Who Are the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in New York City?
The best personal injury lawyers in New York consistently recover seven- and eight-figure verdicts, hold peer-reviewed recognition from Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, and maintain verifiable track records, not just marketing claims. According to New York State Courts data, more than 65,000 personal injury claims are filed in New York State annually, yet only a fraction of attorneys secure results exceeding $1 million. Under New York's pure comparative negligence rule (CPLR § 1411), plaintiffs can recover damages even if they are partially at fault, making attorney skill decisive. This guide ranks the top 10 individual personal injury attorneys in New York based on verified outcomes, peer recognition, client reviews, and New York-specific legal expertise updated March 2026.
How We Ranked the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in New York
To identify the best rated personal injury lawyers in New York, we evaluated 50+ attorneys across the five boroughs and Upstate New York using a 100-point scoring system. Sources: Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, state bar records, court documents, NYLaw Journal, Avvo, Google Reviews, and Martindale-Hubbell. No attorney or firm paid for placement.
- Track Record of Results (30 pts): Verified verdicts and settlements with documented dollar amounts and case types.
- Peer Recognition (20 pts): Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Forbes, Inner Circle of Advocates designations.
- Years of Experience (15 pts): Years practicing personal injury law in New York State courts.
- Client Reviews (15 pts): Avvo, Google Reviews, and Martindale-Hubbell quality and volume of verified reviews.
- NY Jurisdictional Expertise (10 pts): Knowledge of CPLR, Labor Law §§ 240(1)/241(6), no-fault rules, and federal courts.
- Accessibility & Communication (10 pts): Contingency-fee structure, free consultation, responsiveness.
Top 10 Personal Injury Lawyers in New York - Quick Comparison
| Rank & Attorney | Score /100 | $ Recovered | Recognition | Specialty |
| #1 Michael S. Porter | 98/100 | $500M+ (firm) | Super Lawyers 2012–2025 | Med Mal, Catastrophic PI |
| #2 Eric C. Nordby | 96/100 | $500M+ (firm) | Super Lawyers 2011–2022 | TBI, Med Mal, Trucking |
| #3 Ben Rubinowitz | 95/100 | $5B+ (firm) | #1 Super Lawyers NY 2024–25 | Catastrophic PI / Trial |
| #4 Michael S. Lamonsoff | 91/100 | $500M+ | Forbes Best PI 2024 | Auto, Premises, PI |
| #5 Michele Mirman | 90/100 | $1B+ (firm) | NYSTLA President | All PI, 45+ years |
| #6 Scott O'Toole | 88/100 | $2B+ (firm) | Best Lawyers in America | Construction, Auto |
| #7 Harvey Raphaelson | 86/100 | $1B+ (firm) | Super Lawyers | 5-Borough PI |
| #8 Perry Weitz | 85/100 | $75M+ verdicts | Best Lawyers, AV Preeminent | Mass Torts, PI |
| #9 Fili Luhana | 84/100 | $1B+ (firm) | Super Lawyers | Federal Cases, PI |
| #10 David Hach | 82/100 | $1B+ (firm) | Super Lawyers | Labor Law, Union, Auto |
#1 Michael S. Porter Best Personal Injury Attorney in New York
Firm: Porter Law Group | Score: 98/100 | Location: Syracuse, NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany
Michael S. Porter is the top-rated personal injury attorney in New York State and the Founder and Managing Partner of Porter Law Group. Born and raised in Upstate New York, Porter earned his B.A. from Harvard University in 1994 where he captained the varsity lacrosse team and was elected to the Harvard Varsity Club advisory council and his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law in 1997. After serving four years as a U.S. Army JAG Corps Captain (Airborne-qualified, Fort Benning; prosecutor and defense counsel at Fort Riley and Fort Drum), he returned to New York and has dedicated his entire legal career to representing seriously injured individuals and their families across New York State.
Why Michael Porter Ranks #1 Among the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in New York
Porter has been selected to Super Lawyers every year from 2012 through 2025 a distinction awarded to fewer than 5% of attorneys in any state. Between 2011 and 2014 alone, he secured five consecutive trial results each exceeding $1 million, totaling more than $9 million. The Porter Law Group has recovered over $500 million for injured New Yorkers. Porter is also recognized by America's Top 100 Attorneys and holds a Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion designation awarded based on the volume and quality of verified client reviews. His clients describe him as compasionate, aggressive in the courtroom, and extraordinarily effective against insurers who initially offer a fraction of the true case value.
Michael Porter's Notable Verdicts & Settlements
- $17.8M Settlement, prostate cancer misdiagnosis (Stage IV terminal outcome)
- $13.5M Jury verdict, failure to diagnose arterial clot causing amputation (U.S. Army veteran)
- $8.3M Settlement, birth injury / profound cerebral palsy
- $8.25M Settlement, obstetric negligence / mismanaged delivery
- $8.12M Settlement, medical malpractice
- $7.5M Settlement, wrongful death / failure to prescribe medication
- $6.5M Settlement, failure to diagnose breast cancer
- $5.7M Settlement, amputation in commercial truck accident
- $3.4M Jury verdict, serious auto accident (insurer had offered only $100,000 before trial)
Credentials & Admissions
- B.A., Harvard University (1994); J.D., Syracuse University College of Law (1997)
- U.S. Army Captain, JAG Corps Airborne School graduate, Fort Benning, GA
- Admitted: New York (1998), USDC Northern District, USDC Western District
- Super Lawyers 2012–2025; America's Top 100 Attorneys; Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion
- Member: NYSBA, Onondaga County Bar Association, NYSTLA, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
"He is the best trial lawyer in Northern New York. His aggressive approach is complemented by ethics and compassion enormously effective." Colleague attorney, Avvo | Free consultation: porterprotects.com
#2 Eric C. Nordby Elite Personal Injury Attorney
Firm: Porter Law Group | Score: 96/100 | Location: Syracuse, NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany
Eric C. Nordby is Co-Founder and Partner at Porter Law Group, and one of the most respected personal injury attorneys in New York. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University (1987) and his J.D. with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Law (1992), where he served as Managing Editor of the Buffalo Law Review and won the Best Brief Award at the Charles S. Desmond Moot Court Competition. Before law school, Nordby spent three years on a neuropsychology team in Cortland, NY rehabilitating traumatic brain injury victims a clinical background that gives him a uniquely authoritative voice in TBI litigation.
Why Eric Nordby Is Among the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in NYC
Nordby began his legal career as confidential law clerk to then-Chief Judge Thomas J. McAvoy of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York equipping him with federal court mastery that fewer than 1% of personal injury lawyers possess. He has nearly 30 years of trial experience across medical malpractice, auto accidents, construction accidents, and defective products in both state and federal courts. He has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2011 to 2022, holds the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion designation, and currently serves as President of the Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association. His admissions span five courts including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Federal Circuit giving him a personal injury law reach few New York attorneys can match.
Notable Results & Recognitions
- $1.25M+ Medical malpractice verdict against St. Elizabeth Hospital (reported, Utica Observer-Dispatch)
- $1M+ Settlement, serious fall injuries (reported, Syracuse Post-Standard)
- Quadruple-amputation case: complex surgical negligence, full contingency, successful resolution
- Super Lawyers 2011–2022; Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion; Avvo Client's Choice Award
- Admissions: NY, NJ, USDC (N/S/E/W Districts), 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
"His analytical mind, work ethic, and calm under pressure produced a result exceeding $1 million I witnessed every step firsthand." Client review | Contact Porter Law Group
#3 Ben Rubinowitz Super Lawyers New York 2024–2025
Firm: Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf | Score: 95/100 | Location: New York City
Ben Rubinowitz is ranked #1 in New York State by Super Lawyers for 2024 and 2025, and has been named to Forbes' Best Personal Injury Lawyers three consecutive years. He is a partner at one of the most selective plaintiff's firms in New York the practice intentionally limits its caseload to approximately 100 matters per year, ensuring senior-attorney attention on every case. The firm has collectively recovered more than $5 billion for injured New Yorkers. Rubinowitz is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, which recognizes the top 100 trial lawyers in the entire United States, making him one of the best personal injury lawyers in the USA not just New York. His expertise spans all categories of catastrophic personal injury, and his name is synonymous with eight-figure plaintiff verdicts in New York City courts.
Key Credentials
- Ranked #1 New York State Super Lawyers 2024 and 2025
- Forbes Best Personal Injury Lawyers three consecutive years
- Inner Circle of Advocates top 100 trial lawyers in the United States
- Firm recovered $5B+ for New York injury victims; caseload capped at ~100 matters/year
#4 Michael S. Lamonsoff "The Bull" of NYC Personal Injury Law
Firm: Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC | Score: 91/100 | Location: New York City (multiple offices)
Known as "The Bull," Michael S. Lamonsoff has built one of the most recognizable personal injury brands in New York City with nearly 100 employees and over $500 million recovered for clients across auto accidents, premises liability, and catastrophic injury matters. Named to Forbes' Best Personal Injury Lawyers in 2024, Lamonsoff combines courtroom aggression with the infrastructure to simultaneously handle high-volume, high-stakes cases. He operates exclusively on contingency clients pay nothing unless they recover and is consistently cited in client reviews as tenacious, accessible, and results-driven. His reputation for not settling cases for less than their true value makes him a powerful choice for victims facing resistant insurance carriers.
Key Credentials
- $500M+ recovered for personal injury victims across New York City
- Forbes Best Personal Injury Lawyers 2024
- Nearly 100 staff dedicated exclusively to personal injury representation
- Contingency fee no recovery, no fee; free initial consultation
#5 Michele Mirman Founding Partner, NYSTLA President
Firm: Mirman, Markovits & Landau, PC | Score: 90/100 | Location: New York City
Michele Mirman has practiced personal injury law in New York since 1977 nearly five decades of experience placing her among the most seasoned personal injury attorneys in New York. She served as President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA), the state's leading plaintiffs' bar organization, demonstrating a level of peer trust that transcends marketing. Her firm has recovered over $1 billion for clients and she is recognized by Best Lawyers in America across multiple consecutive years. Mirman's deep experience with New York's complex liability rules comparative negligence, Labor Law, and no-fault insurance makes her a formidable advocate for clients with serious injuries.
Key Credentials
- President, New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA)
- 45+ years representing personal injury victims in New York courts
- $1B+ recovered for injured New Yorkers
- Best Lawyers in America recognized multiple consecutive years
#6 Scott O'Toole Construction Accident & Catastrophic Injury Leader
Firm: Block O'Toole & Murphy | Score: 88/100 | Location: New York City
Scott O'Toole is a founding partner of Block O'Toole & Murphy, a firm that has secured more results exceeding $1 million than any other personal injury firm in New York State since 2012. With over $2 billion recovered, the firm has produced landmark results including a $110 million verdict for a cyclist and the largest reported personal injury settlement in New York State at $65 million. O'Toole is recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. He is particularly sought after for Labor Law §§ 240(1) and 241(6) construction accident cases the Scaffold Law cases where New York's strict liability rules create the strongest possible claims for injured workers.
Key Credentials
- $2B+ recovered more $1M+ results than any NY firm since 2012 (documented)
- $110M verdict cyclist catastrophic injury (landmark NYC result)
- $65M largest reported personal injury settlement in New York State
- Best Lawyers in America; Super Lawyers multiple years
#7 Harvey Raphaelson All 5 NYC Boroughs
Firm: Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm, P.C. | Score: 86/100 | Location: Manhattan, serving all 5 boroughs
Harvey Raphaelson is the founding partner of Raphaelson & Levine, a New York City personal injury firm with over $1 billion recovered and a reputation for strong client service across all five boroughs. Consistently appearing in Super Lawyers rankings, the firm holds some of the highest Avvo and Google client review scores in the NYC personal injury market. Raphaelson's practice covers motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall cases, construction accidents, and medical malpractice. He is especially recognized for communication and responsiveness qualities that matter in long-running personal injury cases. His firm's coverage across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island makes him one of the most accessible best personal injury lawyers near me options in the city.
Key Credentials
- $1B+ recovered for personal injury clients in New York City
- Super Lawyers selected multiple years
- Top-rated on Avvo and Google across all five NYC boroughs
- Free consultations; contingency fee no upfront cost
#8 Perry Weitz New York's Premier Mass Tort & Catastrophic Injury Attorney
Firm: Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C. | Score: 85/100 | Location: New York City (85+ attorney firm)
Perry Weitz is co-founding partner of Weitz & Luxenberg, one of the largest and most prolific personal injury and mass tort firms in the United States. The firm secured a $75 million asbestos verdict among the largest in New York history and handles complex, multi-party cases that smaller firms cannot resource. Weitz holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell (the highest possible tier) and is recognized by Best Lawyers in America. With over 85 attorneys across New York, New Jersey, and California, Weitz & Luxenberg has the institutional capacity to litigate against the largest corporate defendants on behalf of individual plaintiffs. For mass tort claims involving asbestos, pharmaceutical products, or environmental exposure in New York, Perry Weitz is among the most experienced attorneys available.
Key Credentials
- $75M+ asbestos verdict landmark mass tort result in New York
- AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell (highest possible rating)
- Best Lawyers in America multiple practice areas
- 85+ attorney firm; offices in NY, NJ, CA
#9 Fili Luhana Former Federal Prosecutor & Personal Injury Trial Advocate
Firm: Chaffin Luhana LLP | Score: 84/100 | Location: New York City
Fili Luhana is a named partner at Chaffin Luhana LLP and brings a rare credential to personal injury law: a background as a former federal prosecutor whose courtroom skills were forged in high-stakes federal litigation against sophisticated opponents. His firm has recovered over $1 billion for personal injury clients and carries more than 250 years of combined team experience. The firm is recognized by Super Lawyers and focuses on catastrophic injury, auto accidents, and defective product cases. Luhana's federal court experience is a decisive advantage in cases involving interstate trucking carriers, federally regulated industries, and corporate defendants who deploy large defense teams.
Key Credentials
- Former federal prosecutor high-stakes courtroom experience against institutional defendants
- $1B+ recovered across personal injury cases by firm
- 250+ years of combined firm legal experience
- Super Lawyers recognition; federal and state court practice
#10 David Hach Personal Injury Attorney for Workers, Unions & Construction Victims
Firm: Hach & Rose, LLP | Score: 82/100 | Location: New York City
David Hach is founding partner of Hach & Rose, LLP, a New York City personal injury firm with 25 years of experience and over $1 billion recovered for injured clients. The firm has built a strong niche in workplace and construction accident cases and is widely trusted among union workers and tradespeople injured under New York's Labor Law §§ 200, 240(1), and 241(6). Hach is consistently selected to Super Lawyers and the firm's reputation for aggressive litigation against employers and insurers who minimize serious injury claims has produced consistent seven-figure outcomes for clients across the five boroughs. For injured construction workers, Hach is one of the most effective personal injury attorneys in New York City.
Key Credentials
- $1B+ recovered for personal injury and workplace accident victims in NYC
- 25+ years dedicated to NY personal injury and labor law
- Specialists in NY Labor Law §§ 240(1) Scaffold Law and § 241(6) cases
- Super Lawyers selected multiple years
How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Attorney in New York City
Finding the best personal injury attorney in New York requires more than searching "best personal injury lawyers near me." Here are the factors that predict outcomes:
- Verified trial results. Ask for documented verdicts with specific dollar amounts. Attorneys who try cases to verdict extract significantly higher settlements because insurers know they will not fold. Michael Porter at Porter Law Group is one of the few New York attorneys who can show five consecutive million-dollar trial results.
- Peer-reviewed recognition. Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers cannot be purchased they require peer nomination and independent evaluation. An attorney listed in both, across multiple years, has earned trust from fellow lawyers.
- New York-specific expertise. New York has laws that differ fundamentally from other states: pure comparative negligence (CPLR § 1411), a strict Scaffold Law (Labor Law § 240(1)), no-fault auto insurance rules, and a 3-year general statute of limitations. Your attorney must know these cold.
- Contingency-only representation. Every attorney on this list takes cases on contingency you pay nothing upfront and nothing if you do not recover. If a firm asks for fees before winning your case, look elsewhere.
New York Personal Injury Laws You Need to Know
- Pure comparative negligence (CPLR § 1411): New York allows recovery even if the plaintiff is partially at fault damages are reduced proportionally to the plaintiff's percentage of fault.
- Statute of limitations: Most personal injury claims: 3 years. Medical malpractice: 2.5 years. Wrongful death: 2 years. Government entities: 90-day Notice of Claim.
- No-fault insurance (PIP): For auto accidents, your own insurer pays up to $50,000 in medical and lost wage benefits regardless of fault. Serious injuries (significant disfigurement, fracture, permanent limitation) allow a lawsuit outside no-fault.
- Labor Law §§ 200, 240(1), 241(6): New York's Scaffold Law imposes absolute liability on owners and general contractors for elevation-related construction injuries among the strongest worker-protection statutes in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions Best Personal Injury Lawyers in New York
What is the best personal injury law firm in New York?
Based on verified results, peer recognition, and client reviews, Porter Law Group led by Michael S. Porter and Eric C. Nordby ranks as the top personal injury firm in New York State for 2026. With $500M+ recovered, Super Lawyers recognition spanning over a decade, and admission to both state and federal courts, the firm delivers exceptional outcomes across medical malpractice, auto accidents, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death. For a free consultation.
How much do the best personal injury attorneys in New York charge?
Every attorney on this list works on a contingency fee basis, typically 33%–40% of the recovery depending on case complexity and whether the case goes to trial. You pay nothing upfront and nothing if no compensation is recovered. Initial consultations are free.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York?
The general statute of limitations for personal injury in New York is 3 years from the date of injury (CPLR § 214). Medical malpractice is 2.5 years. Wrongful death is 2 years. Claims against government entities require a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. Missing these deadlines permanently forfeits your right to compensation consult an attorney immediately.
What is the average personal injury settlement in New York?
Settlement amounts vary significantly by case type. Minor soft-tissue injuries: $15,000–$75,000. Fractures and moderate injuries: $75,000–$300,000. Catastrophic injuries including TBI, spinal cord damage, amputation, or wrongful death: frequently $1M–$20M+. The best personal injury lawyers in New York City consistently exceed average figures because they are prepared to take cases to jury verdict.
Who are the best personal injury lawyers for construction accidents in New York?
For construction accidents, the most experienced New York attorneys for Labor Law § 240(1) Scaffold Law and § 241(6) claims include Michael S. Porter at Porter Law Group, Scott O'Toole at Block O'Toole & Murphy, and David Hach at Hach & Rose. These cases involve complex liability layers you need an attorney with documented jury trial results specifically in New York Labor Law cases.
Can I find a top-rated personal injury attorney near me anywhere in New York?
Yes. Porter Law Group maintains offices in Syracuse, New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany covering the entire state. Most top New York personal injury attorneys also offer free consultations by phone or video, so geographic distance is rarely a barrier to obtaining elite representation.
What distinguishes the best personal injury lawyers from average ones?
The best personal injury attorneys in New York combine: (1) documented verdicts with verifiable dollar amounts not vague ranges; (2) Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers peer recognition that cannot be purchased; (3) genuine trial experience attorneys who go to verdict extract higher pre-trial settlements; (4) deep knowledge of New York-specific law including CPLR § 1411, Labor Law §§ 240-241, and no-fault rules; and (5) real client reviews reflecting communication, not just outcomes.
