How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in New York City?

If you’ve been injured in an accident in New York City, one of your first questions is often: How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer? The good news is that most NYC personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis – meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if your lawyer wins compensation for you.

What Does a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

A New York personal injury lawyer represents victims hurt due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party—whether an individual, business, or government entity. They handle cases involving car accidents, construction accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and more.

Your attorney’s role includes:

• Protecting your legal rights
• Gathering evidence and expert testimony
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing lawsuits and representing you in court if necessary

How Contingency Fees Work in NYC Injury Cases

• No upfront cost – You only pay if your lawyer secures compensation.
• Standard fee – Typically one-third (33⅓%) of your settlement or verdict. Most personal injury cases in NYC are capped at this rate by law.
• Motivated representation – Because your attorney’s payment depends on your outcome, they are incentivized to maximize your recovery.

All terms are explained in a written retainer agreement, ensuring transparency.

Special Rules for Medical Malpractice in New York

Medical malpractice claims follow a sliding scale fee structure under Judiciary Law § 474-a(2):

• 30% of the first $250,000 recovered
• 25% of the next $250,000
• 20% of the next $500,000
• 15% of the next $250,000
• 10% of any recovery above $1.25 million

Attorney Fees vs. Case Expenses

It’s essential to understand the difference between legal fees and case-related expenses.

• Attorney’s fee – The contingency percentage (usually 33⅓%).
• Case costs – Out-of-pocket expenses advanced by the law firm, reimbursed after your case is resolved.

Typical case costs in New York include:

• Court filing fees ($200–$400)
• Medical reports ($500–$1,500 each)
• Expert witnesses ($2,500–$15,000+)
• Depositions and transcripts
• Accident reconstructions and investigations

Most NYC accident law firms cover these costs upfront, so you pay nothing during your case. Please always make sure to clarify whether costs must be repaid if your case is unsuccessful.

Additional Fee Considerations

• Free consultations – Most personal injury lawyers in New York offer no-cost case reviews.
• No hidden fees – Reputable firms won’t charge for no-fault claims, wrongful death paperwork, or reducing medical liens.
• Appeals – Standard contingency fees don’t cover appeals, which require separate arrangements.
• Loans and cash advances – While lawyers cannot loan money, you may qualify for third-party settlement advances.
• Switching attorneys – If you change lawyers, the total contingency fee remains one-third, shared between firms.

Why Contingency Fees Benefit NYC Accident Victims

• Make legal help accessible to all accident victims, regardless of income.
• Reduce financial risk during recovery from an accident.
• Encourage lawyers to accept only strong cases and fight for maximum compensation.
• Studies show that represented victims often recover three times more compensation than those without a lawyer.

Why Hiring a NYC Personal Injury Lawyer Is Worth It

Even though a one-third fee may seem high, most accident victims end up with more compensation after hiring an attorney. A skilled New York accident lawyer will:

• Preserve and collect critical evidence
• Negotiate with insurance adjusters determined to minimize payouts
• Calculate both current and future damages
• File lawsuits and represent you in trial if needed

Bottom line: You don’t pay unless you win, and hiring a lawyer in NYC usually increases your net recovery.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari – NYC Personal Injury Lawyers

• Seven convenient locations – Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
• No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
• Free consultations – In-office, by phone, or at home/hospital
• Bilingual services available
• Hundreds of 5-star reviews and testimonials
• Award-winning attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
• We handle insurance companies so you can focus on recovery

Call Today – Free Consultation

Don’t wait – delays can weaken your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and insurance companies gain an advantage.

You can call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today to schedule your free consultation with Greenstein & Pittari, LLP.

• The call is free.
• The consultation is free.
• You don’t pay us unless we win.

At Greenstein & Pittari, our motto is simple: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”