?
Each state has a deadline, or statute of limitations, for filing personal injury claims based on negligence in civil court. New York’s statute of limitations is generally three years. The clock begins ticking on the date the injury occurred. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your opportunity to seek compensation through the court system.
There are some circumstances that may shorten or lengthen this deadline. And much planning and preparation to get your case ready to file. So, if you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, it is in your best interest to retain a personal injury attorney as early as possible.
How Much Does an Experienced Poughkeepsie Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
The Poughkeepsie personal injury lawyers at Finkelstein & Partners work on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t charge any upfront fees to represent you, and we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf through a settlement or court verdict. It’s what we at Finkelstein & Partners call our No Fee Promise. We also promise to listen carefully so you know your voice will be heard and to handle your case carefully and diligently. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
How Long Will It Take for My Poughkeepsie Personal Injury Claim to Settle?
The time it takes for a personal injury claim to settle can vary widely depending on several factors. Every case is unique, and there is no fixed timeline.
Some factors that can influence the duration of a personal injury claim settlement include:
- The severity of injury: The more serious your injury, the longer it might take to gather all the necessary medical records, treatment information, and expert opinions to accurately assess the long-term impact on your life and potential compensation.
- Medical treatment: The duration of your medical treatment and recovery process can impact the timeline. It’s often advisable to wait until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling, as this ensures a clearer understanding of your ongoing medical needs and any potential permanent impairments.
- Evidence collection: Gathering evidence, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions, can take time, especially if challenges arise in obtaining certain pieces of evidence.
- Negotiations: Negotiating a settlement with insurance companies or the at-fault party can take time, with back-and-forth discussions about the value of the claim and liability.
- Legal process: If negotiations break down, you may need to file a lawsuit. The litigation process can significantly extend the time it takes for your claim to resolve.
- Court schedule: If your case goes to court, the court’s schedule can extend the timeline. Busy court dockets can lead to delays in getting a trial date.
- Complexity of the case: Some cases are more complex than others, requiring additional time for legal research, expert testimony, and preparation.
- Settlement approach: If you are open to a reasonable settlement and the other party cooperates, your case might settle more quickly. However, if either party takes an aggressive stance, it could prolong the process.
- Legal assistance: Having an experienced personal injury attorney can expedite the process as they understand the legal system, and negotiation strategies, and can streamline the paperwork.
What Should I Do if I Am Offered a Settlement From the Insurance Company?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident or incident in Poughkeepsie, you may face extensive medical treatment. Bills can pile up quickly, especially if your injuries keep you from working. You may feel tempted to accept an offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, before you do, consult our experienced Poughkeepsie personal injury attorneys. You may not know the full extent of your damages.
If you accept the insurance company’s settlement, you may waive your right to seek additional compensation if your injuries require more medical attention or prevent you from returning to your job as quickly as you had anticipated. You deserve compensation for all your losses. Your lawyer with Finkelstein & Partners will get the maximum compensation you deserve.
How Does a Poughkeepsie Personal Injury Claim Work?
The personal injury claim process in Poughkeepsie and all of New York follows a series of steps that involve gathering evidence, negotiation, and potential legal action. The first step is to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Make your health and well-being your top priorities. Prompt medical treatment not only ensures your health but also establishes a record of your injuries and the treatment you received.
Next, consult a personal injury attorney before proceeding with your claim. An attorney can provide legal advice, assess the strength of your case, and guide you through the process.
You’ll also want to collect and preserve any evidence related to the accident or incident that caused your injury. This can include photographs of the scene, witness contact information, accident reports, medical records, and any other relevant documentation. This evidence will support your claim for compensation.
If the injury is due to someone else’s negligence, you would typically start by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This involves submitting a written account of the incident, your injuries, and the damages you’re seeking. The insurance company will conduct its own investigation into the accident and review the evidence you provided. They may request additional documentation or statements from you, witnesses, and medical professionals.
Once you establish liability, the insurance company will assess your damages. This includes medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. The insurance company will likely offer a settlement. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to ensure that the offered amount covers all of your damages. This can involve back-and-forth negotiations to reach an agreement.
If you and the insurance company reach an agreement, you’ll sign a settlement agreement. By doing so, you agree to waive your right to pursue further legal action against the at-fault party in exchange for the agreed-upon compensation.
If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory settlement or if the insurance company denies your claim, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit. This initiates the legal process, and both parties will present evidence in court. During the lawsuit, both sides engage in the discovery process, where they exchange evidence, interview witnesses, and gather information to build their case.
Before the case goes to trial, mediation or settlement talks may take place. A mediator helps facilitate negotiations between the parties to reach a resolution without going to trial. If you reach no settlement, you may take the case to trial. Both parties present their arguments, evidence, and witnesses in front of a judge and/or jury. The judge or jury then decides the outcome of the case.
After the trial, if you win, the court will determine your compensation. If either party disagrees with the verdict, they may appeal.
Contact Our Poughkeepsie Personal Injury Lawyers Today to Understand Your Rights and Protect Your Interests
Many individuals who attempt to navigate a personal injury claim independently find themselves overwhelmed. At Finkelstein & Partners, we take pride in our ability to tackle even the most formidable insurance companies, while maintaining the personalized approach of a smaller firm. Each client is assigned a dedicated legal team, led by an experienced Poughkeepsie personal injury attorney, working cohesively to efficiently gather the necessary information and evidence to support your claim.
You can trust an experienced Poughkeepsie personal injury lawyer from Finkelstein & Partners to handle your case with care and diligence. Contact us today online or call (845) 445-9964 for a free and confidential case consultation. We can help you through this difficult process and take the legal burdens off your shoulders. You’re not alone when you have Finklestein & Partners on your side.
See What Past Clients Have to Say
“Thank you for all the personal help & time that everyone is giving to myself & my case. Everyone has taken their time to explain what is going in my opinion & have been very kind through this process.” – Ed K.
“Finkelstein & Partners did an awesome job. I had a great team of people who put me at ease through it all. No phone call was unanswered or emails. They got back to me each time I called or emailed.” – Michael M.
Read more client testimonials here.
Resources
Poughkeepsie Emergency Rooms
Get immediate medical attention from one of the area’s emergency rooms or urgent care centers if you suffer serious injuries in Poughkeepsie.
- Emergency Department and Level II Trauma Center at Vassar Brothers Medical Center: 30 Livingston Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
- MidHudson Regional Hospital Emergency Department: 241 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Poughkeepsie Courthouses
- Poughkeepsie City Court: 62 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
- Dutchess County Supreme Court: 10 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
- Town of Poughkeepsie Justice Court: 17 Tucker Drive, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Neighborhoods We Serve in Poughkeepsie
College Hill (12601), Academy Street Historic District (12601), Mount Carmel Historic District (12601), Union Street Historic District (12601), Garfield Place Historic District (12601), Poughkeepsie City Center (12601), Balding Avenue Historic District (12601), Freedom Plains (12540), Spackenkill (12601), Red Oaks Mill (12603), Noxon (12603), Titusville (12603), Academy St / Livingston St (12601), Manchester Bridge (12603), MacDonnell Heights / Colonial Heights (12603), Poughkeepsie Northwest (12601), Crown Heights (12603)
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Finkelstein & Partners, LLP – Winning Serious Injury Lawsuits Since 1959
