Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New York
Melisande Hill
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Sandy was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she attended high school, college and law school. She was admitted to the bar in Virginia in 1980 and subsequently moved to New York City and was admitted to the New York bar in 1981. She has lived in New York City since 1980 where she and her husband raised their four children.
On arriving in New York City, Sandy became associated with the firm Lipsig, Sullivan and Liapakis, then the largest plaintiff’s personal injury firm in the City of New York. There, she concentrated in Products Liability and Medical Malpractice, trying her first cases to successful verdict against the City of New York.
In 1983 Sandy joined the former president of NYSTLA, Gary Pillersdorf in his firm, where she became a partner in 1985. There, she continued her career as a trial lawyer, trying many cases to verdict. She worked on multiple complex plaintiffs’ personal injury cases resulting in multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, including the landmark case of Delosovic v. City of New York, which culminated in a $25,000,000 jury verdict in a complex case that involved a roadway defect and a products liability action.
In August of 1997 Sandy partnered with Ms. Moin in order to create a firm that is known for meticulous legal work, personalized representation and outstanding results. Sandy has represented plaintiffs at trial on scores of cases and has obtained many 7-figure verdicts for her clients.
Daniel P. O’Toole
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
DANIEL P. O’TOOLE is one of New York’s premier trial lawyers. He graduated from the Fordham University School of Law in 1992 and is admitted to the New York and New Jersey bars. Mr. O’Toole has devoted his professional life to helping people whose lives have been upended by accidents. The last seven years have been the most productive of Mr. O’Toole’s 30-year career, amassing over $415,000,000 in settlements and over $110,000,000 in verdicts. His lifetime reported settlements and verdicts now approach $850,000,000. In the first eight months of 2022, Mr. O’Toole and his team members have settled in excess of $120 million in cases. In 2020, Mr. O’Toole had the first and seventh largest premises liability settlements reported in the United States. In 2019, along with his partner Scott Occhiogrosso, Mr. O’Toole obtained the largest individual personal injury verdict in the United States, while also obtaining the second and third largest settlements in all of New York State.
At age 55, Mr. O’Toole has been the lead trial lawyer or co-lead trial counsel on the following record-breaking results:
- $110,174,972 verdict, the largest individual personal injury verdict ever in the State of New York
- $32,756,055 verdict, the largest personal injury verdict ever in Suffolk County
- $22,500,000 settlement, the second largest reported personal injury settlement ever in the State of New York
- $20,181,000 verdict, the second largest personal injury verdict ever in the Court of Claims (including the largest pain and suffering verdict ever in the Court of Claims)
- $15,000,000 settlement for brain-injured pedestrian struck by an automobile
- $15,000,000 wrongful death settlement for worker killed by a falling object
- $14,000,000 verdict, the largest personal injury verdict ever in Nassau County
- $13,500,000 settlement, the largest reported personal injury settlement ever in Suffolk County
- $13,000,000 wrongful death settlement for auto accident victim
- $12,250,000 settlement for two workers injured when an elevator skipped floors and came to an abrupt stop
- $12,000,000 settlement for injured pedestrian child with leg injuries (lifetime payment to claimant will be in excess of $70,000,000)
- $12,000,000 settlement for injured union worker
- $11,500,000 settlement for laborer injured by a saw
- $11,000,000 settlement for laborer with back injuries
STACY L. THOMPSON ESQ.
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Stacy Thompson has been with the firm since 2006, specializing in plaintiff’s medical malpractice litigation, and has served as the firm’s managing attorney since 2014. Her expertise not only includes medical malpractice cases, but legal malpractice, catastrophic personal injury, and labor law cases. Stacy has partnered with hundreds of physicians across the country to maximize compensation for her client’s injuries.
Stacy has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in the area of medical malpractice for the years 2014-2018 and has been featured as a Top Female attorney by the New York Times in the field of medical malpractice. Stacy previously served as a Young Lawyers liaison to the Brooklyn Bar Association, and currently is a member of the American Bar Association and the New York State Trial Lawyers’ Association.
Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson, L.L.P., is a client-centric, results driven law firm with a focus on personal injury representation. With happy clients all over Greater New York and a strong record of success protecting their interests, we are confident that we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you need after a serious injury.
John Bonina
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
John is the senior trial attorney for the firm and has been making a difference for his clients ever since his first trial win over 20 years ago. Some significant verdicts include a $4,646,000 verdict for the wrongful death of a woman due to delayed diagnosis of lung cancer; a $2,500,000 verdict for the family of a woman who bled to death while waiting for emergency surgery on a ruptured aneurysm; and a $1,646,000 verdict for the family of a man who died as the result of delayed diagnosis of lung cancer. His success extends beyond verdicts, with numerous multi-million-dollar settlements in cases involving injured construction workers, catastrophically injured children and other New Yorkers injured by negligence or malpractice. Under John’s leadership, the firm has recorded more than $200 million in combined settlements and verdicts. He credits the firm’s success to a combination of old-fashioned hard work and innovative trial techniques.
As a result of his skill and empathy for clients, John has been a frequent lecturer through the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Brooklyn Bar Association. The respect from his peers has earned him a place in The Best Lawyers in America and in New York Magazine’s Best Lawyers in the New York Area.
Jay Knispel
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Jay Knispel is a New York City personal injury lawyer and founding partner of the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel, LLC. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Mr. Knispel appreciates the impact an unexpected and avoidable accident can have on victims and their family members.
His legal career, which spans more than two decades, has been dedicated to helping his neighbors and community stand up to insurance companies, deep-pocketed corporations, and other adversaries after tragic accidents.
He helps New York City accident victims stand tall and demand compensation they rightfully deserve under personal injury law.
Mr. Knispel is a graduate of Binghamton University and received his law degree from Albany Law School of Union University. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Knispel was inducted into the prestigious National Order of the Barristers.
Prior to opening his own practice, Mr. Knispel was a Senior Trial Attorney for a major national insurance company. He represented commercial clients such as United Parcel Service, Red Lobster restaurants, Federated Department Stores as well as hundreds of individuals. The knowledge he gained in this role is instrumental in the personal injury cases he handles today.
ADAM HANDLER ESQ.
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Since 2004, I have been obtaining justice for accident victims by making sure they receive full compensation for their injury, medical bills and loss of income. To date, the total recovery for my clients has been over $200 million dollars.
The law provides for a one-time recovery in personal injury actions making your choice of personal injury attorney a crucial decision. Whether you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, workplace accident or as a result of medical negligence, I am confident that you will have peace of mind knowing that I will not rest short of obtaining the justice you deserve.
I live my life believing that relationships are the key to problem-solving. That’s why I have always practiced law on the principle that my clients are part of my extended family and bring to each representation an honest and aggressive approach that would be expected of a “family attorney.” I am a 3rd generation personal injury lawyer and my grandfather would always remind me that a good attorney will have many cases but a client only has one. With that in mind, I am committed to treating every case like it’s my most important case.
The last thing anyone needs in life is to sustain a personal injury, yet when it does happen, the first thing you need is an attorney who is fully committed to using their advocacy skills and reputation for success in bringing about a successful outcome to an unfortunate situation.
If you have sustained a personal injury and need a lawyer to help you fight for justice and financial recovery, I welcome you to join my extended family and let me be your lawyer for life.
Adam D. Cahn
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Adam D. Cahn is a seasoned litigator, who began his legal career in 1994. His primary focus is representing individuals in personal injury and medical malpractice matters at all levels of state and federal practice. He lectures in the field of trial advocacy and is regularly sought by local newspapers, television and radio stations for his expertise on matters in the legal field.
Mr. Cahn has obtained numerous verdicts and settlements throughout New York state on cases involving CRPS/RSD injuries; construction accidents, brain injury litigation, products liability, medical malpractice, lead paint exposure, sexual harassment and general negligence. His litigation background has included criminal defense, corporate and commercial representation.
Mr. Cahn has successfully recovered more than $250 million on behalf of his clients through verdicts, mediations, arbitrations and settlements. His many successful recoveries for clients include:
- $11 million settlement during trial against a major automobile manufacturer
- $9 million verdict for a woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury in an automobile accident
- $4.8 million settlement for an individual run over by an out-of-control car
- $2.9 million verdict for a woman whose doctor failed to diagnose colon cancer
- $2.7 million settlement during trial for an infant caused to suffer a severe shoulder injury during birth due to improper delivery techniques
- $1.24 million verdict for lead poisoning to an infant
- $1 million verdict for a warehouse manager who fell from a defective roof
- $1 million verdict involving the malpositioning of a patients arm during hernia surgery
- Several undisclosed multimillion-dollar verdicts against local churches for sexual assaults by clergy
The Empire State’s Medical Landscape: Why You Need the Best Medical Malpractice Lawyer in New York
New York, a city that never sleeps, pulsates with energy, offers cultural gems around every corner, and boasts some of the world’s most esteemed medical institutions. Yet, even with advancements in healthcare, medical errors can occur. If you suspect medical malpractice in New York, securing the services of the best medical malpractice lawyer can make a world of difference in holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. This comprehensive guide explores the invaluable benefits of retaining a skilled legal professional to navigate the intricacies of New York medical malpractice law and fight for your rights.
Understanding New York Medical Malpractice Law: A Maze of Statutes and Complexities
New York upholds a stringent standard for medical malpractice claims. To succeed, you must prove four key elements:
- Doctor-Patient Relationship: A formal doctor-patient relationship existed between you and the healthcare provider in question.
- Breach of Duty: The healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care expected of a qualified professional in a similar situation.
- Causation: The healthcare provider’s breach of duty directly caused your injury or illness.
- Damages: You sustained measurable damages due to the medical error, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or disability.
Navigating the complexities of medical malpractice law and proving these elements requires a deep understanding of medical terminology, legal procedures, and the nuances of New York’s legal system. Here’s where the best medical malpractice lawyer in New York becomes your invaluable ally:
- Understanding Your Rights and Options: Following a potential medical error, you have specific legal rights, including the right to file a claim and seek legal representation. A lawyer clarifies your rights, explains your legal options, and guides you towards the course of action that best addresses your unique situation.
- Investigating the Case: A skilled lawyer meticulously investigates your case. This can involve gathering medical records, consulting with medical experts, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing all available evidence to establish the breach of duty and its connection to your injuries.
- Expert Medical Witnesses: Medical malpractice cases often hinge on expert testimony from qualified medical professionals who can confirm the deviation from the standard of care. A lawyer works with these experts to build a strong and credible case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Healthcare providers and their insurance companies fight hard against medical malpractice claims. A lawyer with negotiation expertise battles for fair compensation, considering present and future medical needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Understanding New York’s Statute of Limitations: New York has a strict statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims. A lawyer ensures your case is filed within the legal timeframe to preserve your right to compensation.
- Litigation Expertise: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer provides effective representation in court, presenting a compelling case before a judge or jury.
Beyond Legal Expertise: The Qualities of a Top-Tier Medical Malpractice Lawyer in New York
Not all medical malpractice lawyers are created equal. Here are the hallmarks of a top-tier lawyer to consider when selecting the best advocate for your case in New York:
- Extensive Experience in New York Medical Malpractice Law: New York has specific medical malpractice laws, precedents, and court procedures. A lawyer with a proven track record of handling medical malpractice cases in New York understands the nuances of the legal landscape and can effectively navigate the system.
- Compassion and Understanding: Medical errors can be life-altering, causing physical, emotional, and financial hardship. Your lawyer should be empathetic to your situation and provide support throughout the legal process.
- Client-Centered Approach: The best medical malpractice lawyers prioritize understanding your unique circumstances, goals, and concerns. They work collaboratively with you to develop a legal strategy that aligns with your priorities and maximizes your potential recovery.
- Clear Communication and Accessibility: Clear and consistent communication is essential. A top-tier lawyer keeps you informed of case developments, addresses your questions promptly, and ensures you feel involved in the decision-making process.
- Competitive Fees and Flexible Payment Structures: Many medical malpractice lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay unless they win your case. Discuss fee structures upfront to ensure transparency and avoid financial surprises.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation in New York
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced medical malpractice situations and inquire about their lawyers.
- New York State Bar Association: Contact the New York State Bar Association for referrals to qualified medical malpractice attorneys in New York.