More details to this question:
I had a motor cycle accident in 1988. I had a settlement. It is 38 years later and I have many issues still going on. Broke both my legs. Had many surgeries and rods put in my legs. Now I need knee replacements in both have arthritis and a lot of pain.. My lawyer has passed and his firm no longer exists. How would I get any paperwork about my case and is it even possible to re open?
1 ANSWER
Automobile Accidents Attorney serving New York, NY
Partner at
Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik, PLLC
4 Awards
Sorry to hear that your're still experiencing symptoms from the motorcycle crash. Absent any fraud or duress in getting you to settle your case, there'd be no basis to reopen the settlement. That you are still experiencing symptoms is not grounds to vacate a settlement - that's the risk of settling. Every settlement takes into consideration the fact that the future is unknown and that your condition could improve, stay the same or, in your case, get worse. If you still wish to view your file, you'd have to go to the county clerk's office in which the case was filed and requisition it. Given how much time has elapsed, it's likely been archived.
Best regards,
Jonathan R. Ratchik, Esq.
Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik, PLLC
www.kdrpilawyers.com
Answered on May 11th, 2026 at 8:18 AM