New York Personal Injury Lawyers
Why Choose De Caro & Kaplen for Your New York Personal Injury Case
- Understanding New York Negligence Law: Our partners, Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen understand the New York vehicle accident ‘serious injury’ threshold and the need to adhere to special municipal claim 90 day notice provisions, 1 year and 90 day law suit requirements, and the general 3 year statute of limitations for negligence actions and 2 year statute of limitations requirements for wrongful death lawsuits.
- Board-Certified Trial Advocacy: Michael V. Kaplen holds board certifications in Civil Trial Law, Medical Malpractice, and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy from the National Board of Trial Advocacy, ensuring elite courtroom representation.
- Standing Up For Our Clients: We have decades of experience pursuing claims against major corporations and government entities like the NYC Transit Authority and City of New York.
- Traumatic Brain Injury Expertise: Our firm is nationally recognized for our expertise in personal injury cases involving traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions. Firm partner Shana De Caro served two-terms as Chairwoman of The Brain Injury Association of America.
- Work Directly With Our Partners: Our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen will personally handle your case from start to finish, with direct access at all times.
- All Costs Advanced By Our Firm: Our firm advances all costs for expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists, neurologists, and economists, to build trial-ready evidence for every case.
Over $100M Recovered For Our Personal Injury Clients
De Caro & Kaplen has a history of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our New York personal injury clients. Recent cases which resulted in successful recovery include:
- $5,500,000 for the family of the highway worker electrocuted by a negligently exposed power line
- $4,250,000 wrongful death award to the family of a construction worker securing a crane’s load who was electrocuted and killed when a crane struck an overhead power line
- $3,700,000 settlement for sexual discrimination
- $2,480,000 settlement during trial for orthopedic injuries sustained by a construction worker who fell from an unsafe ladder
- $1,900,000 settlement for a bridge painter who fell and sustained a fractured ankle because he was not provided with a safety harness
- $1,500,000 settlement for our client who suffered multiple injuries after tripping and falling on a dangerously uneven walkway outside her apartment building
- $1,000,000 settlement for our client who suffered severe scalding due to the negligence of a home care attendant
- $900,000 settlement for an office worker who fell on a defective stairway suffering back and neck injuries
Our Credentials, Recognition & Track Record in Personal Injury Cases
- Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts and Settlements: De Caro and Kaplen has secured over $100M in verdicts and settlements for our personal injury clients.
- Industry Recognition: Shana De Caro and Michael Kaplen have been recognized by New York Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers of America for their knowledge and experience.
- Decades of Experience: Our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen each have over 45 years experience prosecuting complex personal injury cases.
- No-Win, No-Fee: We operate on a 'no win, no fee' basis, with a free, no obligation initial consultation, and all costs advanced by our firm.
- We Cover The Whole of New York: While our office is based in Manhattan, we represent the injured in Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and upstate New York including Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester.
What Types Of Personal Injury Cases Can We Assist With?
De Caro & Kaplen, LLP represents New York residents in all personal injury cases where a third-party is liable due to negligence or malpractice. Key service areas include:
- Construction accidents
- Burn and fire injuries
- Crime
- Municipal accidents
- Premises liability
- Wrongful death
- Sexual harassment
- Slip and falls
- Slip and falls on snow and ice
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
We're ready to take on your personal injury case in New York. And we're fully prepared to go to court to make sure you receive every penny you're entitled to.
Client Reviews and Testimonials
De Caro & Kaplen LLP has a 4.9 star rating on Google reviews, aggregated from over 175 client reviews. Below are a selection of reviews from our clients.
Review by our client Allison Sansoucie
"My family needed help with a complicated personal injury case. I was fortunate to be referred to De Caro & Kaplen. Outstanding attorneys! Michael and Shana are reliable, intelligent, and dedicated advocates. There were a number of times I had specific concerns about the case and Michael was always steps ahead. The attention paid to details was truly remarkable. Shana and Michael always responded quickly to every call and email. Their assistant, Andy was consistently patient, kind, and helpful. They provided seamless referrals to rehabilitation facilities and elder care experts as needed. Shana and Michael consistently went above and beyond in countless ways throughout 2 1/2 years to ensure the most favorable outcome for my family. De Caro & Kaplen navigated each and every aspect of the lawsuit and mediation with professionalism and integrity. Incredible given the many delays due to COVID. I highly recommend De Caro & Kaplen."
Review by our client April Bulger
"After my first meeting with Michael Kaplen I knew I was in the right hands. He and his team are amazing. I would recommend them to anyone in need of an attorney that will get the job done while giving their clients a piece of mind. Complete honesty and candor each step of the process which I respect."
Review by our client Christina Bentham
"Fantastic experience! Accepted to pursue my case with many challenges. Michael Kaplen never gave up, even when posed with a vicious defense attorney. He was always one step ahead of the attorney and beat her at ever turn. When I called, emailed, or texted, Mr. Kaplen responded personally. The customer service was terrific and I always felt their entire team was attentive to every concern I had. I highly recommend the DeCaro/Kaplen team and thank them for everything they did for me!"
Free Consultation
With over 45 years experience in personal injury law, our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen help our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our attorneys have the passion and persistence to take on any personal injury case in New York—and win.
Call today on (212) 732 2262 or email help@brainlaw.com to arrange your free consultation.
Personal Injury Practice Areas
Burn & Fire Injuries
Construction Accidents
Crime Victim
Municipal Accidents
Premises Liability
Wrongful Death
Slip And Fall On Snow And Ice
Slip And Fall
Carbon Monoxide
Hotel Accidents
Our Partners, Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen Handle Your Case From Start To Finish
When you hire De Caro & Kaplen, LLP for your personal injury case in New York our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen will personally handle your case from start to finish. Unlike some other prominent NYC firms, who will hand your case off to a paralegal, Shana and Michael, who each have over 45 years experience in personal injury and medical malpractice law, will personally work on your behalf to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve, preparing every case as if it will go to trial.
Shana De Caro - Senior Partner and Personal Injury Attorney
- Over 45 years of experience specifically handling complex personal injury, brain injury, and construction site litigation in New York.
- Multi-year New York Super Lawyer.
- A history of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for her personal injury clients.
- Served two terms as Chairwoman of The Brain Injury Association of America
- Served as member of the New York State Supreme Court medical malpractice review panels.
- Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and Litigation Counsel of America.
- Published in New York Law Journal, National Law Journal, Trial Magazine, Psychiatric Clinics of North America.
- Lecturer for the American Association for Justice, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, and North American Brain Injury Society.
- Recognized for advancing standards of practice in brain injury and medical negligence litigation.
Michael V. Kaplen - Senior Partner and Personal Injury Attorney
- Over 45 years of experience specifically handling complex personal injury, brain injury and construction accident litigation in New York.
- Multi-year New York Super Lawyer.
- A history of multi-million dollar award settlements for his personal injury clients.
- Triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in: Civil Trial Law, Medical Malpractice, Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy
- Professorial Lecturer in Law, The George Washington University Law School (“The Legal Aspects of Traumatic Brain Injury”)
- Taught courses in medical malpractice as well as trial practice techniques at St. John’s University School of Law.
- Served as President, Brain Injury Association of New York State.
- Consistently listed among the Top 100 New York Trial Lawyers and Top 25 Brain Injury Attorneys in the nation.
- Public Justice Achievement Award (for pro bono representation of September 11th victims)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'serious injury' threshold for personal injury cases in New York?
In New York, to recover damages for pain and suffering after an accident, you must meet the state's 'serious injury' threshold. This means demonstrating a significant injury as defined by New York statute. Our firm understands these specific requirements and can help you navigate them.
Does De Caro & Kaplen have trial experience?
Yes, our partner Michael Kaplen is board certified in Civil Trial Law, Medical Malpractice, and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. While many cases will result in settlement we prepare every case if it will go to trial.
What types of complex injury cases does De Caro & Kaplen handle?
Our firm focuses on complex personal injury cases, particularly those involving brain injuries and medical malpractice. We also have extensive experience with construction accidents and wrongful death claims, ensuring we can handle a wide range of severe injuries.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. It's crucial to file your claim within this timeframe. We ensure your case is filed promptly to preserve your right to seek compensation.
Which areas of New York does De Caro & Kaplen serve?
Our firm serves all of New York City, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens. We also represent clients in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse.
Does De Caro & Kaplen take on smaller cases or focus on major ones?
We limit our caseload to provide each client with dedicated attention and resources. Our focus is on high-stakes cases where our expertise can make a significant difference, and we have a proven track record of success in securing substantial settlements.
Can De Caro & Kaplen handle cases against large entities like the MTA?
Yes, we have extensive experience representing clients against major entities, including the New York City Transit Authority, Long Island Railroad, Metro-North, and Amtrak. We are prepared to take on large corporations and government bodies.
How is De Caro & Kaplen recognized by industry rankings?
Our partner Shana De Caro has been named to New York Super Lawyers every year since 2014. Additionally, our firm is listed in Best Law Firms of America by U.S. News & World Report, signifying our high standing and consistent performance.
Personal Injury Information
What is Personal Injury?
Start Your Personal Injury Case Today With a Free, No Obligation Consultation
At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, we believe the American justice system should be accessible to everyone—not just those with money to burn. We represent ordinary people from all walks of life: like construction workers, college students, working professionals, and the elderly. Our “no fee unless we win” approach makes it possible for you to hire the most qualified personal injury attorney, no matter the size of your bank account.
If you think you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury, consult with our attorneys today.