About 1.5 million New Yorkers are treated and released from the ER each year. About 155,000 people require hospitalization for their injuries, and 8,000 die from their injuries. Meirowitz & Wasserberg puts its local resources and expertise to work for people injured in NYC.
Though we have several offices across the country, the nerve center of our practice is right here in Midtown Manhattan, and we have vast experience in New York injury law. Our offices in Bryant Park, the Bronx and Long Island serve our community. Every day, we appear in court in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Long Island. Our lawyers’ expertise has led them to be selected for the Super Lawyers designation and earned them a place on the Top 100 Trial Lawyer list. We’ve recovered $800 million for our injured clients.
If you were injured by someone else’s negligence in New York City, you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s how our team helps.
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Why Choose Meirowitz & Wasserberg as your NYC Personal Injury Lawyer?
What an NYC Personal Injury Lawyer Does: Why Local Experience Matters
NYC personal injury lawyers handle your case from beginning to end. Because there are specific laws and regulations that govern liability in the city and state of New York, local experience matters to maximize your recovery. The majority of the team at Meirowitz & Wasserberg lives and works in NYC and is intimately familiar with city law.
NYC is unique because each borough has its own Supreme Court that handles civil claims: Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens and Richmond (Staten Island).
The city follows a pure comparative negligence law, which means you may still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault, but the recovery is reduced by the percentage you are at fault. If you sue the city or any city entity, such as the MTA, you have 90 days to give the city notice.
In addition, hiring a local firm that frequently appears in NYC courts leads to strong local relationships, familiarity with court tendencies and faster navigation of the local legal system.
Prior to co-founding Meirowitz & Wasserberg, Samuel Meirowitz was a prosecutor at the Bronx DA’s office. The firm also does lobbying work at the New York State Assembly on behalf of injured people.
See If You Qualify TodayTypes of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in New York City
Our personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases and fight for people and families across all five boroughs. Types of cases we can help with include car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, catastrophic spinal cord injuries, wrongful death and other practice areas.
Car Accidents
If you need help after a crash, our experienced NYC car accident lawyers understand local streets, traffic patterns and insurance practices. New York streets see heavy traffic and frequent crashes. Manhattan alone saw 14,335 motor vehicle collisions in 2025. New York follows a no-fault insurance system, so your basic medical bills and a portion of lost wages are covered after a crash, no matter who caused it.
If you suffer a serious injury, you could step outside the no-fault system and bring a liability claim against the at-fault driver under New York Law § 5102(d). Our team knows how to document those injuries, handle aggressive insurers and pursue full compensation for pain, suffering and long-term losses.
Truck Accidents
If a truck injured you or someone you love, an experienced NYC truck accident lawyer at our firm can help you protect evidence and build a strong claim. About 90% of NYC communities rely on truck delivery for daily supplies. That constant commercial traffic can lead to complex crashes involving large box trucks, delivery vehicles and heavy tractor-trailers in tight city streets.
We investigate every layer of a truck crash, including carrier policies, hiring practices, black box data and GPS records that show speed, braking and hours on the road. We also pursue claims against trucking companies that cut corners on safety and put others in danger.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian injuries are among the top 10 leading causes of injury-related hospital admissions and death in New York State. In 2025, 8,880 pedestrians were injured in motor vehicle accidents in NYC alone. Our lawyers handle cases that involve injured walkers hit in crosswalks, along bike lanes, near delivery zones and on poorly designed corners.
We understand how the city’s Vision Zero program aims to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries through street redesign, speed control and better enforcement. When dangerous infrastructure or broken traffic signals contribute to a crash, we explore potential claims against the city and other responsible parties. If a driver or unsafe street design harmed you, an NYC pedestrian accident lawyer from our team can evaluate your options.
Spinal Cord and Catastrophic Injuries
Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns and other catastrophic injuries can change every part of a person’s life. They demand careful planning for future care and costs. For this reason, they often lead to some of the highest case values in personal injury litigation.
A person with a spinal cord injury may need surgeries, assistive devices, home modifications, personal care attendants and ongoing therapy for years. Our firm works with medical and life-care planning experts to understand treatment costs, lost earning power and long-term support. We present those findings in settlement talks and at trial so the defense can’t ignore the injury’s real impact. If you or a family member suffered serious spinal trauma, speak with a Meirowitz & Wasserberg spinal cord injury lawyer in NYC that residents trust.
Wrongful Death
A fatal accident leaves a family with grief, stress and sudden financial pressure. In New York, a wrongful death claim allows certain family members and the estate to seek compensation when someone dies because of another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct.
Most personal injury lawsuits in New York follow a three-year statute of limitations, but wrongful death claims usually follow a shorter, two-year deadline that starts on the date of death. Under New York law, the estate’s personal representative must bring the lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members who suffered economic losses and other damages.
We guide families through every stage of the process and work to hold the responsible parties accountable. If you lost a loved one, an experienced NYC wrongful death lawyer from our firm can explain your rights and help you act before time runs out.
Additional Practice Areas
Our personal injury team also handles a wide range of other serious cases in New York City. We represent people hurt by medical malpractice, including diagnostic errors, surgical mistakes and medication errors that cause life-changing harm. As NYC premises liability lawyers, we take slip-and-fall claims where unsafe property conditions in apartments, stores, sidewalks or parking lots cause injuries. A New York burn injury lawyer from our firm can help victims of fires, explosions or electrical incidents. Our lawyers also represent survivors of sexual abuse, people injured because of dangerous products, riders hurt in motorcycle accidents and cyclists struck in bicycle accidents. We handle brain injury claims with the care and detail they require, and we tailor our strategy to the medical facts and legal issues in each case.
See What Our Clients Say About Working With Us
Here’s what the clients from our NYC personal injury law office have to say:
The lawyers at Meirowitz and Wasserberg helped me with my case when I was in New York City and got into a car accident. They took care of everything for me and my needs, making the process easy and fast. I am glad to have found their firm to help me with my accident.
The lawyers at Meirowitz and Wasserberg were instrumental in helping me get the justice I deserved when I got into a truck accident in Staten Island. They handled everything for my case, making for a smooth process that allowed me to focus on my recovery. I am glad to have found their firm.
Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP fights all the way through until the end. They actually care about your well-being not just the case. Highly recommend 10/10, I wouldn’t look anywhere else.
The lawyers were amazing and helped me immensely with my case personal injury case in Manhattan. They handled everything, and the process was efficient and painless. Would recommend!
Meirowitz and Wasserberg are extremely helpful and friendly. They helped me with an accident where I was very confused and worried, but they made the situation smooth and straightforward. Highly recommend
After getting into a car accident one of my friends from Manhattan recommended me to Meirowitz & Wasserberg. Safe to say I was more than satisfied. Everyone went above and behind me and made the process quick and easy!!
The team at Meirowitz and Wasserberg helped me with my case after I was hurt in a hit-and-run in the city. They made the process straightforward and treated me very well. Very respectable firm, and I’m glad we have formed this partnership.
I came to Meirowitz & Wasserberg when I, unfortunately, suffered a personal injury this year. They dealt with my case extremely professionally and streamlined the entire process, and I would absolutely recommend this firm to anyone in need.
Personal Injury in New York City: What the Data Shows
Common types of personal injuries in New York City include motor vehicle crashes and construction accidents. Since 2022, there have been 11,330 serious injuries from traffic crashes in NYC. In 2025, Brooklyn had the highest number of traffic accidents (27,244), followed by Queens (24,543). Distracted driving was the most common cause of traffic accidents in NYC, according to NYPD reports.
The city also has more construction falls and workplace accidents than the national average. Manhattan had the highest number of construction accidents, with worker falls being the most common cause of injury.
Personal injury victims have advantages under New York law. Most notably, the unique NYC Scaffold Law allows construction workers to sue building owners and managers without needing to prove liability.
Settlements and jury verdicts for plaintiffs also tend to exceed the national average. New York courts are known for their high plaintiff awards, especially in the Bronx and Brooklyn.
What Meirowitz & Wasserberg Has Recovered for NYC Injury Victims
Our lawyers are compassionate yet aggressive when in the courtroom. We’ve helped our clients recover millions for their injuries, including:
- $32 million from an asbestos exposure case
- $5.1 million for a mesothelioma settlement
- $1.2 million for an asbestos lung cancer settlement
- $675k for product liability where a woman was critically injured when her ignition failed and her airbag did not deploy
It’s important to know that results vary by case and no settlement or verdict amount is guaranteed. The amount you recover will depend on the details of your case, and only a licensed lawyer can discuss this with you.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim in New York: What You Need to Know
New York personal injury law gives you important rights after an injury, but strict deadlines and notice rules control how and when you can file a claim. You protect your case when you understand how statutes of limitations, government notice rules and crash reporting requirements work.
New York’s Statute of Limitations
New York has deadlines for filing an injury claim called statutes of limitations. For most personal injury claims, the deadline is three years from the date of injury, and two years for wrongful death cases. For minors, the statute of limitations is three years from the date they turn 18.
If you’re suing the City of New York, MTA or other government entities, you have 90 days to give them notice of your claim. This is a critical NYC-specific rule.
If you’re injured by someone else’s negligence, you should contact an attorney sooner rather than later to avoid losing any legal rights to file a claim.
Motor Vehicle Accident Report Requirement
Under Section 605 of New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, you’re required to file a motor vehicle accident report within 10 days if there are injuries, death or property damage over $1,000. If you fail to do this, the state may suspend your driving privileges.
If you were injured in a vehicle crash, the accident report is important evidence in your case. Make sure you obtain a copy from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles online or from the local police department that responded to the crash.
Get Started TodayFrequently Asked Questions About NYC Personal Injury Lawyers
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in New York City?
- Our personal injury lawyers in NYC typically work on contingency, which means there are no upfront fees. We take a percentage of the settlement or verdict (commonly 33%) only if you win. If there is no recovery, you pay nothing.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in New York?
- Most personal injury claims in New York have a three-year filing deadline from the date of injury, known as the statute of limitations. Wrongful death claims have a two-year deadline. If your injury involves a city agency or the MTA, a 90-day notice of claim must be filed first. Missing this deadline can stop your case from proceeding.
How long does a personal injury lawsuit take in New York?
- Most NYC personal injury cases settle before trial and can be resolved in 1–3 years. Cases that go to trial may take longer. Early steps, like filing, discovery and depositions, take time, but having an experienced attorney can prevent unnecessary delays.
Can I sue New York City after an injury on city property?
- Yes, but the process is different. Before filing a lawsuit against the City of New York, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury. Missing this deadline typically ends your right to sue. An attorney familiar with NYC municipal claims can help you meet this requirement.
What should I do immediately after a personal injury accident in NYC?
- (1) Seek medical care and begin documentation of your injuries. (2) Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the report. (3) Preserve evidence, including photos, witness contact information and any surveillance footage. (4) Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking to a lawyer. (5) Contact a personal injury attorney to understand your options.
About The Author
Samuel Meirowitz
Founding Partner
Samuel Meirowitz, a founding partner of Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has been recognized by New York Metro Super Lawyers annually since 2016. A Cardozo School of Law graduate and former prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney's Office, he won the first multimillion-dollar asbestos verdict in a New York federal court in over 20 years.
