Bankruptcy & Personal Injury Attorney Serving New York

Siddons Law Firm extends our experienced legal services to residents of Staten Island, New York. Whether you are struggling with overwhelming debt or have been injured in an accident, Attorney Siddons provides the dedicated legal representation you need. We understand the unique challenges Staten Island residents face and are committed to helping you find the best path forward.

Bankruptcy Services for Staten Island Residents

If you are a Staten Island resident drowning in debt, bankruptcy may provide the fresh start you need. New York bankruptcy cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York, and the rules, exemptions, and procedures differ from those in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York.

New York Bankruptcy Exemptions

New York offers its own set of bankruptcy exemptions. Key exemptions for Staten Island residents include: up to $179,950 in home equity (homestead exemption for the New York City area, which is higher than many other states), personal property exemptions, retirement accounts (fully exempt), tools of trade, and necessary household items. New York does not allow filers to use federal exemptions, so understanding these state-specific protections is essential to keeping your property through the bankruptcy process.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy for Staten Island Residents

Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts including credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans within approximately 3-4 months. The means test for New York uses higher median income thresholds that reflect the higher cost of living in the New York City metropolitan area, meaning many Staten Island residents who might not qualify in other states may still be eligible for Chapter 7 relief. Our firm guides you through every step, from the initial consultation through your discharge.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy for Staten Island Residents

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows Staten Island homeowners to save their homes from foreclosure through a structured 3-to-5-year repayment plan. Given Staten Island’s real estate values, protecting your home equity is especially important. Chapter 13 immediately stops foreclosure, repossession, wage garnishment, and creditor harassment through the automatic stay. Your repayment plan is tailored to your income and expenses, allowing you to catch up on missed payments while maintaining your current obligations.

Personal Injury Services for Staten Island

Staten Island’s busy roads, highways, and commercial areas see frequent accidents. New York personal injury law operates under a comparative negligence standard, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for your accident—your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. This is more favorable than some neighboring states and means it is always worth consulting with an attorney after an injury.

Car Accidents on Staten Island

Staten Island’s roadways, including the Staten Island Expressway, Hylan Boulevard, Victory Boulevard, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge approach, are high-traffic areas where accidents occur frequently. New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own insurance covers your medical bills and lost wages up to your policy limits regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold (fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation, etc.), you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for full compensation including pain and suffering.

Truck Accidents

The Staten Island Expressway and surrounding highways carry significant commercial truck traffic, including vehicles traveling to and from New Jersey via the Goethals Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing. Truck accidents on Staten Island often involve complex multi-state liability issues. Our firm’s experience practicing across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland makes us uniquely equipped to handle these cross-jurisdictional cases.

New York Statute of Limitations

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of injury (CPLR § 214). For claims against the City of New York or other government entities (such as accidents caused by poor road conditions maintained by the city), you must file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days of the incident. This extremely short deadline makes immediate legal consultation essential for any injury involving government property or vehicles.

Why Staten Island Residents Choose Siddons Law

• Multi-state practice — Licensed to practice in PA, NJ, MD, with experience handling NY matters and cross-border cases
• Accessible representation — Convenient consultations available for Staten Island residents
• 25+ years of experience — Thousands of successful cases across bankruptcy and personal injury
• No upfront costs — Free consultations for all cases; personal injury handled on contingency
• Personalized attention — Every client works directly with Attorney Siddons, not a paralegal or associate

Staten Island Communities We Serve

Our firm serves clients throughout Staten Island (Richmond County), including: St. George, Tottenville, Great Kills, New Dorp, Stapleton, Port Richmond, Willowbrook, Eltingville, Huguenot, Annadale, Travis, Mariners Harbor, and all surrounding neighborhoods.