Catherine A. Whitfield
Founding partner
Admitted in New York State and federal courts, with trial experience in Kings, Queens, New York and Bronx counties. Practices in English and Spanish.
New York personal injury attorneys
Whitfield, Ortiz & Associates represents injured New Yorkers across all five boroughs. Our attorneys focus on one thing, serious injury and wrongful death cases, and we are paid only if we recover for you.
- No fee unless we win
- Offices in all five boroughs
- Spanish-speaking attorneys
- $120M+
- recovered for clients
- 4,000+
- families represented
- 6
- trial attorneys
- 5
- borough offices
Practice areas
Motor vehicle
Collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists, including no-fault benefits and serious injury claims.
- Car and truck accidents
- Pedestrian and cyclist crashes
- No-fault and serious injury threshold
- Claims against fleets and commercial insurers
Case results
| Matter | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wrongful death | Jury verdict, Bronx County | $5,500,000 |
| Construction fall, Labor Law | Settlement, New York County | $4,200,000 |
| Medical malpractice | Settlement, Kings County | $3,100,000 |
| Subway platform injury | Settlement, Queens County | $1,800,000 |
| Slip and fall | Settlement, Kings County | $1,350,000 |
Sample figures for template purposes. Each firm replaces these with its own verifiable results. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our attorneys
Daniel Okafor
Partner
Construction and Labor Law
Priya Nair
Partner
Medical malpractice
Marcus Webb
Senior associate
Motor vehicle and trucking
Sofia Alvarez
Senior associate
Transit and city claims
Jonathan Kim
Associate
Premises liability
Sample attorney profiles for template purposes.
Client reviews
I never had to chase anyone for an update. They explained every step in plain language and handled the insurance company for me.
After my fall at work I did not know where to turn. They took the case seriously from the first call and fought for a fair result.
They spoke with my family in Spanish and never made us feel rushed. We felt looked after during a very hard time.
Sample reviews and rating. The live site shows the firm's real, verified reviews.
Insights
Sample article titles. Each firm publishes its own guides.
FAQ
How long do I have to file an injury claim in New York?
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident. Medical malpractice claims generally have two and a half years, wrongful death claims two years, and claims against New York City or other public entities usually require a notice of claim within 90 days. Exceptions exist, so speak with a lawyer as early as you can.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Injury cases are typically handled on a contingency basis, which means no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. The firm explains its fee and how case expenses are handled in writing before you sign anything.
What is no-fault insurance after a car accident?
In New York, your own auto policy's no-fault coverage pays medical bills and a portion of lost earnings regardless of who caused the crash. You generally need to submit your no-fault application within 30 days. To sue for pain and suffering, your injury usually must meet the state's definition of a serious injury.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
Be careful. Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement early, and what you say can be used to reduce your claim. It is usually wise to speak with a lawyer before giving any statement.
I was hurt on a construction site. What are my rights?
New York's Labor Law offers strong protections to workers injured in falls and other gravity-related accidents, in addition to workers' compensation benefits. Which rules apply depends on your role and the site, so a case review is the best first step.
Offices
Manhattan
45 Broad Street, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10004
(212) 555-0190Brooklyn
16 Court Street, Suite 900, Brooklyn, NY 11241
(212) 555-0190Queens
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400, Forest Hills, NY 11375
(212) 555-0190The Bronx
851 Grand Concourse, Suite 210, Bronx, NY 10451
(212) 555-0190Staten Island
1 Edgewater Plaza, Suite 305, Staten Island, NY 10305
(212) 555-0190Sample addresses. We also meet clients at home or in the hospital across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island.
Speak with an attorney today.
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