Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Albany, New York

Dedicated Advocacy for Injury Victims Throughout New York State

Injuries caused by a serious accident or medical malpractice have far-reaching consequences. Injured victims endure extraordinary pain, lost income, mounting medical bills, and stress that not only causes suffering for the injured victim but also for their family. Companies and individuals who must defend against personal injury lawsuits face their own challenges associated with claims of serious personal injury, especially when their insurance company threatens to disclaim coverage.

Founding attorney Ryan Finn created Finn Law Offices so that he could help the people and businesses of New York State. Our firm handles all varieties of personal injuries, providing experienced representation when you need it most.

Comprehensive Personal Injury Representation in Albany

Our firm represents clients in a wide range of personal injury matters, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Slip-and-falls
• Dangerous products
• Nursing home abuse
• Police brutality
• Workplace injuries

Our legal team has extensive experience representing injured victims, companies, and individuals wrongfully blamed for negligence. Having such a balanced understanding gives us perspective when fighting for our clients.

Understanding Personal Injury Law in New York

Personal injury law allows individuals who have been harmed due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions to seek compensation for their losses. According to the New York State Unified Court System, personal injury cases are governed by specific statutes and timeframes that can significantly impact your right to recovery.

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. However, this timeframe can be shorter for certain types of claims, such as medical malpractice (2.5 years) or claims against government entities (90 days to file a notice of claim). Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, making timely legal consultation essential.

Additionally, New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault in causing the accident. Our firm understands these complex legal principles and works diligently to build the strongest possible case for our clients.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents remain one of the most common causes of serious injuries in New York. According to the New York State Department of Health, traffic crashes are a leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations throughout the state.

Our firm handles all types of motor vehicle accident cases, including:

• Car collisions and multi-vehicle pileups
• Commercial truck accidents
• Rideshare accidents (Uber/Lyft)
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Public transportation incidents

After a motor vehicle accident, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our experience working with (and against) insurance companies gives us unique insight into their tactics. We know how to counter their strategies and pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.

The aftermath of a serious car accident can be overwhelming. Our firm helps clients navigate the complex insurance claims process while building a strong case for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Visit our motor vehicle accidents page for more information about how we handle these cases.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders face unique dangers on Albany roadways. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seatbelts, motorcyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries in accidents, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, road rash, and broken bones.

Unfortunately, motorcyclists frequently face bias from insurance adjusters and even jurors who may hold stereotypical views about motorcycle riders. Our firm works to overcome these biases by presenting clear evidence of driver negligence, including:

• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Unsafe lane changes
• Driving under the influence
• Road defects and hazardous conditions

We understand the life-altering consequences of motorcycle accidents and fight aggressively for appropriate compensation. This includes not only immediate medical expenses but also long-term rehabilitation costs, adaptive equipment, lost earning capacity, and compensation for diminished quality of life.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most devastating consequences of accidents. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, TBIs can cause long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments that fundamentally change a person’s life.

Common causes of traumatic brain injuries in personal injury cases include:

• Motor vehicle collisions
• Falls from heights
• Sports accidents
• Workplace incidents
• Physical assaults

Even “mild” traumatic brain injuries like concussions can have serious long-term consequences, including:

• Persistent headaches
• Memory and concentration problems
• Mood changes and irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Depression and anxiety

At Finn Law Offices, we understand the complex nature of brain injury cases. These injuries are often called “invisible” because they may not appear on standard imaging tests yet can profoundly affect daily functioning. Our firm works with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and life care planners to document the full extent of brain injuries and their impact on our clients’ lives.

We fight to secure compensation that accounts for both immediate medical needs and long-term support requirements, including cognitive rehabilitation, occupational therapy, home modifications, and lost earning capacity. Our commitment to brain injury victims extends beyond legal representation—we connect clients with valuable resources like the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordination Program.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries represent another category of catastrophic injury with life-changing consequences. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that these injuries cost victims millions of dollars in lifetime care, not to mention the incalculable personal toll.

Our firm represents clients with various levels of spinal injuries, from herniated discs to complete paralysis. We understand the medical complexities involved and work with specialists to thoroughly document injury severity and prognosis.

Compensation in spinal cord injury cases must account for:

• Immediate and ongoing medical treatment
• Rehabilitation services
• Adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, vehicle modifications)
• Home accessibility modifications
• Personal care attendants
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Through detailed life care planning and economic analysis, we ensure that settlement demands and trial presentations reflect the true lifetime costs of spinal injuries. Our goal is to secure financial resources that provide stability and support for our clients’ changed lives.

Wrongful Death Claims

When negligence results in fatal injuries, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. Under New York Estates, Powers & Trusts Law § 5-4.1, these claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, though damages are sought for the benefit of surviving family members.

Compensation in wrongful death cases may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred before death
• Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned
• Loss of parental guidance for surviving children
• Loss of inheritance
• Conscious pain and suffering experienced before death

These cases involve both emotional sensitivity and legal complexity. Our firm provides compassionate guidance through the probate process, investigation of the fatal incident, and pursuit of appropriate compensation. While no financial recovery can replace a loved one, these claims can provide crucial financial stability for families and hold wrongdoers accountable.

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises for visitors. When they fail to address hazardous conditions or provide adequate warnings, serious injuries can result. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and hip fractures, particularly among older adults.

Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven surfaces
• Inadequate lighting
• Missing handrails
• Snow and ice accumulation
• Cluttered walkways

Successfully pursuing a premises liability claim requires proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it adequately. Our firm conducts thorough investigations to establish these critical elements, gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and expert testimony when necessary.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Our seniors deserve dignity, respect, and quality care. When nursing homes and long-term care facilities fail to provide proper care or actively abuse residents, the consequences can be devastating. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, elder abuse affects approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 and older.

Signs of nursing home abuse or neglect may include:

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
• Sudden weight loss or dehydration
• Poor hygiene or unsanitary conditions
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
• Unusual changes in behavior or withdrawal
• Unexplained financial transactions

Our firm investigates nursing home abuse claims thoroughly, reviewing facility records, interviewing staff and witnesses, and consulting with medical experts to establish the standard of care that should have been provided. We pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and in cases of egregious misconduct, punitive damages.

New York has specific laws protecting nursing home residents, including the Public Health Law Section 2801-d, which provides a private right of action for nursing home residents whose rights have been violated.

Police Brutality and Civil Rights Violations

When law enforcement oversteps its authority and violates constitutional rights, victims deserve justice. Our firm is committed to protecting clients who have experienced police brutality or civil rights violations, helping them hold wrongdoers accountable through both criminal defense strategies and civil rights litigation.

Civil rights cases we handle include:

• Excessive force and police brutality
• Unlawful searches and seizures
• False arrest and imprisonment
• Malicious prosecution
• Evidence tampering or fabrication

These cases involve unique legal principles and procedural requirements. The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division provides resources for understanding federal civil rights protections, while organizations like the New York Civil Liberties Union offer state-specific information.

Our firm’s experience in both personal injury and civil rights litigation provides valuable perspective when pursuing these complex claims.

Insurance Company Tactics to Watch For

After an injury, dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating aspects of recovery. Based on our extensive experience on both sides of personal injury claims, we’ve identified common tactics insurance adjusters use to minimize payouts:

• Quick settlement offers: Adjusters often make early, low settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries. These offers typically fall far short of covering long-term medical needs and other damages.
• Recorded statements: Requests for recorded statements are designed to obtain information that can be used against you later. Innocent comments about your accident or injuries can be taken out of context to dispute liability or minimize injury severity.
• Social media monitoring: Insurance companies routinely check claimants’ social media accounts for posts or photos that could contradict injury claims. Even innocent activities can be mischaracterized to suggest your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed.
• Independent medical examinations: These examinations, performed by doctors chosen by the insurance company, often minimize injury severity or attribute symptoms to pre-existing conditions rather than the accident.
• Delays and paperwork overload: Some insurers use deliberate delays and excessive paperwork requests to frustrate claimants into accepting lower settlements out of desperation.

Our firm understands these tactics and knows how to counter them effectively. We handle all communication with insurance companies, protect clients from manipulative practices, and ensure that settlement discussions reflect the true value of injury claims.

Workplace Injuries

While workers’ compensation provides benefits for many job-related injuries regardless of fault, certain workplace accident scenarios may warrant additional personal injury claims. These situations include:

• Injuries caused by defective products or equipment
• Harm resulting from toxic substance exposure
• Accidents caused by third-party contractors
• Injuries resulting from employer’s gross negligence (in limited circumstances)

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board oversees the workers’ compensation system, which provides benefits for medical expenses and partial wage replacement. However, these benefits do not include pain and suffering compensation or full wage replacement.

Our firm helps workplace injury victims identify all potential sources of compensation, including workers’ compensation benefits and third-party personal injury claims when applicable. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive the maximum available recovery for their injuries.

The Personal Injury Claim Process

Understanding the personal injury claim process can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty following an accident. While each case is unique, most personal injury claims follow a similar progression:

• Initial consultation and case evaluation: During your free consultation, our team will review the details of your accident, assess potential liability, and explain your legal options.
• Investigation and evidence gathering: Our firm conducts a thorough investigation, collecting police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to support your claim.
• Medical treatment and documentation: We encourage clients to follow all medical advice and document their recovery process, creating a clear record of injuries and their impact.
• Insurance negotiations: Our experienced negotiators engage with insurance companies to pursue fair settlement offers that reflect the full extent of your damages.
• Litigation if necessary: When fair settlement cannot be reached, we prepare comprehensive cases for trial, presenting compelling evidence and arguments before judges and juries.

Throughout this process, our firm maintains regular communication with clients, providing updates on case progress and answering questions promptly.

A Broad Spectrum Of Experience

As experienced injury lawyers, our legal team has represented clients in countless hearings, mediations, arbitrations, bench trials, and jury trials. We get to know you, so we understand the results you need. Then, we will pursue whichever method is necessary to achieve your goals.

Helping Davids Stand Up Against Goliaths

Before founding the firm, Ryan Finn worked for large companies to defend them from injury survivors’ claims. He learned these companies’ tactics and can often anticipate their moves as he builds your case. It also gave him insight into how he can help businesses that face wrongful claims of negligence and stand to pay heavy settlements or lose insurance coverage.

This balanced experience gives our firm unique advantages when representing personal injury clients:

• Insight into defense strategies and how to counter them
• Understanding of insurance company evaluation methods
• Knowledge of settlement negotiation techniques
• Perspective on both sides of personal injury litigation
• Ability to anticipate and prepare for defense tactics

Ask About Your Free Initial Consultation

The financial strain of an injury cannot be overstated. Our firm offers free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us to have a conversation. To reach us, call our Albany office at 518-880-9393 or contact us online.

Don’t face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. Contact Albany’s trusted personal injury firm, Finn Law Offices, today and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.