Personal Injury Lawyer in Tompkins County, NY
New York Personal Injury Law
New York personal injury law is governed by statutes including the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) and the Insurance Law. The key statute for auto accident claims is NY Insurance Law § 5102(d), which defines the “serious injury” threshold required to recover for pain and suffering. For premises liability and other negligence claims, NY CPLR Article 14-A establishes the pure comparative fault rule.
Last verified: March 2026 | Tompkins County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New York’s comparative fault law, see NY CPLR Article 14-A (official New York State Senate). The Tompkins County court website with forms and local rules is Tompkins County Supreme Court (New York Courts .gov).
Tompkins County Personal Injury Process
Personal injury cases in Tompkins County are filed in Supreme Court, which has unlimited jurisdiction for damages. The court requires an index number fee of $210 at filing. In Tompkins County Supreme Court, the preliminary conference is typically scheduled within 45 days after the defendant files an answer.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Document all injuries and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Medical records are critical evidence.
- Preserve evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and property damage. Collect contact information for witnesses.
- File a Notice of Claim if required: If your injury involves a municipality, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident.
- File a lawsuit before the statute expires: File your complaint in Tompkins County Supreme Court before the three-year statute of limitations expires.
- Complete discovery: Exchange evidence with the defendant through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests.
- Attend court conferences: Participate in preliminary and compliance conferences as scheduled by the court to move the case toward trial.
Personal Injury Penalties and Damages
In Tompkins County, personal injury claims can result in compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, with no statutory cap on economic or non-economic damages in most cases.
| Offense Type | Legal Classification | Potential Damages | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Accident (with serious injury) | Tort | Medical costs, lost income, pain/suffering | NY Insurance Law § 5102(d) |
| Premises Liability (Slip & Fall) | Negligence | Same as above; reduced by comparative fault % | NY CPLR Article 14-A |
| Wrongful Death | Statutory Claim | Funeral costs, lost support, conscious pain | NY EPTL § 5-4.1 |
Results may vary. The outcome of any personal injury case depends on the specific facts and evidence.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to personal injury cases in New York. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of New York negligence law and Tompkins County court procedures.
Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled personal injury matters across our service areas. We use our experience with New York’s comparative fault system and serious injury threshold to advocate for clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Tompkins County Representation
Our New York location serves clients at Tompkins County courts. As a personal injury lawyer near Ithaca, we represent individuals in Ithaca, Dryden, Lansing, Trumansburg, Groton, Newfield, Caroline, and Enfield. We are accessible via I-90, I-81, and Route 17/I-86.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
By appointment only.
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in New York?
Three years from the date of injury for most personal injury cases in New York. Wrongful death claims have a two-year limit.
What is New York’s ‘serious injury’ threshold for auto accidents?
To recover for pain and suffering in an auto case, you must prove a ‘serious injury’ as defined in NY Insurance Law § 5102(d), such as significant disfigurement or permanent loss of use.
How does comparative fault affect my personal injury claim in NY?
New York uses pure comparative fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover even if you are 99% at fault.
Where are personal injury cases filed in Tompkins County?
Personal injury lawsuits in Tompkins County are filed in the Tompkins County Supreme Court, located at 320 North Tioga Street in Ithaca.
What is a Notice of Claim and when is it required?
A Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the incident if your injury involves a municipality, county, or public authority in New York.
Related Legal Services
For other legal matters in Tompkins County, visit our New York Personal Injury Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Albany County and Broome County. For different practice areas in Tompkins County, see Business Lawyer or Civil Litigation Lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.