A Brooklyn jury awarded Mr. Vargas $17.5 million for the City of New York’s violation of his civil rights for failing to provide him medical care while in custody. The jury found that the police officers involved failed to provide the necessary medical treatment and awarded $17.5 million to Mr. Vargas.
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How a Lawyer Can Help You with Your Injury Insurance Claim
Liability insurance exists to protect injury victims and cover the costs associated with their recovery, from medical bills to lost wages and from property damage to pain and suffering. That’s the idea, at least. In reality, insurance companies are for-profit businesses that make their money by collecting premiums and lose it by paying out settlements. That means they have a vested interest in denying claims and nickel-and-diming people when they can least afford it. Without a lawyer by your side, you might struggle to get the full compensation you’re entitled to. So rather than going up against the insurance company yourself, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced lawyer who knows the stakes and how to prepare a claim on your behalf.
The New York personal injury lawyers with Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb know you have plenty to worry about after an accident. Let us simplify your life by taking care of your claim for you. We can investigate your injury to establish liability, handle the paperwork, negotiate directly with the insurer on your behalf, and threaten legal action if they don’t honor the terms of their contract. Keep reading to learn more about the insurance claims process and how an attorney can help, and contact us today for a consultation about your case.
What Is an Insurance Injury Claim?
When you file an injury claim with an insurance company, you’re asking them to honor their policy. You want them to pay for any injury-related expenses stemming from a covered event, up to the coverage limits and depending on the extent of your expenses. The insurance company then reviews your claim to decide if your injury meets the terms of its policy. If it accepts your claim, it’ll ask you to sign a settlement agreement releasing them from further liability. Then they will cut you a check once you sign. Releasing an insurance company from liability means you agree they are no longer responsible for your injuries. The case is essentially over as soon as you sign the settlement agreement.
What Does ‘Liability’ Mean in an Insurance Claim?
When someone is “liable” for an injury, they are legally responsible for its related costs – tangible costs like medical bills and property damage and more theoretical ones like pain and suffering. For example, a driver who slams into another car after running a red light is liable for the injuries and property damage suffered by the people in the vehicle they hit. Their liability is, in turn, covered by their auto insurance provider.
Liability in many personal injury cases is based on a legal concept called negligence. Someone’s failure to act reasonably to prevent causing harm to others. In other cases, liability could be strictly applied. An example is when manufacturers release dangerous products on the market. In still others, the liable party might have acted deliberately, like when someone commits assault. One of the most important jobs of a personal injury attorney is to identify who acted in a way that caused their client’s injuries.
Who Pays for Your Injuries After an Accident?
Ultimately, the person who pays for your injuries is the person who is legally responsible for them. That is, whoever caused them and, by extension, any insurer they pay for liability coverage. For example, if your arm was broken in a crash another driver caused, you could file a claim against the other driver’s liability policy. If their insurer accepts the claim, it will pay for your injuries up to the coverage limits of their policy. Insurance companies will only accept injury claims if they believe their policyholder is to blame. They will not pay more for a claim than the maximum limits of their policy or the cost of the underlying injuries.
One thing to note about car accidents in New York is the state’s no-fault auto insurance system. All New York drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. They typically have to use it before pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver. We’re happy to explain the details of New York’s no-fault insurance laws and how they apply to your case.
How Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb Can Help with Your Injury Claim
If you were injured and someone else is to blame, you could be entitled to file an injury claim with that person’s insurer. However, doing so can be challenging, especially if you haven’t pursued a similar case. The attorneys with Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb can help by handling all the legal work on your behalf. You have enough going on without the hassle of an insurance claim, and we can help you seek the money you need by:
- Investigating the accident to determine who is liable for your injuries and if multiple parties share liability for the accident
- Reviewing any relevant insurance policies, explaining legal terms or concepts you don’t understand, and outlining your options for recovering compensation
- Using your medical records and other evidence to fully document your physical injuries and other losses related to an accident
- Filing the necessary paperwork for your injury claim and dealing with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiating for a settlement that accounts for all your losses, such as medical expenses, repair bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering
- Taking your case to court if the liable party or their insurer will not agree to an acceptable settlement
With so much at stake after an accident, you shouldn’t leave the success of your insurance claim to chance. Instead, turn to an experienced attorney for help with your insurance claim. The New York City personal injury attorneys at Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb can handle yours and seek fair compensation for your injuries. Call us today or visit our contact page for a consultation.
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What Our Clients Say About Us
They want me to help them. they want me to goto office on Saturday they not open . And not give me their phone number . They not do the job good . I google them to call ask why go they not open. No one know why .
It was a pleasure having Blake represent me in my case. He worked very hard and I am soo pleased with my outcome. He was amazing through everything from start to finish.The staff especially the paralegal Christine were also amazing, friendly and kind. I would recommend Harris, Keenan and Goldfarb to anyone who is looking for an attorney
This firm is great worked with Blake Gabby and Thierry everything went well they're awesome
Wonderful experience! I must say Blake & Jennifer made me feel very comfortable with the entire process and made it there mission to be as helpful as possible. WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND
I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing team at Harris, Keenan and Goldfarb. From the very start to the finish, Seth Harris, Sheri Holland, Toni Mega, and Blake Goldfarb never stopped fighting for me, ensuring that I was always kept in the loop and fully informed at every step. They were not only professional but also incredibly personable, making me feel heard and supported throughout the entire process. Their hard work and dedication were evident, and I truly believe they got me the best possible outcome. If you're looking for a firm that cares and works tirelessly for you, I highly recommend Harris, Keenan, & Goldfarb!
I would like thank this firm for all the time effort they have put in to help resolve my legal matter. Thank you so much.‼️
It hurts me to say this but your results will vary on your precieve worth as a human being , call backs and other help is truly available to certain groups of people, they will take your case and do absolutely nothing with it for years if your in this unfortunate group, they will speak to you in such a manner as to make you feel as if your serving them not the other way arouNd, it’s very sad I suffer with depression and this issue has taken me down a dark road they make me feel worthless every time I speak to them, is it so hard to be kind to people who come to you for help, saying things that make me feel less important as a human being is not right especially when you are a professional doing a job, I’m not rude or insulting yet it’s always the same energy when I call this place so they win I’m not calling for anymore update or advice or help anymore it’s not available to me , I don’t have enough worth to them to be shown any concern or interest , these reviews are from burns and Harris clients/ they changed the name and kept the reviews this is no longer burns and Harris and it definitely shows
Wow wow wow. Having seen at least 100 commercials with Seth Harris appearing alone, I was very impressed with his confidence. So when i needed the services of an attorney no one came to mind but Seth Harris. My case was handled in an expeditious manner and my settlement was life changing. I recommend 100%.
It was a great experience I had with HKG.I had ask for answers to my problem and I had it answered happily.
As a client, you want to go to a place where you're treated like a human and not a dollar sign, highly professional, and accommodating.
I give these lawyer's excellent and the staff they been my lawyer's for years and I advise if anyone needs a lawyer this is the best place to go to I've been with them for many years ty so much 💓 for my settlement MR HARRIS AND HIS STAFF AND HIS PARTNERS THIS IS NUMBER ONE LAW FIRM ❤️
Thank you Jennifer for the best treatment that you gave me as a professional and I will recommend the lawyers to the entire world, thank you a million.
I received excellent service with my case. Christine was a big help in sharing the information that was needed to receive a motive outcome. Great job!
Dear Alison, Toni, and Team,Thank you so much for recovering my injury case from 9 years ago that was dead in the water since the company went bankrupt and there was nothing else to do. Miraculously, you resurrected my case and was able to get a settlement which completed for me the horrific accident and the suffering I endured because of it. HK&G makes miracles happen by getting the job done and seeing that justice is served. Thank you so much.Susan C.
I went to Harris Keenan &Goldfarb on 2020 for a slip and fall. This firm was very concerned about my needs. Took my case and awarded me more money than I expected. I love Criistina she went out her way for me so many times.. Beautiful paralegal. Also Mr. Edward, I will forever thank him for his services, keeping me updated on my case. I give this law firm 5 stars.
I must say I am extremely happy and amazed at the incredible work at Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb they were always available if I had any questions and they were always answered very professionallyJason Steinberg is a great lawyer Donna and Terry were always very professional and kind I will always highly suggest this law firm and team to anyone out their. Thank you again to everyone at this incredible Firm!!!
My experience with Harris Keenan and Goldfarb was wonderful. My legal representative, Steven LaRocca with Samantha Walton always made me feel well defended and cared for, in a way that went beyond professional representation and into the realm of caring about me on a personal level. Steven, Samantha and Seth Harris got me a great outcome and I can’t thank them enough!
Excellent person, very Professional, they assist you in any language, your call is always answered. I recommend you for any case of support you have, your refund is satisfactory. and fast
I am completely satisfied, and recommend Harris Keenan & Goldfarb as Attorneys to represent anyone. Their care for me physically, and overall helped me stay strong in spite of my injuries. Always available to answer questions, and inform.They got me Justice, and achieved a substantial outcome for my case.I am very impressed, and thankful for their outstanding performance on my behalf.I am very pleased, and significantly satisfied with their representation.‐-Sherylon Wilkins
Patient and diligence is how I describe the effort of HKG the work was thorough, honest and fair, I have no complaints. Special thanks to attorney Blake and his paralegal Thierry.
I first crossed paths with Seth Harris when serving jury duty many years ago. He was so professional and personable, that when my mom was seeking legal counsel for medical malpractice, I told her she had to reach out to his firm. We had meetings with a few different firms, but Harris Keenan & Goldfarb was the only firm that did not try to get us to sign paperwork before even meeting. They took the time to listen and understand our situation before we signed anything, and they were transparent and responsive the whole time. I would like to give special thanks to Samantha Walton, Marla Stein, Val Wallace and Seth Harris for helping my mom through this tough time. They were honest and upfront, and even though Seth Harris wasn't personally on the case, he took the time to meet with us and give us his thoughts on it.
I am pleased with the services provided by Ms Sheri on my case. The team at Harris, Keenan, & Goldfarb were very nice and explained everything to me. Everything that I had questions on they answered without frustration and were prompt and knowledgeable.6 years ago I had a slip and fall accident at my employers place of business. I reached out to them because I knew that I was being wrongfully treated. They took care of the case, restored my self confidence, and brought so much peace to my problem riddled life.I can recommend without a shadow of a doubt the services of Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb to anyone who is in need of someone who will have your back!
My mother had an accident with her ankle back in 2019. I immediately contacted Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb on the day of the accident. They were extremely prompt and helpful. They attended to my mother's case beautifully and she's been recovering well. I'd like to thank you for being so diligent, kind and above all professional. I'd recommend this law firm to anyone who are injured and in need of legal assistance. My mother, Andrea, and I thank you for everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions that prospective clients have about personal injury claims include:
Do I need an attorney?
When you have suffered an injury, it can be difficult to know what to do next. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. However, filing a personal injury claim can be a complex and time-consuming process. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the maximum possible compensation.
How do I know I have a case?
When should I contact an attorney?
How do I determine which one to choose?
Once I hire an attorney, what should I expect?
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