Why do I need a lawyer?

Most automobiles, businesses, hospitals and doctors have insurance policies that cover them for injuries caused by their negligence. When insurance companies know that their client has been negligent, they often try to contact the injured person shortly after the incident to offer a settlement which is only a fraction of the actual amount which would fairly compensate the injured person for their pain and suffering. If you have been injured, you need an experienced attorney to represent your interests and to make certain that you receive the monetary compensation which you are legally entitled to receive. Steven R. Smith, an attorney you can depend on has almost twenty years of experience in the field of personal injuries.  Call immediately and ask to speak directly with Steven Smith for personal attention to your claim.  You have questions - - we have answers!

Time Limitations

You need an experienced lawyer to make sure that any claim which you might have is filed on a timely basis, and before the expiration of any time limitations ( called statute of limitations). For instance, there are strict time limitations for filing a claim for "No-Fault" benefits if you were involved in an automobile accident. You may file a claim for No-Fault benefits so that your medical bills and any lost earnings are paid by the insurance company. However, your application for the insurance company to pay No-Fault benefits must technically be submitted within thirty (30) days of the accident.

If you were recently involved in an automobile accident you must contact us immediately so that we can protect your rights!

There are time limits on all cases.  Depending on the circumstances of your case, the time in which you must file a claim or a lawsuit will vary.  There is a rule of law called the Statute of Limitations, which dictates the time limits for different kinds of cases. 

In New York State, negligence lawsuits must be filed within 3 years*, wrongful death claims within 2 years* and malpractice lawsuits must be filed within two and one half years of the date you were injured**.  Claims against municipalities in New York State, such as your city, town or village, must be filed within 90 days*** of the date you were injured.  Because there are many exceptions to these rules which may shorten your time or allow you additional time to file a claim, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible after you have been injured.  Don't delay.  Your time to make a claim is running.  Let Steven R. Smith, an attorney with almost Twenty Years of experience handling all types of personal injury claims help you now.  There is no fee for any consultation.

* personal injury statutes of limitations involving infants (persons under 18) may be tolled (frozen) and resume when the child becomes 18 years old.

  Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of death.

** Some medical malpractice actions must be commenced within 2 1/2 years of the last day of treatment for the condition, and some medical malpractice actions dealing with infants may be tolled (frozen) for up to 10 years.

*** There are instances when this Notice to the municipality may be required to be filed within an even shorter period of time.

THE ABOVE PERIODS OF TIME ARE MEANT TO BE A GENERAL GUIDE ONLY.  YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THESE PERIODS OF TIME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOU SPEAK WITH AND RETAIN A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY IN OUR OFFICE.  DUE TO THE VARIOUS EXCEPTIONS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY !!!