Damages in Personal Injury Litigation: Key Trends & Case Law

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Chris is a partner at the Schwartzapfel Law Firm focusing on negligence cases with catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, where he routinely returns multi-million dollar recoveries. He has been named a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, National Trial Lawyers' "Top 100", and he serves on the Academy's Board as Vice President of the 2nd Department.

Mike came to the Ziff Law Firm in 2016 with a strong record as a fierce advocate for his clients in court. The former assistant district attorney with the Broome County District Attorney’s Office and assistant attorney general and claims attorney with the New York Attorney General’s Office has experience in county, state, and federal courts across Central New York, Western New York, and the Southern Tier, as well as Northern Tier counties in Pennsylvania. While at the Broome County DA’s Office, Mike prosecuted crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. After only two years as a local court prosecutor, Mike served as the felony DWI prosecutor for the office. In addition to prosecuting DWI cases in county court and presenting them to the grand jury, Mike spoke at STOP-DWI Victim Impact Panels, which are presentations made to DWI offenders to emphasize the consequences of driving while impaired or intoxicated. “Being an assistant district attorney is the best way to get trial experience as a young lawyer,” he said. “I was in the courtroom nearly every day, prosecuting cases ranging from traffic tickets to felonies.” As an assistant attorney general and claims attorney, Mike defended state agencies against tort claims, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall cases, and other negligence claims. “My experience as a claims attorney has been invaluable in representing those who have been injured. I have an intimate understanding of the claims process and legal arguments from both sides, which ultimately results in a better outcome for my clients.” Mike’s work with Ziff Law clients and law enforcement, along with his background as a prosecutor and claims attorney, gives him the ideal experience to serve his personal injury clients and achieve the best possible results.