John DeGasperis Photo
  • Bio
  • Credentials
  • Notable Work
  • Awards & Accolades
  • Notable Verdicts/Settlements

John A. DeGasperis

Attorney

John A. DeGasperis was born and raised in Kingston, New York. He moved back to Kingston after graduating from law school more than 11 years ago. Not long after, he joined Kingston-based personal injury law firm Basch & Keegan, LLP.

John handles a wide variety of personal injury cases including falls, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, product liability, construction accidents, property loss, and insurance claims.

Over the course of his career, John has handled more than 1,000 personal injury cases and recovered more than $30 million dollars on behalf of past clients. John has considerable trial experience, which causes insurance companies to perceive him as a risk. His trial skills cause many insurance companies to invite him to resolve cases through mediation and arbitration. Given his level of experience and expertise, many of John's clients are referred to him by his colleagues in the legal community, including judges and court clerks.

John has been named one of the National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40, as well as a Rising Star by SuperLawyers Magazine. In 2018, John was appointed to the Third Judicial Department’s Committee on Character and Fitness, which evaluates applicants for admission to the New York State Bar. Appointment to this committee is given only to those attorneys with exceptional moral character.

John’s passion lies in personal injury law and the journey an attorney takes with a client from the date of the accident through the entire litigating process. Although some may disparage the practice of personal injury law, John believes he can and does bring comfort to individuals and families whose lives have been dramatically altered as a result of an accidental injury or death. John comes into people's lives only after they have lost their good health and are no longer capable of performing at their pre-accident status. He in turn uses the civil justice system to advocate on their behalf and make them whole again. It’s his ability to use the law to make a positive impact in his clients’ lives that fuels John’s passion for his work.

In addition to being committed to his clients, John is also committed to giving back to his community. In 2017, he earned the trust of his fellow bar members who voted for him to serve as President of the Ulster County Bar Association after serving on the board for five years. Currently, John serves on the Ulster County Bar Association’s Committee on Court House Facilities, which consists of a group of lawyers and local judges dedicated to ensuring that courthouse facilities in and throughout Ulster County meet the needs of the community. The committee’s mission became even more important in the wake of COVID-19 since there are, and will continue to be, significant changes to how the public access and use courthouse facilities.

John is most proud of his position on the Ulster Community College Foundation Board. SUNY Ulster holds a special place in John's heart. Years of reflection have caused John to realize that his attendance at SUNY Ulster was life-changing and instrumental in putting him on a path to success. By serving on the board of the Foundation, John feels he is able to give back to an institution that gave him an opportunity for success. He also uses his position to ensure that other students, particularly those facing financial hardship, have access to higher education. John enjoys supporting SUNY Ulster and continues to donate to the Foundation while serving on the board. He and his wife recently sponsored a local high school student as part of the President’s Challenge.

You can see John on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, sometimes using the alias "The PI Guy," to bring transparency and awareness to the practice of personal injury law. John uses his platforms to educate on the topic he knows well: personal injury law.

    Memberships

    Admissions

    Education
    • Albany Law School, Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, 2009
    • SUNY Albany, Bachelor of Arts, 2005
    • SUNY Ulster, Associates Degree, 2002

    Professional Experiences

    Awards & Accolades

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    Notable Verdicts & Settlements

    • $3,850,000: Post-Operative Complication
    • $2,000,000: Head on Car Collision
    • $1,450,000: Verdict - Workplace Trial 
    • $1,382,500: Farm Accident
    • $1,068,500: Tractor Trailor Accident
    • $945,000: Labor Law Violation: Roofing Accident 
    • $825,000: Wrongful Death/Medical Malpractice
    • $790,000: Tractor Trailer Accident
    • $690,000.00: Labor Law Violation: Construction Site Accident
    • $690,000: Impaired Driver Car Collision
    • $690,000: Workplace Accident 
    • $560,000: Trip & Fall Accident
    • $555,000: Wrongful Death
    • $4,000,000 | Tractor Trailer Accident

      A truck driver was rear-ended by another trucker and suffered failed back syndrome.

    • $4,000,000 | Motorcycle Accident

      Our client was a 34-year-old driving a motorcycle into work when she struck a pothole with her front tire causing her to lose control and impact a guardrail. Our client was transported by helicopter to Albany Medical Center, having suffered serious injuries.

    • $3,850,000 | Post-Operative Complication

      Attorneys John A. DeGasperis and Eli B. Basch negotiated a multi-million dollar settlement on behalf of an Albany County woman who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to hospital and physician malpractice.

    • $3,750,000 | Slip & Fall

      After a long and difficult battle, justice was obtained. Our client was a grandmother visiting a museum with her grandchildren. She tripped and fell on a ramp that led from one room to another within the museum.

    • $3,300,000 | Floor Collapse

      Our client literally fell through the floor.

    The Opinions that matter Most

    Serious injuries require genuine representation
    • This firm will fight for you and get results! We cannot recommend them enough!

      “Above everything, John and Katie showed genuine concern for me and my family. It’s clear how passionate John is about his work and doing what’s best for his clients.”

    • I will certainly recommend Maureen Keegan in the future!

      “Throughout the 2+ years, Maureen Keegan continued to persevere on my behalf, contacting doctors, etc. and continually informing me of the status of my case.”

    • Derek was extremely helpful and informative through every step of the way.

      “Everyone in the firm was pleasant. Thank you for helping to achieve this victorious win! I highly recommend this amazing firm!”

    • Your first mistake would be not to call Basch & Keegan because they truly are the very best in every way.

      “All of the attorneys treated me like family which is very important when you are injured. Derek Spada has become my personal friend and holds a special place in my heart forever.”

    What sets us apart?

    • Here to Help Win the Fight

      Backed by our experience and insight, we’ve become known for taking on the toughest claims. If you or someone you love has been injured by the negligence or wrongful acts of another, we’re here to help you fight for the justice you deserve.

    • HERE TO HELP Get Results

      At Basch & Keegan LLP, we have the resources and experience to help victims level the playing field with even the most powerful adversaries – and we have the record of success to back it up.

    • HERE TO HELP When You’re Hurt

      We serve as the support system you can rely on as you begin your recovery. We go the extra mile to ensure you can focus on getting better while we work on the legal aspects of your claim.

    • HERE TO HELP Regardless of Who You Ask

      We place an emphasis on personal attention. This approach allows us to create legal strategies custom-tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and has earned us the respect of our peers.

    • HERE TO HELP The Community

      Our Kingston-based lawyers have deep roots in the community and a lengthy history of giving back to Ulster County. When the community needs us, we are always here to help.

    Contact us Today

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