The Following People Contributed to This Page
Cindy Cordova is a seasoned legal writer with over seven years of experience crafting clear, informative, and professional content for law firm websites. With a B.A. in English from Trinity Christian College, she combines her strong writing background with a deep understanding of legal topics to help firms connect with their clients through trustworthy and accessible content.
- June 25, 2025
What Is a Request for Admissions in a NYC Personal Injury Case?
Quick Answer: In New York personal injury lawsuits, a Request for Admissions is a discovery tool used to simplify and streamline the legal process by having the opposing party confirm or deny specific statements of fact. This helps narrow down the issues in dispute and can prevent the need to prove undisputed facts at trial.
Here’s how Requests for Admissions work:
- Requesting Party: Either the plaintiff (the injured party) or the defendant (the party being sued) can serve Requests for Admissions on the other party.
- Content: These requests are formal, written statements of fact, opinions of fact, or requests to confirm the genuineness of specific documents relevant to the case.
- Responding Party: The party receiving the request must provide a response within a set timeframe, which is typically 20 days but can be longer in certain scenarios. The response must either admit the statement, deny it, or explain in detail why they cannot truthfully admit or deny it.
- Effect of Response: If a statement is admitted by the responding party, it is considered a conclusively proven fact in the case and does not need to be further argued or proven at trial. If a statement is denied or not properly responded to within the timeframe, the requesting party may then need to present evidence to prove that fact at trial.
- Purpose in Personal Injury Lawsuits: Requests for Admissions serve several strategic purposes. They are primarily used for Narrowing Issues, clarifying which facts are genuinely in dispute and which are agreed upon. This helps in Simplifying Trial, allowing the court to focus on only the remaining contested issues and making the trial more efficient. Admitted facts can also be very helpful during Settlement Negotiations, as they remove areas of contention and strengthen the asserting party’s position.
- Examples in a Car Accident Case: Common examples of requests include:
- “Admit that the defendant was driving at a speed of 50 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour zone immediately prior to the accident.”
- “Admit that the weather conditions on the day of the accident were clear and sunny.”
- “Admit that the document attached as Exhibit A is a true and accurate copy of the police report of the accident.”
- Consequences of Failing to Respond: If a party fails to respond to a Request for Admission within the legally required timeframe, the statements contained in the request are automatically deemed admitted. This means those facts are considered proven without any further action, which can significantly impact the case’s outcome.
In essence, Requests for Admissions are a strategic tool in New York personal injury lawsuits that can help parties focus their efforts on the core issues of the case and potentially expedite the legal process. To learn more or get help with your personal injury case in NYC, call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation.
How Does a Request for Admissions Help in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
A request for admissions can be a powerful tool in a personal injury lawsuit. It helps both sides narrow down the facts that are in dispute. This saves time and allows the case to move forward more efficiently.
In a New York City personal injury case, one side may send a request for admissions to the other side. This document lists several statements. The person receiving it must respond by saying whether each statement is true, false, or if they lack enough information to admit or deny it. If they don’t answer properly or in time, the statements may be considered true under the law.
Here’s how requests for admissions can help in a personal injury case:
- Clarify key facts: These requests make the other side agree or disagree with certain facts. For example: “Admit that the car accident happened at the intersection of First Avenue and East 14th Street.”
- Reduce court time: If the facts are admitted, there is no need to prove them in court. This makes the trial shorter and more focused.
- Strengthen your case: Admissions can help prove that the other party was negligent (careless) or at fault. For instance, they might admit they were texting while driving.
- Expose weak points: If the other side wrongly denies a clear fact, you can show this to the court. It may help your case if the jury sees them as dishonest.
- Help with settlement: If both sides agree on most of the facts, they may be more willing to settle the case without trial.
In New York City, where courts are busy and cases can take time, using requests for admissions can help move your case along faster. It also lets your lawyer focus on the most important arguments in your case.
If you’re involved in a personal injury lawsuit and receive or need to send a request for admissions, it’s important to respond the right way. The answers can seriously affect the outcome of your case. That’s why it helps to have legal guidance every step of the way.
To learn more or get help with your personal injury case in NYC, call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation.
When Are Requests for Admissions Used During a NYC Lawsuit?
Requests for admissions are typically used during the discovery phase of a personal injury lawsuit in New York City. Discovery is the part of the case where both sides exchange information. The goal is to gather facts, narrow down the issues, and prepare for trial.
Once a lawsuit is filed, both the plaintiff (the injured person) and the defendant (the person or company being sued) can send each other requests for admissions. These are written statements that one side asks the other to admit or deny under oath.
In NYC personal injury cases, requests for admissions are generally used:
- After the case is filed in court: This usually happens after both sides have shared basic documents and information through initial disclosures.
- Along with other discovery tools: This may include depositions, written interrogatories (questions), and requests for documents.
- Before trial: These requests are often sent weeks or months before trial to confirm certain facts or avoid unnecessary arguments in court.
For example, in a slip and fall case in a Manhattan grocery store, the injured person might send a request asking the store to admit that the floor was wet and no warning sign was posted. If the store admits this, it can help narrow the dispute and shorten the trial.
In New York court rules, the opposing side generally has 20 days to respond to a request for admissions. If they do not respond in time, the court may treat the statements as if they were admitted, which could hurt their chances at trial.
Using requests for admissions at the right stage of a lawsuit can help clarify facts, reduce costs, and sometimes even lead to a quicker settlement. If you’re involved in a personal injury case in NYC, it’s important to work with an attorney who understands how and when to use requests for admissions effectively.
What Happens If Someone Ignores or Denies a Request for Admissions?
If someone ignores or fails to respond to a Request for Admissions in a personal injury lawsuit in New York City, the court can treat the statements as admitted. This means the court may assume that the statements are true, even if the person never actually agreed to them. This can be a big deal in a personal injury case where proving certain facts, like who was at fault, is important.
A Request for Admissions is a legal document sent during the discovery phase of a lawsuit. It asks the other side to admit or deny specific facts related to the case. These facts could include things like:
- The date and location of the accident
- Whether the person owned the property where the injury happened
- Whether they received a written complaint about a dangerous condition
If the person doesn’t respond within the required time—usually 20 days in New York—the court may consider each request to be admitted. This can hurt their case because they lose the chance to argue against those facts later in court.
Denying a request is different than ignoring it, but it still carries weight. The denial must be in good faith. If the person denies something that is clearly true and it can be proven, the court might see that as dishonest. This can damage their credibility and even lead to penalties.
Here’s what can happen if someone ignores or wrongly denies a Request for Admissions in NYC:
- Automatic Admission: If they don’t respond in time, the court treats the facts as true.
- Weaker Defense: Admitting key facts, even by mistake, can strengthen the other side’s case.
- Possible Fines or Sanctions: A judge may order penalties for failing to follow court rules.
- Loss of Legal Rights: Ignoring the request might prevent them from bringing up certain arguments later in the case.
In personal injury cases, facts matter. If a party ignores or mishandles a Request for Admissions, it could make it much harder to defend themselves or prove their own claims.
If you’ve received a Request for Admissions or believe the other party in your case has ignored one, it’s important to act carefully and quickly. To learn how this could affect your NYC personal injury case, contact The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation.
How Can a Request for Admissions Affect the Outcome of Your NYC Injury Case?
A request for admissions can play a major role in how your personal injury case is decided in New York City. These requests ask the other side to either admit or deny certain facts related to the case. How they respond—or if they respond at all—can strongly affect the outcome of your lawsuit.
Here are some ways a request for admissions can impact your personal injury case:
- Helps Prove Key Facts: If the other party admits to facts like being at the scene of the accident or failing to follow safety rules, your lawyer won’t have to spend extra time or effort proving those facts in court.
- Saves Time and Costs: Proving each fact in a personal injury case requires evidence like witness statements, medical records, or expert opinions. If facts are admitted early, the case can move faster.
- Increases Legal Pressure: If the other party refuses to admit to facts without a good reason and you later prove those facts in court, the court can require them to pay your legal expenses related to that issue.
- Strengthens Your Negotiating Power: Admitted facts may give your attorney stronger support during settlement talks, making it more likely you receive fair compensation.
- Affects Jury Decisions: If your case goes to trial, facts that were admitted through this process can be presented as true. This can help the jury understand what really happened without hearing extra testimony.
For example, in a NYC slip and fall case, your lawyer may file a request for admissions asking the property owner to admit they knew about a broken floor tile before your accident. If they admit it, that supports your claim of negligence. If they deny it without proof, and it later turns out they did know, the court may hold that against them.
A request for admissions may seem like a simple step, but it’s a powerful legal tool. It can clarify disputed facts, encourage honesty, and help resolve your case more effectively. If used properly, it can make a significant difference in your personal injury lawsuit.
If you’ve been injured in New York City and are dealing with a personal injury claim, having the right legal support matters. You can call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 to speak with a dedicated attorney about your situation.
Common Types of Requests for Admissions in New York Personal Injury Cases
In a New York City personal injury lawsuit, a request for admissions is a tool used during the discovery process. It helps narrow down the facts that both sides agree on, so the case can move forward more efficiently. These requests usually ask the other party to admit or deny specific facts about the case. Here are some common types of requests for admissions seen in NYC personal injury cases:
- Factual Admissions: These ask the other side to admit facts about the accident or incident. For example, “Admit that the accident occurred on July 1, 2023, at the intersection of Broadway and 42nd Street.”
- Liability-Related Admissions: These focus on who caused the accident. For example, “Admit that you failed to yield the right of way to the plaintiff.”
- Medical Condition Admissions: These cover the injured person’s health before and after the accident. For example, “Admit that you were not being treated for a back injury before the accident.”
- Injury and Treatment Admissions: These address specific injuries or treatments. For example, “Admit that you received physical therapy for six months following the accident.”
- Insurance Coverage Admissions: These verify details about insurance policies that may apply. For example, “Admit that you were covered under a valid auto insurance policy at the time of the accident.”
- Admissions About Documents: These confirm whether documents are real or accurate. For example, “Admit that the attached accident report is a true and correct copy.”
- Admissions About Damages: These involve financial or emotional impacts from the injury. For example, “Admit that you could not return to work for one month due to your injuries.”
These types of requests help both sides figure out which facts are in dispute and which are not. In busy New York courts, this saves time and makes trials shorter and more focused. If you’ve received a request for admissions or are unsure how to respond, it’s wise to get help from a personal injury attorney.
For guidance on handling requests for admissions in your NYC personal injury case, contact The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Request for Admissions in NYC?
If you’ve received a Request for Admissions in a New York City personal injury case, it’s important to take it seriously. These requests are part of the legal discovery process. They are written statements sent by the other side asking you to admit or deny specific facts about your case. What you say can have a major impact on how your lawsuit moves forward.
Here’s what you should do if you receive a Request for Admissions in NYC:
- Read the request carefully: Take time to go through each statement. These requests often ask you to admit facts such as details of the accident, injuries, or other key issues.
- Don’t ignore the deadline: In New York, you typically have 20 days to respond. If you miss this deadline, the court may treat every statement as if you admitted it—whether it’s true or not.
- Be honest and accurate: If a statement is true, you should admit it. If it’s not true or only partly true, you can deny it or explain which parts you admit and which you deny. If you don’t know enough to answer, you may be able to say that too—if you’ve made a reasonable effort to find out.
- Don’t guess: If you’re not sure about a fact, it’s better to say so than to guess or assume. Admitting something by mistake could hurt your case later.
- Talk to your lawyer: Responding to these requests can be tricky. A personal injury attorney can help you decide how to answer and make sure your rights are protected. Your answers could affect whether your case settles or goes to trial.
For example, if one of the requests says, “Admit that you did not seek medical treatment on the day of the accident,” your response could influence how the court views your injury. If you answer carelessly or miss the deadline, it could be used against you.
If you’re unsure how to handle a Request for Admissions, you don’t have to go through it alone. At The Orlow Firm, we help injury victims in New York City understand every step of their case. Call us at (646) 647-3398 to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs About Requests for Admissions in NYC Personal Injury Lawsuits
- What is a Request for Admissions in a personal injury lawsuit? A Request for Admissions is a set of written statements one side sends to the other during a lawsuit. The other side must admit, deny, or explain why they can’t answer. These statements are often used to confirm simple facts or details not in dispute. In a personal injury case, this might include things like whether the accident happened on a certain date or if medical bills were received.
- How is this different from other parts of the lawsuit? Unlike depositions or written questions (called interrogatories), a Request for Admissions is not used to gather new facts. Instead, it’s used to clear up facts both sides already know. This saves time at trial and focuses the case on what’s actually in dispute.
- Do I have to respond to a Request for Admissions? Yes, you must respond within 20 days in New York State courts. If you don’t respond in time, the court may treat every statement as true—even if it’s not. This can hurt your case, especially in a personal injury lawsuit.
- What types of questions are usually asked? In New York City personal injury cases, common requests might ask you to admit:
- The accident occurred on a specific date and time
- You were treated at a specific hospital or clinic
- You were the owner or driver of the vehicle
- You submitted certain medical or insurance records
- What happens if I deny something that’s clearly true? If you deny something that is later proven in court, the judge may make you pay any costs tied to proving it. This might include things like extra witness fees or document searches. It’s important to answer truthfully and carefully.
- What if I don’t know the answer? If you truly don’t know and can’t find out the answer after a reasonable search, you can say that. But just saying “I don’t know” without trying to find out is not allowed and can be challenged by the other side.
- Can I object to a Request for Admissions? Yes, if a request is unclear, overly broad, or asks for an opinion you’re not qualified to give, you may be able to object. Your attorney can help you figure out which requests are proper and which ones aren’t.
- Will my case settle if I respond to these requests? Not necessarily, but responding truthfully can help both sides see what facts are agreed on. This can sometimes lead to a settlement by reducing the issues that need to be argued at trial.
- Should I answer a Request for Admissions on my own? It’s strongly recommended that you speak with an attorney. Responding incorrectly or missing a deadline can seriously harm your case. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process and help protect your legal rights.
If you’ve received a Request for Admissions or you’re involved in a personal injury lawsuit in New York City, The Orlow Firm is here to help. Contact us today at (646) 647-3398 for a free and confidential consultation.
Contact The Orlow Firm for a Free Consultation on Your NYC Personal Injury Case
If you’ve been injured in New York City and are involved in a personal injury lawsuit, you may receive a legal document called a Request for Admissions. This document asks you to admit or deny specific facts about your case. What you say in your response can directly affect the outcome of your case. That’s why it’s important to get legal advice before answering any of these requests.
At The Orlow Firm, we help personal injury victims in NYC understand and respond to requests for admissions. Our attorneys take the time to review each request closely and make sure your answers protect your rights. We work to build a strong legal strategy based on facts that support your claim.
Here’s how The Orlow Firm may assist you with your request for admissions in a personal injury case:
- Explain what each request means in simple terms so you fully understand what is being asked.
- Review the facts and guide you on which requests to admit, deny, or object to.
- File your response correctly and on time to avoid losing your right to challenge certain facts.
- Use your responses to strengthen your case during settlement talks or trial.
Whether your case involves a slip and fall, car accident, or any other injury due to someone else’s fault, dealing with legal documents like requests for admissions can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll discuss your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand what to do next. There’s no cost to speak with us, and we only get paid if we recover money for you.
Dealing with a personal injury case in New York City is never easy—but getting trusted legal guidance can make all the difference. Let The Orlow Firm stand by your side.
The Following People Contributed to This Page
Cindy Cordova is a seasoned legal writer with over seven years of experience crafting clear, informative, and professional content for law firm websites. With a B.A. in English from Trinity Christian College, she combines her strong writing background with a deep understanding of legal topics to help firms connect with their clients through trustworthy and accessible content.
