Comprehensive Guide to Injury Recovery Resources in New York

Check out these essential resources for personal injury victims in New York

Getting your life back on track after an accident is a full time job. 

To support your path to recovery, we’ve curated a diverse list of New York-centric resources. This includes access to free legal advice, financial assistance, and emotional support groups. 

Remember, you are not alone in this journey.

If you know of any other helpful resources, please let us know. We’ll continue to build this list with helpful links.

New York laws and regulations

• New York State Constitution
  
  The New York Constitution is the foundational legal document of New York State, outlining the structure of the state government and providing a set of fundamental rights and protections for its citizens. It covers aspects such as the organization of the state government, individual rights, and the process for amendments.
• Consolidated Laws of New York
  
  The Consolidated Laws of New York are a collection of all the statutes—essentially the written laws—of New York State. The New York State Senate offers free access to these laws.
• New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)
  
  The New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) is a collection of rules that guide how state agencies in New York operate. These rules are made according to the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA), which helps ensure that agencies work in a fair and open manner. The NYCRR is organized into 23 sections, each representing a different state department or agency, plus one section each for various miscellaneous agencies and the Judiciary (the courts).

Legal information resources

• New York State Unified Court System
  
  This is the online portal where you can access information about court cases, find court forms and procedures, learn about representing yourself, and even file some court documents online. 
• New York State Workers’ Compensation Board
  
  For those injured while at work, this board provides information and assistance on how to claim workers’ compensation benefits, which can help cover medical expenses and lost wages. 
• New York State Division of Human Rights
  
  According to New York law, every citizen has an equal opportunity to enjoy a full and productive life. If you feel you’ve been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Division of Human Rights. Once a complaint is filed, the Division will investigate and may schedule a public hearing. 
• New York State Office of Victim Services
  
  The New York State Office of Victim Services offers compensation and support to victims of crimes and their families. 
• New York State Bar Association
  
  The New York State Bar Association provides resources, including tips on how to find an attorney and frequently asked questions, for the general public. 
• Legal Aid Society
  
  If you need a lawyer and can’t afford one, you can request free legal assistance from the Legal Aid Society. 
• City Bar Justice Center
  
  Although the City Bar Justice Center doesn’t offer legal representation, it provides a hotline staffed by attorneys who can assist callers of limited income on a range of civil matters. 
• Enjuris.com
  
  Enjuris provides information about New York laws, including relevant forms and a directory of attorneys located in New York.

Financial resources

• Helpwithmybank.gov
  
  The U.S. Department of the Treasury runs this site to provide consumers with answers about credit cards, checking accounts, overdraft fees, mortgages, and other personal financial matters. The website also provides tips on how to file a complaint against a national bank.
• Emergency Rental Assistance Program
  
  This program assists households that are unable to pay rent or utilities due to circumstances such as a debilitating injury. ERAP can provide significant relief by helping to prevent eviction and utility shutoff. 
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
  
  HEAP helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes. For those recovering from injuries and facing financial hardships, this program can relieve some of the burden of utility expenses.
• New York Childcare Assistance Program
  
  The New York Childcare Assistance Program helps eligible families with some or all of the cost of child care. You can fill out a short questionnaire online to find out whether you qualify. 
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  
  Temporary Assistance (TA), also known as Public Assistance (PA), is temporary help for needy adults, and children. If you are unable to work, can’t find a job, or your job doesn’t pay enough, TA may be able to help you pay for your expenses.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  
  SNAP issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors.

Medical resources

• 211 New York
  
  This service provides free and confidential information and referrals for health and human services, including medical care, mental health services, and support groups. It’s a valuable tool for finding local resources tailored to specific needs.
• Disability Rights New York
  
  Disability Rights New York provides legal assistance to individuals with disabilities. 
• Brain Injury Association of New York State
  
  An organization focused on improving the quality of life for brain injury survivors and their families.
• New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
  
  Provides a wide range of health resources, including information about health care providers, public health programs, and health insurance options. It also offers guidance on navigating the health system in New York, which can be crucial for injury victims.
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
  
  National public health institute in the United States providing health resources and medical news.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  
  The NIH is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research.

Emotional support resources

• The Samaritans of New York
  
  Operating a 24-hour hotline, The Samaritans provide immediate and ongoing emotional support to individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or in crisis, helping them cope with the emotional impact of an injury or accident.
• American Psychological Association (APA) Psychologist Locator
  
  This tool helps individuals find psychologists in their area. It can be particularly helpful for personal injury victims needing professional support to manage trauma and stress related to their injuries.
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
  
  Offering support for those who have survived drunk driving accidents. Content includes a support group listing and a 24-hour victim helpline.
• Crash Support Network
  
  A national online community of patients, family members, and friends looking for and providing post-accident support.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  
  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The Compassionate Friends
  
  This organization provides support to families who have suffered the death of a child, including situations involving accidents. They offer local chapter meetings, online support groups, and a variety of resources to help grieving families.