Time, Money & Stress: 3 Things Every New Yorker Should Know Before Filing a Lawsuit
If you’re considering filing a lawsuit in New York—whether it’s for personal injury, medical malpractice, or employment discrimination—there are three critical things you need to understand before moving forward: time, money, and stress.
Hi, I’m Scott Peterson, a plaintiff’s litigation attorney based in Saratoga Springs, New York. I help injured and wronged individuals across the state get the justice they deserve. But before we dive into the legal process, I always tell my clients to consider these three things carefully.
1. Time: Lawsuits in New York Take Longer Than You Think
Lawsuits aren’t quick. If you’ve been in a car accident, suffered workplace discrimination, or experienced medical negligence, the legal process in New York can take anywhere from 9 months to over a year and a half to resolve.
You may have seen ads on TV offering “quick cash” for your injuries—but those fast settlements often come at the cost of lower compensation. If you truly want to be fully compensated for what you’ve lost, you need to be ready to wait.
Here at our firm, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. While some matters may settle out of court, we never rush to settle just for the sake of speed. The timeline can be long, and you should be ready for that from the start.
2. Money: Understand the Real Value of Your Case
Most personal injury or employment discrimination lawsuits are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means you typically won’t owe anything up front—we only get paid if you win. But that doesn’t mean you should go in with unrealistic expectations.
Not every case is worth a million dollars.
For example, if you suffered a broken arm in a car accident, your case likely won’t result in a massive settlement. However, if you’ve become permanently disabled or are dealing with life-altering injuries, the potential compensation can be much higher.
Talk to your attorney early about what your case might actually be worth. We’ll give you a realistic idea based on past results, New York-specific verdict trends, and the unique details of your situation.
3. Stress: Lawsuits Are Emotionally and Mentally Challenging
We handle lawsuits every day—it’s what we do. But for our clients, the emotional toll of litigation can be intense. You may find yourself dealing with:
- Financial uncertainty
- Ongoing medical recovery
- Anxiety about finding new employment
- Fear of depositions or testifying in court
- Invasive questions into your personal life and background
Even though we do everything we can to prepare and support our clients, it’s important to know that lawsuits can be mentally draining. Before you file, talk openly with your attorney about the potential emotional demands of the process.
Final Thoughts: Know What You’re Signing Up For
If you’ve been seriously injured, wrongfully terminated, or harmed due to someone else’s negligence, you have rights—and you should explore them. But before filing a lawsuit in New York, talk to your attorney honestly about time, money, and stress. These three factors will affect every stage of your case.
It’s always better to go in prepared.
Need Legal Advice?
If you have questions about a personal injury case, medical malpractice, or employment discrimination, reach out to our office in Saratoga Springs, NY. We’re here to help, and we’re always happy to provide guidance—even if you’re just exploring your options.