Why Not to Hire a TV Lawyer?

Why Not to Hire a TV Lawyer?

A Real Guide from New York City Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in New York City in a car accident, construction accident, subway or bus incident, slip and fall, or due to medical malpractice, your choice of lawyer can change the outcome of your case.

You are dealing with:

• Medical treatment and pain
• Time out of work and lost wages
• Calls from insurance companies
• Stress about your future and your family

At the same time, you are bombarded with loud TV commercials from personal injury lawyers promising “big checks fast” and “quick cash.” Those ads are designed to stick with you, especially when you feel scared and overwhelmed.

Good marketing is not the same as good lawyering.

The New York City personal injury lawyers at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP created this page to explain:

• The hidden risks of hiring a TV lawyer or “settlement mill.”
• How these large advertising firms often operate behind the scenes
• Why local New York City trial experience matters
• How to choose the right NYC personal injury attorney for your case
• How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP handles severe injury cases differently

Hurt in New York City? Start With a Free Consultation

If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, you do not have to pick your lawyer from a commercial.

• Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
• Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer
• Pay no legal fee unless we win your case

We are here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you understand your options.

The Truth About TV Lawyers and Settlement Mills

What Is a Settlement Mill?

Many TV and billboard law firms in New York and across the country operate as settlement mills. A settlement mill is a high-volume personal injury law firm that:

• Spends heavily on television, billboards, and online advertising
• Signs up as many injury cases as possible
• Delegates most of the work to case managers and non-lawyer staff
• Pushes fast, low settlements instead of fully developing cases
• Rarely takes cases to trial in front of a jury

This business model may generate revenue for the firm, but it is often bad for injured New Yorkers who need serious representation.

Your personal injury case is not just paperwork. It represents:

• Your physical recovery
• Your financial stability
• Your ability to support your family
• Your long-term quality of life

You deserve a New York City accident lawyer who treats it that seriously.

Why Hiring a TV Lawyer Can Hurt Your NYC Injury Case

1. TV Advertising Has Nothing To Do With Legal Skill

Many injured people assume:

• “I have seen their commercials for years, so they must be the best personal injury lawyers.”
• “They advertise everywhere, so they must be the biggest and strongest firm in New York City.”

In reality:

• Any attorney with a marketing budget can buy television time
• TV exposure does not prove that a firm has strong trial skills, deep experience, or a history of excellent results

A slick advertisement only proves that the firm spends money on marketing. It does not prove that the firm is the right choice to handle a serious New York City personal injury case.

2. “We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Get Paid” Is Not Special

One of the most common TV slogans is:

“We do not get paid unless you get paid.”

That sounds like a unique benefit, but it is simply how most New York City personal injury lawyers work.

• Nearly all reputable NYC accident attorneys use a contingency fee
• You do not pay a legal fee unless your lawyer recovers money for you
• Greenstein & Pittari, LLP uses this same fee structure

So the slogan is accurate, but it is not a reason to choose a TV lawyer over a local New York City trial firm. What matters is how hard the firm works for that fee and whether they are willing to file suit and go to trial when necessary.

3. Too Many Cases, Not Enough Attention

Large advertising firms usually run a high-volume model:

• One attorney may handle 100, 150, or even 200 cases at the same time
• Paralegals and case managers process large stacks of files
• Individual case investigation may be rushed or shallow

When a lawyer is overloaded with too many cases:

• Important facts can be missed
• Additional insurance policies may not be identified
• Medical records and long-term prognosis may not be fully understood
• The actual value of your claim may not be recognized

Severe New York City accident cases require careful investigation and analysis. A high-volume approach is often the enemy of high-quality representation.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC personal injury lawyers maintain manageable caseloads so we can devote real time and attention to each client.

4. You May Never Meet the Lawyer From the Commercial

Many TV law firms are actually referral mills. Here is how that often works:

1. You see a commercial for a “big” law firm and call the number.
2. You speak with an intake operator or call center, not a lawyer.
3. They sign you up quickly and send you paperwork.
4. The advertising firm then refers your case to another law firm in exchange for a referral fee.

In that situation:

• The TV firm may never touch your file
• The lawyer you thought you hired is never actually involved
• You end up with a different attorney, often without realizing it at first

Even when a TV firm keeps your case, the lawyer from the commercial may never work on it personally. Your file might be handled by a junior attorney with limited trial experience or passed among multiple lawyers due to high turnover.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• We are the firm that actually represents you
• We do not treat cases as leads to be sold
• You know who your lawyers are, and we know you

5. Cookie-Cutter Handling of Serious NYC Cases

To keep up with a massive volume of files, many settlement mills use a one-size-fits-all approach:

• Standard form letters to insurance companies
• Minimal tailored investigation into liability and damages
• Little strategic planning based on your specific injuries and life

No two New York City personal injury cases are the same. A case involving a construction fall in the Bronx is not the same as a taxi accident in Midtown or a slip-and-fall on a defective sidewalk in Brooklyn.

Your case value depends on:

• The specific facts of how the accident happened
• The full extent of your injuries and medical treatment
• How your injuries affect your work and daily life
• All available layers of insurance coverage
• New York statutes, such as the Labor Law and municipal notice requirements

A cookie-cutter strategy can easily leave substantial money on the table and fail to protect your long-term needs.

6. Poor Communication and Limited Access to Lawyers

One of the most common complaints we hear from people who switch away from TV law firms is:

“I never speak to my lawyer. I only talk to staff, and I have no idea what is going on with my case.”

At many high-volume firms:

• Calls and emails are routed through call centers and layers of staff
• You may go weeks or months without hearing from an attorney
• You are left guessing about the status of your case

When you are hurt, worried about your bills, and trying to heal, you need clear answers and regular updates.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• You speak directly with a New York City personal injury lawyer
• We return calls and messages promptly
• We explain what is happening and why at each stage of your case
• You are never treated like a file number

7. Quick Settlements Often Mean Low Settlements

TV firms frequently emphasize how fast they can get you money. Speed can sound attractive when bills are piling up, but in severe injury cases, “fast” and “fair” are rarely the same thing.

Fast, low settlements often result from:

• Limited investigation into liability and damages
• Incomplete medical documentation or unknown prognosis
• Failure to consider future surgeries, therapy, or complications
• No preparation for litigation or trial, which removes leverage

Insurance companies track which law firms rarely take cases to trial. When they know your lawyer will not go to court, they have little reason to offer full value.

The New York City accident attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, prepare cases with litigation in mind. If insurers refuse to pay what is fair, we are ready to file suit and fight in court.

8. Little Attorney Involvement in Key Decisions

In a settlement mill, much of the case handling is done by:

• Intake staff
• Case managers
• Paralegals

These team members are essential, but they are not the ones who should make decisions such as:

• Whether you should reject a lowball settlement offer
• Whether your claim needs to be filed in the New York Supreme Court
• Which experts are needed to prove your injuries and damages
• Whether your case should go to trial

Critical strategy decisions should be made by an experienced New York City personal injury attorney who understands the law, the courts, and your specific situation.

9. Conflicts of Interest in Bulk Settlements

When a firm signs hundreds or thousands of similar cases, for example, involving the same defendant or type of product, it may be tempted to:

• Negotiate a global settlement that undervalues individual cases
• Prioritize a few significant cases and treat others as less important
• Focus on total volume recovered rather than what is best for each client

Your attorney’s duty is to you, not to an advertising budget or a mass settlement strategy.

10. Cases Rarely Go To Trial

Trial experience matters in New York City. Many TV law firms:

• Rarely, if ever, try cases to a verdict
• Treat trial only as a last resort
• Do not build cases from the beginning with a trial in mind

Insurance companies know which firms are willing to go the distance. When your lawyer has a reputation for trying cases, you are far more likely to receive a fair offer. When your lawyer always settles, you are at a disadvantage.

Why Local New York City Experience Matters

New York City personal injury cases involve unique laws, procedures, and challenges. A lawyer with real NYC experience:

• Knows the rules and practices in courts across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island
• Understands how to handle claims against the City of New York, the MTA, and other public entities
• Is familiar with New York Labor Law 240 and 241 for construction accidents
• Is comfortable working with local doctors, hospitals, and experts
• Understands how New York insurance companies and defense firms approach serious injury claims

National or out-of-state advertising firms often lack this particular knowledge.

The injury lawyers at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP live and work in New York City. We know this city, its courts, and the realities injured New Yorkers face.

What To Look For In a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer

Instead of choosing the lawyer with the loudest commercial, you can use this checklist.

1. Experience With Your Type of Case

Ask:

• Have you handled cases like mine before, such as car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian or bicycle crashes, slip and falls, construction accidents, or wrongful death?
• Have you handled those cases in New York City courts?
• What kinds of settlements and verdicts have you obtained in similar cases?

2. Reputation and Referrals

Look for:

• Referrals from former clients, other attorneys, and trusted professionals
• Peer-reviewed ratings and recognitions
• A reputation for handling severe cases with integrity and skill

Strong New York City personal injury firms often receive a large portion of their work through word-of-mouth, not from commercials.

3. Real Focus on Personal Injury Law

Make sure your lawyer:

• Concentrates significantly on personal injury and wrongful death, not a mix of unrelated fields
• Understands New York statutes, deadlines, and procedural requirements
• Is comfortable litigating and trying cases when necessary

4. Communication and Personal Attention

Ask yourself:

• Did the attorney listen carefully during your consultation?
• Did they answer your questions in plain language?
• Will you be able to contact your lawyer directly?
• Who will actually handle your case from day to day?

5. Clear, Honest Fee and Cost Explanation

You should understand:

• That the firm works on a contingency fee basis
• That you pay no legal fee unless the firm recovers money for you
• How case costs, such as expert fees and court filing fees, are handled
• What happens if there is no recovery

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we explain all of this in detail before you sign anything.

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Handles New York City Injury Cases

We Are a Local NYC Trial Firm

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is a New York City personal injury law firm that represents accident victims in:

• Manhattan
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• The Bronx
• Staten Island

We also maintain offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County to make it easier for clients to meet with us where it is convenient for them.

We understand:

• The reality of New York City traffic and pedestrian risks
• The dangers of city construction and building code violations
• The complexity of municipal, transit, and Labor Law claims

You Work Directly With Real Attorneys

When you hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• You speak with an attorney, not just a call center
• You know who is responsible for your case
• Your lawyer knows you, your story, and your goals

We believe every client deserves to feel heard and respected.

We Limit Caseloads to Protect Quality

We do not sacrifice quality to sign up as many cases as possible.

• Our attorneys maintain reasonable caseloads
• We take the time to investigate liability and damages fully
• We work to identify every available source of compensation

We would rather handle fewer cases well than many cases poorly.

We Prepare Cases as If They Will Go to Trial

Although many cases settle, trial preparation is the key to substantial settlement value.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• We analyze whether litigation is in your best interest
• We develop evidence, including medical proof and expert opinions
• We are prepared to file suit and try your case when necessary

This trial readiness tells insurance companies that we are serious about obtaining full and fair compensation.

We Guide You Through Every Step of the Process

A serious injury case can feel confusing and overwhelming. We help by:

• Explaining each stage of the personal injury claim process
• Answering questions about medical issues and insurance coverage
• Coordinating with medical providers and lien holders where appropriate
• Advising you before you sign any documents or releases

Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your health and your family.

Types of New York City Personal Injury Cases We Handle

The New York City accident lawyers at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP represent clients in a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including:

• Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle crashes
• Taxi, Uber, and Lyft accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Bus, subway, and other MTA and transit accidents
• Slip and fall and trip and fall accidents on dangerous property
• Premises liability claims involving unsafe buildings, sidewalks, and common areas
• Construction accidents, including Labor Law 240 and 241 cases
• Wrongful death claims brought by surviving family members

If you are unsure whether you have a claim, please get in touch with us. We will review your situation and give you honest guidance.

FAQ: TV Lawyers vs Real New York City Personal Injury Representation

1. Are all TV lawyers bad?

No. Some skilled lawyers advertise on television. The problem is that a TV commercial:

• Does not tell you who will actually work on your case
• Does not reveal how many files each attorney is handling
• Does not show how the firm treats its clients behind the scenes

A commercial is only marketing. You still need to look into the firm yourself.

2. If every firm says “no fee unless we win,” how do I compare lawyers?

Since most NYC personal injury lawyers use contingency fees, compare firms based on:

• Their experience with your specific type of case
• Your access to an actual attorney, not just staff
• How many cases each attorney handles at once
• Their willingness to file suit and go to trial when necessary

3. Are TV lawyer referral services reliable?

Many lawyer referral services advertised on TV are pay-to-play. Lawyers often pay to be included or must agree to send business back. These services do not always match you with the best New York City personal injury lawyer for your needs.

You are usually better off researching and contacting firms directly.

4. How should I choose a New York City personal injury lawyer?

Here is a practical approach:

1. Confirm you need a personal injury or wrongful death attorney.
2. Ask trusted friends, family, or professionals for recommendations.
3. Research firms online, paying attention to experience, case types, and client reviews.
4. Schedule a free consultation.
5. Ask who will handle your case day to day and how often you will receive updates.
6. Trust your instincts about whether the attorney listens and explains things clearly.

5. Do I really need a lawyer for my NYC accident?

For very minor injuries with little or no medical treatment, you might handle a small claim yourself.
You should definitely speak with a New York City personal injury attorney if:

• You went to the emergency room or were hospitalized
• You require ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or surgery
• You missed work or expect to miss work in the future
• You have long-term or permanent injuries

Insurance companies are not in business to protect you. A lawyer is.

6. Why does it matter if my lawyer actually goes to trial?

Insurance companies know which law firms are willing to try cases and which are not. If they know your lawyer rarely goes to court, they have little incentive to offer a fair settlement.

A New York City trial lawyer with real courtroom experience usually has stronger negotiating power and can better protect your interests if the case must be tried.

7. Can I switch lawyers if I have already hired a TV firm?

Yes. In most New York personal injury cases, you have the right to change attorneys if you are not satisfied with your current representation.

In most situations:

• You do not pay two separate legal fees
• The attorneys work out how to divide a single contingency fee according to New York law

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP can review your existing case, explain your rights, and help you decide whether a change is in your best interest.

8. What should I bring to my first meeting with Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?

You should bring any documents you have, such as:

• Accident or incident reports
• Photos or videos from the scene
• Health insurance and auto insurance information
• Medical records, discharge papers, or bills
• Letters or emails from insurance companies
• Names and contact information for any witnesses

Do not worry if you do not have everything. We can help you obtain the records and information you need to build your case.

9. How does Greenstein & Pittari, LLP get paid?

We work on a contingency fee basis:

• You do not pay any upfront legal fee
• We only get paid if we recover money for you through a settlement or a verdict
• We explain in advance how litigation costs, such as court fees and expert witnesses, are handled

You should never let fear about attorney fees stop you from getting the legal help you need.

10. Do you handle cases throughout New York City?

Yes. Greenstein & Pittari, LLP represents injured clients throughout:

• Manhattan
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• The Bronx
• Staten Island

We also have offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County to serve clients across the region better.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Instead of a TV Lawyer?

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• We focus exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases
• We are local New York City personal injury lawyers, not out-of-state marketers
• We limit our caseloads to provide personal attention and high-quality representation
• We prepare cases for trial and are not afraid to go to court when necessary
• We communicate openly and honestly with our clients
• We have hundreds of positive client reviews and a strong reputation

Our motto is simple and reflects our mission:

“Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”

Do not be a victim of a negligent driver, a property owner, or a corporation, and then be victimized a second time by choosing the wrong lawyer.

Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York City accident, you do not have to rely on a commercial to choose your attorney.

• Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) now
• Or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation

The call is free. The consultation is free.
You do not pay us unless we are successful.

Let the New York City personal injury lawyers at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP show you the difference between a lawyer who markets to you and a lawyer who truly represents you.