Jake Otis

I’m Jake Otis, a trial attorney with The Barnes Firm, serving clients across Long Island. What sets my practice apart is a deep-rooted commitment to putting clients first—backed by preparation, perseverance, and a passion for personal injury law that began during my time in law school.

From day one, I have dedicated my career to advocating for individuals and families impacted by serious injuries caused by negligence. I understand that injuries don't just disrupt lives—they change them. That’s why I approach each case with unwavering hard work and attention to detail, aiming to secure the fair compensation my clients need to move forward.

As the first lawyer in my family, I embrace the responsibility of providing trustworthy legal guidance. 

How much does it cost to hire The Barnes Firm on Long Island?

There are no upfront costs. At The Barnes Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. This ensures that everyone in Nassau and Suffolk County has access to strong legal representation, no matter their financial situation.

How does New York’s no-fault insurance system affect Long Island drivers?

New York is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance pays for medical bills and part of your lost wages after a crash—no matter who caused it. But no-fault doesn’t cover pain and suffering. To sue for those damages, you must meet the “serious injury threshold.” I guide Long Island clients through this process to ensure they recover everything they’re entitled to.

What kinds of cases do you handle most often on Long Island?

I represent clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, but on Long Island the most common are motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, slip-and-falls, and construction injuries. No matter the case, I prepare every file thoroughly and fight to secure the best possible outcome for each client.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in New York. Wrongful death cases usually have a two-year deadline, and claims against a government agency can require a notice of claim in as little as 90 days. Because Long Island cases often involve towns, villages, or public authorities, it’s important to act quickly so we can preserve your rights.

One of the most challenging aspects of practicing personal injury law on Long Island is the sheer variety of accidents we see—whether it’s a high-speed crash on the LIE, a slip-and-fall at a local business, or a serious injury at a construction site. Each case brings unique hurdles, from navigating New York’s no-fault insurance system to dealing with large insurance companies that try to minimize what they owe. Clients often come to me while overwhelmed with medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of not knowing what comes next.

What keeps me motivated is knowing I can take that burden off their shoulders. By combining thorough preparation with the full resources of The Barnes Firm, I fight to make sure every client gets the justice and compensation they deserve, no matter how tough the opposition.

What I’d like clients to know is that when they come to me, they can count on more than just legal representation—they’ll have an advocate who is prepared, persistent, and invested in their recovery. At The Barnes Firm, we combine the resources of one of the nation’s largest personal injury firms with the personal attention of a local attorney who understands the challenges families face here on Long Island.

My goal is always to make the process as clear and stress-free as possible while fighting tirelessly for the compensation and justice each client deserves. Helping people rebuild their lives after an accident isn’t just my job—it’s my commitment.