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What Are My Rights As a Personal Injury Client?

Feb 21, 2023 | Personal Injury

When you retain a personal injury lawyer to represent you in your accident case, it’s important to be aware that you have certain rights as a personal injury client. Not only do you have the legal right to pursue the compensation you deserve, but you also have rights as a client. At The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, LLP, we take the attorney-client relationship very seriously and are committed to treating each client with the respect, dignity, and compassion they deserve.

The Appellate Division of New York State has set forth a list of rights clients must be afforded while they are being represented by their attorney. These rights include the following:

The Right to Be Treated With Courtesy and Consideration

When you’ve suffered an accident-related injury, your dignity has suffered enough. You might have to go through the stress associated with medical treatment — and your story may be scrutinized by the insurance company. But as a personal injury client, you have the right to be treated with the respect you’re entitled by your attorney and non-attorney personnel.

The Right to Have Your Case Handled With Competence and Diligence

Your case means everything to you. It’s not just about the compensation you are pursuing — it’s also about obtaining justice. A good personal injury lawyer understands that and will handle your matter with the highest standards of the legal profession.

The Right to Have Your Lawyer’s Independent Professional Judgment and Undivided Loyalty

Your attorney is your trusted adviser and must offer you their independent professional judgment. They should provide you with unbiased advice and be free from any conflicts of interest in their representation of you.  

The Right to a Reasonable Fee Arrangement

Personal injury matters in New York are handled on a contingency basis. This arrangement helps people bring lawsuits to recover for their injuries who might not otherwise be able to hire a lawyer. You have the right to have your lawyer explain the specifics of this fee arrangement and how any disbursements or expenses in your case will be handled.

The Right to Have Your Concerns Addressed Promptly

Understandably, you may have a lot of concerns after sustaining an accident-related injury. Some of them might even be time-sensitive. Your attorney has an obligation to return your phone calls, e-mails, or other communications in a timely manner.

The Right to Be Kept Reasonably Informed

During the course of your lawsuit, you will likely have questions about what’s happening in your case. Your attorney must keep you informed about the status of your lawsuit and provide you with copies of documents that have been filed with the court. You also have the right to participate in your case throughout the legal process.

The Right to Have Your Legitimate Objectives Respected By Your Attorney

Your attorney will advise you regarding the pros and cons of settling your case versus taking it to trial. But while they can offer you guidance and counsel, the decision is ultimately up to you.   

The Right to Privacy in Communications With Your Lawyer

Personal injury cases are very sensitive matters, but you must be honest with your attorney. Whether you’re disclosing information about your current injuries, prior injuries, or the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, any confidential information must remain between you and your attorney.

The Right to Have an Attorney Who Conducts Themselves Ethically

You have the right to have an attorney who will conduct themselves in accordance with the New York Rules of Professional Conduct. Your attorney should be transparent with you and the court, fight for your best interests, and strive to pursue the compensation that is rightfully yours.

The Right to Representation Regardless of Being in a Protected Class

You may not be refused legal services by an attorney based on your race, age, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or membership in any other protected class.  

Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Lawyer

When you work with The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, LLP, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the utmost care and attention. We proudly serve our clients in accordance with the highest ethical standards and are dedicated to ensuring they receive the maximum monetary recovery for their injuries.

The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown LLP is a personal injury law firm dedicated to fighting for your rights as a personal injury client to ensure they obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Located in Manhattan, our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout New York City since 1937. Call to schedule a free consultation at (212) 425-1999 today.

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