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You're rear-ended at a red light on a Tuesday morning. You feel fine, exchange insurance information, and head to work. By Friday your neck is stiff and you can't lift your arm. You assume the other driver's insurance will cover it, since they caused the crash. In New York, it usually doesn't work that way. Your own auto insurance pays first, no matter who was at fault, through a system called no-fault. And the claim has a deadline of just 30 days. Here is how a New York no-fault insurance claim works, what it pays, what it doesn't, and when you can step outside the system and sue. What Is No-Fault Insurance in New York? "No-fault" doesn't mean nobody is to blame. It means that after a car accident, injured people get their first round of benefits from their own auto policy, or the policy covering the vehicle they were in, without having to prove who caused the crash. The point is speed: medical bills and some lost wages get paid without waiting for a fight over fault. The trade-off is that no-fault pays for economic losses only, and only up to a limit. For anything beyond that, you have to pursue the at-fault driver, and the law restricts when you can. What a New York No-Fault Insurance Claim Covers Basic no-fault coverage pays up to $50,000 per person in total for: Medical expenses. Necessary treatment related to the accident. Lost earnings. 80% of your lost earnings, up to $2,000 per month, for up to three years. Other reasonable and necessary expenses. Up to $25 per day, for up to one year, for things like travel to medical appointments. A death benefit. $2,000, payable to the estate, in addition to the $50,000. The $50,000 is one combined cap, not a separate limit for each category. A surgery and a hospital stay can use it up quickly. What No-Fault Does Not Cover Pain and suffering. No-fault never pays for it. Losses above the cap. Medical bills and lost wages beyond $50,000 are not covered. Damage to your car. That is handled separately, through your own collision coverage or the at-fault driver's property damage coverage. How a New York No-Fault Insurance Claim Works, Step by Step Notify your insurer right away. Do it in writing, and keep a copy. File the NF-2 application. This is the form that formally starts your claim. Ask for it if it hasn't arrived, and return it within 30 days of the accident. Submit your bills on time. Bills for health care services must generally be submitted within 45 days of treatment. Go to the insurer's exams. Insurers can require you to attend medical examinations. Skipping them can get your benefits cut off. Late notice can sometimes be excused if you have a reasonable justification, but don't count on it. Missing the deadlines can cost you all of your benefits. Who Pays in Different Situations Which policy pays depends on who you were when the accident happened. Drivers. Your own auto policy. Passengers. Generally the policy covering the vehicle you were riding in. This includes Uber and Lyft passengers. Pedestrians and cyclists. Generally your own auto policy, or a policy held by a relative in your household. If neither applies, the policy of the vehicle that struck you may apply, and if there is no coverage at all, the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) may provide benefits. For more, read our posts on pedestrian crosswalk accidents and NYC bicycle accidents. Motorcycle riders. Motorcycles are generally outside New York's no-fault system, so different rules apply. The Deadlines That Cost People Benefits Deadline What It Is 30 days Give notice and submit the NF-2 application 45 days Submit bills for health care services after treatment 90 days Notice of Claim, if a government vehicle or road condition is involved 3 years Statute of limitations for most car accident injury lawsuits The 30-day deadline is the one that catches people. Most people wait to see if the pain goes away, and by the time it doesn't, the window has closed. When Can You Sue? The Serious Injury Threshold To recover for pain and suffering, you generally have to sue the at-fault driver, and New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d) only lets you do that if your injury is "serious." Qualifying injuries include: Death Dismemberment Significant disfigurement A fracture Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system A permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member A significant limitation of use of a body function or system An injury that prevents you from performing substantially all of your usual daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident This is decided on medical evidence, not on photographs of the cars. A crash with serious vehicle damage can still fail the threshold if the medical records don't support a qualifying injury, and a modest-looking crash can meet it. Consistent treatment and a doctor's documented findings matter. Gaps in treatment hand the defense an argument that you recovered. Five Mistakes That Cost People Their Benefits Waiting to see if the pain goes away. The 30 days keep running. Letting treatment lapse. It weakens both your benefits and your case. Skipping the insurer's medical exam. It can end your benefits. Giving the other driver's insurer a recorded statement. You're not required to. Read our post on why you shouldn't talk to the other driver's insurance company. Assuming a minor-looking crash means a minor injury. Neck, back, and head injuries often show up days later. What to Do in the First 30 Days Get medical care right away, even if you feel okay. Report the accident to your insurer in writing, and ask for the NF-2. Return the NF-2 within 30 days and keep a copy. Photograph the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries, and collect witness names. Keep every medical record and bill, and submit bills within 45 days of each treatment. Track the work you miss and get proof of lost earnings. Call an attorney before you give any statement to the other driver's insurer. Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer at Blitz Law Group, for Free No-fault is a system built around deadlines and forms, and mistakes in the first month can follow your claim for years. We handle your no-fault paperwork and, if your injury meets the threshold, pursue the at-fault driver for the full value of your case. Learn more about our auto accident practice. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win. 📞 212.871.1300 🌐 blitzlawgroup.com 📍 260 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016 This article is general information, not legal advice. Limits and deadlines can change, so confirm them for your situation. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Blitz Law Group is proud to share that partner Justin Blitz has again been selected to Super Lawyers, extending a run of 15 consecutive years of recognition. He is also recognized as one of America's Top 100 Attorneys. Awards are easy to put on a website and hard to interpret. This post explains how the Super Lawyers selection works, what Justin's recognition says about his work, and what it does and doesn't mean if you're an injured New Yorker choosing a lawyer. What Is Super Lawyers, and How Are Attorneys Selected? Super Lawyers is a rating service published by Thomson Reuters. It recognizes attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made every year, state by state, through a patented multi-phase process: Peer nominations. Attorneys nominate their peers. Self-nomination is not allowed. Independent research. The Super Lawyers research team evaluates each candidate on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Peer evaluation. Candidates are reviewed by practice area by a panel of attorneys. The final cut is small. Up to 5 percent of the attorneys in a state are named to Super Lawyers, and no more than 2.5 percent are named to Rising Stars, a list for attorneys who are 40 or younger or have been in practice 10 years or less. Justin Blitz Super Lawyers Recognition: 15 Consecutive Years Justin's 2026 listing recognizes him in two practice areas: Personal Injury General: Plaintiff and Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff. Both are on the plaintiff's side, which is where he has built his career. The listing describes a lawyer known for complex, high-profile negligence cases who has secured many millions for clients through arbitration, mediation, negotiation, and trial. He has taken many cases to verdict, and he is often sought out by law firms nationwide for major injury cases. He is a long-standing member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, a native New Yorker, and comes from a family with more than 50 combined years of experience protecting the injured in New York. You can see the same approach in how he evaluates cases. In his analysis of the Jalen Hurts blood clot situation, he explains why a case with serious negligence can still be a weak case, and why he starts with the medicine and the damages rather than the headlines. What a Super Lawyers Honor Means for You as a Client It is one useful data point, and it is worth being clear about its limits. What it tells you. Peers nominated and evaluated this attorney, and an independent research team reviewed his record. For a lawyer who has been recognized for 15 consecutive years, it points to a sustained reputation among other attorneys. What it doesn't tell you. It is not a prediction or guarantee of any result in your case. Every case turns on its own facts, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer in New York Whatever list a lawyer appears on, here is what to look for: Trial experience. Insurance companies know which firms will try a case and which will settle cheaply. Ask how many cases the attorney has taken to verdict. Documented results. Look for specific verdicts and settlements, not general claims. You can review ours on our case results page. An honest evaluation. A good lawyer will tell you when a case is not worth bringing. Direct communication. You should know who is handling your case and be able to reach them. A contingency fee. You should pay nothing unless you recover. Talk to Blitz Law Group, for Free If you were injured because of someone else's negligence, we'll give you a straight evaluation of your case. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win. 📞 212.871.1300 🌐 blitzlawgroup.com 📍 260 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016 Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Super Lawyers selections are made by Thomson Reuters through its independent research and peer evaluation process.

New York City added more than 100 miles of protected bike lanes in the last decade. Citi Bike has expanded to over 1,800 stations across four boroughs. Cycling has become one of the fastest-growing forms of transportation in the five boroughs. And yet in 2023, 27 cyclists were killed on New York City streets — an increase from 19 the year before. More than 6,500 bicycle accidents were reported, with over 3,800 resulting in injuries. Brooklyn alone recorded 1,485 cyclist injuries in a single year. Manhattan, with its density and traffic volume, recorded 1,479 — nearly one cyclist injured every single day. More bike infrastructure. More cyclists. More crashes. The question isn't whether cycling in New York is dangerous. It clearly is. The question is: what happens legally when a car hits a cyclist — and what are you actually entitled to recover? The Numbers That Tell the Real Story Before getting into the law, the data is worth sitting with for a moment. In 2023, cyclists accounted for 23.1% of all traffic injuries in Manhattan — nearly one in four. That's not a niche problem. That's a systemic one. The leading causes of cyclist injuries and fatalities in New York are consistent year over year: Failure to yield the right of way — the single most common cause of fatal cyclist-vehicle collisions Distracted driving — phone use, GPS navigation, in-car entertainment Dooring — a driver or passenger opening a car door into a cyclist's path Unsafe passing — drivers overtaking cyclists with insufficient clearance Running red lights and stop signs Speeding in bike lanes and residential streets What these causes have in common: they are almost always the driver's fault. And in New York, that matters enormously for how a cyclist's legal claim is evaluated. Scenario 1: A Driver Opens Their Door Into You You're riding in the bike lane on a busy Manhattan street. A parked driver swings their door open without checking their mirror. You hit it at full speed, go over the handlebars, and land on the pavement. This is called a dooring incident — and it's one of the most common bicycle accident scenarios in New York City, particularly in areas where parking lanes run directly adjacent to bike lanes. Who is liable? Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1214, it is illegal to open a vehicle door on the side of moving traffic without first checking that it can be done safely. A driver who doors a cyclist has almost certainly violated this statute. That statutory violation is powerful evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim. Potentially liable parties in a dooring case: The driver who opened the door The vehicle owner, if different from the driver In some cases, the City of New York, if the road design placed the bike lane in a known dooring hazard zone without adequate warning What injuries result? Dooring accidents frequently cause traumatic brain injuries, broken collarbones, wrist fractures from bracing the fall, road rash, and facial injuries. The sudden, unpredictable nature of the impact means cyclists rarely have time to brake or protect themselves. Scenario 2: A Driver Fails to Yield at an Intersection You have the green light. A driver turning left doesn't yield to oncoming cyclists and strikes you mid-intersection. This is the most common cause of fatal cyclist-vehicle collisions in New York — failure to yield. And it's also one of the clearest liability scenarios a cyclist can face, because New York law is explicit: turning vehicles must yield to cyclists proceeding straight through an intersection. Who is liable? The turning driver bears primary liability for failing to yield. If the driver was operating a rideshare vehicle, a commercial truck, or a taxi at the time of the collision, the vehicle's operator or employer may share liability depending on the circumstances. What about traffic signals? New York law grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators at intersections. A cyclist who had the right of way and was struck while lawfully proceeding through a green light is in a very strong legal position. A cyclist who ran a red light faces comparative fault analysis — but under New York's pure comparative negligence rule, even a cyclist who was partially at fault can still recover compensation proportional to the driver's share of fault. Scenario 3: A Driver Hits You From Behind You're riding in a designated bike lane or on the shoulder of a road. A driver, distracted by their phone, rear-ends you. Rear-end collisions involving cyclists are among the most severe bicycle accidents because of the speed differential and the complete vulnerability of the cyclist. There is no crumple zone, no airbag, no seatbelt. The cyclist absorbs the full force of the impact. Who is liable? In New York, a rear-end collision creates a presumption of negligence on the part of the following driver. That presumption shifts the burden to the driver to explain why the collision was not their fault. In most cases involving a distracted or inattentive driver, they cannot meet that burden. What if you were in a bike lane and the driver entered it? Drivers are prohibited from operating in designated bike lanes except to cross them when making a turn or reaching a parking space. A driver who was traveling in the bike lane when they struck a cyclist has committed a separate statutory violation that strengthens the negligence case further. Scenario 4: You're Hit by a Rideshare Driver You're crossing an intersection when an Uber driver, rushing to accept a pickup, runs a yellow light and strikes you. Rideshare accidents involving cyclists are increasingly common in New York City, and they introduce a layer of insurance complexity that can affect how quickly — and how fully — a cyclist's injuries are compensated. Who is liable? The at-fault Uber or Lyft driver bears primary liability. Whether Uber or Lyft's corporate insurance coverage applies depends on the driver's status on the app at the moment of the collision: Driver logged out of the app: The driver's personal auto insurance applies Driver logged in and available but without a passenger: Uber/Lyft's contingent liability coverage applies (up to $50,000 per person in New York) Driver en route to a pickup or carrying a passenger: Uber/Lyft's full $1.25 million liability policy applies Navigating which tier of coverage applies — and making sure the rideshare company doesn't try to minimize its exposure — is one of the most common and consequential issues in NYC bicycle accident claims. Scenario 5: A Pothole or Defective Road Causes Your Crash You're cycling at night, hit an unmarked pothole, lose control, and crash. No other vehicle is involved. Single-vehicle bicycle accidents caused by road defects are among the most frequently overlooked personal injury claims in New York City — and among the most legally complex. Who is liable? New York City has a legal obligation to maintain its streets and bike lanes in a reasonably safe condition. When a defective road surface — a pothole, a cracked pavement section, an uneven expansion joint, a missing manhole cover — causes a cyclist to crash, a claim against the City may be possible. The 90-day Notice of Claim: This is the most critical and most frequently missed deadline in all of New York personal injury law. If your bicycle accident was caused by a road defect and the City of New York may be liable, you must file a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Missing this deadline permanently bars you from pursuing any compensation against the City, regardless of how clearly the road defect caused your crash. If you were injured in a single-vehicle cycling accident caused by road conditions, contact an attorney immediately. Do not assume you don't have a case. And do not wait. NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyer: What New York Law Actually Gives You New York's No-Fault Insurance — Does It Apply to Cyclists? Here is something that surprises many people: New York's no-fault automobile insurance system — which provides initial coverage for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault — can apply to injured cyclists when the accident involved a motor vehicle. If you were struck by a car while cycling, you may be entitled to file a no-fault claim against the at-fault driver's automobile insurance policy for: Medical expenses up to $50,000 Lost wages up to $2,000 per month for up to three years Other reasonable and necessary expenses However, no-fault coverage has caps — and it does not cover pain and suffering. To recover beyond these limits, you must meet New York's serious injury threshold: a fracture, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of use of a body part, or a medically determined condition preventing normal activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days following the accident. Most serious bicycle accidents — broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, significant road rash requiring skin grafting — meet or exceed this threshold. When they do, a full personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver can be pursued alongside the no-fault claim. Pure Comparative Negligence — You Can Still Recover Even If You Were Partly at Fault New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were cycling without a helmet, riding outside the bike lane, or partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation. Your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. A cyclist found 30% at fault for an accident still recovers 70% of their total damages. This is a significantly more protective standard than most other states, which bar or dramatically limit recovery when the injured party shares fault. What Damages Can You Recover? If you were injured in a NYC bicycle accident due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to recover: Medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation Future medical costs — ongoing treatment, physical therapy, and long-term care Lost wages — income lost during recovery Diminished earning capacity — if the injury affects your ability to work going forward Pain and suffering Emotional distress Compensation for permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed in a cycling accident The Five Most Important Things to Do After a NYC Bicycle Accident Call 911 and get a police report. A police report documents the facts of the accident while they are fresh. In New York, a report is required for any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Seek medical attention immediately — even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks pain. Traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal injuries do not always present immediately. A same-day medical evaluation creates a record of your injuries and links them to the accident. Document the scene. Photograph the vehicle, the license plate, the road conditions, any skid marks, traffic signals, signage, and your bicycle and injuries before anything is moved or cleaned up. Get witness information. Names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened. Eyewitness testimony is often the deciding factor in disputed liability cases. Do not talk to the driver's insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly after a serious accident. You are not required to give a recorded statement. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Read our post on why you shouldn't talk to the other driver's insurance company before taking that call. How Much Time Do You Have to File? In New York, the statute of limitations for most bicycle accident personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. However: Claims against New York City or any government entity require a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident Wrongful death claims carry a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death No-fault insurance claims must be filed within 30 days of the accident The 90-day municipal deadline is the most dangerous trap for cyclists injured due to road defects, malfunctioning traffic signals, or accidents involving city-owned vehicles. If there is any possibility the City is involved, treat the 90-day clock as the governing deadline — because it is. Talk to an NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Blitz Law Group — For Free Bicycle accident cases in New York are more legally complex than they appear. Rideshare insurance tiers, municipal liability deadlines, no-fault thresholds, comparative negligence — the landscape is one that insurance companies know far better than most injured cyclists do. And they use that advantage. At Blitz Law Group, we represent cyclists injured throughout New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and the surrounding metro area. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Consult one of our NYC bicycle accident lawyers today. 📞 212.871.1300 🌐 blitzlawgroup.com 📍 260 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016 Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Jalen Hurts has blood clots in lungs. Out for the season. What happened to Jalen Hurts? Jalen Hurts is the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP, a three-time Pro Bowler, and he is in the middle of a five-year, $255 million contract. He is, by any measure, one of the most valuable players in the NFL. And as of today, he is out for the season. Here is the timeline, as the Eagles and Hurts' agent have described it. Hurts got cleated in the calf during a game against the Rams on October 4. He asked for treatment on October 8 and practiced in full. The team flew to London for a game against the Jaguars, and after landing, an ultrasound revealed what the team called a "superficial" blood clot in his left calf. The medical staff concluded he could safely play. He played all sixty minutes. Then he flew home across the Atlantic. A follow-up ultrasound the next Wednesday showed the clot had moved. He was ruled out for Week 6. Over the weekend, further testing showed the real picture: a deep vein thrombosis in his leg and blood clots in both lungs, what doctors call bilateral pulmonary emboli. He is now on blood thinners, likely for a minimum of three months. You cannot play contact football on blood thinners, because a routine hit can cause uncontrolled internal bleeding. His season is over. Social media has filled in the gaps with more dramatic details, including claims that he was up until 4:00 AM the night before the London game undergoing vascular testing and was told not to sleep. I cannot verify those claims, and neither can anyone posting them. But even on the team's own official version of events, the question being asked all over the internet is a fair one: who signed off on letting a man with a known blood clot play a football game and then sit on an eight-hour flight? Everyone assumes this is a nine-figure lawsuit The moment the diagnosis became public, the conversation turned to lawyers. Commentators are talking about gross negligence and massive legal liability. People on social media are already putting a number on it, and the number always has a lot of zeros, because the player's contract has a lot of zeros. I have been a plaintiff's medical malpractice and personal injury attorney in New York for a long time, and I come from a family that has been doing this work for over fifty combined years. So let me tell you what actually happens when a case like this walks through the door at Blitz Law Group. The celebrity doesn't matter. The contract doesn't matter. The headlines don't matter. What matters is whether the case has the three things every medical malpractice case must have, and whether it has enough of all three to be worth bringing. My verdict, up front: strong negligence, weak case. Here's why. The three elements of a malpractice case In New York, a medical malpractice case requires three things, and you need all three. Two out of three gets you nothing. A departure from the standard of care. The doctor or medical staff did something a reasonably prudent practitioner would not have done under the same circumstances, or failed to do something a prudent practitioner would have done. Causation. That departure actually caused the injury. Not "might have contributed." Caused. In New York this means the departure was a substantial factor in bringing about the harm, and you prove it through expert testimony. Damages. A real, lasting injury that the law compensates. Not a scare. Not a close call. An injury. Most people focus on the first element, because that is the part that makes them angry. The Eagles let him play. The Eagles put him on a plane. That may well be negligence. But a case is not filed on anger, and the third element is where this one falls apart. Departures: let's assume there were several For the sake of this analysis, let's assume the worst version of the reports is true and that there were clear departures from the standard of care. Clearing a player with a known blood clot in his leg to play sixty minutes of professional football, possibly on no sleep, is a departure a vascular expert could easily support. Putting that same player on a long-haul transatlantic flight is another. Prolonged immobility and cabin conditions on a long flight are well-known risk factors for clots in the legs, and for those clots breaking loose and traveling to the lungs. A prudent physician who knew a clot was present would, at minimum, have had a serious conversation about that flight. There is also a second cause of action most people are not talking about: lack of informed consent. In New York, a doctor who fails to tell a patient the reasonably foreseeable risks of a treatment or course of action, where a reasonable patient would have declined had they known, can be liable even if the care itself was technically competent. If nobody sat Jalen Hurts down and said, "You have a clot, here is what can happen if you play, and here is what can happen on that plane, "that is a separate claim. So on departures, let's give the case full credit. Assume it's there. Causation: a provable link Having a departure is not enough. You must prove that the departure caused the injury. That is the link between what the doctors did wrong and what happened to the patient, and in New York it has to come from a qualified expert. Here, I think an expert could get there. A clot was documented in the leg before the game. The player was subjected to sixty minutes of violent physical activity and then hours of immobility in a pressurized cabin. Days later, the clot had moved, and shortly after that there were clots in both lungs. A vascular surgeon or hematologist could credibly opine that the flight and the game, taken together, were a substantial factor in the clot dislodging and traveling to his lungs. The defense would argue the clot might have embolized anyway, and that fight would be real, but it is a fight a plaintiff could win. So let's assume causation too. Departures and causation. Most people would call that a case. It isn't. Not yet. Damages: the part that surprises everyone Here is what I have to explain to clients more often than anything else. You cannot sue for what could have happened. You can only sue for what did happen. Jalen Hurts suffered multiple pulmonary embolisms. That is a frightening, life-threatening event. He absolutely could have died. I do not want to minimize it for a second. But by the account of his own team and his own agent, he is clinically stable, he has no significant functional limitations, his prognosis is very good, and a full recovery is expected. His treatment is a course of blood thinners, and when he is off them, he is expected to be cleared to play football again. In a malpractice case, damages need to be permanent and consequential. A patient who is left with a lifelong disability, an organ that no longer works, chronic pain, or a shortened life has damages. A patient who went through something terrifying and then got better has a much harder time. Fear is real, but the law does not pay for the catastrophe that was avoided. So what is Jalen Hurts actually left with? A lost season. This is the obvious one. But he is under contract, and I have to imagine a $255 million contract carries insurance and guarantees. If he is being paid while he sits, there is no lost income to recover. Lost future earnings. Maybe this was the season that would have made his next contract even bigger. Maybe. But that is speculation, and courts do not award damages for a hypothetical contract that was never offered. You need to prove lost earnings with reasonable certainty, and "he might have had a great year" is not certainty. Pain and suffering. He had a serious medical scare, a hospital stay, and months on medication. That is compensable, but if the recovery is complete, the number is a fraction of what the public imagines. Medical expenses. Likely covered entirely by the team and the league. Strip away the fame and look at the injury itself: a clot that caused a temporary, treatable condition with an expected full recovery. That is the damages case. It is not nothing, but it is not what the internet thinks it is. Would I take this case? Honestly, I would probably pass. And I say that as someone who believes the Eagles' medical staff very likely made serious mistakes. Medical malpractice cases are expensive and hard. You are up against hospitals, teams, insurers, and defense firms with unlimited resources. You need multiple experts, each of whom costs tens of thousands of dollars before you ever see a courtroom. A plaintiff's lawyer takes those cases on contingency, meaning we front every dollar and only get paid if we win. That math only works when the damages justify the fight. A case with strong departures, provable causation, and a full recovery is a case where you can spend years and a small fortune to prove the doctors were wrong, and then have very little to show the client at the end. That is not a case I would take, and it is not a case I would advise a client to bring. There is one more hurdle most commentators are missing. Jalen Hurts is an employee of the Philadelphia Eagles, and the team doctors who cleared him were acting on behalf of his employer. Injuries to NFL players are governed by a collective bargaining agreement and, in most states, by workers' compensation law. That means a claim against the team's medical staff may never reach a civil courtroom at all. It may get routed into the grievance process or the workers' comp system, where the recovery is a fraction of what a jury could award. Anyone who has actually litigated against a professional sports franchise knows this is the first fight, and it is a hard one. You do not take a case because the client is famous. You do not take a case because the story went viral. You do not take a case because a commentator said the word "negligence" on television. You take a case because a real person was permanently harmed by someone who should have known better, and because the law can actually make that person whole. If the injury is not permanent, the law has very little to offer, no matter how outrageous the conduct was. If Jalen Hurts' recovery turns out to be incomplete, if there is lasting lung damage, a permanent clotting condition, or a career that never comes back, this analysis changes completely. That is why you wait, you watch, and you let the medicine tell you what the case is. How Blitz Law Group evaluates a malpractice case This is exactly how we look at every medical malpractice and negligence case that comes into our office, whether the client is a professional athlete or a grandmother from Queens. We start with the medicine, not the story. We get the records. We have them reviewed by physicians in the right specialty. We find out what the standard of care was and whether it was met. We ask whether the departure actually caused the harm. Bad medicine that didn't change the outcome is not a case. We look hard at damages. Is the injury permanent? Is it consequential? Will it affect the client's life, work, and future? Those are the questions that decide whether a case is worth years of fighting. We tell you the truth. If the case is not there, we say so. We would rather tell a client no today than drag them through years of litigation that goes nowhere. Blitz Law Group handles catastrophic medical malpractice, wrongful death, and serious personal injury cases throughout New York. If you or someone you love was harmed by a doctor, a hospital, or a medical staff that should have known better, call us. We will give you the same honest evaluation I just gave Jalen Hurts, and if the case is there, we will fight for it. Justin Blitz is the Managing Partner of Blitz Law Group, LLP, 260 Madison Avenue, New York, NY . This post is commentary on publicly reported events and is not legal advice. The analysis above assumes facts that have not been verified and are offered only to illustrate how malpractice cases are evaluated.

Placing a family member in a nursing home is one of the most difficult decisions a family can make. It comes with the expectation — and the legal guarantee — that the facility will provide safe, competent, and dignified care. When nursing homes fail that expectation through neglect, abuse, or outright negligence, the consequences for vulnerable residents can be catastrophic. Nursing home negligence is more common than most families realize. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 6 older adults experience some form of abuse in care settings annually. In New York, nursing home residents have some of the strongest legal protections in the country — and when those protections are violated, families have the right to pursue accountability. If your loved one has been harmed in a New York nursing home, a nursing home negligence lawyer can help you understand what happened, who is responsible, and what compensation your family may be entitled to recover. What Is Nursing Home Negligence? Nursing home negligence occurs when a facility or its staff fails to provide the standard of care that a resident is legally entitled to receive, and that failure causes harm. This can take many forms — from inadequate staffing and medication errors to outright physical abuse and financial exploitation. Negligence is distinct from an unavoidable medical decline. If a resident's condition worsens because of the natural progression of illness, that is not necessarily negligence. But when harm results from a failure to follow proper care protocols, inadequate supervision, understaffing, or deliberate mistreatment, the facility may be held liable. New York Nursing Home Residents' Rights New York Public Health Law and federal regulations under the Nursing Home Reform Act guarantee specific rights to every nursing home resident in the state. These include: The right to be free from physical, mental, and verbal abuse The right to be free from unnecessary physical restraints The right to receive adequate and appropriate medical care The right to dignity, privacy, and respect The right to be informed of their medical condition and treatment options The right to participate in their own care planning The right to voice grievances without fear of retaliation The right to be free from financial exploitation When a nursing home violates these rights and a resident is harmed as a result, New York law provides multiple avenues for legal recourse — including personal injury claims, wrongful death claims, and claims under the Public Health Law, which can provide additional damages beyond what standard negligence law allows. Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer New York: Common Forms of Abuse and Neglect Bedsores and Pressure Ulcers Bedsores — also called pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers — are one of the most common and preventable forms of nursing home negligence. They develop when a resident is left in the same position for too long without repositioning, cutting off circulation to areas of skin that then break down. Severe bedsores can penetrate through muscle and bone, cause serious infection including sepsis, and in some cases be fatal. Stage 3 and Stage 4 bedsores are considered a "never event" by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — meaning they should never occur when proper care is provided. When they do, they are strong evidence of neglect. Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Nursing home residents are at elevated risk of falls due to age, medication side effects, cognitive impairment, and mobility limitations. Facilities are required to assess fall risk for every resident and implement appropriate prevention measures — including proper supervision, bed rails, non-slip surfaces, and mobility assistance. When a facility fails to implement adequate fall prevention and a resident falls and sustains a broken hip, traumatic brain injury, or other serious injury, the facility may be liable for the resulting harm. Medication Errors Nursing home residents are often prescribed multiple medications with complex dosing schedules and interactions. Medication errors — including administering the wrong drug, the wrong dose, or failing to monitor for dangerous interactions — are a significant source of resident harm. These errors can cause strokes, cardiac events, organ damage, and death. Malnutrition and Dehydration Residents who cannot feed or hydrate themselves independently are entirely dependent on staff to ensure they receive adequate nutrition and fluids. Malnutrition and dehydration are serious conditions that can cause rapid physical decline, cognitive deterioration, and death — and when they occur in a nursing home setting, they are almost always preventable. Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Abuse Physical abuse — hitting, pushing, inappropriate restraint — and emotional abuse — verbal threats, humiliation, isolation — are unfortunately documented occurrences in understaffed or poorly supervised facilities. Sexual abuse of nursing home residents is a serious crime that also gives rise to civil liability against the facility for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of the perpetrator. Wandering and Elopement Residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease require secure environments and close supervision to prevent them from wandering out of the facility — a phenomenon called elopement. When a facility fails to implement adequate security measures and a resident elopes and is injured or killed, the facility bears significant liability. Financial Exploitation Nursing home staff and administrators who steal from residents, manipulate them into changing financial documents, or otherwise exploit their vulnerability are committing both a crime and a civil wrong. Financial exploitation claims can be pursued alongside personal injury claims when a resident has been victimized. Understaffing Many nursing home negligence cases are rooted not in a single act of abuse but in chronic understaffing that makes adequate care impossible. New York has minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes, and facilities that fail to meet them — cutting corners to increase profit margins — create conditions where neglect is inevitable. Understaffing evidence is often central to establishing liability in nursing home negligence cases. Warning Signs Your Loved One May Be Experiencing Neglect or Abuse Family members should watch for the following signs during visits: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries Bedsores or skin breakdown Sudden or unexplained weight loss Signs of dehydration — dry mouth, sunken eyes, dark urine Poor hygiene — unwashed hair, soiled clothing or bedding Withdrawal, anxiety, or fear around specific staff members Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or cognitive function Unexplained changes to financial accounts or estate documents Staff who are evasive, dismissive, or reluctant to leave you alone with your loved one If you observe any of these signs, document them immediately with photographs and written notes, and contact an attorney before the evidence disappears or the facility has an opportunity to alter records. How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in New York If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected in a New York nursing home, you can report the facility to: New York State Department of Health — the primary oversight body for nursing homes in New York, which investigates complaints and can impose sanctions on facilities New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program — advocates for nursing home residents and investigates complaints Adult Protective Services — handles reports of elder abuse throughout New York State Local law enforcement — for cases involving physical or sexual assault or financial crimes Filing a report creates an official record and triggers an investigation — but it does not preclude you from also pursuing a civil lawsuit. Both avenues can and should be pursued simultaneously. What Compensation Can Your Family Recover? Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to recover: Medical expenses — including treatment for injuries caused by the neglect or abuse Pain and suffering experienced by the resident Emotional distress Costs of transferring to a new facility Wrongful death damages if your loved one died as a result of the negligence Punitive damages in cases involving intentional abuse or gross negligence Additional damages available under New York Public Health Law §2801-d, which provides a private right of action for nursing home residents whose rights have been violated How Much Time Do You Have to File? In New York, the statute of limitations for nursing home negligence claims is generally two and a half years from the date of the negligent act — the same as medical malpractice, since nursing home care is considered a form of medical care. However: If the negligence caused a wrongful death, the statute of limitations for the wrongful death claim is two years from the date of death Claims may be tolled — meaning the clock may be paused — during periods when the resident lacked the capacity to understand that they had been harmed These timelines are shorter than the standard three-year personal injury statute of limitations, and they are strictly enforced. If you suspect your loved one has been harmed, do not wait. Talk to a Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer at Blitz Law Group — For Free Nursing home negligence cases are complex. Facilities have legal teams and insurance companies working to minimize liability from the moment an incident occurs — often before the family even knows what happened. Records get altered. Staff get coached. Evidence disappears. Having an experienced nursing home negligence lawyer involved early is the single most important thing a family can do to protect their loved one's rights and build the strongest possible case. At Blitz Law Group, we represent nursing home negligence victims and their families throughout New York City, Long Island, and the surrounding metro area. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win. 📞 212.871.1300 🌐 blitzlawgroup.com 📍 260 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016 Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

The Importance of Maintaining Evidence in Truck Accident Cases Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries and life-altering consequences. When these accidents occur, securing evidence as soon as possible is critical for building a strong case and ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve. Unfortunately, key evidence can disappear quickly if not preserved properly, which is why knowing what to do after a truck accident is essential. In the latest episode of Insights with Justin Blitz, we explore why maintaining evidence is so important in truck accident cases and how victims can protect their rights. Why Evidence Matters in Truck Accident Cases Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents involve multiple parties—drivers, trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, and even maintenance crews. Establishing liability requires strong evidence that proves negligence, such as: • Black Box Data – Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) or event data recorders (EDRs), also known as “black boxes.” These devices capture crucial data, including speed, braking patterns, and hours of service, which can help determine if driver fatigue, speeding, or mechanical failure contributed to the crash. • Dashcam or Surveillance Footage – Video evidence from dashcams, nearby traffic cameras, or surveillance footage from businesses near the crash site can provide clear proof of how the accident happened. • Truck Maintenance Records – Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained. Maintenance logs can reveal whether a truck had faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical issues that played a role in the accident. • Driver Logs and Employment Records – Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road without rest. Reviewing driver logs and employment records can reveal violations of these rules, indicating negligence on the part of the trucking company. • Eyewitness Testimony – Statements from people who witnessed the accident can provide additional perspectives on how the crash occurred. What You Should Do After a Truck Accident If you’re involved in a truck accident, taking immediate steps to preserve evidence is crucial. Here are a few key actions to take: 1. Seek medical attention – Your health and safety come first. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. 2. Document the scene – If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. 3. Get witness contact information – If there were bystanders or other drivers who saw the accident, ask for their contact information so their statements can be collected later. 4. Do not sign anything from insurance companies – Insurance companies may try to get you to settle quickly for less than what you deserve. Speak with an attorney before signing any documents. 5. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney – A lawyer can send a legal notice, called a spoliation letter, to the trucking company requiring them to preserve critical evidence such as black box data and maintenance records. How Blitz Law Group Can Help At Blitz Law Group, we have extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases. We know how to gather and protect crucial evidence to build the strongest possible case for our clients. Our team fights aggressively to ensure truck accident victims receive the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Watch our full Insights series with Justin Blitz episode to learn more about why maintaining evidence is essential in truck accident cases. The clock is ticking. Contact Blitz Law Group, LLP to take on your medical malpractice case today. Visit https://www.blitzlawgroup.com/contact to submit your case electronically. Email our team: info@blitzlawgroup.com Call our office: (212) 871-1300 Visit the office: 747 3rd Ave Suite 2300, New York, NY 10017 Find out more information by visiting our Ai Chatbot. We look forward to supporting you through every step of your personal injury case. "The Importance of Maintaining Evidence in Truck Accident Cases"

In April of 2023, in a case where Justin Blitz was retained to be the trial attorney, a settlement was reached for $4.3 million on the eve of trial. An iron worker fell from a ladder and sustained permanent injuries that prevented him from working again. Our client sustained an injury to his neck during the fall and had to undergo fusion surgery because of the injury. The trial and negotiations that led to the settlement took place in the Supreme Court of Westchester County. After multiple attempts at mediation failed, the case was prepared by Mr. Blitz to begin trial. After extensive negotiations at the last minute, Mr. Blitz was able to settle the matter for $4.3 million. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t take chances with your health or your future. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve. Visit https://www.blitzlawgroup.com/contact to submit your case electronically. Email our team: info@blitzlawgroup.com Call our office: (212) 871-1300 Visit the office: 747 3rd Ave Suite 2300, New York, NY 10017 Find out more information by visiting our Ai Chatbot. We look forward to supporting you through every step of your personal injury case.

Injured in an Airbnb or Short-Term Rental? Booking an Airbnb or short-term rental can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to a hotel, but what happens if you’re injured while staying in one? Whether it’s a slip-and-fall, faulty furniture, or an unsafe environment, understanding your legal options is crucial. If you’ve suffered an injury at an Airbnb or short-term rental in New York, you may be entitled to compensation—but knowing who is responsible can be complicated. Who Is Liable for Injuries in an Airbnb or Short-Term Rental? When you’re injured in a rental property, determining liability can be challenging. Unlike hotels, which are subject to strict regulations, Airbnbs and other short-term rentals operate under different legal standards. Liability in these cases could fall on: 1. The Property Owner (Host) Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for their guests. If your injury was caused by hazards like broken stairs, poor lighting, or unsecured rugs, the host could be held responsible for negligence. 2. Airbnb (or the Rental Platform) Airbnb offers a “Host Protection Insurance” policy that provides up to $1 million in liability coverage for hosts. However, this coverage has limitations and doesn’t always apply. If Airbnb was aware of unsafe conditions at a property and failed to act, they may be held accountable. 3. A Third Party Sometimes, a third party—such as a cleaning service, property manager, or maintenance company—may be liable if their negligence led to your injury. Common Causes of Airbnb Injuries Many short-term rental injuries stem from unsafe conditions that could have been prevented. Some of the most common include: • Slip-and-Falls: Wet floors, loose carpeting, and poor lighting can lead to serious injuries. • Faulty or Broken Furniture: A collapsing chair or defective bed frame can cause significant harm. • Unsafe Staircases & Balconies: Lack of railings, weak flooring, or structural issues pose serious risks. • Fire Hazards & Carbon Monoxide Exposure: Some rentals may lack proper smoke detectors or carbon monoxide alarms. • Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Accidents: If a rental has an unguarded or poorly maintained pool, drowning or injury risks increase. What to Do If You’re Injured in an Airbnb If you’ve been injured while staying in an Airbnb or short-term rental, follow these steps to protect your rights and build a strong case: 1. Seek Medical Attention – Your health is the priority. Get checked by a doctor, even if the injury seems minor. 2. Document the Scene – Take photos or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your injury. 3. Report the Incident – Notify the Airbnb host and file an official report with Airbnb’s customer support. 4. Collect Witness Statements – If anyone witnessed the accident, get their contact information. 5. Keep Records – Save medical bills, emails with Airbnb or the host, and any related expenses. 6. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer – Legal guidance is essential for pursuing compensation and navigating complex liability issues. Can You Sue Airbnb for Your Injuries? It depends. Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance may cover your injury, but claims can be denied if: • The injury was due to intentional harm. • The host failed to meet Airbnb’s safety requirements. • The accident occurred in a shared space with another tenant. If Airbnb’s insurance doesn’t apply, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the host or another responsible party. How Blitz Law Group Can Help At Blitz Law Group, we’ve helped clients recover compensation after injuries in short-term rentals. Our team can: • Investigate your case to determine liability. • Negotiate with Airbnb, the host’s insurance, or other responsible parties. • Fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Injured at an Airbnb? Call Blitz Law Group Today If you’ve been hurt in an Airbnb or short-term rental, don’t navigate this alone. The laws surrounding short-term rental injuries are complex, but we’re here to help. Contact Blitz Law Group today at (212) 871-1300 for a FREE consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve. #AirBnB #InjuredInAirBnBRental #ShortTermRentalInjury #PremisesLiabilityLawyer #AirBnBNYC "Premises Liability: What Happens If You’re Injured in an Airbnb or Short-Term Rental?"

At Blitz Law Group, LLP, we are proud to announce that Justin Blitz has been named a Super Lawyer for the 12th consecutive year. This prestigious recognition highlights Justin’s unwavering dedication, legal expertise, and tireless advocacy for clients across New York. Justin Blitz Named Super Lawyer for 12th Consecutive Year Super Lawyers is a highly respected rating service that identifies outstanding attorneys who have achieved significant professional success. Justin’s inclusion for over a decade is a testament to his commitment to securing justice for those who have suffered due to negligence and wrongdoing. A Year of Impactful Results 2024 has been another remarkable year for Blitz Law Group, with Justin leading the charge in achieving life-changing outcomes for our clients. A few highlights include: • $3.2 Million Settlement for an injured construction worker who suffered severe injuries due to unsafe worksite conditions. • $1.4 Million Settlement for a Chinese-American cyclist struck by a milk truck in Manhattan. • $1.25 Million Settlement for a medical malpractice case against an upstate New York hospital after a tragic premature discharge. • $450,000 Settlement for a truck accident victim in New York City, helping our client rebuild their life after a traumatic injury. These cases represent just a fraction of the impactful work our team has accomplished this year. Behind every settlement is a family or individual whose life has been changed for the better because of the justice we fight for every day. Commitment to Excellence Justin’s recognition as a Super Lawyer reinforces Blitz Law Group’s mission to provide exceptional legal representation with empathy and integrity. Whether it’s navigating complex personal injury cases or offering guidance during the most challenging times, our team is here to deliver results that matter. We thank our clients for trusting us to advocate on their behalf, and we look forward to continuing this important work into 2025 and beyond. 💡 Learn more about our case results and services here: www.blitzlawgroup.com See Justin Blitz's Super Lawyers profile: Congratulations, Justin, on this well-deserved honor! #SuperLawyer #BlitzLawGroup #PersonalInjury #LegalExcellence #JusticeForAll The clock is ticking. Contact Blitz Law Group, LLP today! Visit https://www.blitzlawgroup.com/contact to submit your case electronically. Email our team: info@blitzlawgroup.com Call our office: (212) 871-1300 Visit the office: 747 3rd Ave Suite 2300, New York, NY 10017 Find out more information by visiting our Ai Chatbot. We look forward to supporting you through every step of your personal injury case. "Justin Blitz Named Super Lawyer for 12th Consecutive Year"

$550,000 Settlement Secured for Sidewalk Injury Case—How Blitz Law Group Wins These Cases A simple walk down the street shouldn’t end in life-altering injuries—but for one of our clients, that’s exactly what happened. While walking in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, she suffered a serious fall due to a broken and defective sidewalk, leading to severe shoulder injuries that required three surgeries to repair. After years of dedicated litigation, Justin Blitz successfully secured a $550,000 settlement to compensate for her pain, medical expenses, and lost quality of life. How Blitz Law Group Wins Defective Sidewalk Cases New York City property owners and the local government have a legal responsibility to maintain sidewalks in a safe condition. When dangerous defects are left unrepaired, they can cause catastrophic injuries—and in many cases, the City already knows about the hazard but fails to fix it. One of the most powerful tools in proving municipal negligence is the Big Apple Map—a system created in the 1980s by Bert Blitz, Justin Blitz’s father, for the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. The map documents sidewalk hazards that have been reported to the City, helping personal injury attorneys prove that officials were aware of dangerous conditions yet failed to act. In this case, Blitz Law Group successfully demonstrated that the City had prior notice of the sidewalk defect using this invaluable legal tool. Armed with this evidence, we fought tirelessly to hold the City accountable, ultimately securing a fair and just settlement for our client. Other Sidewalk Injury Cases We’ve Won Blitz Law Group has a long track record of winning sidewalk injury cases for New Yorkers who have suffered due to negligence. Some of our notable case results include: • $2.5 Million Settlement – For a woman who suffered a severe leg injury due to a broken sidewalk in Brooklyn. • $875,000 Settlement – For a pedestrian who tripped on a raised sidewalk slab, resulting in knee and spinal injuries. • $650,000 Settlement – For an elderly man who fractured his hip in a fall caused by an uneven sidewalk. These cases highlight how dangerous poorly maintained sidewalks can be and why victims deserve justice and financial compensation for their suffering. What to Do If You’re Injured Due to a Defective Sidewalk If you suffer a trip-and-fall injury on a defective sidewalk, taking the right steps immediately can make a big difference in your case: 1. Document the Scene – Take clear photos of the hazardous sidewalk, including close-ups and wide shots showing the surrounding area. 2. Get Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some conditions worsen over time. 3. Report the Incident – File a complaint with 311 or the Department of Transportation to document the hazard. 4. Contact an Attorney ASAP – New York City has strict deadlines for filing sidewalk injury claims, especially when suing the City. A skilled attorney can investigate, gather evidence, and handle legal deadlines for you. The Clock is Ticking. Let Blitz Law Group Fight for You Visit https://www.blitzlawgroup.com/contact to submit your case electronically. Email our team: info@blitzlawgroup.com Call our office: (212) 871-1300 Visit the office: 747 3rd Ave Suite 2300, New York, NY 10017 Find out more information by visiting our Ai Chatbot. We look forward to supporting you through every step of your personal injury case. #SidewalkInjury #PersonalInjuryLawyer #NYCLaw #JusticeForVictims #BlitzLawGroup

Injured on a New York City sidewalk? Learn your legal rights, who may be liable, and how Blitz Law Group can help you recover compensation. Insights from Justin Blitz, Esq. on what to do if you're injured on a New York City Sidewalk What to Do If You’re Injured on a New York City Sidewalk Sidewalks are everywhere in New York City—but so are dangerous conditions. If you’ve tripped or slipped due to a broken, cracked, icy, or uneven sidewalk, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. These types of injuries can be painful, costly, and even life-changing. Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward securing compensation. At Blitz Law Group, we’ve helped countless New Yorkers hold negligent parties accountable for sidewalk-related injuries. Here’s what you need to know. Common Causes of Sidewalk Injuries in NYC New York City sidewalks see heavy foot traffic, harsh weather, and years of wear. When not properly maintained, they become hazards. Some of the most common causes of trip-and-fall or slip-and-fall injuries include: • Uneven or raised sidewalk slabs • Cracks, potholes, or crumbling pavement • Snow and ice buildup • Slippery algae from poor drainage • Open or broken cellar doors and grates • Loose or missing utility covers • Tree root damage • Poor lighting near sidewalks • Debris, trash, or misplaced signage blocking walkways ⸻ Who Is Liable for Sidewalk Injuries? In many cases, sidewalk liability in New York falls on the adjacent property owner, not the city. According to Section 7-210 of the NYC Administrative Code, property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks in front of commercial properties, apartment buildings, and most multi-family homes. However, the City of New York may still be liable under specific conditions, including: • When the defect is near a City-owned building • When a sidewalk hazard involves city infrastructure, such as sewer caps, subway grates, or traffic signal poles • When the City had prior written notice of the defect and failed to repair it within a reasonable time Determining who’s responsible is a crucial part of any sidewalk injury case—and that’s where an experienced legal team can help. ⸻ What to Do After a Sidewalk Injury If you’ve been injured due to a sidewalk hazard, take the following steps to protect your rights: 1. Seek medical attention immediately and document your injuries. 2. Take photos of the exact sidewalk defect from multiple angles. 3. Gather witness information from anyone who saw the fall. 4. Report the incident—if it happened outside a business, let the manager know. 5. Preserve your shoes and clothing—they may be relevant in your case. 6. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. ⸻ Filing a Lawsuit Against the City of New York When the City of New York may be liable, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury. This is a strict deadline, and failure to meet it may result in your case being dismissed. You must also file the lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations: • 3 years for personal injury claims against private property owners • 1 year and 90 days for claims against the City of New York This tight window makes it essential to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. ⸻ Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Case To prove liability in a sidewalk injury case, you’ll need to show that: • The defect was dangerous and not trivial • The responsible party had actual or constructive notice • The hazard directly caused your injury Key pieces of evidence include: • Time-stamped photographs of the defect • Medical records and diagnosis • Eyewitness accounts • Expert testimony (when applicable) • DOT records and 311 complaints that show prior notice ⸻ Examples of Sidewalk Injury Cases We’ve Handled At Blitz Law Group, we’ve secured substantial compensation for sidewalk-related injuries, including: • $550,000 Settlement Secured for Sidewalk Injury Case: https://www.blitzlawgroup.com/post/550-000-settlement-secured-for-sidewalk-injury-case • $350,000 For Trip-and-Fall On Sidewalk Defect: https://www.blitzlawgroup.com/post/350-000-for-trip-and-fall-on-sidewalk-defect • $275,000 Settlement for Woman Who Tripped and Fell on a Broken Sidewalk: https://www.blitzlawgroup.com/post/275-000-settlement-for-woman-who-tripped-and-fell-on-a-broken-sidewalk • Numerous confidential settlements against both private landlords and city agencies for defective sidewalk conditions We know how to investigate, identify the liable party, and fight for maximum compensation. ⸻ Injured on a Sidewalk? Blitz Law Group Can Help. If you’ve been hurt on a sidewalk in New York City, don’t let the complexity of the legal system keep you from pursuing justice. Our team of experienced trial attorneys has handled hundreds of sidewalk injury cases and is ready to fight for you. We’ll help you determine who’s at fault, gather the necessary evidence, and build a case that gets results. Call Blitz Law Group at (212) 871-1300 or visit blitzlawgroup.com/contact to schedule your free consultation today. ⸻ #NYCSidewalkInjuryLawyer #SlipandFallonSidewalk #TripandFallAttorneyNYC #NewYorkCitySidewalkDefect #PremisesLiability #FileLawsuitAgainstNYC #BlitzLawGroup

Choosing the right legal representation after an accident can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with medical treatment, lost income, insurance adjusters, and uncertainty about your future. The attorney you select can significantly influence the outcome of your case — financially, legally, and emotionally. If you’re searching for a personal injury attorney in New York, here are five critical factors to consider before making your decision. 5 Things to Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney in New York 1️⃣ Proven Experience With Personal Injury Cases Not all attorneys handle personal injury law regularly. Some firms practice broadly across many legal areas, while others focus specifically on injury litigation. Why this matters: Personal injury law involves complex liability analysis Insurance companies use specialized defense strategies Medical documentation and expert testimony are critical Procedural rules and deadlines are strict Look for: ✔ Years of personal injury practice ✔ Case results (verdicts & settlements) ✔ Experience with cases similar to yours For example, handling a construction accident, medical malpractice claim, or NYC slip and fall requires very different expertise. Helpful resource: New York Courts – Civil Cases https://www.nycourts.gov 2️⃣ Clear Communication & Transparency A strong attorney-client relationship depends on honesty and accessibility. Ask yourself: Does the attorney explain things clearly? Are risks discussed openly? Do they set realistic expectations? Can you reach them when needed? Warning signs: 🚩 Guarantees of specific dollar amounts 🚩 Vague answers about timelines 🚩 Difficulty contacting the office A trustworthy personal injury attorney in New York will be transparent about: ✔ Case strengths & weaknesses ✔ Legal process & duration ✔ Fee structure ✔ Possible outcomes Helpful resource: American Bar Association – Hiring a Lawyer https://www.americanbar.org 3️⃣ Track Record of Results Past performance doesn’t guarantee future success, but it does reveal patterns. Review: Settlements Trial verdicts Case types handled Reputation in the legal community Results demonstrate: ✔ Negotiation strength ✔ Trial readiness ✔ Ability to handle serious injuries Insurance carriers often evaluate a firm’s litigation reputation when deciding whether to settle fairly. Helpful resource: New York State Bar Association https://nysba.org 4️⃣ Resources to Properly Handle Your Case Serious injury cases require substantial investment from the law firm. These cases may involve: Medical experts Accident reconstruction Life care planners Investigators Extensive records review Ask: Does the firm advance case expenses? Do they work with qualified experts? Can they handle complex litigation? A well-equipped personal injury attorney in New York should have the financial and professional resources necessary to build a strong claim. Helpful resource: National Institutes of Health (medical info) https://www.nih.gov 5️⃣ Genuine Client Care & Commitment Beyond credentials and results, consider how the firm treats you. You deserve: ✔ Respect ✔ Patience ✔ Empathy ✔ Personal attention You are not just a “case file.” Pay attention to: Whether they listen carefully How thoroughly they review your story If they rush the consultation Whether you feel comfortable Personal injury cases often last months or years — choose someone you trust. How to Know the Attorney Is Right for Your Case After your consultation, reflect on: ✅ Did they answer your questions clearly? ✅ Did you understand the legal strategy? ✅ Were risks explained honestly? ✅ Did you feel heard and respected? Trust your instincts. The right attorney will combine: ✔ Experience ✔ Integrity ✔ Skill ✔ Compassion Why Your Choice Matters The attorney you select may influence: Compensation amount Case duration Stress level Legal protection Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and defense lawyers. Having the right representation levels the playing field. Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney in New York Finding the right personal injury attorney in New York is about more than flashy ads or bold promises. It’s about experience, communication, resources, results, and trust. If you or a loved one has been injured, take the time to choose wisely. Contact Blitz Law Group, LLP today. Blitz Law Group team