Assault Injury Lawyer Manhattan, NY

Last reviewed: July 2026

If you suffered an assault injury in Manhattan, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Assault and battery claims in New York are intentional torts—not accidents—and they carry a significantly shorter statute of limitations than ordinary negligence cases. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent injured individuals in Manhattan at New York Supreme Court, New York County, and they work to build strong civil claims against the responsible parties. From our New York location, the firm handles assault injury litigation across all five boroughs, including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Harlem, the Upper East Side, the Financial District, and every Manhattan neighborhood. Because the one‑year filing deadline under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 215(3) runs quickly, prompt action is critical. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.

What Assault Injury Means in Manhattan

An assault injury claim in Manhattan is a civil action based on intentional harmful or offensive contact. Unlike a car‑accident or slip‑and‑fall case—which are governed by New York’s comparative‑negligence rules—assault claims do not require proving negligence. The plaintiff must show that the defendant intentionally caused physical harm or placed the plaintiff in imminent fear of harm. These cases can arise from bar fights, street assaults, domestic incidents, or security failures in commercial premises. Manhattan’s dense urban environment, with crowded streets, nightlife districts, and large commercial venues, produces a steady volume of such claims. Because the injury is intentional, personal‑injury protection (no‑fault) insurance generally does not apply; the claim is brought directly against the individual assailant or a responsible third party, such as a bar or landlord that negligently failed to provide adequate security.

All assault injury claims in Manhattan are filed in New York Supreme Court, New York County—the trial court of general jurisdiction. There is no monetary cap on damages; a plaintiff may recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non‑economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). New York is a pure‑comparative‑fault state, but because assault is an intentional tort, the plaintiff’s own negligence is not a defense to liability—comparative fault applies only to any claim that sounds in negligence. The most critical deadlines are the one‑year statute of limitations for assault and battery under CPLR § 215(3) and, if a municipal entity is involved, a notice of claim. Missing the one‑year window typically bars the case. Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, medical records, and police reports must be gathered promptly, which is why reaching an experienced attorney early is essential. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the procedures of New York County Supreme Court and can guide you through the litigation process from investigation through trial.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Assault Injury Cases

When a client comes to the firm with an assault injury, the first step is a thorough investigation. The firm’s team works to identify all potential defendants—the individual assailant, as well as any business or property owner whose security failures contributed to the incident. They gather surveillance recordings, interview witnesses, obtain police reports, and consult with medical professionals to document the full extent of injuries. Because the one‑year filing deadline is short, the investigation moves quickly. The firm often sends preservation‑of‑evidence letters early to prevent the loss of video footage or other critical proof.

Once the evidence is assembled, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate the claim’s value and prepare a demand package. Settlement negotiations are pursued with the defendant’s insurance carrier or directly with the defendant if no insurance exists. The firm’s attorneys have experience in litigating intentional‑tort cases in New York County Supreme Court and are prepared to take the case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Throughout the process, they handle all court filings, discovery, depositions, and motion practice, so the injured client can focus on recovery. Every case is managed with an understanding of Manhattan’s unique evidentiary challenges—such as the need to subpoena video from third‑party businesses and to locate transient witnesses.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm in 1997 and concentrates his practice on complex civil and criminal litigation. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, giving the firm a multi‑state reach that benefits clients who may have claims crossing jurisdictional lines.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to every assault injury matter. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys collaborate to develop case strategy, draw on their collective background, and represent clients in courts across Manhattan and the New York metro area. Their approach focuses on diligent preparation and advocacy that responds to the specifics of each case. To discuss how they can assist, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations for an assault injury claim in Manhattan?

In Manhattan, an assault injury claim must be filed within one year from the date of the assault under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 215(3). Intentional torts like assault and battery are subject to this shorter limitations period, not the three‑year period that applies to negligence claims. If the claim involves a municipal defendant, a notice of claim must be served. Because missing the one‑year deadline almost always results in dismissal, contacting a lawyer promptly is important. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to begin an evaluation.

What kinds of damages can I recover in a Manhattan assault injury lawsuit?

You may recover economic damages for medical treatment, lost wages, and future care, as well as non‑economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. New York does not impose a statutory cap on compensatory damages in intentional‑tort cases. In some circumstances, punitive damages may also be available if the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious. The exact amount depends on the severity of the injury, the permanence of any impairment, and the defendant’s ability to pay.

Do I need a lawyer for an assault injury case in Manhattan?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, having experienced legal representation significantly improves your ability to meet the one‑year filing deadline, preserve evidence, and navigate the procedures of New York County Supreme Court. Assault cases often involve complex issues such as identifying multiple defendants, obtaining surveillance footage, and dealing with insurance‑coverage disputes. The firm’s attorneys handle these tasks and advocate on your behalf at settlement conferences and trial. A consultation lets you understand your options without obligation.

How does the court process work for an assault injury lawsuit in Manhattan?

A lawsuit is initiated by filing a summons and complaint in New York County Supreme Court, followed by service on the defendant. After the defendant answers, the case proceeds through discovery—exchanging documents, written questions, and depositions. Settlement discussions may occur at any stage. If no settlement is reached, the case is placed on the trial calendar through the filing of a note of issue. The timeline varies depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case. Trials are heard before a jury or a judge.

What evidence is most important in a Manhattan assault injury claim?

Police reports, medical records, photographs of injuries, and surveillance video from nearby businesses or street cameras are often the most persuasive evidence. Witness statements and 911 call recordings also help establish what occurred. Because video footage may be automatically overwritten after a short period, early preservation is critical. The firm promptly sends preservation letters and gathers available evidence to support your claim. Our attorneys work with investigators and medical experts to build the strong case.

How do I find an assault injury lawyer in Manhattan?

Look for a firm with experience handling intentional‑tort litigation, familiarity with New York County Supreme Court, and a multi‑state practice that can address related issues. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has been practicing since 1997, and Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent injured plaintiffs in Manhattan. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. The call will provide an opportunity to ask questions and learn how the firm can assist.

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