Personal Injury Lawyers in Middletown, NY

Contingency Fees: Pay Only If We Win

We understand that after an injury, financial worries can be a major source of stress. That’s why The Ahearne Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us any legal fees unless we win. Our payment is contingent on us successfully securing compensation for you.

This approach allows you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery without the added burden of legal bills. Contact our Middletown personal injury lawyers today to learn more about our no-upfront-cost representation.

Proving Fault: The Key to Securing Compensation for Your Injuries

To win a personal injury case, you must establish that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. Negligence means that a person or entity failed to act with reasonable care, and this failure resulted in harm to you.

Here’s a breakdown of what your personal injury lawyer will need to prove:

• Duty of Care: The at-fault party owed you a legal duty to act in a way that avoids harming others.
• Breach of Duty: The at-fault party's actions (or failure to act) violated their duty of care.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered losses (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.) as a result of the injury.

When your lawyer begins working on your case, they will start by collecting evidence that supports your claim by proving the four elements above.

Protect Your Right to Compensation: Know the Time Limits

New York law sets a strict time limit, known as a statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have three years from the date of your injury to initiate a claim. However, there are exceptions, and shorter deadlines may apply in certain situations, such as cases involving government entities.

Failing to file your lawsuit within the applicable time limit could mean losing your right to compensation entirely. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a Middletown personal injury lawyer after an accident so that they can file your claim on time. We know how overwhelming a personal injury can be and that taking legal action might not be your priority. We’re here to help make the process as seamless as possible so that you can focus on physical recovery and arranging other needs like time off work or childcare.

More than Just Medical Bills: What You May Be Entitled to Receive

When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, the financial impact can extend far beyond immediate medical expenses. You might be eligible for a wide range of damages, including:

Economic Damages

This type of compensation is intended to relieve financial burdens stemming from a personal injury. Costs included in economic damages may be:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury

Keeping records of the costs you incurred as a result of your injury can help your attorney accurately value your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

You also deserve to be compensated for other losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or disability

These kinds of losses can be devastating, so your attorney will fight for the maximum compensation possible. A monetary award won’t undo the suffering you have endured, but it can help you move forward and find closure.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing, punitive damages may be awarded to punish them and deter future misconduct.

Don’t Settle for Less: Understanding the True Value of Your Case

You may be apprehensive about how much money you can expect to win in a settlement or in court. Here are some factors that influence the potential value of your claim:

• Severity of Your Injuries: The more severe and long-lasting your injuries, the higher your potential compensation might be.
• Lost Income: You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity caused by your injury.
• Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life.
• Liability: If there's clear evidence that the other party was at fault, your claim will likely have greater value.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by offering quick, low-ball settlements to injury victims. It’s important to remember that their first offer is rarely their best offer. To ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve, it’s crucial to have a skilled Middletown personal injury attorney evaluate the true value of your case.

How Long Will My Middletown Injury Case Take?

Unfortunately, there’s no universal answer to this question. The duration of a personal injury case in Middletown, NY, can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

• Severity of Your Injuries: Cases involving complex or catastrophic injuries often require more time to determine the full extent of damages and future medical needs.
• Complexity of Liability: If it's difficult to prove who was at fault, the case may take longer to investigate and resolve.
• Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies may try to delay the process, hoping you'll settle for less than you deserve.
• Whether a Lawsuit Is Necessary: Many cases settle out of court, but if your case goes to trial, it will naturally take longer.

While there’s no guaranteed timeline, an experienced personal injury lawyer can give you a more realistic estimate based on the specifics of your case. Our team at The Ahearne Law Firm is committed to moving your case forward efficiently while aggressively fighting for the best possible outcome.