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Brooklyn Courts and Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

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Courts

Most injury claims settle without a trial. Still, some cases do end up in court, and it helps to know what that means before you get there.

If you were hurt in a crash, a Brooklyn car accident lawyer can tell you whether a lawsuit makes sense. This page explains where injury cases are heard in Brooklyn and the general steps of filing one.

Where Injury Lawsuits Are Heard in Brooklyn

Many serious injury lawsuits in Brooklyn are filed in the Supreme Court, Civil Term, in Kings County. According to the Kings County Supreme Court Civil Term, this court generally hears cases outside the authority of the lower courts, including higher-dollar civil matters.

Which court is right for a particular claim can depend on the facts and the amount at stake. Your lawyer can advise you on the proper court.

Visiting the Courthouse

The same court page gives these basics:

  • Address: 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Help Center: people without a lawyer can ask for help in Room 123

The court also posts notices that matter to parties. It warns that failing to appear at a status conference may lead to an administrative dismissal of your case. A lawyer helps make sure you never miss a court date.

Before a Lawsuit Is Filed

Most claims start with a demand to the insurer. If you are still dealing with insurance companies, a settlement may be possible without going to court.

If talks fail, the clock matters. Review the statute of limitations for personal injury cases early, because missing the deadline could end your right to sue. Claims against a government body can have shorter deadlines and special notice rules.

The General Steps of a Lawsuit

Every case is different, but a lawsuit usually moves through these stages:

  1. Filing. Your lawyer prepares the court papers that start the case and files them.
  2. Serving the defendant. The other side must receive formal notice of the lawsuit.
  3. Response. The defendant answers the claims in writing.
  4. Discovery. Both sides exchange information and records, and witnesses may give testimony.
  5. Conferences. The court may hold meetings to set schedules and discuss settlement.
  6. Settlement or trial. Many cases settle. If not, a judge or jury decides.

How long each step takes varies. For a closer look, read about how long a personal injury case takes in Brooklyn.

Why a Lawyer Helps With Court Filings

Court filings have strict rules and deadlines. A mistake can delay your case or hurt it. A lawyer who handles these cases can prepare the papers, meet deadlines and speak for you in court.

This applies to many kinds of cases, such as a fall on unsafe property. A Brooklyn slip and fall lawyer can explain how the process works for those claims.

The earlier you get advice, the more options you usually have. If you are not sure whether your case needs a lawyer, see when to hire a personal injury lawyer. Many other common questions are answered in our Brooklyn car accident FAQs.

Talk to a Brooklyn Personal Injury Lawyer

You should not have to face the court system alone. At Edelstein, Faegenburg & Blyakher, LLP, we can review your situation and explain your options. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

We also help injured people in Manhattan.

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