TBI Lawyer Manhattan, NY

A traumatic brain injury can alter every aspect of life, from the ability to work and maintain relationships to the daily management of pain and cognitive challenges. For those in Manhattan who have sustained a TBI caused by another party’s negligence, the legal path to recovery involves establishing liability, quantifying long-term damages, and navigating New York’s civil procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals and families in personal injury claims throughout Manhattan, including communities such as Midtown, the Upper East Side, Harlem, the Financial District, and Greenwich Village. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What TBI Claims Mean in Manhattan

A traumatic brain injury is a disruption of normal brain function caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating head trauma. In the personal injury context, a TBI claim seeks compensation for the physical, cognitive, and emotional harm resulting from another’s negligence. Within Manhattan, these claims arise from a wide range of incidents—motor vehicle accidents along the FDR Drive or West Side Highway, falls in construction zones near Hudson Yards, subway platform incidents, bicycle and pedestrian collisions in Midtown, and other premises or workplace hazards.

Manhattan TBI claims are filed in New York Supreme Court, New York County, located at 60 Centre Street. The court applies New York’s pure comparative fault rule: a plaintiff may recover damages even if partially responsible, but the recovery is reduced in proportion to the plaintiff’s share of fault. For TBI suits stemming from a motor vehicle accident, New York Insurance Law § 5102 imposes a “serious injury” threshold. A TBI typically satisfies that threshold, but the claim must still be supported by thorough medical evidence. Claims against the City of New York or other municipal entities carry an additional procedural requirement: a notice of claim must be filed.

The sole statute of limitations for a personal injury claim—including a traumatic brain injury—is governed by New York law.

A personal injury action for traumatic brain injury in New York must be commenced within three years from the date the injury occurred (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5)).

Source: New York Civil Practice Law and Rules, § 214(5). N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5)

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

Missing this deadline bars the claim entirely, which is why early consultation with an attorney familiar with Manhattan courts is essential.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle TBI Cases

When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. regarding a TBI in Manhattan, the matter begins with a detailed review of the circumstances and medical records. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel consult with treating physicians, neuropsychologists, and vocational attorneys to understand the full scope of the injury, including its impact on future earning capacity and daily living needs.

Because TBI cases often involve contested liability and large potential damages, thorough investigation is critical. The team works to gather accident reports, surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and medical imaging. If an insurance settlement does not adequately reflect the long-term costs of the injury, the firm prepares the case for litigation in New York Supreme Court, New York County. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle settlement discussions, motion practice, and trial preparation as the case requires. The timeline and outcome depend on the specific facts of each case, the extent of the injury, and the court’s calendar. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to each TBI matter. Results may vary. In your case.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Before founding the firm, Mr. Sris served as a former prosecutor, gaining firsthand insight into the litigation process that he now applies to personal injury claims. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris is joined by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who collaborate on personal injury cases. Together, they bring extensive combined legal experience to the representation of TBI survivors in Manhattan and across New York. Each matter receives individual case review, and the group draws on a network of medical and accident-reconstruction attorneys to build strong claims under New York law.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a TBI lawsuit in Manhattan?

You generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit for a traumatic brain injury in New York. N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5) governs the deadline. If the claim is against a municipal entity, such as the City of New York or the MTA, a notice of claim must be served within 90 days. Failing to comply with either deadline can result in dismissal of the case. Given the complexity of TBI documentation, it is prudent to consult an attorney well before the limitations period expires.

What damages can I recover in a Manhattan TBI case?

A TBI plaintiff may recover economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and cognitive impairment. New York does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. If the injury results in permanent disability, damages may include future medical care and diminished earning capacity. The specific amount depends on the severity of the injury, the cost of lifelong care, and the degree of fault attributable to each party under New York’s pure comparative fault rule.

Do I need an attorney for a traumatic brain injury claim in New York?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, navigating a TBI claim in Manhattan’s courts without legal representation is extremely challenging. Proving the extent of a brain injury requires experienced attorney medical testimony, detailed economic projections, and a firm understanding of New York civil procedure. Insurance adjusters often dispute the long-term impact of a TBI. An experienced personal injury attorney can marshal the necessary evidence, handle settlement negotiations, and take the case to trial if a fair offer is not made.

How does New York’s comparative fault rule affect my TBI case?

Under New York’s pure comparative fault rule, a plaintiff can still recover damages even if partially at fault, but the recovery is reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of responsibility. For example, if a court finds that a pedestrian with a TBI was 20 per cent at fault for stepping into a crosswalk against the light, the total award would be reduced by 20 per cent. An attorney can challenge the opposing side’s attempts to assign fault to the injured person and work to maximize the recoverable amount.

What if my TBI was caused by a car accident in Manhattan?

A TBI from a motor vehicle accident must also satisfy New York’s “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102 in order to recover pain and suffering damages. A traumatic brain injury almost always qualifies as a serious injury, but the claim must be supported by objective medical evidence such as CT scans, MRIs, and neuropsychological testing. No-fault insurance will cover the first layer of medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. An attorney can help navigate the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver when the threshold is met.

How do I choose a TBI lawyer in Manhattan?

Look for a lawyer who is admitted in New York, has experience with brain injury litigation, and can demonstrate familiarity with New York County courts. TBI cases require sophisticated medical knowledge and long-term damage modeling. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have handled personal injury claims in New York since the firm’s founding in 1997. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case.

Serving TBI Clients Across New York City and the Metropolitan Area

In addition to Manhattan, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents TBI survivors in the following New York jurisdictions:

For a full discussion of New York personal injury law, visit the New York State Senate’s page on the Civil Practice Law and Rules here and the New York Courts website here.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.