New York Crime Victim Lawyers

Why Choose De Caro & Kaplen for Crime Victim Representation

• Negligent Security Expertise: Our firm litigates cases involving broken locks, inadequate lighting, faulty security devices, and lack of personnel to establish third-party liability for criminal acts.
• Specialized Trauma Advocacy: Partners Michael V. Kaplen and Shana De Caro each have over 45 years of experience in crime victim advocacy, with specialized expertise in violent crimes resulting in traumatic brain injury.
• Comprehensive NYC Coverage: Our firm represents victims of crime across all five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island—as well as Westchester and Nassau counties, and throughout New York State.
• Contingency Fee Structure: We operate on a "No Win - No Fee" basis, advancing all litigation costs and requiring no upfront payments, ensuring legal help is accessible regardless of financial means.
• 24/7 Emergency Availability: Our legal team maintains constant availability for inquiries via phone and email to provide immediate guidance on New York's specific legal deadlines.

Over $100M Recovered For Our Clients

De Caro & Kaplen has a history of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our New York crime victim and 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 & Proven Track Record

• National Leadership: Partner Michael V. Kaplen served on the Board of Advisors for the National Crime Victim Bar Association (NCVBA), demonstrating a commitment to national standards in victim representation.
• Recognized Excellence: Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen are rated as New York Super Lawyers and included in The Best Lawyers in America
• Significant Recoveries: Our firm has secured over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for our personal injury clients
• Elite Industry Leadership: Shana De Caro served two terms as Chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA); Michael V. Kaplen is a past president of the Brain Injury Association of New York State.
• Victim-Centered Approach: We prioritize a trauma-informed methodology, evidenced by Shana De Caro’s pro bono work for 9/11 victims and our continued work advocating for the rights of traumatic brain injury survivors.

For What Reasons Can a Crime Victim Sue?

Individuals or companies who fail to provide adequate security for their tenants, customers, or guests may be held legally responsible for crimes committed on their premises. This disregard for safety can take many forms, including:

• Failure to contain large and rowdy crowds
• Serving alcohol to underage or intoxicated individuals
• Failure to restrain mentally or emotionally unstable individuals
• Faulty security devices
• Broken locks, buzzers, lighting devices, or intercoms
• Broken/faulty windows or doors
• Inadequate lighting
• Failure to perform complete background checks on people who work with vulnerable populations (e.g. children or the elderly)
• Absent doorman or guard
• Lack of security personnel
• Lack of security cameras

Can De Caro & Kaplen help if I was injured due to poor security at a property?

Yes, our firm is experienced with negligent security and third-party liability cases. We understand that property owners have a duty to provide adequate safety measures for their guests and residents. Our legal team investigates failures such as broken security devices, inadequate lighting, and the lack of necessary security personnel. By identifying these lapses in safety, we work to hold negligent parties accountable for the harm caused to victims. We utilize our extensive experience to build a comprehensive case focused on the specific security failures that contributed to your injury.

Does De Caro & Kaplen represent clients outside of Manhattan?

While our firm is based in Manhattan, we serve clients across all five boroughs of New York City, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens and throughout New York State. We are familiar with the local court systems and legal procedures in each of these jurisdictions. No matter where your incident occurred within our New York State, our team is prepared to provide dedicated legal representation and local expertise to support your case.

Can De Caro & Kaplen Assist With Sexual Harassment and Sexual Abuse Cases?

Yes, if you have been a victim of sexual harassment or sexual abuse in the state of New York, our experienced attorneys can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. We treat all cases with the strictest confidentiality, sensitivity, and compassion, and can work with you to decide the best legal recourse for your particular case.

Your recovery starts with one conversation, directly with Shana De Caro or Michael V. Kaplen.

Why act today?

Deadlines matter. Claims against government entities require a notice within 90 days.

• No upfront cost – We’re paid only if we win for you.
• Personal attention – Your case is handled start-to-finish by our partners, not passed to a junior associate.
• Proven results – Multi-million-dollar recoveries for our personal injury clients.