Negligence Lawyer Ontario County, NY

When an accident leaves you injured in Ontario County, understanding your legal options is critical. Negligence is the legal foundation for most personal injury claims, and holding a negligent party accountable requires a clear grasp of New York’s procedural rules and the local court system. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides representation to individuals pursuing compensation for injuries caused by another’s failure to exercise reasonable care. Our firm has served clients across New York since 1997, including those in Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, Farmington, and the surrounding Finger Lakes communities. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys concentrate on personal injury matters, including claims arising from car crashes, slips and falls, medical errors, and defective products. We understand that a serious injury disrupts your life, and we work to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Ontario County cases are filed in the New York Supreme Court in Canandaigua, and strict deadlines apply. For a consultation regarding your Ontario County negligence claim, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Negligence Claims in Ontario County, NY

Negligence in New York requires proving that a defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused your harm. In Ontario County, personal injury lawsuits are heard in the Ontario County Supreme Court, located at 27 North Main Street in Canandaigua, part of the 7th Judicial District. The court presides over matters where the amount in controversy exceeds the jurisdiction of lower courts, which is typical for serious injury claims. The surrounding region includes the cities and towns of Geneva, Victor, Farmington, and Manchester, with highways such as I‑90 (the New York State Thruway) and State Route 96 creating daily traffic patterns that can lead to collisions. Whether your injury occurred on a rural road, in a commercial parking lot, or at a medical facility, the same legal standard applies: the party at fault must compensate you for the full scope of your damages.

New York follows a pure comparative fault rule under CPLR Article 14‑A. This means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering even if you were mostly at fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for an accident, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage. The court’s calendar and the availability of discovery, expert witnesses, and motion practice influence how quickly a case resolves. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys guide clients through each phase, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance carriers to filing a Note of Issue and, if necessary, presenting the case at trial. Every step is taken with the goal of building a record that supports maximum compensation under New York law.

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

In a negligence case, early investigation makes a difference. The firm’s attorneys promptly secure accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and, when appropriate, consult with accident reconstruction or medical attorney to clarify liability and damages. The team works to identify all potentially responsible parties—including drivers, property owners, employers, or product manufacturers—so that every available insurance policy is pursued. Once the evidence is assembled, a demand package is presented to the insurer, detailing the injuries and the economic and non-economic losses. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the firm is prepared to file a complaint in the Ontario County Supreme Court and litigate the matter.

No two cases are alike, and the firm’s approach adapts to the specific facts. For motor vehicle accidents, the New York no‑fault insurance system requires that we first seek compensation for economic losses through your own policy’s first‑party benefits, while reserving your right to pursue a third‑party claim for pain and suffering if you meet the “serious injury” threshold defined by Insurance Law § 5102. For premises liability, we analyze whether the property owner knew or should have known about a hazard and failed to correct it. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys maintain open communication, explaining the status of the case and the realistic range of outcomes so you can make informed decisions. The focus remains on achieving a result that addresses your medical needs and long‑term financial security, while keeping you advised of every development.

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

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 after service as a former prosecutor. He is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. His experience includes handling litigation in state and federal courts, and he testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris’s background gives him insight into how evidence is developed and presented, and he applies that knowledge to negligence cases for injured clients.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional litigation experience to personal injury matters. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work collaboratively to manage caseloads and address the procedural and substantive demands of each case. This structure allows the firm to serve clients across multiple jurisdictions while maintaining personal involvement in the strategy of every matter. The firm’s New York location operates by appointment, and consultations are available by calling (888) 437-7747. If you have been injured in Ontario County, we encourage you to reach out to discuss whether our representation fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a negligence claim in New York?

In New York, a personal injury negligence claim must generally be filed within three years from the date of the injury. The statute of limitations is set by N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). If the claim is against a municipal entity, a Notice of Claim must be served, and the time to file may be shorter. Missing the deadline can bar your claim entirely, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. The firm evaluates every case’s timeline to ensure your rights are preserved.

What damages can I recover in a negligence case?

You can recover economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages, plus non‑economic damages for pain and suffering. New York does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. The value of your claim depends on the severity of the injury, the duration of recovery, the impact on your ability to work, and the degree of the defendant’s fault. The firm’s attorneys work with medical providers and financial attorneys to document the full extent of your losses so that a demand reflects the true cost of the harm.

How does New York’s comparative fault rule affect my claim?

New York applies pure comparative fault, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover even if you were more than 50% responsible. For example, if a jury finds you 30% at fault for an accident and awards $100,000, you would receive $70,000. The insurance company will try to attribute more fault to you to lower the payout. Having an experienced attorney present the evidence and argue liability helps protect your recovery. The firm thoroughly analyzes the facts to counter arguments that overstate your responsibility.

Do I have to go to court for a negligence claim?

Not necessarily; most negligence claims are resolved through settlement without a trial. The firm prepares every case as though it will go to court, because thorough preparation often leads to a better settlement. If the insurer refuses a fair offer, however, the firm is prepared to file a lawsuit in the Ontario County Supreme Court and, if needed, take the case to verdict. The decision to settle or try the case is always yours, and the attorney will explain the risks and benefits of each option.

What should I do immediately after an accident in Ontario County?

Seek medical attention, document the scene, and avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. Take photos, get contact information from witnesses, and file a police report if applicable. Prompt medical care creates a record linking your injuries to the accident. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company without legal guidance—statements can be used to minimize your claim. Then contact a negligence lawyer to evaluate your rights before any deadlines pass.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Personal Injury Representation in Other New York Counties

Our firm also handles negligence and personal injury matters across New York. Visit our pages for neighboring counties:

Official New York Court and Statutory Resources

For additional information about the Ontario County court system and relevant New York statutes:

Ontario County Supreme Court (7th Judicial District)
N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214 (statute of limitations for personal injury)
New York Unified Court System

Last reviewed: July 2026

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