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 top-rated personal injury attorneys is near you and committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal representation to clients throughout New Jersey. With a proven track record of success in all types of personal injury cases, 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 throughout the state. Our team has some of the best trial lawyers in the state, who 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. Read about some of the largest personal injury recoveries we have won on behalf of our clients:

  • $166 million jury verdict for negligence against a New Jersey Child Protection Agency in Essex County
    • This settlement is the largest personal injury jury verdict in New Jersey history.
  • $135 million jury verdict for an alcohol liability lawsuit involving International Food and Beverage Company in Bergen County
    • This is the second largest personal injury jury verdict in New Jersey history.
  • $125 million settlement for a woman who was crushed by a Verizon utility pole in Essex County.  This is the largest personal injury settlement in New Jersey history.
  • $19.2 million settlement for burn injuries and the wrongful death caused by a gas explosion in Union County
    • This is the largest burn injury settlement in New Jersey history.
  • $14.7 million settlement for a victim in Bergen County who suffered Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after a car ran over their foot
  • $12.75 million settlement for a man who suffered a brain injury after being hit by a New Jersey Transit bus
  • $10 million settlement for a woman who was severely injured by a New Jersey Transit bus in Essex County
  • $7 million settlement for a carpenter in Morris County who was injured on the construction site when a scaffold plank broke

Rated as one of the Best Personal Injury Law Firms in New Jersey

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman is consistently named among some of the top personal injury law firms in both New Jersey and across the nation in lists published by attorney rating publications. Here are some of the personal injury awards we have won over the years:

Recovering compensation for those who are injured in New Jersey is the goal of our personal injury law practice. We will analyze your personal injury case, determine who’s responsible and help to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our New Jersey personal injury attorneys are near you and  specialize in handling complex personal injury cases ranging from medical malpractice, car accidents, bus accidents, truck accidents, wrongful deaths, defective products, and more. 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 refers to the physical or emotional harm caused by an individual or an organization that 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.


New Jersey Personal Injury Case Statistics

Personal injury encompasses a wide variety of cases, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful deaths. Below are some statistics about New Jersey personal injury cases in these categories. 


Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Personal injury claims arise from a variety of 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:

Auto Accidents

When serious or fatal car 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 personal injury attorneys specialize in all types of car, bus and truck accidents and have unparalleled success in winning difficult personal injury cases and in collecting damages for our clients. An example of this is a $135 million jury verdict for a child who was paralyzed by a drunk driver who was over-served at a sporting event. This is the second largest personal injury jury verdict ever won in New Jersey.  We have won many other seven and eight figure settlements for our clients who were victims of car accidents, bus accidents and truck accidents.  Read about our $14.7 million settlement from a car accident, our $12.75 million settlement from a bus accident, our $10 million settlement from a bus accident, our $6 million settlement for a bus accident, and our $5 million settlement for a truck accident.  

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. Our team of PI injury lawyers has 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, a $125 million settlement for a woman injured by a defective telephone pole, and a $12.75 million settlement for a man hit by a NJ Transit bus who sustained a traumatic brain injury.

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. One of our firm’s recoveries related to chemical and toxic exposures was a $750,000 confidential settlement for a client who was injured by a defective product that emitted toxic gas.

Construction Site Accidents

Construction workers are at risk of permanent and painful injuries. Many times, the general contractor is responsible for allowing an unsafe work environment on the construction project. Workplace accidents on construction sites 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 the $33.9 million settlement for a worker severely injured on a jobsite (the largest settlement of its type known to us), and 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 millions of dollars 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.

The Division of Youth and Family Services

The Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) 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, such as a $5 million settlement for a child who was abused by a parent under DYFS’ supervision.

Medical Malpractice

From surgical errors to incorrect diagnoses 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.” Our firm is dedicated to recovering damages for our clients injured by medical malpractice, and have won many seven and eight figure settlements such as a $11.4 million confidential settlement for a client who lost a leg due to medical professionals failing to timely diagnose an injury.

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. We have experience in negligent security cases such as a $2.5 million settlement for a hotel clerk who was attacked on an overnight shift after the alarm company failed to monitor the hotel’s security system

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 for product liability cases—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. An example of our success in litigating product liability cases is the $68 million jury verdict for a defective product, a $15 million jury verdict for a defective product, a $12.5 million jury verdict for a defective product, and a $2 million settlement for a defective supplement causing liver failure.

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 and a $11.24 million confidential settlement for a man with a spinal cord injury that rendered him paralyzed..

Slips and Falls

In New Jersey, property and business owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe for visitors and avoiding slip and fall accidents 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. We have successfully assisted such slip and fall victims, such as a $4 million settlement for a woman injured after slipping and falling in a store.

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. Our team of lawyers for personal injuries personal injury lawyers have assisted numerous New Jersey workers injured on the job. For example, we helped a client with a $33.9 million settlement for a worker severely injured on a jobsite (the largest settlement of its type known to us), a $7 million settlement for a construction worker injured on a construction site,  and a  $4.15 million settlement for an employee who suffered a brain injury after furniture fell on him while he was at his desk.

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, such as a $12 million settlement for a client who passed away after the negligence of an oral surgeon, and we can help your family as well.

Each type of personal injury 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, and learn how our PI injury attorneys can help you with our specific personal injury case. 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 personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators and will 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 an investigation, the exchanging of documents, gathering witness statements, and involving qualified industry experts. 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 NJ personal injury 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 and we have some of the best trial lawyers within New Jersey. Unlike many other law firms in the area, 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 personal injury case proceeds to trial, a jury will be tasked with determining whether the defendant is legally responsible for your injury. 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. Certified Civil Trial Attorneys:  Unlike most other personal injury law firms, we have five Certified Civil Trial Attorneys, a designation held by less than 2% of all New Jersey attorneys.  We are well-known to be aggressive and extremely successful at trial, and led by David Mazie our unmatched trial successes prove that we are a force to be reckoned with.

8. 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 personal injury 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 personal injury, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.


Compensation & Damages in Personal Injury Cases

Potential Compensation for Personal Injury

At Mazie Slater Katz and Freeman, we routinely handle cases for our clients, winning damages for them 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. 

Types of Damages for Personal Injury

In personal injury cases, damages are organized into two groups: economic and non-economic. Learn more about each below. 

  1. Economic Damages – These are tangible financial losses such as current or future medical expenses, lost income or ability to work, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses in relation to your injury. 
  2. Non-Economic Damages – These are intangible losses such as pain and suffering which encompasses physical, mental and emotional suffering, plus quality of life impacts such as loss of enjoyment or permanent disfigurement. 

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 top-rated personal injury attorneys specialize in medical malpractice, workplace injury, slip-and-fall, product liability, and car accident cases  in New Jersey and will fight aggressively for your rights. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and we will seek to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.


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.

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.

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, at work, in a slip and fall accident, due to medical malpractice, 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.

How long do I have to submit a personal injury claim?

In New Jersey the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from when you know or should know of a claim.

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.

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. This is how we operate at Mazie Slater Katz and Freeman. You will receive a free consultation to discuss your personal injury case and also won’t have to pay until we have won your case.

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, our top-rated personal injury attorneys will handle the investigations, negotiations, litigation, and settlement procedures. Our firm has been listed as one of the best personal injury law firms in New Jersey, and we are 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.

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.