December 4, 2025
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Reading Time: 4 min
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, hiring the right New York City personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in your case. The attorney you choose can affect how quickly your claim progresses and the compensation you may receive. Take advantage of free consultations to ask important questions before making a decision.
Cellino Law is here to help you understand your options. Call us anytime at 888-888-8888 or fill out our online form to speak with an experienced attorney about your situation and your rights.
Below are five essential questions to ask before hiring a personal injury lawyer in New York City.
1. What Experience Do You Have With My Type of Case?
Personal injury law covers many types of cases, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents and bicycle injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Product liability
- Workplace accidents
Ask your attorney how many cases like yours they have handled and how familiar they are with the common challenges in your type of claim. Typically, attorneys who are skilled in a particular area of law can achieve more successful outcomes for their clients.
At Cellino Law, all we do is personal injury. Working solely in this field means our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to anticipate issues, work with experts, and guide you through each step of the process to achieve the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
2. Who Will Work on My Case?
It is important to know who will handle the work on your case. Many attorneys rely on paralegals, legal assistants, and investigators to help with filing paperwork, answering questions, and preparing documents. This allows the attorney to focus on building your case, negotiating with insurance companies, and speaking with witnesses.
You should confirm that the attorney you meet with will be actively involved in your case. Make sure you know who will communicate with you and represent you as your case progresses, especially in the event your case goes to trial.
3. What Are Your Fees
Most personal injury attorneys in New York work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you recover money from the case. The typical fee is 33%, or 1/3 of your settlement or verdict.
At Cellino Law, we are always transparent with our clients about our fees. If a lawyer is vague or asks for money upfront, consider speaking with other firms.
4. Who Pays the Costs During the Case
In addition to attorney fees, there may be costs such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, medical records, and administrative expenses. Typically, the law firm will pay these costs upfront and be reimbursed from the settlement. This allows you to pursue your claim without the financial burden of paying large amounts out of pocket.
Other costs,like medical liens, will likely need to be repaid out of your settlement as well. It’s worthwhile to ask your attorney what additional costs may be deducted from your overall settlement amount.
5. How Much Courtroom Experience Do You Have
Most personal injury cases settle, but some may require going to trial. Insurance companies keep records of lawyers’ courtroom experience. If they have knowledge that your lawyer avoids trials, they may feel more confident in offering less compensation for your claim.
A lawyer with trial experience, like the attorneys at Cellino Law, can negotiate stronger settlements and present your case effectively if it goes to court. Choosing an attorney comfortable in the courtroom can make a difference in the amount and speed of your recovery.
The Attorneys at Cellino Law Are Here to Answer Your Questions
By asking an attorney these questions after you’ve been involved in an accident, you’re setting yourself to work with the best NYC personal injury attorney to handle your case.
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, the personal injury attorneys at Cellino Law can guide you through the process. Our experienced trial lawyers are available to answer questions, explain your rights, and help you understand the next steps in pursuing your case.
For a free, no-risk consultation, call us at 888-888-8888, or complete our online form to speak with a member of our legal team.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.