New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer
Reviewed by Mazie Slater’s specialized personal injury attorney [David A. Mazie – Managing Partner of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman]
At Mazie Slater, we understand that suffering a personal injury can be a life-altering experience, affecting not only your physical well-being but also your emotional and financial stability. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal representation to clients throughout New Jersey. With a proven track record of success, we strive to secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal challenges ahead. Let us be your trusted advocates in your pursuit of justice.
Why Choose Mazie Slater Law Firm to Handle Your Personal Injury Case
Our personal injury lawyers in New Jersey have successfully represented the seriously injured in practically every type of personal injury case, having won more than $1 billion for our personal injury clients. Our certified civil trial attorneys have won some of the largest settlements and verdicts in New Jersey history. In fact, we have won more eight and nine-figure personal injury verdicts and settlements than any other New Jersey personal injury law firm. This includes the two largest personal injury jury verdicts in New Jersey history. You can also read about the landmark $125 million settlement that we obtained for a woman who was crushed by a utility pole and suffered paralysis. This is the largest personal injury settlement in New Jersey history. *Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman is consistently named among the top personal injury law firms in the nation in lists published by attorney rating publications, and we have been named to the Best NJ Medical Malpractice Attorneys and Best NJ Personal Injury Lawyers lists by the Best Lawyers in America publication. We are also annually at the top of the Super Lawyer lists of the lawyers in New Jersey. And we have won awards for our unparalleled successes such as being named by the New Jersey Law Journal as the New Jersey Personal Injury Litigation Department of the Year and being the only New Jersey law firm being named to the National Law Journal’s Plaintiffs Hot List. Additionally, partners David Mazie and Adam Slater have been named to the New Jersey Law Journal’s Personal Injury Hall of Fame due to their incredible successes for their clients.
Recovering compensation for injured individuals is the goal of our law practice. We will analyze your case, determine who’s responsible and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our New Jersey personal injury attorneys specialize in handling difficult and complex cases against major corporations, product manufacturers, drunk drivers, medical professionals, hospitals, retailers and others. We work hard to ensure that clients receive what they truly deserve for their personal injuries.
What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In legal terms, a personal injury is the physical or emotional harm caused by an individual or an organization which results in pain and suffering. In other words, a victim suffers harm because of someone else. When the negligence of another person causes you harm, you have a right to fight for justice. A personal injury lawsuit is filed when an injured individual cannot reach an agreement with an insurance company or the responsible party on compensation for losses and suffering. These civil cases can involve any situation where a person has been injured.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Personal injury claims arise from accidents or incidents where someone is harmed due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions. These are civil cases, distinct from criminal proceedings, that allow injured individuals to seek compensation for their losses.
Our personal injury law firm specializes in various types of cases, including:
Car Accidents: When serious or fatal accidents occur on New Jersey roads, victims and their families face overwhelming challenges. Automobile, truck, bus, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents (within or outside of a crosswalk) can result in severe, life-altering injuries, expensive medical treatments, and significant personal and financial losses. Sometimes the accidents are due to a speeding car, truck or bus, while other times the accident is due to an improper turn or the inattentiveness of the driver. Navigating the complex aftermath of a motor vehicle accident requires experienced legal guidance, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your legal rights, pursue fair compensation, and protect your interests during the claims process.
Brain Damage: Neurological and traumatic injuries may damage the brain and require long-term treatment, with some of our clients being in a coma or vegetative state which requires round-the-clock care. Brain injuries can result from a variety of accidents or medical conditions, from blows to the head to oxygen deprivation. We have handled many brain injury cases and we have been incredibly successful in collecting damages for our clients. These recoveries include a $33.9 million settlement for a man injured on the job from a defective forklift, and a $125 million settlement for a woman injured by a defective telephone pole.
Chemical/Toxic Exposure: Chemical and toxin exposure can lead to devastating health consequences, including serious injuries, respiratory problems, chronic diseases, and even cancer. These hazardous exposures are not limited to a single environment but can occur in homes, workplaces, industrial settings, and other locations. Industrial diseases, such as those caused by prolonged asbestos exposure, represent a significant area of personal injury law that addresses the long-term health impacts of toxic substances. If you or a loved one has suffered from chemical or toxin-related health issues, you may have legal recourse to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Construction Site Accidents: Construction workers are at risk for permanent and painful injuries. Many times, the general contractor is responsible for allowing an unsafe work environment on the construction project. Workplace accidents can involve scaffolding collapses, injuries caused by ladder falls, forklift accidents, machine malfunctions, and injuries due to improper loading. There are many construction site accident cases that we have handled where we have recovered millions of dollars for our severely injured client, such as a $7 million settlement for a client severely injured when a scaffold collapsed on the job.
Dog Bites: Animal attacks, particularly dog bites, can result in serious physical and emotional consequences for victims. In New Jersey, pet owners are legally responsible for harm caused by their animals, regardless of whether it is the first incident or a repeated occurrence. Millions of people suffer dog bites each year, experiencing not only immediate physical injuries like scarring and wounds but also potential long-term emotional trauma. These attacks can lead to significant medical expenses, psychological counseling needs, and lasting physical disfigurement. Victims of dog bites and animal attacks deserve fair compensation that addresses both their physical injuries and the emotional distress caused by the traumatic experience. We have recovered million for our clients who have been attacked or bitten by dogs, such as the $1.4 million jury verdict for a man brutally attacked by a dog. Our legal team understands the complexities of animal attack cases and is committed to helping victims pursue the justice and financial recovery they need to heal and move forward.
DYFS: The Division of Youth and Family Services in our state is also known as the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients through lawsuits against DYFS and its caseworkers for failing to protect children and for negligence in overseeing the young people who rely on their care.
Medical Malpractice: From surgical errors to an incorrect diagnosis, and birth injuries, medical malpractice dramatically affects patients and their families. Malpractice cases involve the legal action taken against a hospital, doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other medical professional whose conduct has been alleged to have been negligent. The law compares the professional’s performance to the “standard of care.”
Negligent Security: New Jersey property owners have a responsibility to provide a safe environment. Negligence related to unsafe premises varies according to each situation and can involve negligent security at a hotel, motel, mall, or other business. Anyone who has been harmed due to an unsafe property or insecure environment should consult a lawyer regarding a personal injury claim.
Police Brutality: When the members of a police department use excessive force, it is a violation of civil rights and may be grounds for a police brutality lawsuit. Every citizen has the legal and constitutional right to be shielded from misconduct. Our lawyers can explain your legal options.
Product Liability: Action must be taken when defective products injure or kill users and bystanders. Product manufacturers have a responsibility to properly test and produce goods and equipment. New Jersey, in particular, has its own laws—known as the New Jersey Product Liability Act—which defines when a claim may be brought, what must be proven by a victim, and what defenses may be asserted by a product manufacturer.
Quadriplegia/Paraplegia/Paralysis: Spinal cord injuries can result from various traumatic events, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, or other tragic occurrences. These injuries can have devastating consequences, ranging from partial motor or sensory difficulties to complete paralysis. Quadriplegia, the paralysis of all four limbs, is considered a catastrophic injury, while paraplegia affects the legs and potentially the trunk of the body. Regardless of the severity, spinal cord injuries often lead to life-altering challenges that require significant medical care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments. Spinal cord injury victims deserve compensation to manage life-altering changes. Our firm has extensive experience in paralysis cases, collaborating with medical experts to build strong cases. We understand the complexities and long-term impacts of these injuries. Our goal is to prove liability and secure comprehensive damages covering immediate and future needs, lost income, and ongoing care. We have collected tens of millions of dollars for our clients who have suffered paralysis due to a spinal cord injury. Such cases include the landmark case of Verni v. Aramark which resulted in a $135 million jury verdict.
Slips and Falls: In New Jersey, property and business owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe for visitors and clients by addressing hazards such as liquids, ice, snow, or other dangerous conditions. For example, a spill in a store aisle or an unsafe walkway can put innocent people at risk of injury. This area of law also applies to falls that occur on private property or in residential settings. If a property owner fails to properly address or remove a hazard, they may be held liable for negligence and responsible for the injured party’s damages. Victims of such incidents have the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by the property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment.
Workplace Accidents: New Jersey employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from harm. When a work-related accident happens, employees may have the right to pursue a claim for damages. Workers may be injured in construction accidents, by defective equipment, or because of unsafe environments.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits: Wrongful death lawsuits seek justice over the death of a loved one – death due to the negligence of another person. This type of case can cover any form of personal injury, from car accidents to workplace accidents to medical malpractice to defective products, where survivors are left coping with emotional loss and expenses. New Jersey has laws that govern the damages families may collect in a lawsuit when a loved one is killed due to the negligence of another. These are known as the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act and the New Jersey Survivorship Act. We have extensive experience in litigating personal injury lawsuits that result in wrongful death, and we can help your family as well.
Each type of case has its unique aspects, but all share the common goal of seeking fair compensation for those who have been wrongfully injured. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s actions or negligence, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Our Process for Handling Personal Injury Cases
At Mazie Slater, we have developed a comprehensive and client-focused approach to handling personal injury cases. Our process is designed to ensure that you receive the best possible legal representation while minimizing your stress during this challenging time. Here’s how we work:
1. Free Initial Consultation: We offer complimentary consultations with our experienced personal injury attorneys. During your personalized session, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Explain the details of your injury
- Discuss potential claims against individuals, businesses, or multiple parties
- Learn how our firm can assist with your specific case
Our attorneys will:
- Listen attentively to your situation
- Explain possible legal theories and liability
- Outline our strategy for proving your case
- Discuss the types of damages we aim to recover
This consultation helps you understand your legal options and determine if our firm is the right fit for your needs.
2. Negotiation for Compensation: Our skilled negotiators engage with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement on your behalf. These negotiations are often done when your medical treatment is complete – or you have stabilized — and all of your medical records and bills are available for review. If negotiations do not lead to a settlement, a personal injury lawsuit is then filed with the court.
3. File Key Court Documents: The legal process begins with filing essential documents:
The Complaint
- This is the formal document that starts your lawsuit
- It outlines your case and specifies the damages you’re seeking
Serving the Defendant
- The defendant is officially notified of the lawsuit
The Defendant’s Response
- The defendant files an answer to your complaint
Our personal injury law firm will guide you through each step, explaining the process in detail. We ensure you understand the purpose and content of these crucial documents, particularly the complaint, which forms the foundation of your case.
4. Discovery: Discovery is a crucial stage where both parties exchange information about the case. This process involves:
Investigation
- Both sides thoroughly examine the legal claims
Document Exchange
- Parties request and share relevant documents
- Interrogatories (written questions) are served and answered by all parties to the lawsuit.
Witness Statements
- Witnesses provide sworn statements called depositions
Expert Involvement
- Experts are hired by both sides
- They prepare and submit expert reports
- Experts also undergo depositions
The discovery phase ensures that both the plaintiff and defendant have access to all pertinent information before the trial. This comprehensive exchange helps to prevent surprises in court and can often lead to settlements before reaching trial.
5. Settlement Negotiations: A settlement is an agreement between the injured party and the defendant on compensation, avoiding the need for a trial. Before settlement negotiations, you and your attorney will discuss a fair compensation amount to resolve your case. While your lawyer will offer expert advice, the decision to accept or reject a settlement is ultimately yours. Settling often provides a faster, less stressful, and more cost-effective resolution than going to trial.
6. Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case to trial. At Mazie Slater, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience and significant success in handling personal injury trials. Unlike many other law firms, we are fully prepared to take a case to trial if the defendant’s settlement offer falls short of what we and our client believe to be fair compensation. If your case proceeds to trial, a jury will be tasked with determining whether the defendant is legally responsible for your injury. The trial process typically includes several key stages: jury selection, opening statements, direct testimony, witness cross-examination, closing arguments, jury deliberation, and finally, the verdict. Our commitment to seeing your case through to trial, if necessary, ensures that we always advocate for your best interests, whether that means reaching a fair settlement or presenting your case before a jury.
7. Appeals: The appeals process in a personal injury lawsuit provides an avenue for parties dissatisfied with the trial court’s decision to seek review from a higher court. This process is not a retrial; rather, it focuses on identifying legal errors that may have occurred during the original trial. To initiate an appeal, the dissatisfied party must file a Notice of Appeal within a specific timeframe, typically 30 to 60 days after the trial court’s judgment. Appeals are generally based on legal or procedural errors, such as misinterpretation or misapplication of the law, improper jury instructions, procedural mistakes during the trial, or insufficient evidence to support the verdict. If we agree to file an appeal, our experienced attorneys will help guide you through the appeals process, and will identify potential grounds for appeal, craft compelling legal arguments in the appellate briefs, navigate the complex procedural requirements of the appellate court, and effectively present oral arguments on your behalf.
Our client-centered approach means that you’re not just a case number to us. We’re committed to providing personalized attention and support throughout your legal journey, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Potential Compensation And Damages in Personal Injury Cases
At Mazie Slater Katz and Freeman, we routinely handle cases for our clients, winning them damages ranging from the hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars. The amount of damages recovered depends on many factors, such as:
- Strength of the case
- Extent and permanency of the injuries
- Victim’s pain and suffering
- Economic losses such as lost wages
- Future medical care
- Unpaid medical bills
- The defendant’s assets or insurance
We work tirelessly to obtain the greatest recovery for each of our clients, and we won’t rest until they are properly compensated.
* Each personal injury case is unique, and the value of your case will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding your injury.
Schedule A Free Personal Injury Case Consultation Today
The personal injury lawyers of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in New Jersey will skillfully guide you through the complexities related to filing claims and lawsuits. Our medical malpractice, workplace injury, slip-and-fall, product liability, and car accident lawyers in New Jersey will fight aggressively for your rights, and we will seek to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases
You can find answers to frequently asked questions about personal injury cases in this section. We are here to provide valuable information on how best to seek compensation for physical or emotional harm.
1.What should I do if I suffer a personal injury in New Jersey?
After receiving immediate medical care, you will want to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. It is important to contact an attorney who has specialized knowledge in successfully resolving personal injury lawsuits. Remember, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim following an accident.
2. How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?
Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman offers free, personalized consultations to assess if you have a valid claim and to explain your legal rights. Our expertise extends across most areas of personal injury law, so we can help if you have been hurt in a motor vehicle, workplace, slip and fall, or other type of accident. We fight for all personal injury victims. To help us determine if you have a claim, you should share important information with us, such as prior injuries or previous claims you may have pursued. All information provided during the initial consultation remains confidential. It is also helpful for our attorneys to review documents related to the injury, such as medical records, witness statements, or police reports.
3. How long do personal injury cases take in New Jersey?
The time required to reach a resolution depends on a number of factors, such as the court’s docket for other cases, available judges, the complexity of the case, and whether the case goes to trial or is settled. In New Jersey, the amount of time your personal injury lawsuit will take may also be dependent on which county the lawsuit is filed and how many judges have been allocated to that county.
4. How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney in New Jersey?
Personal injury attorneys in New Jersey typically operate on a “contingency fee” basis. This arrangement means that the attorney only gets paid if you successfully recover damages, either through a settlement or a jury verdict. If your case doesn’t result in a recovery, you won’t owe the attorney any fees. When there is a successful recovery, the personal injury attorney will receive a predetermined percentage of the amount as their fee, along with reimbursement for any expenses they advanced during the litigation process. This contingency fee structure allows victims to access legal representation without upfront costs, making it easier to pursue justice for their injuries.
5. Do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer for my personal injury case?
Personal injury claims can be complicated and time-consuming. A knowledgeable attorney with a high success rate in resolving cases for the most favorable compensation can advise you on the detailed process of filing a claim or a lawsuit. Working in partnership with you, we will handle the investigations, negotiations, litigation, and settlement procedures. Our firm is committed to delivering personalized, proactive service for your New Jersey personal injury case. We will only settle a case if you receive the compensation you deserve.
6. How can I find an experienced personal injury lawyer near me?
Mazie Slater Katz and Freeman are proud to serve clients throughout New Jersey in the following counties: Atlantic County, Bergen County, Burlington County, Camden County, Essex County, Gloucester County, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Ocean County, Passaic County, Somerset County, Sussex County, Union County, and Warren County.