Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys
in New York City
Your no-fluff, real-talk guide to finding the best legal representation after an accident in the Big Apple — backed by verified results, real credentials, and honest insight.
🗓️ Verified & Refreshed: May 2026 | Based on 2025–2026 RankingsWhat Does a Personal Injury Attorney Actually Do?
Think of a personal injury attorney as the person who levels the playing field. When you're up against a massive insurance corporation or a deep-pocketed company, you need someone in your corner who knows the rules of the game — and how to win. A skilled NYC injury lawyer will:
- ✔Investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and build a rock-solid case on your behalf.
- ✔Deal directly with insurance adjusters so you never have to say something that could hurt your claim.
- ✔Work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial analysts to calculate the true value of your losses.
- ✔Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation — or take the case all the way to trial if insurers won't play fair.
- ✔Ensure all paperwork is filed on time, especially with New York's strict statute of limitations rules.
Important 2025 Legal Update — The AVOID Act
New York's personal injury laws are evolving. The AVOID Act, effective from April 18, 2025, introduced strict new deadlines for certain third-party claims. Missing these deadlines could get your case dismissed entirely. This is yet another reason why hiring an experienced NYC attorney — not trying to go it alone — is so critical right now.
The Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys in NYC (2025–2026)
Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf
If there's one name that truly stands above the rest in NYC personal injury law, it's this one. Ben Rubinowitz has been ranked the #1 attorney in the New York Metro area by Super Lawyers for both 2024 and 2025, and has been featured by Forbes as one of the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in New York City. What makes this firm genuinely different from the pack is their commitment to quality over quantity.
The firm intentionally limits its caseload to approximately 100 matters per year, ensuring senior-attorney attention on every case — and has collectively recovered more than $5 billion for injured New Yorkers.
The diverse backgrounds of the firm's 17 attorneys — including top-rated trial attorneys, renowned appellate court attorneys, and a medical doctor — give each team a unique perspective for evaluating, preparing, and trying cases, aided by state-of-the-art support services and courtroom technology.
Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore (KDLM)
Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm representing victims of serious injury throughout New York and across the United States. With a track record that spans over seven decades, this firm doesn't just talk big — they deliver big.
Recognized on the "Best Lawyers" lists for 20 consecutive years, ranked as a Top plaintiff firm, with $3+ billion recovered for clients, KDLM also holds membership in the Inner Circle of Advocates and the National Trial Lawyers.
Notable results include $79 million secured for the family of a 13-year-old after severe brain injury caused by hospital negligence, and a $78 million award for a family whose father and son were killed by a trucking company's vehicle.
Chopra & Nocerino
Here's a firm that's been on fire lately — and for very good reason. Chopra & Nocerino co-founder and managing partner Sameer Chopra has been named one of the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in New York City by Forbes Advisor for 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The firm was recognized for securing the #1 Rear-End Collision settlement in the U.S. ($19.5 Million) and for landing top-50 settlements in NYC. They're also the exclusive personal injury law firm of the New York Mets, New York Islanders, Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, and UBS Arena.
Notable results include a $19.5 million landmark settlement for a commercial truck accident victim, a $10 million recovery for an elderly Brooklyn woman hit by a public bus, and a $4.75 million settlement for a construction worker catastrophically injured in a scaffolding collapse.
Block O'Toole & Murphy
The team of experienced trial attorneys at Block O'Toole & Murphy have dedicated their careers to fighting for personal injury victims in New York, having recovered over $2 billion for their clients, including multiple record-breaking verdicts and settlements.
The law firm consistently receives top industry awards from respected organizations, including Super Lawyers, US News, Best Lawyers, The New York Law Journal, and Martindale Hubbell. And if you're wondering about their courtroom credibility — their team of personal injury attorneys includes a number of former prosecutors.
Edelman & Edelman, P.C.
At Edelman & Edelman, P.C., the personal injury practice focuses exclusively on helping people who have suffered catastrophic injuries in accidents that occurred because of another party's negligence.
Founding attorney Martin Edelman has nearly 40 years of experience resolving complex personal injury claims, and he is widely recognized for the outstanding results he secures in these cases. What sets them apart? Their accident lawyers excel at the cases other firms turn away, obtaining compensation in cases where other firms — and insurance companies — said there was no viable claim.
With CNN legal analyst Paul Callan and NBC/MSNBC analyst Danny Cevallos on their team, the practice demonstrates both legal prowess and media credibility, with a sophisticated approach to demonstrative evidence that helps juries understand complex medical issues.
Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm
Raphaelson & Levine has been repeatedly voted one of the best personal injury law firms in New York and has recovered over $1 billion in compensation for thousands of local clients throughout Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, and Greater New York.
With over 600 five-star reviews and a 99% client satisfaction rate, they're highly rated for expertise in personal injury law, around-the-clock availability, free consultations, successful settlements, compassionate support, clear communication, and multilingual English, Mandarin, and Spanish-speaking support.
Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C.
Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek was founded by attorneys from New York's largest firms who are often seeking major settlements. Located in Midtown Manhattan near Bryant Park, the firm has recovered over $825 million for injured clients throughout NYC's five boroughs.
The firm stands out for its deep knowledge of local courts and procedures, with attorneys appearing in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island courthouses. Their former big-firm experience combined with boutique-level service creates a powerful advantage. Partners Jordan Hecht, Judd Kleeger, and Jonathan Damashek each bring unique strengths, from construction law expertise to strategic negotiation skills.
Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C.
Founded in 1984, Gersowitz Libo & Korek has recovered over $1 billion for injured New Yorkers across four decades of practice. That kind of longevity and track record doesn't happen by accident — it's built on decades of trust, consistency, and serious legal skill.
Partners Edward Gersowitz, Andrew Libo, and Jeff Korek lead a selective practice that provides personal attention while maintaining the resources to handle complex litigation. Their track record of success and hands-on approach has earned them recognition in Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and numerous industry publications, reflected in their careful case selection and thorough client communication.
Fellows Hymowitz Rice
Fellows Hymowitz Rice has built a reputation for taking on high-stakes personal injury cases throughout New York, approaching each case with thorough investigation and expert collaboration. When you work with this firm, you gain access to a team that understands the medical, financial, and emotional impact of serious injuries — ensuring no aspect of your claim is overlooked.
The firm's attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers for excellence in personal injury litigation, hold a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating (the highest level), carry a proven record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and hold an AVVO Rating of 10.0 (Superb) for client satisfaction and professional achievement.
The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C.
Founded by David Perecman, this firm has concentrated its practice on serious injury cases for over four decades. The Perecman Firm takes a selective approach to case acceptance, focusing on accidents involving significant injuries and clear liability, with particular experience in New York Labor Law cases representing construction workers injured on job sites throughout the city.
Zachary Perecman is a New York personal injury trial attorney and partner at The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., representing individuals and families in complex construction accident, New York Labor Law, civil rights, and wrongful death cases.
Side-by-Side Comparison: All 10 Firms at a Glance
| # | Firm Name | Total Recovered | Best For | Fee Structure | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gair, Gair, Conason et al. | $5B+ | Catastrophic Injury | Contingency | ★★★★★ 98 |
| 2 | KDLM | $3B+ | Medical Malpractice | Contingency | ★★★★★ 97 |
| 3 | Chopra & Nocerino | $100M+ | Truck Accidents | Contingency | ★★★★★ 95 |
| 4 | Block O'Toole & Murphy | $2B+ | All Injury Types | Contingency | ★★★★★ 94 |
| 5 | Edelman & Edelman | $500M+ | Catastrophic Only | Contingency | ★★★★★ 93 |
| 6 | Raphaelson & Levine | $1B+ | Car Accidents | Contingency | ★★★★★ 92 |
| 7 | Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek | $825M+ | Construction/Truck | Contingency | ★★★★☆ 91 |
| 8 | Gersowitz, Libo & Korek | $1B+ | Slip & Fall / TBI | Contingency | ★★★★☆ 90 |
| 9 | Fellows Hymowitz Rice | Multi-Million $ | Medical Malpractice | Contingency | ★★★★☆ 89 |
| 10 | The Perecman Firm | Multi-Million $ | Construction Sites | Contingency | ★★★★☆ 87 |
How to Choose the Right NYC Personal Injury Attorney
Not every attorney on a billboard is the right one for your case. Here's what a truly savvy New Yorker looks for before signing on the dotted line:
- ✔Proven Results: Look for documented verdicts and settlements — not just vague claims. Ask for case results similar to yours.
- ✔Trial Readiness: Many firms settle quickly to avoid courtrooms. You want someone who's genuinely prepared to go to trial and uses that as leverage to negotiate bigger settlements.
- ✔Peer Recognition: Credentials like Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Inner Circle of Advocates, and Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® aren't just fancy titles — they're based on rigorous peer review.
- ✔Communication: Will a senior attorney handle your case, or will you be passed off to a paralegal? Ask directly who will be your point of contact.
- ✔Fee Structure: Always contingency. No upfront fees. A reputable NYC personal injury attorney never charges you unless they win.
- ✔Specialization: A firm that handles construction accidents daily will outperform a generalist on a scaffold fall case every single time.
- ✔Local Courtroom Knowledge: NYC courts — Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island — each have their own culture. An attorney who appears in these courts regularly has a clear edge.
Pro Tip: Use Your Free Consultation Wisely
Every reputable personal injury firm in NYC offers a 100% free consultation. Come prepared — bring photos, medical records, accident reports, and a written timeline of events. The more organized you are, the faster an attorney can assess your case's true value. Most consultations are available 24/7, including weekends.
Common Personal Injury Cases in New York City
| Case Type | Typical Settlement Range (USD) | Statute of Limitations | Key Evidence Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car/Truck Accident | $15,000 – $10,000,000+ | 3 Years | Police report, photos, medical records |
| Construction Accident | $100,000 – $40,000,000+ | 3 Years (Labor Law) | OSHA reports, site photos, witness statements |
| Medical Malpractice | $250,000 – $20,000,000+ | 2.5 Years | Medical records, expert testimony |
| Slip & Fall | $10,000 – $2,000,000+ | 3 Years | Surveillance footage, incident reports |
| Wrongful Death | $500,000 – $50,000,000+ | 2 Years | Death certificate, liability evidence |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | $500,000 – $79,000,000+ | 3 Years | MRI/CT scans, neurologist reports |
Against a Government Entity? Move Fast.
If your injury happened on city property — a pothole, a broken MTA subway step, a defective city bus — you typically have only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim against the City of New York. Missing this window almost always means losing your right to sue. Call an attorney the same week as your accident.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Don't Wait — Your Case Has a Clock on It
New York's statute of limitations is unforgiving. Whether you've just been hurt or your accident happened months ago, reaching out to a top NYC personal injury attorney today can make the difference between full compensation and walking away with nothing.
📞 Find Your NYC Injury Attorney — Free Consultation
