Oneonta Personal Injury Lawyers Fighting for Injured People – Never Insurance Companies
Last updated on March 12, 2026
If you suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you might be entitled to compensation. After an accident, it is common for victims to face hospital bills, property repairs or lost wages. These reasons, along with the emotional toll of an injury, can lead to more stress and anxiety.
In such a time like this, you need a caring and skilled personal injury attorney from Scarzafava & Basdekis, PLLC, who can guide you through this complex and challenging time. From our office in Oneonta, we represent injured people in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties.
The following attributes and recognitions are some of what make us right for your case:
- Decades of collective legal experience
- Recognition by National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Lawyer who is AV Preeminent* peer-review rated, the highest rating, through Martindale-Hubbell
- Attorneys who have been referred to as “lawyers for the people”
- Listings in Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report for 2015
Call our Oneonta law firm at 607-441-4137 for a free consultation.
Types Of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
You deserve a lawyer who understands your case and your community. Our award-winning team supports clients in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties. For more than 40 years, Scarzafava & Basdekis, PLLC, has stood with injury victims and grieving families, and we never work for insurance companies. We have experience in a variety of injury claims, including:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
A crash can turn your life upside down in seconds. You may face medical bills, time away from work and calls from insurance adjusters who push you to settle fast. Scarzafava & Basdekis helps people hurt in car accidents and motorcycle accidents, as well as serious accidents involving large commercial vehicles. We also represent pedestrians injured in collisions and injured bicyclists. If a drunk driver caused your injuries, we can help you demand full compensation.
Premises Liability
Property owners must fix hazards and warn guests about danger. When they ignore that duty, people get hurt. Scarzafava & Basdekis handles slip-and-fall injuries and other property hazards such as broken steps, icy walkways, poor lighting, loose rugs or unsafe floors. We work to prove what happened, show how the hazard caused your injury and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Workplace Injuries
A job injury can threaten your health and your paycheck. We help workers after serious construction accidents, including falls, struck-by accidents and equipment injuries. We also handle Labor Law 240/241 cases when unsafe conditions on a work site cause harm. If you work on the railroad or your job falls under federal rules, we can guide you through FELA clail.ms. We support you through every step of the claim by handling paperwork and deadlines, communicating with insurers and preparing your case for settlement talks or court when needed.
Other Serious Injuries
Some injuries cause long-term pain, disability or loss that families never forget. Scarzafava & Basdekis represents clients after dog bites and injuries tied to unsafe products through product liability claims. We also take on cases involving catastrophic injuries such as brain injuries and spinal cord damage. When negligence leads to a loss of life, we help families pursue wrongful death claims with care and determination.
No matter what sort of injury you have suffered, you can discuss your case with us for free in a free consultation. We charge no upfront fees because we work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win money for you. Call us at 607-441-4137 to get started.
After An Accident, Act Fast
In the state of New York, there is a statute of limitations on how long you have to file a personal injury claim. The limits depend on factors such as what type of injury you have suffered and who was at fault. This means that even though you are healing, it is important that you consider the legal aspects of your case.
The Oneonta personal injury lawyer at Scarzafava & Basdekis, PLLC, can help take the legal burden off your shoulders. We assist you from the moment you retain our services through any court dates or post-settlement issues.
If you’ve been injured, contact us at 607-441-4137 today.
Common Questions We Answer Every Day
Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about what to do after you’ve been injured and it wasn’t your fault.
What is a personal injury lawsuit?
A personal injury lawsuit is a claim filed by or on behalf of someone who suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence. The purpose of the claim is to seek compensation for injuries as well as hold the negligent individual accountable for their actions.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York?
As we mentioned above, the statute of limitations varies depending on who was at fault for your injuries and the type of injuries you suffered. Generally speaking, the time frame in which you have to file a claim ranges between one and three years from the date of your accident.
What happens if I miss the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim in New York?
Unfortunately, if you miss the deadline for filing a personal injury claim in New York, you forfeit your opportunity to seek compensation. This is why it’s incredibly important to reach out to a skilled lawyer with whom you can discuss your case, options and timeline.
Do I have a case even if I don't feel hurt after an accident?
Some injuries, like whiplash and even some head injuries, don’t present symptoms for days, weeks or even months after an accident. So even if you don’t feel injured immediately after an accident, that doesn’t mean you aren’t. Seeking medical attention right after a crash, whether or not you feel hurt, is always a good idea. A doctor will know how to identify injuries you might not realize you have yet, which can help when filing a claim for damages.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident? Can I still recover damages?
Yes. New York follows the pure comparative fault rule, which takes two factors into account:
- The percentage of fault each party had in the accident
- The amount of damages being sought by the plaintiff
This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to collect some damages. They will simply be reduced by the percentage of fault the jury assigns to you.
Get A Qualified Oneonta Car Accident Attorney Who Can Help
After an accident, it is important that you seek immediate medical help. Make sure all your injuries are thoroughly documented with pictures and reports. When you are able, contact a personal injury attorney at Scarzafava & Basdekis, PLLC, to help guide you through the legal aspects of your claim.
Our legal team is dedicated to assisting victims against insurance companies, corporations and government agencies, and we can help you when you need it most.
Contact us today at 607-441-4137 to learn how our Oneonta car accident lawyer can help.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.