Anytime 24/7—Hablamos Español

Can You Sue Your Spouse for Personal Injury?

When it comes to personal injury cases, one question that comes up is whether you can sue your spouse for injuries caused by their actions. However, in New York, like in many other states, the answer isn’t straightforward.

 

Our experienced personal injury lawyer answers this question and more below!

What Is Spousal Immunity?

Historically, spouses weren’t legally allowed to sue each other for personal injury due to a principle called “interspousal immunity.” This considers a married couple as one legal entity, making it impossible for one spouse to sue the other. Courts also believed that allowing spouses to sue each other would disrupt the harmony of the family unit.

 

However, the concept has evolved in recent years. Spouses now have the right to sue each other for both intentional and negligent actions in many jurisdictions, including New York.

What Does Personal Injury Mean?

Personal injury means harm caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or purposeful acts. To make a personal injury claim, you need to prove:

1. Duty of Care

The party being sued must have had a legal responsibility or duty of care towards the injured party.

2. Breach of Duty
3. Causation
4. Damages

Can You Sue Your Spouse for Personal Injury?

Yes, with some exceptions. Spouses can bring personal injury lawsuits against each other for injuries caused by car accidents, intentional injuries,

and other types of personal injury cases. However, certain restrictions apply.

Automobile Accidents

In New York, insurance companies are required to offer special insurance coverage that allows spouses to sue each other for injuries resulting from car accidents. That said, this coverage isn't mandatory, and some policies may not include it — in which case you wouldn't be able to sue your spouse.

Intentional Injuries

If your spouse intentionally causes you harm, such as physical assault, you have the right to sue them for monetary damages. In this case, your lawsuit would be similar to a lawsuit against any third party who caused deliberate harm. While common, it's not necessary to seek a divorce before suing for intentional injuries.

Sexual Affairs

You can’t sue your spouse for having a sexual affair in New York. The ability to seek monetary damages for emotional distress or sue the “other person” involved in the affair has been eliminated. However, it’s still possible to pursue a divorce on the grounds of an affair, although most divorces in New York are now based on “no-fault” grounds.

Factors to Consider Before Suing Your Spouse

Evidence and Fault
Insurance Coverage
Emotional & Relationship Impact
Legal Advice

Key Takeaways

Spouses can sue each other for personal injury in New York, with some exceptions.

Insurance coverage is crucial for car accident-related lawsuits between spouses.

Consider consulting a personal injury lawyer before taking legal action against a spouse.

Contact Our New York Personal Injury Lawyers

When it comes to personal injury cases involving your spouse, it’s important to have a reliable legal ally by your side. Trust Field Law Group to provide the personalized attention and aggressive representation you need.
 

Field Law Group takes cases on a contingency basis, so there are no fees unless we settle or win your case. This means you do not have to pay anything upfront; you only pay if we win you the compensation you deserve.

MILLIONS RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS!

No Fees Unless We Get You Compensation.

Don't Wait Another Minute

Understanding your rights and how you can recover compensation under the law is important. At Field Law Group, there is no downtime. We are here for our clients whenever they need us.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

17 State Street, Floor 40
New York, New York 10004

Free Consultation

212.739.7278
Anytime 24/7
Hablamos Español

This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer | Designed & Developed by PostcardMania