In the bustling metropolis of New York City, accidents happen every day. From slip-and-fall incidents in Manhattan’s busy buildings to construction accidents in Brooklyn, personal injuries can devastate lives and finances. With nearly $2 billion in settlements paid by New York City in fiscal year 2024 alone, the stakes for securing proper legal representation have never been higher.
This comprehensive guide examines the top 10 personal injury attorneys in New York City, providing you with the critical insights needed to navigate the complex legal landscape of America’s largest city. Whether you’re dealing with medical malpractice, construction accidents, or motor vehicle collisions, these elite legal professionals have the expertise, resources, and track record to maximize your compensation and protect your rights.
Why New York City Demands Elite Personal Injury Representation
New York City’s unique legal environment presents both opportunities and challenges for personal injury victims. The city’s dense population, complex infrastructure, and high-stakes legal environment create a competitive landscape where only the most skilled attorneys can deliver optimal results.
Key factors that make NYC personal injury cases particularly complex include:
- Statute of Limitations: New York’s three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases requires swift action
- Comparative Negligence: New York’s pure comparative negligence law means compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault
- No-Fault Insurance: New York’s no-fault auto insurance system adds layers of complexity to motor vehicle accident cases
- High-Value Settlements: The city’s high cost of living and medical expenses often result in substantial damage awards
The NYC Personal Injury Legal Landscape
With 1,277 top-rated New York personal injury attorneys on Super Lawyers, finding the right legal representation can be overwhelming. However, understanding what separates exceptional attorneys from the rest can help you make an informed decision during one of life’s most challenging moments.
Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys in New York City
1. Ben Rubinowitz – Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf
Specialization: Catastrophic personal injury and medical malpractice Notable Achievement: #1 position among all personal injury attorneys in New York Metro on 2024 Super Lawyers list
Ben Rubinowitz and Howard Hershenhorn were selected “Best Personal Injury Lawyers In New York City (2025)” by Forbes, cementing their status as the city’s premier personal injury advocates. For the last 3 years, Ben Rubinowitz and Howard Hershenhorn have received the prestigious recognition from Forbes, being selected as the “2023, 2024 and 2025 Best Personal Injury Lawyers”.
Key Strengths:
- Consistently ranked #1 among NYC personal injury attorneys
- Extensive experience with complex medical malpractice cases
- Track record of securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
- National recognition for trial advocacy excellence
2. Howard Hershenhorn – Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf
Specialization: Personal injury litigation and trial advocacy Notable Achievement: Howard Hershenhorn was named BEST LAWYERS’ 2020 NEW YORK Lawyer of the Year
As Ben Rubinowitz’s partner, Howard Hershenhorn brings decades of experience and a proven track record of success. His expertise in complex personal injury cases makes him one of the most sought-after attorneys in the city.
Key Strengths:
- Forbes recognition as Best Personal Injury Lawyer (2023-2025)
- Extensive trial experience with high-stakes cases
- Strong reputation among peers and judges
- Comprehensive approach to case preparation and client service
3. Richard Steigman – Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf
Specialization: Medical malpractice and complex personal injury Notable Achievement: Richard Steigman was named 2022 Lawyer of the Year for Medical Malpractice in New York City by Best Lawyers in America
Richard Steigman’s recognition as Lawyer of the Year for Medical Malpractice demonstrates his exceptional skill in one of the most challenging areas of personal injury law.
Key Strengths:
- Specialized expertise in medical malpractice cases
- Best Lawyers in America recognition
- Proven success with complex medical negligence claims
- Strong relationships with medical experts and specialists
4. David Perecman – The Perecman Firm
Specialization: Construction accidents and personal injury Notable Achievement: The Perecman Firm secured two of the Top 100 Personal Injury Settlements in the United States in 2020
David Perecman has built a reputation for securing substantial recoveries for his clients, particularly in construction accident cases where New York’s Labor Law provides unique protections for workers.
Key Strengths:
- Expertise in New York Labor Law Section 240 and 241
- Track record of multi-million dollar settlements
- National recognition for settlement achievements
- Comprehensive understanding of construction site safety regulations
5. Stewart Finz – Finz & Finz, P.C.
Specialization: Personal injury and medical malpractice Notable Achievement: Finz & Finz P.C. obtained 4 of the top 20 personal injury settlements in New York in 2020
Stewart Finz leads one of New York’s most successful personal injury firms, with a track record that speaks to their ability to secure exceptional results for clients.
Key Strengths:
- Multiple top-tier settlements in a single year
- Comprehensive personal injury practice
- Strong track record with insurance companies
- Experienced trial attorneys with courtroom success
6. Judith Livingston – Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore
Specialization: Personal injury and medical malpractice Notable Achievement: Judith Livingston selected for Top Super Lawyers® lists in 2022
As a senior partner at KDLM, Judith Livingston brings exceptional experience and a client-focused approach to complex personal injury cases.
Key Strengths:
- Super Lawyers recognition for outstanding legal achievement
- Extensive experience with catastrophic injury cases
- Strong advocacy for female victims of personal injury
- Proven success in medical malpractice litigation
7. Michael Lamonsoff – The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff
Specialization: Personal injury and accident cases Notable Achievement: Known as “The Bull” for aggressive advocacy
Michael Lamonsoff has earned a reputation for tenacious advocacy and securing substantial settlements for his clients across all types of personal injury cases.
Key Strengths:
- Aggressive negotiation and litigation style
- Comprehensive personal injury practice
- Strong media presence and public recognition
- Proven track record of substantial settlements
8. Richard Kenny – The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny
Specialization: Personal injury and accident cases Notable Achievement: Decades of experience in NYC personal injury law
Richard Kenny brings extensive experience and a personalized approach to each case, ensuring clients receive the attention and advocacy they deserve.
Key Strengths:
- Decades of NYC personal injury experience
- Personalized client service approach
- Strong relationships with medical providers
- Proven success across multiple practice areas
9. Alexander Karasik – Karasik Law Group
Specialization: Accident and injury cases Notable Achievement: Alexander Karasik, Esq. and Yelena Kozlova, Esq. form a formidable team dedicated to providing unparalleled legal representation
Alexander Karasik leads a dynamic team that combines legal expertise with compassionate client service, making them a top choice for accident victims.
Key Strengths:
- Team-based approach to complex cases
- Multilingual capabilities for diverse NYC population
- Modern legal technology and case management
- Strong community presence and client referrals
10. Daniel Rosenbaum – Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers
Specialization: Construction accidents and personal injury Notable Achievement: Successfully represented clients with all types of cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death
Daniel Rosenbaum’s firm specializes in the most serious personal injury cases, including construction accidents that are particularly common in New York City.
Key Strengths:
- Expertise in construction site accidents and Labor Law
- Experience with catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
- Strong track record with work injury claims
- Comprehensive understanding of NYC construction regulations
Key Factors When Choosing a NYC Personal Injury Attorney
Trial Experience and Track Record
New York City’s competitive legal environment demands attorneys with proven courtroom success. Look for lawyers who have:
- Secured substantial verdicts and settlements
- Extensive trial experience before NYC judges
- Recognition from legal organizations and peers
- Published case results demonstrating success
Specialization in Your Type of Case
Different types of personal injury cases require specific expertise:
Construction Accidents: New York Labor Law Sections 240 and 241 provide unique protections for construction workers, requiring specialized knowledge of scaffolding law, elevation-related accidents, and safety regulations.
Medical Malpractice: These cases require understanding of medical standards, expert witness testimony, and complex causation issues that demand specialized expertise.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: NYC’s no-fault insurance system, comparative negligence rules, and complex traffic patterns require specific knowledge of local regulations and insurance practices.
Premises Liability: Building code violations, slip-and-fall accidents, and security negligence cases require understanding of property owner duties and NYC building regulations.
Resources and Support Network
Top NYC personal injury attorneys maintain relationships with:
- Medical experts and treating physicians
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Economic experts for damage calculations
- Life care planners for catastrophic injuries
- Vocational rehabilitation specialists
Understanding of NYC-Specific Laws
New York City has unique legal considerations including:
- Building codes and safety regulations
- Labor laws protecting construction workers
- No-fault insurance requirements
- Comparative negligence rules
- Municipal liability laws
Types of Personal Injury Cases in NYC
Construction Accidents
New York City’s constant construction activity creates numerous opportunities for serious workplace injuries. Common construction accident types include:
- Falls from scaffolding and ladders
- Struck-by falling objects
- Electrocution incidents
- Crane and equipment accidents
- Excavation and trench collapses
New York Labor Law Sections 240 and 241 provide strict liability protections for construction workers, making experienced legal representation crucial for maximizing compensation.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
NYC’s dense traffic and complex roadways contribute to thousands of accidents annually:
- Taxi and rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian and cyclist injuries
- Bus and truck accidents
- Motorcycle collisions
- Hit-and-run incidents
Medical Malpractice
New York’s world-renowned medical institutions also see significant malpractice claims:
- Surgical errors and complications
- Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis
- Birth injuries and obstetric negligence
- Emergency room negligence
- Prescription drug errors
Premises Liability
Property owners throughout NYC have duties to maintain safe conditions:
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Inadequate security leading to assaults
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Building code violations
- Negligent maintenance issues
Maximizing Your Personal Injury Claim in NYC
Document Everything
Thorough documentation strengthens your case:
- Obtain copies of all medical records and bills
- Photograph accident scenes and injuries
- Collect witness contact information
- Maintain detailed records of lost wages
- Document pain levels and daily limitations
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even seemingly minor injuries require medical evaluation:
- Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately
- Medical records establish the connection between accident and injury
- Gaps in treatment can undermine your claim
- Following medical advice demonstrates good faith recovery efforts
Avoid Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often pressure victims into quick settlements:
- Initial offers rarely reflect full damage value
- Future medical needs may not be apparent immediately
- Lost earning capacity requires thorough evaluation
- Pain and suffering damages need proper assessment
Understand Your Rights
New York personal injury law provides important protections:
- Right to full compensation for all damages
- Protection against insurance company bad faith tactics
- Right to jury trial if settlement negotiations fail
- Ability to pursue punitive damages in appropriate cases
The Legal Process: What to Expect
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
Top attorneys provide comprehensive case evaluations:
- Review of accident circumstances and liability
- Assessment of injury severity and prognosis
- Calculation of potential damages
- Discussion of legal strategy and timeline
- Explanation of fee structure and costs
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Thorough case preparation includes:
- Accident scene investigation and photography
- Medical record review and expert consultation
- Witness interviews and statement collection
- Preservation of physical evidence
- Insurance coverage investigation
Settlement Negotiations
Most cases resolve through negotiation:
- Demand package preparation with full documentation
- Insurance company negotiations and counteroffers
- Mediation when appropriate
- Client counseling on settlement decisions
- Final settlement documentation and release
Trial Preparation and Litigation
When settlements fail, experienced trial attorneys:
- File formal lawsuits within statute of limitations
- Conduct discovery and depositions
- Prepare expert witnesses and testimony
- Develop compelling trial presentations
- Advocate zealously for maximum jury verdicts
Understanding Damages in NYC Personal Injury Cases
Economic Damages
Quantifiable financial losses include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Home modifications and assistive devices
Non-Economic Damages
Subjective losses that significantly impact quality of life:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium for spouses
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, New York law may allow punitive damages designed to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior.
Red Flags: Attorneys to Avoid
Be cautious of lawyers who:
- Guarantee specific outcomes or settlement amounts
- Pressure you into immediate decisions
- Lack specific personal injury experience
- Have numerous disciplinary actions or complaints
- Charge upfront fees without clear justification
- Fail to communicate regularly or return calls promptly
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Time is critical in personal injury cases due to:
- New York’s statute of limitations requirements
- Evidence preservation needs
- Witness memory degradation
- Medical documentation requirements
- Insurance company investigation timelines
Don’t delay in seeking legal representation. Early attorney involvement can prevent costly mistakes and ensure proper case development from the beginning.
Conclusion: Securing Your Future After Injury
Personal injuries can devastate lives and families, but New York’s legal system provides important protections for victims when properly navigated. The attorneys featured in this guide have demonstrated their commitment to client advocacy through years of dedicated service, substantial case results, and industry recognition.
Your choice of personal injury attorney will significantly impact your case outcome and long-term financial security. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or pressure you into inadequate settlements. With proper legal representation, you can focus on recovery while your attorney fights for maximum compensation and comprehensive coverage of all damages.
Remember that you have rights as an injury victim, and those rights deserve protection by experienced advocates who understand both the legal system’s complexities and your personal needs. Contact one of these top-rated New York City personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your future.
The path to recovery may be challenging, but you don’t have to walk it alone. These legal professionals have the experience, resources, and dedication necessary to guide you through every obstacle and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Your decision today will impact your quality of life for years to come—choose wisely and choose someone who will fight tirelessly for your rights.
