New York Litigation Lawyers

Hacker Murphy, LLP

7 Airport Park Boulevard
Latham, New York 12110
USA

(518) 213-3710 or(866) 919-9031

(518) 783-8101

www.hackermurphy.com

Contact James Hacker

Law Firm Overview FREE CONSULTATION

At Hacker Murphy, LLP, our attorneys provide focused representation in the following practice areas: business and commercial litigation, real estate tax reduction (property tax certiorari), personal injury and ERISA disability.

We provide effective legal representation to individuals, municipalities and corporations throughout upstate and central New York. We understand that our clients rely upon solid advice, and we are ultimately judged by the results that we achieve. We are proud of our commitment to making sure that each client receives our full attention. Our attorneys and staff provide big firm sophistication and service, but with the personal touch and accessibility that only a small firm can deliver.

Hacker Murphy, LLP, has earned a peer review AV rating indicating the highest level of legal ability and ethics. Our attorneys have been listed among the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, 2011 and 2012 Super Lawyers in New York State. In 2012 the firm was listed is U.S. News' "Best Law Firms in America" publication. Hacker Murphy's partners bring more than 100 years of collective experience in business and civil litigation.

Year this Office was Established: 1990

Areas of Law

Additional Areas of Law: Amputation; Broken Bones / Fractures; Quadriplegia / Paralysis; New York State Thruway Accidents; VA Hospital Liability; Property Condemnation; Ownership Disputes & Dissolutions; Collections and Payment Disputes; Non-Compete Agreements; Mechanic's Liens/Garageman's Liens; Oil Spill Claims; School Injuries; Sports Injuries; Emergency Room Errors; Anesthesia Errors; Shoulder Injuries; Knee Injuries; Foot and Ankle Injuries; Hand and Wrist Injuries.

Areas of Law Description

Our areas of practice include:

- Personal Injury

Our personal injury attorneys represent people who were injured or lost loved ones due to the negligence of motorists, property owners, product manufacturers, healthcare providers or corporations. Year after year we have been recognized for achieving substantial recoveries for the personal impact and economic harm from serious personal injuries or fatalities. Our firm has an impressive record of settlements and jury awards for serious or permanent injury and wrongful death in a wide range of cases:

*Motor Vehicle Accidents
From minor fender benders to major crashes and fatal accidents on the New York State Thruway, our lawyers have experience handling many different types of auto accident personal injury cases. Our aggressive, hands-on approach involves several key elements. Our goal is to get you a fair settlement without spending months at the bargaining table or in court. Though an early settlement is ideal, we always prepare for a battle. Should a jury trial be necessary, we will be well-prepared to present a solid case on your behalf. If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident, contact us immediately: Car accidents, New York state thruway accidents, Truck accidents, Bus accidents, Boating accidents, Jet Ski accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Pedestrian and bicycle accidents, and, Drunk driver accidents.

*Construction Accidents
Every year thousands of construction workers are injured in job site accidents. Many workplace injuries can be blamed on negligence, unsafe working conditions, and unsafe equipment. At the New York personal injury law firm of Hacker & Murphy, LLP, our lawyers are committed to helping hard-working people who have been injured on the job receive the compensation they deserve.

*Defective Product
Injuries caused by dangerous or defective products can be just as serious as those received in a car accident, construction site accident, or slip and fall accident - and we treat them as such. We handle everything from defects in cars and trucks to injuries caused by defective toys that have been recalled.

*Medical Malpractice
Doctors and physicians are considered highly skilled, highly trusted professionals. However, that does not mean they don't make mistakes. Mistakes are made. And often those mistakes have devastating consequences. While no lawyer can heal the pain caused by medical malpractice, the New York medical malpractice lawsuit attorneys at Hacker & Murphy, LLP, are committed to helping you hold the people responsible for your injuries accountable.

*School Injuries
At the personal injury law firm of Hacker Murphy, LLP, our lawyers help children who have been injured at school due to the negligence of school officials. From our office in Albany, we serve clients throughout Upstate New York from Poughkeepsie to Utica to Saratoga Springs and beyond. The following are examples of the types of injuries where the school may be responsible: Assaults occurring on school property, Sexual abuse by counselors or teachers, School bus accidents, Playground injuries, Sports injuries, and, Injuries caused by dangerous property conditions.

*Sports Injuries
At the New York personal injury law firm of Hacker Murphy, LLP, our lawyers help children who have suffered sports injuries due to the negligence of another party. From our office in Albany, we represent families throughout Upstate New York from Poughkeepsie to Utica to Saratoga Springs and beyond.

*Premises Liability
The Law Offices of Hacker Murphy, LLP, handles premises liability lawsuits over safety hazard accidents. We stand up for ordinary people who were seriously injured through no fault of their own to demand fair compensation for the aftermath. If you slipped, tripped or otherwise suffered injury because of a property owner's negligence, contact us now for a free case evaluation. We can respond swiftly to document the dangerous condition and talk with witnesses.

*Nursing Home Abuse
Nothing is worse than putting your trust in someone and having that trust shattered by negligent or malicious acts including improper medical treatment and a failure to maintain the nursing home in a safe condition. In the case of nursing home abuse, the feelings of anger, mistrust, and a sense for justice are even stronger because those you love are involved. Whether it is your parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or any family member, the idea of them being abused or neglected at the hands of their caregivers is almost too much to bear. We can help your family through this difficult time. Our first step will be to listen with a compassionate ear. Next, we will plan a course of action designed to root out those responsible for inadequate care and abuse. Finally, we will aggressively pursue justice and compensation on your behalf.

*Workers' Compensation
New York workers' compensation pays you benefits if you are unable to work due to an on-the-job injury or occupational disease. Unfortunately, many people don't receive the benefits they deserve because they are unaware of the rules. At Hacker Murphy, LLP, our lawyers offer a free initial consultation to review your workers' compensation case and answer your questions. We advise working men and women in Albany and throughout Upstate New York from Poughkeepsie to Utica to Saratoga Springs and beyond. We also know how to properly prepare third-party liability claims if someone other than your employer is responsible for your injury.

*Brain Injury
Whether received as a result of an auto accident, slip and fall, defective product, or exposure to a toxic substance, a brain injury can have devastating effects. At Hacker & Murphy, LLP in Latham, New York, our brain injury lawyers are committed to helping people and families affected by traumatic brain injuries receive the compensation they deserve. Because of the debilitating nature of many brain injuries, people who receive them often require a tremendous amount of care and supervision. The costs can be enormous, financially and emotionally. For that reason, it is extremely important to have an experienced, aggressive brain injury attorney who will work hard to get you the best possible settlement.

*Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is one of the most fragile and sensitive areas on the human body. Even a minor injury to this delicate yet essential organ can cause catastrophic damage. Whether received as a result of an auto accident, medical malpractice, construction accident, or a slip and fall, a spinal cord injury, including bulging and herniated discs, can have devastating effects. At the law firm of Hacker & Murphy, LLP, we are committed to helping people and families affected by spinal cord injuries, including bulging and herniated discs, receive proper compensation for the harm they have suffered and the ongoing care these types of injuries often require.

*Amputation
At Hacker Murphy, LLP, we represent people who have suffered the loss of a limb in an accident caused by another person. An amputation can have a devastating financial impact on the amputee and his or her family. Accordingly, we seek compensation to cover a wide range of expenses.

*Broken Bones / Fractures
If you have suffered a broken bone or fracture in an accident caused by another party's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Hacker & Murphy, LLP, we have been helping accident victims for over two decades. We can help you seek compensation to cover all your accident-related expenses. We help accident victims seek compensation for the current and long-term expenses they face. We frequently work with medical experts to evaluate the impact of the injury. We handle everything and bring a strong, clear case to the table, always seeking a timely, fair settlement.

*Quadriplegia / Paralysis
If you or a loved one has been in an accident caused by another party's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation to cover a range of expenses. At Hacker & Murphy, LLP, we help clients who have suffered paralysis and quadriplegia get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Our firm's attorneys will push for a settlement through arbitration or mediation. However, if we cannot reach agreement through negotiation, we are prepared to seek compensation through a lawsuit and litigation. Our goal is to help you, the accident victim, make a full financial recovery.

*Back Injuries
In 20 years of personal injury litigation, our attorneys have handled hundreds of back injury cases. We know that these injuries often linger or worsen and that you are not well served by a quick settlement. We will hold out for the comprehensive compensation to help you get physically and financially whole again. We have recovered damages for the full range of back injury claims: Broken vertebrae, Herniated disk, Aggravation of degenerative disk conditions, Lower back strains, Sciatica and radicular pain, and, Lumbar fusion or discectomy.

*Neck Injuries
From 20 years of experience in personal injury litigation, our attorneys know that a sore or stiff neck after a car crash or other violent impact may be a symptom of more serious injury. We fiercely pursue your rightful compensation once the full extent of damage is known. Hacker Murphy has handled neck injuries from car accidents, especially rear-end collisions, as well as construction site injuries and slip-and-fall accidents. We are skilled at establishing negligence and holding those parties and their insurers accountable for losses.

*Shoulder Injuries
At the Law Offices of Hacker Murphy, LLP, we take the steps to get our clients full compensation for the aftermath of an accident. We know how a tear or fracture in the shoulder joint affects employment and daily living, and our experienced attorneys are skilled at convincing insurance companies to settle for a fair amount. Did the negligence of others — a vehicle crash, a construction accident or a fall on unsafe property — cause your shoulder injury? Contact us now to discuss your rights. We represent the injured in the Capital District and throughout Upstate New York.

*Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are very common in car accidents. The kneecap may be shattered or dislocated, or the ligaments and cartilage shredded. At the Law Offices of Hacker Murphy, LLP, we know how painful and disabling these injuries are, and we know what your case is worth. If your knee injury was caused by someone else's negligence — such as a motor vehicle accident, a construction accident or a slip-and-fall — our experienced legal team is committed to maximizing your compensation. Contact us today for proven representation.

*Foot and Ankle Injuries
We routinely handle foot injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions and from construction accidents or slip-and-fall/trip-and-fall accidents. Our attorneys excel at establishing liability and holding the negligent parties and insurers accountable for full damages. Having handled our share of foot and ankle injuries, we know how disabling they can be. We know that you may require invasive surgery, now or later, with stabilizing hardware. We know that your range of motion or ability to bear weight may never be the same, or that you might always live with pain in the injured joint or a limp in your gait.

*Hand and Wrist Injuries
If your hand or wrist injury was caused by the negligence of others, contact us now for proven representation to hold them responsible. Our trial lawyers have 20 years of experience in personal injury litigation. We have won damages for hand injury claims from automobile accidents, including bicyclist and pedestrian injuries, and damage to extremities from construction accidents, safety hazard slip-and-falls and nursing home falls.

*Burn Injuries
At Hacker & Murphy, LLP, you get more than just one attorney working on your burn injury case. Our team of personal injury trial attorneys offers more than 85 combined years of litigation experience. In addition to your legal team, we work closely with burn injury specialists and expert witnesses in the insurance field to ensure that your case for maximum compensation is strong and clear. We handle everything and bring a strong, clear case to the table, always seeking a quick, fair settlement. When a jury trial is necessary, we are formidable trial lawyers with an excellent record of case history. We handle burn injury and wrongful death claims resulting from: Hotel and business fire injury, premises liability burns, Chemical burns, Workplace injuries, Defective smoke detectors, Construction site explosions, and, Defective propane products, gas explosions.

*Wrongful Death
The wrongful death of a family member is one of the most traumatic events a person could ever experience. It shakes you to your core, and makes you wonder, "Why them, why now?" Beyond the grief and sadness, there is anger, frustration, and possible financial worry. During this difficult time, you need someone on your side to hold people accountable for what occurred. At Hacker & Murphy, LLP, our experienced New York personal injury attorneys are committed to helping families who have suffered the wrongful death of a family member receive the compensation they deserve.

*Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
If you have been bitten by a dog or attacked by any other animal, Hacker & Murphy can help you fight to protect your rights. We have been serving the needs of animal attack victims in Albany and communities throughout central New York for nearly two decades. We have an excellent record of recovering money damages. We handle most personal injury claims on contingency. If we don’t help you recover money damages, you will not pay attorney fees.

*Slip and Fall Injury Accident
A slip, a trip, a fall on an uneven sidewalk or slippery floor; there is nothing funny about hurting yourself in an accident on a hazardous property. Even a minor slip can result in a lifelong injury. At Hacker & Murphy, LLP, personal injury litigation attorneys are committed to helping those who have suffered premises liability injuries receive the proper compensation for medical treatment, lost earnings and other losses. We will aggressively pursue a fair settlement or lawsuit to recover compensation based on premises liability for: Potholes and cracked sidewalks, Defective stairs/lack of handrails, Neglected snow and ice hazards, Slippery substances, and, Tripping hazards.

- Commercial Litigation

Our commercial litigation attorneys handle a myriad of diverse business disputes and routinely litigate such matters in State and Federal Courts throughout Central and Upstate New York. We enjoy a reputation for excellence in trial and appellate practices and have represented individuals, businesses and national corporations in matters involving, contract issues, construction disputes, employment disputes, non-competition and employment termination concerns, adversary proceedings in bankruptcy, and commercial and consumer collection efforts.

*Business Litigation and Breach of Contract
If you are sensing that a business argument has the potential to develop into a litigation matter, start protecting your rights now. Our firm has extensive experience finding the right resolution for business disputes, including negotiating skills, arbitration and mediation. We do not start out in an adversarial stance and we never forget that a cost-effective resolution is the best possible outcome for our clients. When a matter can't be resolved outside of court, you will have a tenacious advocate fighting to protect your rights.

*Ownership Disputes & Dissolutions
The Law Offices of Hacker Murphy, LLP, counsels business owners and shareholders in resolution and litigation of internal business disputes. We believe that early intervention can de-escalate conflicts and allow for a negotiated solution, while also positioning you for the possibility of litigation or dissolution. Hacker Murphy represents business stakeholders and investors in the Capital District, Upstate New York and statewide. Our accomplished legal team, led by partners David R. Murphy and James E. Hacker, brings decades of courtroom success as well as results in the mediation and arbitration of these tense and tangled disagreements.

*Collections and Payment Disputes
Our firm handles all payment disputes and collection scenarios: Enforcement of contracts, Collection of accounts receivable, Enforcement of personal guarantees and notes, Obtaining and collecting of money judgments, Filing and perfecting liens (including mechanic's liens), Commercial property foreclosure, Fraudulent conveyances, and, Creditors' rights in bankruptcy and adversary proceedings. Hacker Murphy is efficient and effective in establishing judgments and liens, including asset searches and taking depositions and affidavits. We will then employ whatever means necessary to secure money or collateral, including freezing accounts, garnishing wages, disgorging assets and forcing sale of real and personal property.

*Commercial Real Estate Litigation
We handle the full spectrum of legal conflicts over commercial property: Real estate transactions (breach of contract, fraud, escrow or earnest money), Title disputes and title insurance litigation, Commercial lease evictions, Commercial property foreclosures, Construction litigation, Zoning and land use litigation, Adverse possession claims, Eminent domain/ condemnation, and, Property tax reduction and abatement (tax certiorari).

*Construction Litigation
With so much invested in a construction project, disputes between owners and builders defy easy resolution. If the dispute has escalated, the law firm of Hacker Murphy, LLP, will help you take legal action and protect your vested interests. Our attorneys have substantial experience in construction litigation in Albany, Schenectady, Troy and surrounding counties of Central and Upstate New York.

*Non-Compete Agreements
The purpose of a non-compete agreement is to protect trade secrets and competitive edge. When a former employee breaches or challenges such an agreement, the Law Offices of Hacker Murphy, LLP, can step in to enforce your interests. From offices in Albany, our business litigation team serves a range of clients in the Capital District and Upstate New York, from small businesses to sizeable corporations. In state and federal courts, we have upheld non-competes and other restrictive covenants. We have also defended companies against claims of wrongful termination or employment discrimination.

*Professional Liability
Hacker & Murphy is recognized for our leadership in litigation and dispute resolution involving damages and loss caused by professionals and businesses licensed by the state board. Our lawyers have access to the technology and professional resources to investigate the most complex cases of professional malfeasance and prepare the strongest case possible proving liability for damages. We hold our attorneys and staff to the highest ethical and professional standards. We hold other licensed professionals to the same standards.

*Landlord/Tenant Disputes
In our landlord-tenant practice, we assist commercial property owners and tenants with a full range of matters, including: Commercial evictions, Breach of lease agreement lawsuits, Rent collections, Negotiation of commercial leases, Summary (expedited) eviction proceedings, and, Real estate tax reduction claims.

*Mechanic's Liens/Garageman's Liens
At Hacker Murphy, LLP, we are committed to helping unpaid contractors and service providers protect their rights through the proper filing, perfection and enforcement of mechanic's liens and garageman's liens. If you need to speak with a lawyer about your lien rights, contact us today for assistance.

*Defending Out-of-State Clients in New York Litigation
At Hacker Murphy, LLP, our attorneys defend out-of-state companies in litigation involving transactions in New York state. From our office in Albany, we represent corporate clients throughout the United States, often serving as co-counsel with the firm's attorneys. We typically take two approaches when defending out-of-state clients: Defending the case on its merits, and, Using jurisdictional defenses to have the case dismissed.

*Oil Spill Claims
If your property in New York was damaged by an oil spill, you have a right to seek compensation for damages and cleanup expenses from the spiller under New York's Navigation Law. At Hacker Murphy, LLP, our attorneys are experienced at both prosecuting and defending these claims. From our office in Albany, we represent property owners and petroleum companies throughout New York.

- Property Tax Disputes

The law firm of Hacker Murphy, LLP, is recognized statewide as a leader in the area of real estate property valuation, tax assessment litigation (certiorari) and eminent domain or condemnation. We help businesses reduce their real estate taxes. We also counsel and defend a select number of municipalities in valuations and assessments. Our attorneys are knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate property tax claims, namely challenging tax assessments on commercial properties. The firm has extensive experience in dealing with Boards of Assessment Review, the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services (ORPTS) and the New York courts.

- ERISA Disability Insurance

If you have been injured on the job or denied disability insurance benefits under ERISA, the Law Offices of Hacker & Murphy, LLP, can help you file and receive the benefits you are entitled to. You don't have to be afraid of losing too much of your insurance benefits to legal fees, either. Under the law, the fees we are allowed to charge are capped at a percentage of your benefits. If we don't collect money for your claim, you won't pay insurance fees. It's only fair.

- Mediation and Arbitration

Mr. Hacker and Mr. Sonders regularly serve as mediators and arbitrators in the Capital District and throughout Upstate New York. Whether you are working proactively to avoid escalation of a dispute, or have reached an impasse in state or federal court litigation, alternative dispute resolution may be the conscientious and cost-effective option.

Attorneys

	Mr. James E. Hacker Managing Attorney Alternative Dispute Resolution, Animal Bites, Appellate Practice, Arbitration, Asbestos Mesothelioma		Mr. David R. Murphy Attorney Business Law, Eminent Domain, Litigation, Local, Municipal and State Law, Property Law
	Mr. Patrick L. Seely Jr. Attorney Real Estate