Founding Partner
Parker Waichman LLP has recovered over $2 billion for injury victims across New York and beyond. Our firm understands the unique challenges that accident victims face in New York City. These include dealing with the complex no-fault insurance system and aggressive insurance adjusters who prioritize their bottom line over your recovery.
Personal injury law exists to hold negligent parties accountable when their careless or reckless actions cause harm to others. Whether you suffered injuries in a car accident on the FDR Drive, a slip and fall in a Manhattan office building, or a construction accident at a Brooklyn worksite, you have the right to pursue compensation. This includes medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our attorneys recognize that every case tells a unique story. We take time to understand how your injuries have affected your life, your family, and your future. This client-focused approach allows us to build compelling cases that demonstrate the full impact of your injuries to insurance companies, opposing counsel, and juries when necessary.
Choosing experienced legal representation matters. Insurance companies employ teams of lawyers and adjusters trained to minimize payouts. Without an attorney advocating for your interests, you risk accepting a settlement that fails to cover your current medical needs, future care requirements, or the true extent of your losses. Parker Waichman LLP levels the playing field and works to hold negligent parties and their insurers accountable for your claim.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injury victims to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
Contact our New York City office today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Selecting the right attorney significantly impacts your case outcome. Parker Waichman LLP offers injury victims throughout New York City several important advantages:
Our firm has recovered over $2 billion for injury victims across all practice areas. This track record demonstrates our ability to handle complex cases and achieve substantial results for our clients.
Our legal team includes attorneys with decades of combined experience handling personal injury cases in New York City courts. Founding partner Jerrold S. Parker has practiced law for over 40 years. He has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions from 2010 through 2026. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
Partner Melanie H. Muhlstock has been named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers List annually since 2014.
Personal injury cases often require significant resources for investigation, witness testimony, and litigation costs. Parker Waichman LLP has the financial strength and infrastructure to handle cases of any size or complexity. We advance all case costs, so you never pay out of pocket for expenses.
We maintain offices throughout New York City, including locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. This local presence allows us to meet with clients conveniently and maintain strong relationships with local courts, professionals, and medical providers.
We treat every client with respect and compassion. You will have direct access to your attorney, receive regular case updates, and participate in all major decisions about your case. We take time to understand your unique circumstances and tailor our approach to your specific needs and goals.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours—we only succeed when you succeed.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case. During this meeting, we provide honest assessments and clear explanations of your legal options without pressure or obligation.
Contact Parker Waichman LLP today at (212) 267-6700 or schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Parker Waichman LLP
Why Trust UsWith Your Case?
We Take Care of Everything
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Decades of Experience
Recovered Billions of Dollars
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If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or have been injured by another party in some other way, we are here to stand up for your rights. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing injury victims and their families in Long Island and throughout the nation since the early 1980s.
Car Accident If you were involved in a New York City car accident that was caused by the negligence of another motorist, and you suffered serious injuries, the legal team at Parker Waichman LLP can help. Our experienced car accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the legal process, as they investigate the accident and gather vital evidence that can prove liability and your demand for compensation.
Truck Accident If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident with an 18-wheeler, you may be faced with a long and painful recovery, lost wages, and other accident-related damages. At Parker Waichman LLP, our New York City truck accident lawyers understand how devastating the aftermath of a big rig accident can be and will work tirelessly to help you recover the fair settlement you deserve for an accident that was not your fault.
Bicycle Accident If you were struck by a negligent motorist while riding your bike, you may be entitled to compensation. At Parker Waichman LLP, our skilled and experienced bicycle accident lawyers in New York City will go above and beyond to hold the negligent driver financially responsible for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.
Dog Bite Injury If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, a New York City dog bite injury attorney at Parker Waichman LLP can investigate the incident, identify the negligent dog owner, and hold them responsible for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Construction Accident If you were injured in a New York City construction accident, you might be entitled to extra compensation if a third party was at fault. Parker Waichman LLP‘s lawyers will investigate to determine third-party liability and hold them financially responsible for your injuries and damages.
Pedestrian Accident If you were struck by a driver while walking, you may be faced with a long and painful recovery, unable to work, and struggling to make ends meet. At Parker Waichman LLP, our New York City pedestrian accident lawyers can investigate the accident and gather evidence that can strengthen your claim and prove your demand for compensation.
Motorcycle Accident If you were injured by a negligent driver while riding your motorcycle, a New York City motorcycle accident lawyer at Parker Waichman LLP will investigate the accident and take the insurance company head-on, fighting for your right to maximum compensation for your accident-related damages.
Wrongful Death If you lost a loved one due to the negligence of another person or entity, a dedicated, compassionate New York City wrongful death lawyer at Parker Waichman LLP can help you pursue compensation for your devastating loss.
Medical Malpractice If you believe you were a victim of medical malpractice in New York City, an experienced lawyer at Parker Waichman LLP will conduct an investigation and consult with medical experts to uncover the truth and hold the negligent medical provider responsible for your medical bills, pain, suffering, lost wages, and other damages. If appropriate, we will pursue a medical malpractice claim to seek the full compensation you deserve.
Uber and Lyft Accident If you were involved in a rideshare accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other damages. Let the New York City rideshare accident lawyers at Parker Waichman LLP investigate the accident to uncover the truth and prove liability and your demand for damages.
Slip and Fall Injury If you slipped and fell on someone’s property due to dangerous conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. At Parker Waichman LLP, our NYC slip and fall injury attorneys can investigate your accident and build a strong case to hold the negligent property owner responsible for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Sexual Abuse If you or someone you love was a victim of sexual abuse, you deserve justice. At Parker Waichman LLP, our New York City sexual abuse lawyers understand the pain you’re going through and will provide the compassionate and dedicated legal guidance, support, and advice you need during this difficult time as we fight for the compensation you’re owed.
Catastrophic Injury If you sustained a catastrophic injury in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another, a New York City catastrophic injury attorney at Parker Waichman LLP can help you hold the at-fault party responsible for your past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.
Workplace Injuries If you were injured on the job due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Parker Waichman LLP, our skilled and experienced NYC workplace injury lawyers will go above and beyond to hold the responsible parties accountable for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other work-related damages.
Parker Waichman LLP represents injury victims in a comprehensive range of accident and negligence cases throughout New York City. Our practice areas include:
Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft vehicles represent some of the most common personal injury cases in New York City. The congested streets of Manhattan, the busy intersections of Queens, and the highways connecting the boroughs create constant risks for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Our attorneys investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather evidence. We consult with accident reconstruction professionals when necessary and build strong cases against negligent drivers and their insurance companies.
New York City’s constant construction activity creates hazards for workers and pedestrians alike. We represent construction workers injured in falls from scaffolding, crane accidents, equipment malfunctions, and other worksite incidents.
New York’s scaffold law provides important protections for construction workers. Our attorneys know how to leverage these statutes to maximize recovery for injured workers.
Property owners throughout New York City have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors and guests. When dangerous conditions like wet floors, inadequate lighting, broken stairs, or falling debris cause injuries, property owners may be held liable.
We handle slip and fall cases, trip and fall accidents, inadequate security claims, and other premises liability matters.
Healthcare providers in New York City’s hospitals, clinics, and medical offices must meet established standards of care. When doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals deviate from these standards and cause patient harm through surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, or birth injuries, our attorneys hold them accountable.
When negligence claims the life of a loved one, surviving family members face emotional devastation and financial hardship. Our wrongful death attorneys help families pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages. We handle the legal details with compassion and professionalism.
Defective products—from dangerous drugs and medical devices to faulty consumer goods—can cause serious injuries. Parker Waichman LLP has extensive experience with mass tort litigation and product liability cases. We represent clients injured by defective pharmaceuticals, medical implants, and consumer products.
New York’s personal injury laws contain unique provisions that affect how cases proceed and what compensation injury victims can recover. Understanding these legal principles helps you make informed decisions about your case.
New York law generally gives injury victims three years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to most car accidents, slip and fall cases, and other negligence claims.
However, important exceptions exist. Medical malpractice cases have different deadlines. Claims against government entities require notice within 90 days and lawsuits within one year and 90 days. Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to pursue compensation. This makes prompt consultation with an attorney critical.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages even if you bear partial responsibility for your accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to injury victims to reduce their liability. This makes strong legal representation important to protecting your interests.
New York requires all drivers to carry no-fault insurance, also called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages up to $50,000 regardless of who caused the accident.
However, the no-fault system limits your ability to sue the at-fault driver unless your injuries meet the “serious injury threshold” defined by New York Insurance Law § 5102(d). Serious injuries include:
Under New York’s no-fault system, you generally cannot sue for economic damages within the basic economic loss limits (the first $50,000 covered by your PIP insurance). However, you can pursue compensation for economic damages that exceed these limits—such as medical expenses above $50,000 or wage losses exceeding $2,000 per month for three years—without meeting the serious injury threshold.
This creates two separate analyses in motor vehicle cases: (1) economic damages exceeding basic economic loss limits can be recovered without proving serious injury, and (2) non-economic damages (pain and suffering) require meeting the serious injury threshold defined in § 5102(d). Our attorneys evaluate both pathways to maximize your total compensation.
Our attorneys evaluate whether your injuries meet these criteria and help you pursue full compensation beyond no-fault benefits when appropriate.
Personal injury cases in New York City may be filed in various courts depending on the circumstances. Understanding which court offers the most favorable venue for your case requires knowledge of local procedures, jury pools, and judicial tendencies. Our attorneys’ extensive experience in New York City courts helps us make strategic decisions that benefit your case.
The value of a personal injury case depends on numerous factors unique to each situation. While no attorney can promise a specific outcome, understanding how damages are calculated helps you set realistic expectations.
These quantifiable losses include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket costs related to your injury. Our attorneys work with medical professionals, economists, and vocational consultants to document the full extent of your economic losses. This includes future care needs that may not be immediately apparent.
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium represent non-economic damages. These compensate for the intangible ways injuries affect your life.
New York law does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. This allows juries to award compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries. However, calculating these damages requires skill and experience. Our attorneys present compelling evidence about how your injuries have diminished your quality of life, changed your relationships, and limited your activities.
Several elements influence how much compensation you may recover. The severity and permanence of your injuries play a significant role. Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations typically result in higher awards than minor injuries that heal completely.
The clarity of liability matters. Cases with obvious negligence and strong evidence generally settle for more than cases where fault is disputed. Your age, occupation, and pre-injury health also factor into calculations, particularly regarding lost earning capacity and future damages.
New York City juries have a reputation for awarding substantial damages in appropriate cases. However, jury verdicts are never certain. Many factors influence jury decisions.
Our attorneys’ trial experience helps us evaluate whether settlement negotiations or trial offers the better path for your specific case.
Parker Waichman LLP‘s track record of recovering over $2 billion for clients demonstrates our ability to maximize compensation for injury victims. We fight for every dollar you deserve, whether through negotiated settlements or jury verdicts.
Understanding what to expect during your personal injury case helps reduce anxiety and allows you to make informed decisions at each stage.
Your case begins with a free consultation where our attorneys listen to your story, review available documentation, and provide an honest assessment of your claim. We explain your legal options, answer your questions, and outline the next steps if you choose to retain our firm.
Once you hire Parker Waichman LLP, we immediately begin investigating your case. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, and witness statements. We photograph accident scenes, consult with professionals, and preserve critical evidence before it disappears. Thorough investigation strengthens your case and positions us to negotiate from strength.
Your health comes first. We encourage clients to follow their doctors’ treatment recommendations and attend all medical appointments. Gaps in treatment or failure to follow medical advice can harm your case. Insurance companies use these issues to argue that your injuries are not serious.
We help you find qualified medical providers if you lack health insurance or face difficulty accessing care.
After you complete treatment or reach maximum medical improvement, we prepare a detailed demand package. This documents your injuries, treatment, expenses, and other damages. We present this demand to the insurance company and negotiate for fair compensation.
Many cases settle during this phase. This allows you to receive compensation without the time and uncertainty of trial.
If negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit to protect your rights and move your case toward trial. Filing a lawsuit often motivates insurance companies to make more reasonable settlement offers. They face the prospect of a jury verdict that could exceed settlement amounts.
During the discovery phase, both sides exchange information, take depositions, and build their cases. Our attorneys use discovery to strengthen your position and expose weaknesses in the defense’s arguments.
Many cases settle before trial through mediation or continued negotiations. Our attorneys advocate aggressively for your interests while providing honest advice about settlement offers. This allows you to make informed decisions.
If your case proceeds to trial, our experienced trial attorneys present your case to a jury, cross-examine defense witnesses, and fight for the compensation you deserve. While most cases settle, our willingness and ability to try cases to verdict often leads to better settlement offers.
Throughout this process, we keep you informed, answer your questions, and handle all legal details. This allows you to focus on your recovery.
The actions you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these important steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
Your health and safety come first. Call 911 if you or anyone else suffered serious injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Some injuries, including concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage, may not produce immediate symptoms. However, they can cause serious complications if left untreated. Additionally, prompt medical attention creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident. This becomes critical evidence in your case.
For car accidents, New York law requires you to report crashes that cause injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days. For accidents on someone else’s property, notify the property owner or manager and request that they document the incident. For workplace accidents, report the incident to your supervisor immediately.
These reports create official records of your accident.
If you can do so safely, gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photographs of the accident location, your injuries, property damage, and any conditions that contributed to the accident. This includes wet floors, poor lighting, traffic signals, and similar hazards.
Get contact information from witnesses who saw what happened. Write down your own recollection of events while details remain fresh in your memory.
Keep all physical evidence related to your accident. This includes damaged property, torn or bloodied clothing, and defective products. Do not repair or dispose of damaged items until you consult with an attorney.
Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims quickly, seeking recorded statements about the accident. These adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. They may use your statements to minimize or deny your claim.
Politely decline to give recorded statements until you consult with an attorney. You must report your accident to your own insurance company, but you can provide basic information without giving detailed recorded statements about fault or injuries.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor social media accounts of injury claimants. Posts, photos, or comments that contradict your injury claims can seriously damage your case. Avoid posting about your accident, your injuries, or your activities until your case resolves.
Maintain organized records of all medical treatment, expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your accident. Keep copies of medical bills, prescription receipts, pay stubs showing missed work, and documentation of other financial losses. These records help your attorney calculate damages and prove your losses.
Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney early protects your rights and strengthens your case. An attorney can guide you through the claims process, handle communications with insurance companies, preserve critical evidence, and help you meet all legal deadlines.
Parker Waichman LLP offers free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by discussing your case with our attorneys.
New York law generally gives injury victims three years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to most car accidents, slip and fall cases, and other negligence claims.
However, important exceptions exist. Medical malpractice cases must be filed within two years and six months of the malpractice or within two years and six months of the end of continuous treatment by the negligent provider. Claims against government entities, including New York City, require filing a notice of claim within 90 days of the incident and filing a lawsuit within one year and 90 days. Wrongful death cases must be filed within two years of the death.
Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to pursue compensation forever. This makes prompt consultation with an attorney critical to protecting your rights.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages even if you bear partial responsibility for your accident. The court or jury will assign a percentage of fault to each party involved. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but were found 30% at fault, you would recover $70,000. This rule applies even if you were more than 50% at fault, though your recovery would be reduced accordingly.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to injury victims to reduce their liability. This makes strong legal representation important to protecting your interests and minimizing your assigned fault percentage.
Parker Waichman LLP handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain through settlement or verdict.
This arrangement allows injury victims to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. We also advance all case costs, including witness fees, court filing fees, and investigation expenses. You never pay out of pocket for these expenses.
If we do not recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. This fee structure aligns our interests with yours—we only succeed when you succeed.
The timeline for resolving a personal injury case varies significantly depending on several factors. Simple cases with clear liability, relatively minor injuries, and cooperative insurance companies may settle within a few months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or uncooperative insurance companies may take a year or longer to resolve. Cases that proceed to trial typically take longer than cases that settle during negotiations.
Several factors affect case duration. These include the time needed to complete medical treatment and reach maximum medical improvement, the complexity of investigating and proving liability, the willingness of insurance companies to make fair settlement offers, court scheduling and backlogs, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.
While we work efficiently to resolve cases as quickly as possible, we never rush settlements that would shortchange our clients. Our priority is maximizing your compensation, even if that requires additional time.
New York law allows injury victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket costs related to your injury.
Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of consortium (the impact on your relationship with your spouse). New York does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. This allows juries to award compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries.
In rare cases involving particularly egregious conduct, courts may also award punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. The specific damages available in your case depend on the nature and severity of your injuries, the impact on your life and livelihood, and the circumstances of your accident.
Most personal injury cases settle without going to trial. Insurance companies often prefer to settle cases to avoid the uncertainty and expense of trial. Many injury victims prefer the certainty and speed of settlement over the risks and delays of trial.
However, not all cases settle for fair amounts. When insurance companies refuse to make reasonable settlement offers, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve. Even if your case does not ultimately go to trial, preparing your case as if it will go to trial strengthens your negotiating position. This often leads to better settlement offers.
Parker Waichman LLP has extensive trial experience and the resources to take cases to verdict when necessary. We prepare every case thoroughly and advise you honestly about whether settlement or trial offers the better path for your specific situation.
New York requires all drivers to carry no-fault insurance, also called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages up to $50,000 regardless of who caused the accident. The no-fault system allows injury victims to receive prompt payment for basic expenses without having to prove fault or file a lawsuit.
However, the no-fault system limits your ability to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other damages unless your injuries meet the “serious injury threshold” defined by New York Insurance Law § 5102(d). Serious injuries include:
A medically determined non-permanent injury that prevents you from performing substantially all of your usual daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days immediately following the accident
Under New York’s no-fault system, you generally cannot sue for economic damages within the basic economic loss limits (the first $50,000 covered by your PIP insurance). However, you can pursue compensation for economic damages that exceed these limits—such as medical expenses above $50,000 or wage losses exceeding $2,000 per month for three years—without meeting the serious injury threshold.
This creates two separate analyses in motor vehicle cases: (1) economic damages exceeding basic economic loss limits can be recovered without proving serious injury, and (2) non-economic damages (pain and suffering) require meeting the serious injury threshold defined in § 5102(d). Our attorneys evaluate both pathways to maximize your total compensation.
Our attorneys evaluate whether your injuries meet these criteria and help you pursue full compensation beyond no-fault benefits when appropriate.
If you suffered injuries in an accident in New York City, contact Parker Waichman LLP for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys serve clients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
New York City Office:
Call us today to schedule your free consultation. Let our experienced attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve.
Parker Waichman LLP
4.8 from 549 Reviews
Our law firm is ready to represent you in your injury case. We’ve helped many New York residents as well as those needing help nationwide. Contact our team for a free case consultation today.
I had a great experience with them , everyone was very helpful and sweet.
Michelle Murphy
4 months ago
Zarahi was very professional and very Quick and very knowledgeable i realy appreciated her patience and perseverance she Deserves 100 stars 🌟 but since i can only send 5 i Guess i will just have to send that truly yours Rashine Downs
Kush Three
6 months ago
VERY NICE WORK PLACE THEY HAVE BEEN GOOD TO MY MOM
Whitney Brinson
5 years ago
They treated me with tender love and care
Terrell Weaver
2 months ago
Wonderful people. They made the whole process if dealing with a gov’t agency so easy. Special compliments to Gina Viti
Michael Ross
2 months ago
I’m a 9/11 first responder, and I can honestly say that Parker Waichman made me feel like they had my best interest in my VCF case. Ms Candalino & Ms Viti are top notch in my book. I was constantly informed on the status of my case. I would definitely recommend Parker Waichman LLP to family and friends.
D D
6 years ago
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
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