If you suffer an injury at work or in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, an injury attorney New York City may inform you that you can recover damages for your injuries. Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care and act as a reasonable person under the same circumstances. An injury attorney New York City will explain to you that the standard you must prove to be successful in a personal injury lawsuit is that the other party was liable by a preponderance of the evidence. This standard requires you to show that it is more likely than not that the defendant’s actions caused your injuries.

Depending on the circumstances of your injury, several factors may contribute to the damages that you are eligible to receive. Factors that may contribute to your damages award include the amount of your medical bills, any future medical bills, and the likelihood that it will be necessary for you to undergo additional medical procedures in the future. In addition, if you are unable to return to work for a period of time due to your injuries, you may be able to recover damages to compensate you for your lost income. The court may also consider whether your injuries will impact your ability to work long term and if your injuries affect your ability to advance within your chosen career field.

An injury attorney New York City may ask the court to award you damages for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering damages seek to compensate you for the mental anguish you experience because of your injuries. For example, if it is necessary for you to endure multiple surgeries to repair your injuries or if you are now forced to avoid activities you once enjoyed, you may be eligible to receive pain and suffering damages. However, pain and suffering damages can be difficult for a jury or judge to calculate, so it may be hard for your injury attorney New York City to predict whether your injuries qualify for pain and suffering damages, and how much you will receive.

The most important piece of evidence that you can provide during a personal injury case is your medical record. Therefore, it is important that you seek treatment as quickly following your accident as you can. In addition, the court will examine your medical records to see if your symptoms are consistent throughout the course of your medical record, and whether you completed all treatments recommended by your doctor. It is also important to report to your doctor any treatments that were not effective, or treatments that did cause your condition to improve. Continue to see a doctor and complete all prescribed medical care until the completion of your personal injury case. If you stop seeking treatment, this may cause the court to question whether your condition is as severe as you describe.

If you have any additional questions about the personal injury process or whether you are eligible to receive compensation for your injuries, contact an injury attorney New York City as soon as possible. A delay in seeking legal assistance may negatively impact your ability to recover damages. If you need help finding an injury attorney New York City, visit the New York Bar Association's website http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_State_Bar_Association. In addition, you can visit the New York City court’s website http://www.freelegalaid.com/nav/new-york/personal-injury/resource/new-york-city-civil-court-walk-services-help-center for information about filing an injury lawsuit.