New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer

Recovering compensation for injured individuals is our NJ personal injury law firm’s ultimate goal. Our team of award winning personal injury attorneys will analyze your New Jersey case, determine who’s responsible, and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our personal injury attorneys in NJ specialize in handling difficult and complex cases against all types of defendants. We work hard to ensure that clients receive proper damages for their personal injuries. This may include pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress and loss of consortium.

Our personal injury lawyers in New Jersey have successfully represented the seriously injured in practically every type of personal injury case, and we have 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.

Recovered Damages in NJ 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. Browse our personal injury cases that we have won in New Jersey. 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.

NJ Personal Injury Attorney Successes

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, in New Jersey, consistently ranks among the top personal injury 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 top lawyers in New Jersey. And we have won awards for our unparalleled successes such as being named 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 also 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 one of the primary areas 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. The first step to receiving the compensation you deserve is to call Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman at 973-228-9898 for a free consultation with one of our award winning New Jersey personal injury lawyers.

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.

A lawsuit begins when a document, called a complaint, is filed with a court to explain why the victim holds someone else responsible for an injury. The laws governing these cases differ by state, and our firm has extensive experience in the New Jersey personal injury litigation process.

The terms frequently used in personal injury law can be best explained by a NJ personal injury lawyer who specializes in this practice area and who has reviewed your case. However, we have also provided the following brief explanations of common terms below:

Complaint – a legal document that starts the lawsuit and identifies the plaintiff, defendant, and the facts of a case.
Plaintiff – the person who has suffered an injury and is taking legal action, also known as a claimant.
Defendant – the individual, group, or business that is sued for causing the injury.
Negligence – careless behavior leading to an injury, which can be in terms of action or a failure to act.
Damages – losses due to injury, which include pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical bills, lost wages, life care costs, and other economic damages.

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 fight 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 for a consultation.

Types of Personal Injury Cases in NJ

Any kind of accident or incident can lead to a personal injury case. Personal injury claims are civil (noncriminal) cases that allow an injured person compensation for someone else’s wrongful conduct (negligence or an intentional act). Below, we have outlined some of the types of cases our personal injury law firm specializes in:

Car Accidents: Victims who suffer serious or fatal injuries during motor vehicle accidents in New Jersey need compensation for their suffering. Automobile, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, expensive medical bills and significant personal losses, and it’s important to have counsel when dealing with an insurance company. Call us or complete our contact form to seek the compensation you deserve.
Birth Injuries: Errors in obstetrical care and delivery procedures may result in injuries to an innocent child. These critical mistakes are a form of medical malpractice. Nurses, doctors, and/or hospitals should be held responsible for actions or a failure to act that leads to a permanent birth injury. Scheduling a no-fee meeting with our attorneys could help your family.
Brain Damage: Neurological and traumatic injuries may damage the brain and create the need for long-term treatment. Brain injuries are suffered due to a variety of accidents or medical conditions, from blows to the head to oxygen deprivation. Learn more about brain injury cases today.
Burn Injuries: Thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiation burns cause painful injuries, complications, and even death to thousands of people annually. After suffering burn injuries, patients often require continuing care to address physical and psychological problems. Many times the burns are life altering and due to the negligence of another; we have filed numerous lawsuits for burn victims and have obtained damages from those who caused their burns.
Chemical/Toxic Exposure: Contact with chemicals and toxins may lead to serious injuries, diseases, respiratory problems, and cancer. Exposure happens in all environments – from the home to the work site. This personal injury area includes industrial diseases, such as those from asbestos exposure. Those suffering from these injuries can contact us anytime to discuss their legal options.
Construction Site Accidents: Construction workers are at risk for permanent and painful injuries. Accidents at work can involve scaffolding collapses; injuries caused from falls from ladders; forklift accidents; machine malfunctions; and injuries due to improper loading. If you’re hurt on the job, contact us.
Dog Bites: Animal attacks can lead to scarring and other physical issues. In New Jersey, pet owners are liable – the first time and any time – their animals cause harm. It’s estimated that millions of people are bitten by dogs each year. Dog bite victims deserve fair compensation related to their injuries and emotional trauma. Tell us how you’ve been injured, and we’ll do our best to help.
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 been successful in recovering 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. Learn how we fight for the innocent. Read more about some of the cases we have handled against DYFS.
Forklift Accidents: People can be injured by inexperienced or uncertified forklift operators, as well as by defective equipment or poorly balanced loads. These workplace accidents hurt drivers, other employees, and innocent bystanders. Look to our expertise when filing a forklift claim.
Ladder Accidents: Defective or unstable ladders create dangerous situations for users and those standing nearby. Whether they occur in the home or during work tasks, ladder-related mishaps may cause devastating personal injuries, permanent disabilities, and death. Schedule an appointment to learn more about receiving just compensation for a ladder fall.
Medical Malpractice: From surgical errors to an incorrect diagnosis, 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.” Learn more about our successes in New Jersey medical malpractice lawsuits.
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. So anyone who has been harmed due to an unsafe property or insecure environment should consult a lawyer regarding a personal injury claim. Let our attorneys guide you to fair compensation.
Police Brutality: When the members of a police department use excessive force, it is a violation of a 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. Manufacturers of products 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. We have extensive experience in litigating cases against product manufacturers and designers. Read more about our many successes in defective product lawsuits.
Quadriplegia/Paraplegia/Paralysis: Spinal cord injuries may follow a car accident, botched medical procedure, workplace injury, or other tragic incident. Quadriplegia is a catastrophic injury – the paralysis of all four limbs. Paraplegia describes leg paralysis, which may also involve the trunk of the body. The effects of trauma to the spinal cord range in severity from paralysis to motor and/or sensory difficulties. When temporary or long-term functionality problems occur, victims require compensation to help them manage life-changing challenges. We have extensive experience in handling lawsuits in which our client has suffered paralysis, and we work with experts in the field in order to prove our case, and build damages for the future our clients will require.
Slips and Falls: New Jersey property and business owners have a responsibility to protect visitors and clients from slipping on liquids, ice, snow and other hazards. A spill in a store aisle or an unsafe business walkway can pose a risk to innocent people. This area of law includes visitors who fall on private property or in residences. If the store or property owner has not properly performed their job and removed the hazard, then it can be held liable for negligently causing the fall and responsible for the plaintiff’s damages.
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. Remember, a legal consultation is beneficial if you’ve been injured on the job.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits: These legal actions 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 which 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 which result in wrongful death, and we can help your family as well.

The Personal Injury Litigation Process

Though filing a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey can be a complex process, we’re dedicated to helping you through each step. That’s why we have put together the following information on the stages of pursuing compensation for an injury or wrongful death.

1. Personal Injury Attorney Consultations

Our attorney consultations are entirely free. During a personalized consultation with one of our attorneys, you can share the details of how the injury occurred. An experienced personal injury lawyer will listen to your situation and discuss possible claims against an individual, business or multiple defendants. You will learn if and how our firm can meet the needs of your claim. We will also discuss theories of liability, how we intend to prove the case, and the damages we expect to recover.

2. Negotiations For Personal Injury Compensation

A qualified personal injury lawyer in NJ can negotiate with an insurance company or individual to secure proper compensation for personal injuries. 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. Initial Court Filings for Personal Injury Case

A lawsuit begins with the filing of key documents. Our personal injury law firm will clearly explain the process of filing a “complaint,” which is the paperwork to start your personal injury lawsuit. The complaint summarizes the case and the plaintiff’s request for damages. The defendant will be served with the lawsuit, and will file a document that answers the complaint.

4. The Discovery Process

The plaintiff and defendant in a lawsuit share information on the facts of the case during a process called discovery. In this phase, the legal claims on both sides are investigated, documents are requested, and witnesses are asked to make sworn statements called depositions. Experts are also hired, serve expert reports, and are deposed.

5. Motions

During the litigation process, various motions may be filed by either the defendant or the plaintiff. A motion is essentially a legal request, which asks the court to rule on a specific subject.

6. Personal Injury Case Settlements

Personal injury lawsuits are often settled before trial. A legal settlement means both the injured individual and the defendant in the case reach an agreement on compensation. To prepare for a settlement offer, you and your attorney can discuss the financial compensation you would be willing to accept in order to avoid a trial. While we advise our clients of what we believe to be a fair settlement number, the ultimate choice on whether to settle rests with the personal injury client.

7. Personal Injury Trials

We have extensive experience…and significant success…in handling personal injury trials. Unlike many other firms, we will bring a client’s case to trial if the defendant’s settlement offer is not what we and our client believe to be sufficient.

If the case proceeds to trial, a jury will be asked to decide if the defendant is legally responsible for your injury. A jury trial will include: jury selection, opening statements, direct testimony, witness cross-examination, closing arguments, jury deliberation, and the verdict.

8. Appeals

Following the trial, either the defendant or the plaintiff can appeal the court’s decision.

Our firm will take you through personal injury litigation process. Let us represent you in your pursuit of justice. Remember, our law firm works on a contingency basis. This means that our seasoned personal injury attorneys only collect a percentage-based fee if you receive a judgment or a settlement in your case.

Have further questions? We encourage you to call us at 973-228-9898 today. With justice on our side, our personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you.

PERSONAL INJURY FAQ

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 much is my personal injury case worth in New Jersey?

A number of factors affect the amount of compensation you can seek for your injury, including: the type of injuries suffered and their severity, what aspect of the injuries are permanent, how the accident occurred, who the negligent parties are, and any associated insurance limits.

The value of a case is also defined by what happens after the accident: medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning potential, negative lifestyle effects, and pain and suffering. Our firm can provide an estimate of the claim’s value after reviewing the facts of the case, medical records, any insurance coverage limitations, and if you had a role in the accident.

3. Do I have a valid personal injury claim in New Jersey?

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 every area 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.

Our firm has the resources to investigate the accident further. If someone caused your injury, that person is negligent. If an injury is due to a defective product or some other negligent act, a company or owner can be held liable. Even if it is determined that you are partially responsible for an accident that caused the harm, you may still be able to seek compensation from others who share in this responsibility.

4. How long will my personal injury case 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.

5. Do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer for my New Jersey 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.

We know you may have concerns that are not covered in this Personal Injury FAQ, so we encourage you to call us at 973-228-9898 today. With justice on our side, we stand ready to assist you.

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