When you’ve been hurt in an accident, one of the first questions that comes to mind is whether your injury is serious enough to pursue legal action. This uncertainty can lead to hesitation, especially when medical bills are piling up and work has become impossible. Personal injury law in New York is designed to protect those who have suffered due to someone else’s negligence, but it’s not always obvious what qualifies as a “serious” injury. Continue reading and reach out to a knowledgeable Manhattan personal injury lawyer from the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What does New York law consider a “serious injury”?
Under New York law, there is a legal definition of what constitutes a “serious injury,” especially when motor vehicle accidents are involved. The state’s No-Fault Insurance Law outlines specific categories that qualify. These include injuries that result in death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, a fracture, or the loss of a fetus. It also covers permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system.
But the law doesn’t stop there. Injuries that cause a “significant limitation of use” or a “medically determined injury or impairment” that prevents a person from performing their usual daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident may also qualify. That last part is crucial for many clients, because not every valid case involves dramatic or catastrophic harm. Chronic pain, mobility loss, or even emotional trauma can fall under these categories if properly documented by medical professionals.
Is my injury worth pursuing legally?
This is a common and reasonable concern. Many people worry that their injury might not be “bad enough” to justify a lawsuit, especially if they’re slowly recovering or unsure about the long-term effects. However, the legal system doesn’t require you to be completely incapacitated to file a claim. What matters most is the impact the injury has had on your life and whether it was caused by someone else’s negligence.
If your ability to work has been compromised, if you’ve undergone expensive treatment, or if your quality of life has noticeably declined, those are strong signs that you may have a valid case. A consultation with a personal injury attorney can help clarify this. Often, what might feel like a minor injury today can evolve into something far more serious over time.
If you have further questions or believe you have a qualifying injury, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team for a free consultation today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a slip & fall lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
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