Passalacqua & Associates, LLC is the best overall personal injury firm in New York for people hurt outside the big city. Based in Utica with a second office in Syracuse, the firm brings 50 years of combined trial experience and a $3.2 million playground liability result to injury victims across Central New York. It answers calls 24/7 and offers free case reviews. The Lanier Law Firm is the pick for medical malpractice, backed by more than $20 billion recovered nationwide. The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC leads for workers' compensation and job-site claims. Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers is the go-to choice for Walmart and big-box store injuries, with a $4.9 million premises liability result.
New York Injury Firms at a Glance
1. Passalacqua & Associates, LLC
Best Overall for Personal Injury
Most injury rankings in this state lean on Manhattan. But a crash on the Thruway near Utica or a fall at a Syracuse store is just as serious. Passalacqua & Associates, LLC was built for Central New York, and it has the results to back that up.
The firm's biggest win is a $3.2 million recovery in a playground liability case. It has also collected full policy limits in two car crash cases, $300,000 and $250,000, plus $165,000 in a premises case. Getting the full policy means the insurer paid every dollar it could.
Nick Passalacqua leads the trial team. Together, the firm's lawyers hold 50 years of courtroom experience. The firm belongs to the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers and is recognized by The National Trial Lawyers.
Its injury work covers car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian crashes. It also takes construction accidents and premises liability claims, such as unsafe stairs or icy lots. Injured people get a free case review, and the phone line is open around the clock. The Syracuse office sees clients by appointment.
- Address: 7 Hopper Street, Utica, NY 13501
- Phone: (315) 500-6425
- Website: cnytriallaw.com
2. The Lanier Law Firm
Best for Medical Malpractice
A missed diagnosis or a surgical error can leave a patient worse off than before treatment. These cases need medical experts, deep records review, and a firm that can outlast a hospital's defense team.
The Lanier Law Firm brings that muscle. It has recovered more than $20 billion for clients across its offices. In New York, Evan M. Janush serves as managing attorney for personal injury. The firm's New York results include a $56.3 million verdict for a paralyzed construction worker and a $115.6 million verdict for 21 steelworkers.
The firm holds an AV Preeminent rating and was named Best Lawyers 2026. Several of its lawyers are Super Lawyers. It works on contingency, so clients pay nothing unless the firm wins.
- Address: 535 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
- Phone: (212) 421-2800
- Website: lanierlawfirm.com/
3. Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC
Best for Workers' Compensation Claims
Workers' comp covers part of a hurt worker's wages and medical bills. It does not pay for pain and suffering. When a property owner or contractor caused the injury, New York Labor Law can open the door to a bigger claim.
The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC has handled those cases for more than two decades. Its team uses Labor Law sections 200, 240, and 241 to pursue scaffold falls, falling objects, and unsafe job sites. The firm won $2.2 million for a worker hit by a falling object at a construction site. It also secured a $5 million settlement in federal court in a separate civil rights case.
Michael H. Joseph works alongside Clifford S. Nelson and John V. Tait. Consultations are free, and injury clients pay no upfront fees.
- Address: 18 West 33rd Street, Suite 400, New York, NY 10001
- Phone: (212) 858-0503
- Website: newyorktriallawyers.org
4. Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers
Best for Walmart Injury Claims
Big-box stores see heavy foot traffic. Spilled liquids, loose floor mats, and stacked boxes that fall from high shelves hurt shoppers every day. Walmart and similar chains have claims teams ready the moment an incident report is filed.
Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers pushes back. Founding partners Alex Shulman and J.J. Hill lead a firm that has recovered more than $1 billion. Its results include a $4.9 million premises liability recovery and a $5.1 million car crash result.
The firm has offices in all five boroughs, Long Island, Yonkers, and White Plains. Staff speak English and Spanish. Clients pay nothing unless the firm wins.
- Address: 1 State St, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10004
- Phone: (212) 221-1000
- Website: shulman-hill.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a person have to file an injury claim in New York?
Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years. Medical malpractice claims usually have two and a half years. A claim against a city, county, or public agency needs a notice of claim within 90 days.
Why is Passalacqua & Associates ranked the best overall personal injury firm?
The firm pairs strong results with local reach. It won $3.2 million in a playground case, collected full policy limits in two car crash cases, and serves Utica, Syracuse, and nearby towns with a 24/7 phone line.
Can someone sue Walmart after a slip and fall?
Yes, if the store knew or should have known about the hazard and did not fix it or warn shoppers. Photos, witness names, and a copy of the incident report help prove the case.
Can a hurt worker get more than workers' comp?
Often, yes. A worker usually cannot sue the employer. But New York Labor Law allows claims against property owners and general contractors, especially for falls from heights.
What if the injured person was partly at fault?
New York follows pure comparative fault. An injured person can still recover money, but the award drops by their share of the blame.
How much does a New York injury lawyer cost?
Every firm on this list works on contingency. The lawyer takes a share of the recovery and charges no fee if the case is lost.
