Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer
Serious Injuries Require Serious Representation. Serving Nassau County, Suffolk County, and All of Long Island.
- Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts
- 30 Years Trial Experience
- No Fee Unless We Win
Serving Hempstead, Garden City, Huntington, Babylon, and all of Long Island.
We Work With Top Medical Experts At:
- North Shore University Hospital
- Stony Brook Medicine
- Nassau University Medical Center
- Good Samaritan Hospital
“Insurance companies adjust their settlement offers when they know your attorney has real trial experience. The difference between a good settlement and a great settlement often comes down to one question: Will your attorney actually go to trial?”
— James E. Toner, 30 Years Trial Experience
Why Choose Toner Law Firm?
Insurance adjusters know which Long Island personal injury Lawyer will settle cheap and which ones fight to the end. James E. Toner brings over 30 years of courtroom experience in Nassau County Supreme Court and Suffolk County Supreme Court, leveraging a reputation for aggressive litigation to force maximum compensation. While other firms accept lowball offers to avoid court, our track record of multi-million dollar verdicts proves we are ready to take your case to a jury if necessary—and that readiness is often the single biggest factor in securing a superior settlement.
30 Years of Trial Experience
James Toner has tried cases in Nassau County Supreme Court, Suffolk County Supreme Court, and federal district courts. We know how to win.
No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs for medical records and experts. You only pay legal fees if we recover compensation for you.
Local Knowledge
We know the local judges, the defense attorneys, and the doctors in Nassau and Suffolk. This local insight builds stronger cases.
Long Island Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Personal injury law covers any situation where someone else’s negligence causes you harm. We represent injured victims throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and all of Long Island in the following cases:
Auto Accidents
Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, and hit-and-run collisions throughout Long Island.
We investigate the accident scene, obtain police reports, and work with accident reconstruction experts to prove liability. We handle cases involving the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway, Southern State Parkway, and all local roads in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Concussions, skull fractures, and permanent brain damage from accidents, falls, or assaults.
Brain injuries require specialized medical documentation. We work with neurologists at Long Island hospitals including North Shore University Hospital, Stony Brook University Hospital, and Nassau University Medical Center to build your case.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Nassau County and Suffolk County must maintain safe premises. When they fail to repair broken stairs, clean spills, or remove snow and ice, people get hurt. We hold negligent property owners accountable for injuries caused by dangerous conditions.
Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents involve complex liability and massive insurance policies. We investigate driver logs, maintenance records, and federal regulations to hold trucking companies accountable for collisions on the LIE, Sunrise Highway, and Long Island roadways.
Construction Accidents
Falls from scaffolding, crane accidents, electrocution, and injuries from falling objects on Long Island construction sites. New York Labor Law provides special protections for construction workers. We pursue claims under Labor Law 240 (the scaffold law) and Labor Law 241 for workers injured on the job.
Wrongful Death
When negligence causes a death, family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim. We help families in Nassau and Suffolk Counties recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship. These cases require sensitivity and legal expertise.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
New York holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals. We represent victims of dog attacks throughout Long Island, pursuing compensation for medical treatment, scarring, and psychological trauma.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Bedsores, malnutrition, falls, and physical abuse at Long Island nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Facilities in Nassau and Suffolk Counties have a duty to provide proper care. When they fail, we hold them accountable.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents.
Pedestrians and cyclists have zero protection against vehicles. We represent victims struck in crosswalks, parking lots, and intersections throughout Long Island, fighting for full compensation for fractures, spinal injuries, and road rash caused by negligent drivers.
How We Build Your Personal Injury Case
Personal injury cases follow a specific process. Understanding what happens at each stage helps you make informed decisions about your case.
Free Consultation
Day 1We review your accident facts and legal rights at no cost, giving you an immediate, honest assessment of your case's strength.
Medical Treatment
OngoingYour health comes first. We connect you with top Long Island specialists whose detailed documentation builds maximum value for your legal claim.
Investigation
Weeks 1-8We secure evidence immediately—police reports, witness interviews, and accident reconstruction—to lock down liability before it disappears.
Demand Letter
Month 3-4We calculate total damages (medical needs, lost wages, pain & suffering) and issue a formal demand for full compensation to the insurer.
Negotiation
Month 4-8Insurers offer low settlements to desperate victims. We reject inadequate offers and negotiate aggressively based on the true value of your injury.
Litigation
Month 6-18If they refuse fair value, we file suit in Nassau or Suffolk Supreme Court, using depositions and discovery to force their hand.
Trial
18-24 MonthsWe prepare every case for a jury. Our reputation for cross-examining defense experts often compels insurers to settle just to avoid facing us in court.
How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim
Personal injury law covers any situation where someone else’s negligence causes you harm. We represent injured victims throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and all of Long Island in the following cases:
TACTIC 1: The Quick Settlement Offer
The adjuster calls within days of your accident. They offer to settle immediately. The amount seems reasonable. You have medical bills piling up. You want to move on.
This is a trap. You do not know the full extent of your injuries yet. Back injuries often worsen over time. Concussion symptoms appear weeks later. Once you accept their offer and sign the release, you lose all rights to additional compensation.
Never settle before finishing medical treatment. Never settle before talking to an attorney.
TACTIC 2: Recorded Statements
The adjuster asks for a recorded statement about the accident. They say it is routine. They promise it will help your claim.
They are gathering evidence to use against you. They ask leading questions. They get you to minimize your injuries or accept partial fault. Your recorded statements become evidence if your case goes to trial.
You are not required to give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement. Politely decline and contact an attorney.
TACTIC 3: Arguing Pre-Existing Conditions
The insurance company reviews your medical history. They find an old back injury from five years ago. They argue your current back pain comes from that old injury, not the recent accident.
New York law protects you here. You take the victim as you find them. If the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition, you still deserve compensation. We work with medical experts who document how the accident worsened your condition.
TACTIC 4: Delay and Paperwork
The insurance company requests endless documentation. They lose your medical records. They need additional forms. They delay processing your claim for months.
This is intentional. They want you to get frustrated and accept a low offer. They know you have bills to pay. They count on financial pressure forcing you to settle.
We handle all communication with insurance companies. We keep the process moving. We do not let them delay your case indefinitely.
Proven Results on Long Island
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
$3.2 Million
Verdict • Brain Injury
Jury verdict for a construction accident victim in Suffolk County.
$1.8 Million
Settlement • Auto Accident
Settlement for LIE collision involving multiple fractures.
$950,000
Settlement • Medical Malpractice
Surgical error resulting in permanent nerve damage.
* The case results mentioned above are illustrative of the matters handled by the firm. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Common Questions for a Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York?
New York has strict deadlines called statutes of limitations. For most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue.
Exceptions: Medical malpractice claims generally have a 2.5-year limit, and claims against government entities (like Nassau County or Suffolk County) require filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
Your case value depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, your lost wages, and the degree of the defendant’s fault.
Economic damages include medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, and lost earning capacity. These are calculated based on actual expenses and expert testimony about future needs.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. New York does not cap these damages in most cases. The jury decides what is fair based on the evidence.
We review your case during a free consultation and give you an honest assessment of its value.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
New York follows pure comparative negligence rules. You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: You suffered $100,000 in damages. The jury finds you 30% at fault and the defendant 70% at fault. You recover $70,000 (70% of your total damages).
Insurance companies use this rule to minimize payments. They argue you bear more fault than you actually do. We fight these arguments with evidence and expert testimony.
Should I accept the insurance company's settlement offer?
Almost never accept the first offer without talking to an attorney. Insurance companies make low initial offers hoping you will accept them.
Once you sign a release, you give up all rights to additional compensation. You cannot reopen your case if your injuries worsen. You cannot ask for more money if your medical bills exceed the settlement amount.
We review settlement offers for free. We tell you whether the offer is fair or whether you should negotiate for more.
How long does a personal injury case take?
Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries often settle within six to twelve months. Complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed fault take longer.
If your case goes to trial, expect 18 to 24 months from the date of filing. Nassau County Supreme Court and Suffolk County Supreme Court have busy trial calendars.
We keep you informed throughout the process. We move your case as quickly as possible while still building the strongest case.
Do I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. You attend a deposition where the defense attorney asks you questions under oath. This usually happens at our office or the court reporter’s office.
If your case goes to trial, you testify in court. We prepare you thoroughly. We explain what to expect. We practice your testimony with you.
Many clients find testifying less stressful than they imagined. You simply tell the truth about your injuries and how the accident affected your life.
What does "no fee unless we win" mean?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront legal fees. We advance all costs for medical records, expert witnesses, court filing fees, and deposition expenses.
If we do not recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. If we win your case through settlement or trial verdict, we take a percentage of the recovery as our legal fee. We discuss this percentage during your free consultation.
This arrangement allows injured victims to afford quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
Should I post about my accident on social media?
No. Insurance companies monitor your social media accounts. They look for posts that contradict your injury claims.
Example: You claim a back injury prevents you from working. You post a photo at your nephew’s birthday party. The insurance company argues you are not really injured because you appear happy in the photo.
Set all social media accounts to private. Do not post about your accident, your injuries, or your case. Even innocent posts get misinterpreted and used against you.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
If you were injured in an accident in Nassau County, Suffolk County, or anywhere on Long Island, contact Toner Law Firm for a free consultation. We review your case and explain your legal options at no cost to you.
Call (516) 294-1133 or fill out the form below. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Toner Law Firm represents clients across the New York metropolitan area. If you have been injured, contact our experienced Long Island personal injury lawyer today. We aggressively fight for victims in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and throughout NYC.
Also serving: Hempstead, Garden City, Mineola, Huntington, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Riverhead and the Rest of Long Island.
For other legal matters, please visit our Criminal Defense page.