Personal Injury Attorney in Staten Island, NY
Fighting for Injured New Yorkers for Over 39 Years
Every year, people across Staten Island are hurt in car crashes on Hylan Boulevard, slip and fall accidents in retail stores, construction incidents on job sites, and collisions at some of the island's most dangerous intersections. Many of them spend weeks or months dealing with mounting medical bills, missed work, and unanswered questions while insurance companies work quickly to limit what they pay out. A personal injury attorney in Staten Island helps injured victims hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has spent 39+ years representing injured New Yorkers across all five boroughs, including Staten Island, with a track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. As both a licensed attorney and a CPA, Michael Gunzburg brings a distinct ability to calculate and document full economic damages that other attorneys often miss. Call (212) 725-8500 for a free consultation today.
What Our Clients Say
Who We Help With Personal Injury Claims in Staten Island
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. helps clients who are dealing with serious injuries caused by someone else's negligence. That includes Staten Island car accident victims hurt on the Staten Island Expressway or at intersections like Victory Boulevard and Clove Road, pedestrians struck in crosswalks, construction workers injured on job sites under Labor Law protections, people who slipped or tripped on hazardous property conditions, cyclists hit by inattentive drivers, bus and ferry accident victims, and families who lost a loved one due to another party's wrongdoing. Whether you were hurt near St. George, in Tottenville, or anywhere across the North Shore, Mid-Island, or South Shore, the firm is ready to help you understand your rights and pursue the recovery you need.
Personal Injury Services Staten Island
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. handles the full range of personal injury cases that arise across Staten Island, from motor vehicle accidents on its most congested roads to premises liability incidents in homes, stores, and apartment buildings.
Car Accident Attorney in Staten Island
Car accidents on Staten Island happen daily along high-traffic corridors like Hylan Boulevard, the Staten Island Expressway (I-278), and Richmond Avenue. When a crash leaves you with fractures, soft tissue injuries, or worse, the at-fault driver's insurer will move quickly. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has recovered substantial compensation for car accident victims across the boroughs and knows how to counter the tactics adjusters use to minimize payouts. Learn More >>
Truck Accident Attorney in Staten Island
Commercial truck traffic moves through Staten Island via the Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge, and the Staten Island Expressway every day. When a large truck causes a crash, the injuries are often severe and the liable parties can include the driver, the trucking company, and the cargo loader. These cases require early investigation and knowledge of federal trucking regulations. Learn More >>
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability Attorney in Staten Island
Property owners across Staten Island have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. When they fail, whether that means a wet floor in a New Dorp retail store, broken steps in a Stapleton apartment building, or an icy sidewalk in Great Kills, they can be held liable for the injuries that result. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has recovered millions for slip and fall victims, including a $2.3 million jury verdict for a fall at JFK's AirTrain walkway. Learn More >>
Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Staten Island
Pedestrians struck by vehicles at intersections like Hunton Street and Richmond Road or along busy stretches of Hylan Boulevard face life-altering injuries. New York law protects pedestrian victims even if they bear some degree of comparative fault. The firm pursues full compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and permanent disability. Learn More >>
Construction Accident Attorney in Staten Island
New York Labor Law Sections 240 and 241 provide strong protections for construction workers injured in falls, scaffold collapses, and equipment failures. Active construction projects across Staten Island mean these cases arise regularly. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has spent nearly four decades representing injured construction workers and understands the documentation and expert testimony required to win. Learn More >>
Wrongful Death Attorney in Staten Island
When a family member dies because of another party's negligence, New York's wrongful death statute allows eligible family members to pursue compensation for lost financial support, funeral expenses, and the loss of parental guidance for surviving children. These cases require careful handling from the start, as evidence must be preserved and notices may need to be filed quickly. Learn More >>
Bicycle Accident Attorney in Staten Island
Cyclists across Staten Island share the road with heavy traffic and encounter hazards ranging from dooring incidents to left-turn crashes at busy intersections. When a driver's negligence causes a bike accident, the victim may have claims under both no-fault and liability insurance. The firm has recovered over $1 million for bicycle accident clients in New York City. Learn More >>
Motor Vehicle Accidents (Uber, Lyft, Bus, and More)
Rideshare accidents, bus accidents, and multi-vehicle collisions all require an understanding of layered insurance coverage and liability rules. The firm handles these cases throughout Staten Island, including accidents involving MTA buses and the Staten Island Railway. Learn More >>
Why Choose Michael Gunzburg, P.C. for Personal Injury in Staten Island
Michael Gunzburg holds two credentials that most personal injury attorMichael Gunzburg holds dual credentials as a licensed New York attorney and a Certified Public Accountant. That combination is not common among personal injury attorneys, and it matters. It means economic damages, including lost income, diminished earning capacity, and future medical costs, are calculated and documented with the precision of a forensic financial expert, not a rough estimate. For nearly four decades, the firm has fought for injured clients across all five boroughs, securing results like a $20 million structured settlement in a medical malpractice case, a $2.3 million jury verdict in a slip and fall, and a $2.5 million settlement at trial for a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk. Clients consistently describe the experience as having an attorney who treats their case like it is the only one on the desk and stays accessible throughout the entire process. There are no fees unless the firm wins, and every case begins with a free, no-obligation consultation.neys in New York do not: he is both a licensed personal injury trial attorney with 39+ years of NYC experience and a Certified Public Accountant. That dual background matters directly to the outcome of your case. When it comes to calculating lost earning capacity, future medical costs, and economic damages, the CPA training produces a level of precision that insurance companies cannot easily dispute.
The firm has argued appeals before the Appellate Division, First and Second Departments, and even the New York State Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state. Insurance defense attorneys know that record, and it affects how they approach settlement discussions. Michael Gunzburg has been a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association's referral panel since 1989, and he is admitted to practice in the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York in federal court.
Past clients describe recovering compensation that was five times higher than what other lawyers had proposed. The firm's results include a $20 million structured settlement for a birth injury case, a $2.3 million jury verdict in a Manhattan slip and fall, and a $1.5 million jury verdict in a Bronx bus accident. There are no upfront fees. The firm works on contingency, which means it gets paid only when you recover.
Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Matters
Injured victims who handle claims on their own almost always recover less than those represented by an attorney. Insurance companies are not neutral parties. They employ adjusters and defense lawyers whose job is to protect the insurer's bottom line, not to make sure you receive fair compensation. Without legal representation, you may not know the full value of your claim, may miss procedural deadlines, or may inadvertently say something that reduces your recovery.
The power imbalance in personal injury claims is real. Insurers have teams of professionals who handle thousands of claims per year. An experienced attorney levels that imbalance by gathering evidence early, retaining expert witnesses, and refusing lowball offers backed by the credibility of a trial-ready practice.
One client, Avion, hired a previous attorney who attempted to settle his case for a fraction of what it was worth. After switching to Michael Gunzburg, P.C., he ultimately received a settlement nearly five times the amount the first lawyer had proposed. That outcome was possible because the firm did the work to prove the landlord's knowledge of the defect.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Injuries
In a Staten Island personal injury case, the responsible party is whoever owed you a duty of care and failed to meet it. That may be a negligent driver, a property owner who ignored a known hazard, a trucking company that failed to maintain its fleet, a general contractor who created unsafe conditions on a job site, a product manufacturer, or a government entity responsible for road or sidewalk maintenance. In many cases, more than one party shares responsibility. New York's pure comparative negligence system means that even if you bear some portion of fault, you can still recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault. Identifying all responsible parties requires a prompt investigation before evidence disappears or witnesses become unavailable.
What You May Be Entitled to Recover
Personal injury victims in Staten Island may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation and long-term care costs, and out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury. Non-economic damages include compensation for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact the injury has had on your relationships and daily functioning. In cases involving particularly reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available. The value of any specific claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the insurance coverage available. Michael Gunzburg's background as a CPA is particularly useful at this stage, since documenting and presenting economic damages accurately can significantly affect the final outcome.
Important Deadlines and Legal Rules for Personal Injury Cases
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in New York is three years from the date of injury. If you miss that deadline, you lose the right to sue, regardless of how strong your case is. There are critical exceptions that shorten this window significantly.
If your injury was caused by a New York City agency, the MTA, the Port Authority, or another government entity, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. Failure to do so will typically bar your claim entirely. After filing the Notice of Claim, you then have one year and 90 days to file a lawsuit.
Wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years of the date of death. Medical malpractice claims have a shorter limitations period of 30 months from the date of the alleged malpractice.
Staten Island cases that involve municipal property, public transit, or city-owned sidewalks require particular attention to these notice requirements. Acting early is not just advisable. It is often the difference between having a viable claim and having none.
What Happens When You Call Michael Gunzburg, P.C.
You Speak Directly with the Attorney
When you call (212) 725-8500, you are not routed to a paralegal or a case intake screener. Michael Gunzburg personally handles the initial conversation with prospective clients and responds to inquiries within 24 hours under the firm's callback commitment.
Your Case Is Evaluated at No Cost
The free consultation covers the facts of your injury, the likely responsible parties, applicable deadlines, and an honest assessment of the strength of your claim. There is no obligation to retain the firm after this conversation.
Investigation Begins Immediately
Once you retain the firm, the investigation starts right away. That means requesting police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and witness statements before evidence is lost. In construction cases, it means preserving site conditions. In vehicle accidents, it means obtaining black box data before it is overwritten.
You Are Kept Informed at Every Stage
Multiple clients have specifically noted that Michael Gunzburg, P.C. stayed accessible even during active trials and kept them involved throughout the process. You will not be left wondering what is happening with your case.
The Firm Prepares Every Case for Trial
Insurance companies settle cases for fair amounts when they know the attorney on the other side is genuinely prepared to try the case in front of a jury. Every case at Michael Gunzburg, P.C. is built with trial in mind from day one. That preparation is what creates settlement leverage.
Key Takeaways
- Most personal injury cases in New York have a three-year statute of limitations, but claims against city or government entities require a Notice of Claim filed within 90 days of the incident.
- Staten Island injury victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs even if they were partially at fault, under New York's pure comparative negligence rule.
- Michael Gunzburg, P.C. holds dual credentials as a licensed attorney and CPA, giving the firm a distinct advantage in documenting and calculating full economic damages.
- Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately after an accident; retaining an attorney early preserves evidence and protects your rights.
- Michael Gunzburg, P.C. works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no attorney fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury in Staten Island
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Staten Island?
Most personal injury claims in New York must be filed within three years of the injury. However, if a government entity, city agency, or the MTA is involved, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Wrongful death claims have a two-year deadline, and medical malpractice claims must be filed within 30 months. Missing any of these deadlines typically eliminates your right to recover, so speaking with an attorney quickly is important.
What does a Staten Island personal injury attorney cost?
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and the firm only collects a fee if it recovers compensation for you. The firm also advances case expenses during litigation. There is no financial risk to consulting or retaining the firm.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault for my accident?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your total damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault and awards $500,000, you would receive $400,000. An attorney can help minimize the fault attributed to you and maximize your net recovery.
What if the driver who hit me had no insurance?
You may still have options. New York requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, and your own policy may provide coverage if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured. In some cases, the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) provides a path to compensation for victims injured by uninsured drivers. The firm will identify every available source of recovery.
What is Staten Island's jury pool like for personal injury cases?
Staten Island (Richmond County) is generally considered a more conservative venue compared to the Bronx or Brooklyn. This does not mean verdicts are unavailable, but it does affect case strategy. An attorney with 39+ years of trial experience across all five boroughs understands how to present cases effectively in Richmond County's courts.
How quickly should I contact an attorney after an accident in Staten Island?
As soon as possible. Evidence like surveillance footage can be overwritten within days. Witnesses become harder to locate over time. And if a government entity is involved, the 90-day Notice of Claim deadline is unforgiving. Early legal involvement protects your case from the start.
What types of accidents are most common on Staten Island?
Serious accidents on Staten Island frequently involve Hylan Boulevard, the Staten Island Expressway, Victory Boulevard and Clove Road, and Clove Road and Narrows Road North. Construction accidents, pedestrian accidents near the St. George Ferry Terminal, and slip and falls in retail and residential properties are also common case types the firm handles.
What if my injury doesn't seem serious right away?
Some injuries, including herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries, and internal trauma, do not produce obvious symptoms immediately after an accident. Getting a medical evaluation right away creates a documented record linking your injuries to the incident. Delaying medical care can give insurance companies grounds to argue the injuries were unrelated or not serious.
Do most personal injury cases in Staten Island go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but the outcome of settlement negotiations depends heavily on whether the opposing side believes the attorney is genuinely prepared to go to court. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., every case is built as if it will go before a jury. That preparation routinely leads to better settlement offers without the need for a full trial.
Can I file a personal injury claim if I was hurt on a Staten Island Ferry or public bus?
Yes, but these claims involve public entities, which means the 90-day Notice of Claim rule applies. Missing that deadline generally bars the claim. The firm has experience handling transit and public transportation accident cases and knows how to preserve your rights from the beginning.
Areas We Serve In And Around Staten Island
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents injury victims throughout all of Staten Island, including the North Shore communities of St. George, Stapleton, Tompkinsville, and Port Richmond; the Mid-Island neighborhoods of New Dorp, Dongan Hills, Grant City, Emerson Hill, Bulls Head, Bloomfield, and Todt Hill; and South Shore areas including Great Kills, Eltingville, Annadale, Tottenville, Prince's Bay, and Charleston. The firm also handles cases arising in Grymes Hill, Midland Beach, New Springville, and Castleton Corners. Many Staten Island cases involve accidents on Hylan Boulevard, the Staten Island Expressway, and Richmond Avenue, and some involve incidents at the St. George Ferry Terminal or on MTA bus routes. The firm serves clients throughout the borough and across all five NYC boroughs, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney in Staten Island
Injured Staten Island residents deserve an attorney who will take their case seriously from the first call. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. offers a free, no-obligation consultation, charges no attorney fees unless the firm wins, and has maintained a 24-hour callback commitment for nearly four decades. Legal deadlines in New York are strict, and if a government entity or public transit authority is involved, you may have as little as 90 days to protect your rights.
Call (212) 725-8500 today. The sooner you reach out, the sooner the firm can start protecting your claim.