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About Smiley & Smiley, LLP

Let Our Family Take Care of Yours

At Smiley & Smiley, LLP, we’ve spent over five decades standing by New York families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Since 1968, we have helped thousands of clients recover the financial compensation they deserve following catastrophic injuries, wrongful deaths, and life-altering accidents.

 It all began with Attorney Guy Smiley, who founded the firm with a simple but powerful vision: to provide compassionate, experienced legal counsel to families in need. His client-centered approach quickly earned him the trust and respect of fellow attorneys across New York City, leading to a thriving practice built on referrals and results.

 More than 57 years later, that vision continues to guide us. Guy Smiley remains actively involved in representing injured clients and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence. His commitment to service and justice is now carried forward by the next generation.

 Andrew Smiley, Guy’s son, joined the firm in 1996 and became a partner in 2000. A seasoned trial lawyer, educator, author, and mentor, Andrew brings a dynamic energy and forward-thinking approach to the practice, helping elevate Smiley & Smiley’s reputation throughout the legal community.

In 2023, Rosa Feeney joined as a partner and now serves as Chair of the firm’s Insurance Coverage and Risk Division. Rosa has built and leads a skilled team focused on helping clients navigate complex insurance issues—from policy interpretation to claims management and litigation.

Jason Friedman, Andrew’s best friend and law school classmate, has been part of the Smiley family for over 25 years. To Guy, he’s like another son. As Chair of the firm’s Medical Malpractice group, Jason brings nearly three decades of experience successfully litigating medical malpractice, significant personal injury, and wrongful death cases. As a partner, he leads with loyalty, deep expertise, and exceptional advocacy in every matter he handles.

 Also serving our clients is Michael Solomon, Senior Trial Counsel, a former prosecutor, accomplished trial attorney, and master negotiator. Michael’s courtroom experience and tactical insight make him an invaluable asset in both litigation and settlement negotiations.

Patricia Doran and Jocelyn Seitter, both Senior Counsels, specialize in insurance coverage and are integral members of the Insurance Coverage and Risk Division. Patricia and Jocelyn both have extensive knowledge of policy language and strategic approaches to coverage disputes, ensuring that clients receive the protection and clarity they deserve.

 At Smiley & Smiley, LLP, we believe that nothing is more important than family—and we treat every client like one of our own.

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The Mentor, ESQ

The
Mentor, ESQ

Andrew J. Smiley, Esq., a distinguished personal injury attorney and managing partner at Smiley & Smiley, LLP, offers a comprehensive suite of resources through The Mentor Esq. platform to empower legal professionals at all stages of their careers. His acclaimed podcast, The Mentor Esq., delivers CLE-accredited episodes that delve into practical litigation strategies, ethical considerations, and expert interviews, providing invaluable insights for attorneys . Complementing the podcast, his Mentor Esq. Handbook Series, including titles like How to Successfully Litigate a Personal Injury Case, offers step-by-step guidance on navigating the complexities of personal injury litigation . Andrew’s commitment to education extends to his annual mentorship program, featuring monthly Zoom sessions aimed at enhancing participants’ legal acumen and professional growth. Through these initiatives, Andrew leverages over two decades of trial experience and leadership within legal organizations to mentor and inspire the next generation of attorneys.​ 

Andrew’s commitment to giving back is woven into every aspect of The Mentor Esq. platform. Proceeds from the online shop and donations from mentorship program participants directly support impactful nonprofits, including The Water Project, Friends of Michael, and the Just Hands Racing Foundation . This integration of professional development and philanthropy reflects Andrew’s dedication to uplifting both the legal community and broader society.

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Settlements, Verdicts and Case Results

$14,300,000 Verdict Against the City of New York

$14.3 Million verdict against the City of New York on behalf of a ballerina in the Harlem Dance Theater who was rendered paraplegic after the car in which she was riding with Andre Robertson, a New York Yankees baseball player, crashed into an abutment on the West Side Highway. We proved that the city’s negligence in failing to post required warning signs was the cause of the accident.

$9,750,000 for Injured Ironworker

$9,750,000 for a 56 –year-old ironworker who sustained life changing injuries to his pelvis, leg, back and arm when a scissor lift he was working on toppled over. We proved that the owner and general contractor of the site violated the New York Labor Laws.

$8,600,000 Awarded to 9/11 WTC Victim

Smiley & Smiley, LLP is pleased to report that we obtained an award of $8.6 MILLION, the largest award paid by the fund in all cases, to “Jane Doe#1,” the first victim of the World Trade center attacks to be admitted to the hospital and the last to be discharged over 14 months later. Jane Doe suffered horrific injuries when the landing gear of one of the planes came thundering down upon her, crushing her legs and feet and severing her buttocks. This award came eight months after partner Guy I. Smiley appeared on national television to champion our client’s case during a one-hour Dateline NBC feature, to an audience of 13 million viewers, of Jane Doe’s heroic course towards recovery. We are extremely proud to have achieved the largest award granted by the fund on behalf of our client. Jane Doe #1 was represented by Smiley & Smiley, LLP on a no-fee basis.

$7,500,000 for Injured Carpenter in a Construction Accident

$7,500,000 for a 36 –year-old carpenter who sustained life changing injuries to his head, back, shoulders and knees when ceiling under construction collapsed on him. We proved that the owner and general contractor of the site violated the New York Labor Laws.

$7,500,000 Burns and Brain Injury from Apartment Fire

$7,500,000 for our client who woke up to an apartment in flames and couldn’t get out in time.  As a result he suffered burns all over his body and a traumatic brain injury from inhaling carbon monoxide. We proved that the building owner failed to install proper smoke and CO2 detectors which would have given our client notice to safely escape the fire.

$5,050,000 Settlement for Family of Painter Killed on WTC Reconstruction Project

$5.05 Million pretrial settlement for the family of a painter killed while working the night shift at the World Trade Center site as part of the Path Train Reconstruction Project following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Our client was assigned the task of prepping and painting two staircase tower structures, which were each about 30 feet high and required the use of an aerial lift (man lift) to gain access. For his entire shift that evening, our client was working alone. At about 12:30 a.m., he was discovered crushed between the top of one of the tower structures and the basket of his aerial lift. Smiley & Smiley, LLP claimed that the defendants were negligent under New York State Labor Law § 200 in allowing our client to work alone without the benefit of a coworker and that working alone in a man lift was an unsafe work practice.

$5,000,000 for Woman Injured by Turning Bus

$5,000,000 settlement for a 34-year-old attorney who sustained catastrophic injuries to her leg as a result of being struck by a turning bus. Our client was crossing the street on her way to work when a bus ran her over in the crosswalk. Her leg was crushed and the doctors wanted to amputate, but she refused and asked them to do everything in their power to save her leg. She underwent ten surgeries and her leg was saved. However she has been left with permanent skin grafts, scarring and loss of normal use of her leg and foot.

$4,700,000 for Drunk Driving – Dram Shop Victim Who Suffered Leg Amputations

$4,700,000 for a 27-year-old passenger of an automobile which crashed as result of an drunk driver. Our client suffered traumatic amputations of both of his legs as a result of the high speed crash. We proved that the owner of the restaurant where the driver was drinking was responsible pursuant to the New York Dram Shop Act (General Obligations Law 11-101).

$4,500,000 for Construction Worker Who Fell Off a Scaffold

$4,500,000 for a 33 –year-old construction laborer who sustained life changing injuries to his head and back when he fell from a scaffold that did not have any of the required fall protection devices. We proved that the owner and general contractor of the site violated the New York Labor Laws.

$4,000,000 for Doctor Injured in a Bus Accident

$4 Million for a 33-year-old physician who was struck by a turning bus while he was riding his bicyclist to work in midtown Manhattan. Our client sustained multiple injuries including a crushed pelvis resulting in permanent bladder incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Despite this being a “hit and run” accident, Smiley Law identified the owners of the bus and held them accountable.

$3,975,000 for Water Trampoline Injury

$3,975,000 for a 38-year-old husband and father who was rendered quadriplegic when he fell off a water trampoline that was placed on a public lake in shallow water. We proved that the camp which owned the trampoline was negligent in placing the trampoline in water that was less than 8 feet deep as required by the trampoline manufacturer. We were successful in defeating the defense claims of trespassing and assumption of risk.

$3,800,000 for Medical Malpractice – Wrongful Death following Knee Surgery

$3,800,000 for the wife and young children of a man who suffered anesthesia complications during arthroscopic knee surgery and further complications in the ICU which caused his death. 

$3,750,000 Medical Malpractice – Wrongful Death – Failure to Notify Patient of Biopsy Results Showing Aggressive Prostate Cancer

$3,750,000 for the wife and 6 children of a 66-year-old man who passed away from prostate cancer.  Although he underwent a prostate biopsy, the urologist failed to notify our client of the results which showed aggressive prostate cancer requiring immediate treatment.  Our client did not learn that he had prostate cancer until two years after the biopsy.  Unfortunately, as a result of the delay, our client was deprived of live saving treatment.  Smiley Law was able to obtain this significant settlement for the client and his family just a few days before he passed away, providing him with the knowledge that his family would be financially secure.

$3,595,000 Verdict for Subway Accident Victim

A Manhattan jury awarded our client $3.595 Million holding the New York City Transit Authority liable for the negligence of the train operator who ran over our client causing him to suffer an amputation of his foot. The Transit Authority blamed our client for the accident, since he was intoxicated and did not know how he ended up on the tracks. We successfully proved, however, that the train operator was negligent in failing to timely observe our client and stop the train before striking him.

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Frequently asked Questions

Contact Smiley & Smiley, LLP

After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, it’s important to document as much as possible. Take photos of the accident scene and injuries, gather contact information from witnesses, report the incident to authorities if necessary, and avoid discussing fault or details with insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney. Contacting a personal injury lawyer early can significantly improve your chances of securing fair compensation.

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront or out of pocket. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, typically as a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This ensures that high-quality legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

The timeline for resolving a personal injury case varies depending on the complexity of the injury, disputes over fault or liability, and negotiations with insurance companies. While some cases settle quickly within a few months, others—particularly serious or contested cases—may take a year or longer. Our firm prioritizes efficiency while always fighting to maximize your compensation.

Compensation varies based on the circumstances of your injury, but commonly includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and in certain cases, punitive damages. During our initial consultation, we can provide a clearer picture of what types of compensation may apply in your specific situation.

Yes, in many cases you can still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault. This depends on your state’s specific laws regarding comparative negligence. Generally, your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our experienced attorneys will carefully evaluate your situation and work to maximize your recovery despite any shared responsibility.

Most personal injury cases settle without going to court through negotiations with insurance companies or mediation. However, if the insurance company is unwilling to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit and potentially going to trial might become necessary. Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed, regardless of whether your case settles or goes to trial.

We charge hourly for our Insurance Coverage and Risk Matters based upon the scope of the services we are hired to provide.  Please contact us to discuss your Insurance Coverage and Risk Matter for more information.

Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

I am an attorney with the law firm of D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC in Watertown, CT. We have referred clients to Smiley & Smiley for years. We know as seasoned trial lawyers focused on injury litigation in Connecticut that the lawyers at Smiley & Smiley in New York are highly skilled in medical malpractice and personal injury litigation. We know that when we refer clients to this firm for injuries that happened in New York that they are well taken care of by lawyers who care. The results our referred clients have obtained with their assistance instills in us confidence in their professionalism and their abilities. We highly recommend this firm.

I have nothing But positive feedback to give regarding my experience with SMILEY & SMILEY, LLP… and would like to share it with any and All.

I was wounded by an Employee of an Institution that had hired me to renovate a large space to accommodate performances in it’s future. The job included the removal and placement of some very large and heavy Items. Before work began, It was clear that I was in charge, would have my own Crew and that my voice would be the voice that was listened to while moving these Heavy Items. I was told that the Employee (mentioned above)…would be present as an Observer…for “Insurance Purposes.” In Short…I was Not listened to.

An aggressive act by this Employee resulted in the crushed amputation of the end of my right middle finger. The Employer…was a very large Institution of whom I had historically worked for and had supported. Almost immediately… I was being asked to sign releases…which I did Not sign. I was given assurance that my Medical Expenses would be paid for,.. However, the Bills kept arriving. Saddened and Hurt…I continued to get No response from this Institution or their Insurance Representative.

My Brother told me to contact the offices of SMILEY & SMILEY, LLP…and I DID.
I found Agency and Certain Advocacy in Smiley Law, as they quickly got to work for Me.
I would call and always be well received. I felt less Alone, Wounded and Trusted I was being considered an Individual…not just another case file.
My case was Settled. Andrew Smiley was my Attorney. Andrew helped ME make the best decision. He was Candid, Informed and Honest. He had my Trust and Confidence…Completely.
I am happy to be on the other side of My unfortunate experience.
I am Totally satisfied with the work that Andrew and Smiley Law did on my behalf.
I now continue to consider Andrew a friend.

I would never hesitate to refer Smiley & Smiley…to Anyone.
Quite Sincerely…Brian P. Glover

It took six years from accident to case resolution. But Smiley and Smiley helped me through that tumultuous time every step of the way.

They were able to were able to get a settlement in my favor, despite a tricky fact pattern and circumstances. The firm NEVER gave up on my case, continuously telling me that I deserve justice and that they were going to fight for me.

And I cannot forget their incredible staff!! If Mr. A Smiley wasn’t available, I was always able to reach the paralegal(s) on my case via phone or email IMMEDIATELY. Mr. Smiley often got back to me personally afterwards, as if my case was the only one that he was working on (just visit their website… they are very busy!!).

The firm goes off of the mantra of “let our family take care of your family”, and that is exactly what happened. Mr. Smiley and his staff ended up knowing my entire immediate family (AND some extended family!!) by name, and they would usually ask for them in conversation. That is, by no means the sign of a good lawyer, but it was just the icing on the cake for extremely talented and skilled litigators.

At the conclusion of my trial, and all was over, Mr. Smiley assured me to never hesitate if I have other legal issues or if something comes up, because he still my lawyer.

I highly recommend Smiley and Smiley for all of your personal injury needs. Do not hesitate!!

Andrew Smiley and the rest of the team were a huge help to me during a tough time. Dealing with an accident and legal matters could have felt overwhelming, but Andrew made sure I was taken care of and made the process easy.

A massive thanks to him and everyone at Smiley & Smiley for making sure the end result was a positive one. They are genuinely great people and I place them in high regards.

Smiley and Smiley have provided me and my family with outstanding and caring legal counsel when we needed it. Both myself and my husband suffered serious injuries on separate occasions due to negligence by property owners. Smiley and Smiley helped us navigate through the legal and bureaucratic systems and provided thoughtful counsel throughout. They handle themselves and their clients with great professionalism and care. Cannot say enough about them and the results they get.

Smiley & Smiley, LLP is a wonderful firm to work with. They came recommended and I’m so glad I chose them. I was injured in a serious accident with my three-year-old son and while in the hospital, I was inundated with advice about law firms, etc. It was an emotional and overwhelming time, but the best advice I received was to go with my “gut” when choosing a law firm. Our lawyer, Jason Friedman visited me when I was in the hospital and he explained our options clearly. My husband and I immediatley chose to work with Jason because he appeared to be sincere and genuine and our feelings about Jason did not change during the course of our case, or after our settlement. He was honest, respectful, efficient, kind, and hard working. His paralegal Madlyn was an angel and also sincerely cared about my recovery and my son’s recovery. If there was a question I had, Jason answered it immediately, if there was a problem, Jason fixed it. Though we have settled our case, I am still able to contact Smiley & Smiley and they answer all of my questions and provide assistance when necessary. There aren’t many businesses out there that will do that. I would certainly recommend them to family and friends.

I was deeply suspicious of personal injury law and personal-injury lawyers when my husband wanted to pursue a case regarding the failure to diagnose his cancer. Luckily, we ended up in the hands of Smiley & Smiley. They zealously pursued our case, guiding us through the process in a way that that minimized the burden and stress of a legal action when we were already shouldering difficult medical and emotional issues, and leading to an outcome more successful that I had hoped. Andrew, Jason, and the rest of the team treated us with exceptional sensitivity and compassion, and even after the case was resolved they went to beyond their obligations to help address related, lingering legal and financial matters. I am deeply appreciative of their advocacy and their friendship, and would strongly recommend them to anyone in the unfortunate situation of needing this type of legal help.

I met with Andrew Smiley, and was Met with utmost respect. Andrew gave me all the information I needed and we signed papers. I could not be in better hands.
I know my lawsuit will take a little time but with Andrew’s help I will get the best possible outcome in the fastest amount of time possible. Everyone from the receptionist to the paralegals is absolutely amazing.

I am a professional singing actor who sustained a broken tibia/fibula in a car accident. After finding a first class surgeon, my next step was finding a first class law firm to deal with the insurance companies -Smiley & Smiley! Andrew and his staff treated me with respect and compassion throughout my surgery and seven month recovery and his legal acumen secured a settlement that enabled me to take the rehabilitation time I needed to return to the stage.

Phenomenal Results

Andrew Smiley and the entire team at Smiley & Smiley were outstanding in helping me through my child’s accident. What could have been an absolute nightmare was handled swiftly, fairly and with dignity. Thank you all!

Andrew is an awesome human being and a highly skilled and knowledgeable attorney who cares about his clients. Madeline and the rest of his staff are awesome as well !

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212-986-2022
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Smiley & Smiley, LLP, 28 Liberty Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10005
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