Syracuse Personal Injury Lawyers

Accidents happen throughout Syracuse every day, and while some are truly unavoidable, others are caused by negligence. When an individual or entity’s carelessness results in harm to another person, the victim has the right to pursue compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial burdens they incur. Proving fault in a civil lawsuit can be challenging, though, as in many cases, the responsible party will go to great lengths to avoid liability. If you were injured by someone else’s reckless behavior, you may be able to recover damages via a personal injury claim, and it is essential to contact an attorney to discuss your rights. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our Syracuse personal injury attorneys know what it takes to prevail in personal injury cases, and if we represent you, we will craft compelling arguments in your favor to provide you with a strong chance of a favorable outcome. We are dedicated to serving clients in personal injury matters in Syracuse as well as in Rochester and throughout Upstate New York.

A personal injury claim typically arises when one person’s carelessness causes an accident that results in another party’s harm. Incidents that often lead to personal injury cases include motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and product liability claims.

The impact of a personal injury can be far-reaching. Physical injuries may range from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage. Victims often face extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and the potential for long-term or permanent disability. Beyond physical harm, personal injuries can cause significant emotional and financial stress. Victims may be unable to work, resulting in lost income, and may struggle to cover mounting medical bills and other expenses. Families of injured parties also bear the emotional burden of such harm, as they often become caregivers or face the loss of companionship in catastrophic cases.

Victims of harmful accidents should not bear the financial and emotional costs of someone else’s carelessness. As such, they will often seek compensation via personal injury claims.

In most cases, a personal injury plaintiff will allege that the defendant acted negligently. New York law requires proof of four key elements to establish negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages.

In other words, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant owed them a duty. Generally, the duty is to act with reasonable care, but the duty may arise out of a statute or regulation in certain instances. The plaintiff then needs to prove that the defendant breached this duty. A breach occurs when the defendant’s actions fall below the standard of care expected under the circumstances. For instance, a driver who runs a red light or a store owner who fails to clean up a hazardous spill may be considered to have breached their duty.

Next, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused their injuries. This means proving that the harm would not have occurred but for the defendant’s negligence. Expert testimony may be necessary to establish this link, particularly in complex cases like medical malpractice or product liability claims.

Finally, the plaintiff must establish that they suffered damages as a result of the defendant’s actions. Evidence such as medical records, employment documents, and witness testimony is critical to proving the extent of the losses sustained.

Syracuse personal injury lawyers who demonstrate defendants’ negligence may be able to recover compensation for their client’s financial and intangible harm. Financial harm includes past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, while intangible losses typically refer to such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In New York, for most personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury. However, certain cases, such as those involving municipal defendants, may have shorter deadlines. As such, it is essential that parties hurt in accidents consult Syracuse personal injury lawyers promptly to protect their rights and ensure their claims are filed within the applicable time frame.

Suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone, and you should speak with an attorney regarding your options. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our seasoned Syracuse personal injury attorneys are committed to helping victims of negligence secure the compensation they deserve, and if you engage our services, we will provide you with tenacious advocacy. We have an office in Syracuse, and we routinely represent clients in personal injury matters in Syracuse as well as in Rochester and throughout Upstate New York. You can schedule a free and confidential consultation by using our online form or calling us at 833-200-2000 to schedule a free consultation.