A Promise Kept: Three Decades of Trust

The Fort Lee Chief of Police had a simple rule for his children: “If you ever face trouble, make one call—to Michael Maggiano.”

For 35 years, that handwritten note sat on his desk in Fort Lee. His daughter Jean Marie never imagined she’d need to follow his advice, until a catastrophic motor vehicle crash changed everything.

Jean Marie’s family remembered their father’s words. They reached out to the attorney he trusted most—the same one who had earned his respect decades earlier when he served Fort Lee as Chief of Police.

When Everything Was on the Line

Jean Marie’s injuries were severe. The case would determine her quality of life for years to come. Her family needed someone who understood what was at stake—not just financially, but personally.

The litigation was complex and hard-fought. Insurance companies rarely surrender without a battle, especially when millions of dollars hang in the balance. But Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. pursued every available dollar of compensation. The result was a seven-figure recovery that addressed Jean’s long-term care needs.

More Than a Case Number

That yellowed note from the Chief’s desk pad still holds special meaning. It represents something rare in legal practice—trust passed from one generation to the next, from a father who dedicated his life to protecting Fort Lee to a daughter who needed protection when it mattered most.

For over 30 years, Michael Maggiano has served as a Silver Shield Member of Fort Lee PBA Local 245. That relationship reflects the same values the Chief recognized all those years ago: dedication to the community, integrity under pressure, and the commitment to fight for those who need help most.

The Difference Experience Makes

Jean Marie’s case demonstrates why experience matters in catastrophic injury litigation. These cases require:

• Deep understanding of long-term medical needs and care costs
• Ability to build strong evidence despite insurance company resistance
• Strategic litigation skills to counter aggressive defense tactics
• Commitment to pursue every dollar available for the client’s future

Some cases become part of a firm’s history. Jean Marie’s story reminds us why this work matters—and why trust, once earned, can last a lifetime.