Times of Need
Dutchess County, New York
Tenacious Personal Injury Lawyers in Dutchess County
Located in the Hudson Valley in the state of New York, Dutchess County has a population of 295,911 covering 825 square miles, as of the 2020 census. Its Supreme Court is located in Poughkeepsie. Motor vehicle accidents account for 16% of the deaths in the county—they are the third leading cause of injury-related deaths and ER visits, and they are the second leading cause of hospitalizations. Major roads in Dutchess County include I-84, US 9, the Taconic State Parkway, NY 22, NY 82, US 44, NY 52, NY 55, and NY 199. I-84 is the only interstate road that crosses through Dutchess County.
If you were injured or a loved one died as a result of another’s negligence, you should consult the seasoned Dutchess County personal injury lawyers at The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel. We would be happy to schedule a free consultation. Since 1986, our office has obtained numerous successful settlements and verdicts worth several million dollars for our clients. We provide personalized service. We may also be able to assist you with criminal defense cases.
What Cases Do Personal Injury Attorneys Handle?
We represent people in Dutchess County who are injured in crashes involving cars, motorcycles, buses, and trucks, as well as those harmed in construction accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect and in connection with product defects and dangerous pharmaceuticals. Many of these lawsuits require our attorneys to establish another party’s negligence.
To prove negligence in your case, we will need to show it’s more likely than not: (1) the defendant owed you a duty of reasonable care, (2) the defendant breached the duty of care, (3) the breach caused your injuries, and (4) actual damages as a result of the injuries. The circumstances of your injuries will determine whether you were owed a duty of reasonable care, the nature of that duty, and whether that duty was breached. All drivers, for instance, owe a duty of reasonable care to those with whom they share the road. Doctors owe a professional duty of care only to their patients.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
In motor vehicle accidents, a driver may be found liable for an accident caused by his or her speeding, reckless driving, tailgating, drunk driving, distracted driving, weaving, and failure to obey traffic signs and signals. For example, if you were driving on I-84, and a truck rear-ended you because he was fatigued and didn’t realize he was following too closely given traffic conditions, it is likely we would be able to establish that he was liable for the accident.
Comparative Negligence
In most cases, a defendant in a personal injury case asserts that the accident victim was comparatively negligent, and that therefore, his or her damages should be reduced by an amount equal to his or her fault. The jury will determine the total damages, and then assign percentages of fault to those alleged to be at fault, including the plaintiff claiming damages. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident.
When our lawyers are able to establish liability, we should be able to recover compensatory damages, which are intended to make up for your economic and noneconomic losses. Our team works to make sure you are not held accountable for more than your fair share of responsibility, which also helps you to pursue fair compensation.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Whether an animal attack occurred in a public space, a neighbor’s home, or while you were walking your own dog, dog bite victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. Injuries from dog bites can range from minor lacerations to severe infections and long-lasting scars, and seeking fair compensation is important to ensure you don’t end up paying for the many costs of your injury alone.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries. There is very little to protect a bicyclist from being thrown from their bike and larger cars and trucks can inflict serious damage in these crashes.
In addition to representing individuals injured in bicycle accidents, we also represent clients who have been injured while riding electric bikes. Because electric bikes can travel at higher speeds than traditional bikes, accidents can result in more severe injuries.
Our firm will help investigate the cause of the accident, whether it was caused by a faulty bike, an unsafe road condition, or a negligent driver. We will work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Construction Site Accidents
Our team helps clients who have been injured in many types of workplace accidents. Of these, some of the most catastrophic injuries occur to those working on construction sites. These accidents can occur due to structural issues, poor planning, or negligence in construction practices. If you’ve been involved in a worksite accident, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you secure the compensation you need for your recovery. In many cases, workers’ compensation benefits alone will not cover all your injury-related costs.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning can be a serious condition, often leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. In some cases, foodborne illnesses can result in long-term health issues or even fatalities. If you’ve suffered from food poisoning after eating at a restaurant, from packaged food, or even from a catered event, you may be entitled to compensation.
Our team will help you determine whether negligence or unsafe food handling practices were responsible for your illness. We’ll pursue legal action against those responsible to seek financial recovery for your losses.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians have no chance against cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other vehicles, which is why pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries. These injuries happen when pedestrians are struck by vehicles while crossing the street, walking on sidewalks, or even standing near traffic.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, we’re here to support you. Our team will help you determine liability, whether it’s a distracted driver or a poorly designed crosswalk. We can gather evidence of what really happened in your accident, which is crucial because too often pedestrians are blamed for accidents they did not cause.
Police Misconduct
Police misconduct refers to actions by law enforcement officers that violate an individual’s civil rights. This can include excessive use of force, unlawful arrests, racial profiling, or abuse of power. When police officers act outside the boundaries of the law, it can cause significant harm to individuals and communities.
If you have been a victim of police misconduct, you have the right to seek justice. Our team will work tirelessly to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and hold the responsible officers accountable. We will pursue compensation for any injuries or damages you have suffered and fight to ensure that your civil rights are upheld.
Premises Liability
Premises liability refers to the responsibility property owners have to keep their premises safe for visitors. When property owners fail to maintain safe environments, they may be held legally responsible for any injuries that occur.
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team handles a wide range of premises liability claims, including everything from slip and fall accidents in stores to injuries caused by unsafe conditions in apartment buildings, restaurants, or public parks.
Consult Seasoned Attorneys About Your Claim in Dutchess County
We offer a free initial consultation to all prospective clients. From the moment a client enters our offices, through the conclusion of their case by trial, mediation, arbitration or other resolution, the client is kept fully apprised of the status of their case. If you were injured and believe someone else is at fault, call our trustworthy lawyers at (914) 428-7386 to schedule an appointment for your free consultation or contact us through our online form.