Personal injury law is its own legal practice area, and lawyers who work in this field have specific experience and skills to negotiate and litigate personal injury claims. At the Bronx law firm of Stephen B. Kaufman, P.C., Attorney Kaufman has more than 40 years of experience in personal injury law. But what exactly are the differences between personal injury and other legal practice areas? 

3 Differences Between Personal Injury Law & Other Legal Areas

1. Personal Injury Law Is A Civil Matter

Personal injury claims fall under the umbrella of civil law. This means they do not involve criminal elements. Personal injuries are any damages sustained by an individual in body and/or mind because of another party's negligence or carelessness. And despite the popular misconception, personal injury law does not traditionally include damage to property: It is focused solely on the person.

2. Personal Injury Law Is Not Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation is the insurance an employer must hold in order to protect their employees in the event of a workplace accident. This is different from personal injury because a workplace injury happens on the job and workers' comp will not pay you damages. When you hire a personal injury attorney like Stephen B. Kaufman, P.C., you are pursuing damages for an employer’s negligence and your own pain and suffering. Workers' comp doesn't permit you to seek compensation for these things.

3. Personal Injury Law Has A Statute Of Limitations

Certain areas of the law have a statute of limitations, and personal injury is one of them. In New York, you have three years from the date of the accident to file your injury claim. Other types of law have different statutes and time frames, and some types have no time limitations at all.

By understanding the differences between personal injury law and other types of legal practice, you will be an informed participant in the legal process. Call Stephen B. Kaufman, P.C. at (718) 822-0500 to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney today. You can also visit the law firm on Facebook and Twitter to stay current on their latest news and information.