PERSONAL INJURY

Oftentimes we do not see ourselves being involved in a lawsuit, or making a claim until something tragic happens. Someone’s careless or negligent actions behind the wheel, on a construction site, or at someone’s premises or property can have a domino effect, leaving us with serious injuries, lost wages and medical bills that are beyond what we can afford.

Hinman, Howard & Kattell attorneys have a number of attorneys with experience on both sides of a personal injury, allowing them review cases from a broader perspective, and with the knowledge of how to most effectively present the strengths and minimize any weaknesses.  To control cost without sacrificing quality, our team strives to settle a case, and when necessary, begins the next step towards a suit. We can handle all aspects of your case from inception through trial.

Our personal injury practice group can handle cases based on any type of accident or injury including: car accidents, slip and fall, construction/worksite accidents, products liability and property/premises liability.

Car Accidents

A car accident happens, and the consequences can add up quickly. It can be incredibly confusing to navigate all the challenges of getting your car replaced or repaired and treating your injuries that may require costly medical treatment. Adding a personal injury claim can add more stress during an already difficult time. We can help you understand and guide you through the process.

Slip and Fall Injuries

A slip and fall cancan be embarrassing at first, but what should you do if your slip and fall resulted in substantial injuries and damages?

Slip and fall accidents may result high medical bills, lost wages, and significant pain and suffering. Did you know that fall-related accidents account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits each year?

Slips, trips, and falls are the number one cause of accidents in homes, hotels, restaurants and public buildings: 70% occur on flat and level surfaces, while 16% take place on stairs or escalators. Any time of the year, you can be at risk of suffering a serious injury caused by a slip, trip, or fall.

Construction Accidents

Construction sites have powerful tools and equipment that can be dangerous and be a major contributing factor to accidents. Over the last 10 years, construction laborers have the most incidences for injuries, ranging from simple carelessness to injuries resulting from the use of scaffolding, ladders, hoists, slings, and other similar devices. There is often a basis for a claim against a general contractor or owner under the New York State Labor Law, depending on the type of accident. We can help determine who was responsible and whether a personal injury action may be filed and assist with other benefits.

  • Crane Accidents
  • Scaffold Accidents
  • Ladder Accidents
  • Run over By Operating Equipment
  • Saw and Cutting Blade Accidents
  • Punch Press Malfunctions Accidents
  • Construction Site Falls
  • Window Washer Accidents
  • Forklift Accidents

Products Liability

A products liability lawsuit can generally be broken down into three types in New York: negligence, strict product liability, and breach of warranty. Based on any or all of these theories, a products liability case might be available for compensation for injuries resulting from a flaw in the manufacturing of a defective product, the defective design of the product, or a failure to warn of the dangerous condition of the product.

Premises Liability

A property owner has a duty to maintain their property in a safe condition. If you have been injured on someone else’s property, the owner may be held responsible through a premises liability claim. These cases arise when there is a slip, fall, or trip caused caused by dangerous or defective condition at the property. Establishing negligence by the property owner is key, which essentially means showing that the owner knew or reasonably should have known about the dangerous condition, and failed to repair it or warn visitors about it.

Premises Liability can include:

  • Injuries or deaths resulting from faulty cellar grates and cellar doors
  • Injury related to falling debris and inadequate and defective maintenance of building and property
  • Injuries related to ice and snow accumulation
  • Sidewalk accidents
  • Elevator and escalator accidents
  • Explosion and fire accidents
  • Electrical shock and electrocution accidents

We are also have the unique experience in coordinating these types of claims with other benefits, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, Medicare, SSD, and labor/employment benefits, which allows us to advise our clients on the complex interplay between these programs and obtain holistically favorable outcomes.

ATTORNEYS