Life in Secaucus moves fast. Whether you are commuting into the city via Secaucus Junction, driving along the busy stretch of Route 3, or shopping at The Plaza at Harmon Meadow, the activity never stops. Unfortunately, this constant movement means accidents can happen when you least expect them. A quiet drive home can turn chaotic in an instant, or a routine day at a construction site near the Hackensack River can result in a serious fall.
When another person’s negligence disrupts your life, you deserve an advocate who listens to your story and fights for your future. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we understand that an injury affects more than just your physical health; it impacts your ability to work, your family life, and your peace of mind. Our team is dedicated to leveling the playing field against large insurance companies and corporate defendants.
If you or a loved one has been hurt, a Secaucus personal injury lawyer from our firm is ready to stand in your shoes and seek the justice you are owed. Call us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.
Why Choose Us for Your Secaucus Personal Injury Claim?
Choosing the right legal team is one of the most important decisions you will make following an injury. You need a firm that combines the resources of a large practice with the personal attention of a boutique firm. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., courage defines us, and justice drives us. We do not view you as a case number; to us, you are a neighbor who has been wronged.
We offer distinct advantages to our clients:
- A Team Approach: You are not hiring a single attorney; you are gaining a dedicated team of 30 professionals, including support staff and trial lawyers, all focused on your success.
- Trucking Injury Knowledge: We are widely recognized for our specific experience in trucking litigation. We know the ins and outs of federal trucking regulations and corporate liability.
- Trial Readiness: While many cases settle, we prepare every claim as if it is going to trial. This preparation often compels insurance companies to offer fairer settlements.
- Contingency Fees: We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation. We do not bill by the hour, and we do not get paid unless we win your case.
We represent the people next door—hardworking individuals who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Our commitment to ethical standards and our history of multi-million-dollar verdicts demonstrate our ability to handle even the most challenging cases.
Michael Maggiano is one of the hardest working, ethical attorneys that you can have represent you. When I was going through my injury, emotional pain and suffering, the last thing I wanted to think about was who would be the right lawyer who is caring and understanding of my situation. Well Michael was there every step of the way. Through his guidance, support and legal advice, somehow he got me through this ordeal. If I have to rate Michael between 0 to 10, he is definitely a 12! Believe it or not, if you call Michael on his telephone, he will call you back the same day or night to try to help you with your concerns and questions. Why? BECAUSE HE CARES
Mr. Michael Maggiano is an outstanding attorney who uses his many years of experience and wisdom to put forth a solid representation of his client. In my particular case, Mr. Maggiano showed compassion, caring, and commitment in order to bring about a successful resolution involving a local municipality. My case seemed to be unique in that it’s not often that there is a successful pursuit of justice when a municipality is involved. I was lucky to find Mr. Maggiano through the recommendation of other outstanding attorneys, and he certainly measured up to every expectation. Mr. Maggiano’s thoroughness and drive to seek a justifiable agreement in my favor cannot be under-stated; he met with me and my husband day or night, weekend or weekday; he always gladly returned calls and emails promptly. The devotion Mr. Maggiano and his staff displayed to us made us feel that we were his sole priority; simply stated he makes you feel special. While being reassuring and kind, Mr. Maggiano leaves no stone unturned in his research, preparation, and presentation. His vast knowledge works to his client’s advantage, and he is revered by fellow attorneys and judges in New Jersey and New York.
In addition, the staff at Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi always represented the highest caliber of professionalism. Office staff, legal assistants, and the firm’s attorneys were always diligent while being respectful, polite, and caring. It is without hesitation that I give Mr. Maggiano my highest praise and recommendation.
Wonderful company and attorneys who I would recommend to anybody in need. Trust the reviews you read and testimonials on their website – these guys are great!!
What is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal mechanism that allows an injured person to seek compensation when they have been harmed by the careless or reckless actions of another. The civil justice system recognizes that when someone causes harm—whether it is a distracted driver, a negligent property owner, or a careless construction manager—they should be held financially accountable for the losses they cause.
This process is not about punishment; it is about restoration. The goal is to put you back in the position you would have been in had the accident never occurred, at least financially. This includes covering your medical expenses, reimbursing you for lost wages, and acknowledging the pain and inconvenience you have endured. While money cannot undo the physical pain, it provides the resources necessary for your recovery and secures your family’s financial stability.
Types of Personal Injuries We Handle
Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience. We handle a wide variety of cases, ranging from motor vehicle collisions to complex workplace accidents. No matter how the injury occurred, we have the resources to investigate the incident and identify the liable parties.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are a primary focus of our law firm. These are not simply “large car accidents.” They involve complex federal regulations, multiple potential defendants (drivers, trucking companies, loaders, mechanics), and massive insurance policies. A crash involving a tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike or a delivery truck on Paterson Plank Road can cause catastrophic damage.
We understand how to secure the “black box” data, review driver logs for hours-of-service violations, and hold trucking companies accountable.
Car Accidents
From rear-end collisions in bumper-to-bumper traffic to T-bone accidents at intersections, car crashes are a leading cause of injury in Hudson County. We handle cases involving distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and rideshare accidents. We work to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
Construction Accidents
Construction is a dangerous industry, but that does not excuse safety violations. We represent workers injured by scaffolding falls, machinery malfunctions, falling debris, and other site hazards. We handle both workers’ compensation claims and third-party personal injury lawsuits to maximize the recovery for injured workers.
Workers’ Compensation
If you are injured on the job, you are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault. We help injured employees secure their medical treatment and temporary disability payments. We believe handling both workers’ comp and personal injury claims allows us to achieve the best possible result for our clients.
Premises Liability (Slip and Fall)
Property owners in Secaucus have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. If you slip on an icy sidewalk, trip over a hazard in a grocery store aisle, or suffer an injury due to poor lighting in a parking garage, the property owner may be liable. We investigate these incidents to prove the owner knew or should have known about the danger.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is the most painful experience a family can go through. If that loss was caused by someone else’s negligence, we can help you file a wrongful death claim. This seeks compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the lost financial support the deceased would have provided.
We treat every case uniquely because every client is unique. We are here to ensure your voice is heard.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
Determining if you have a valid legal case usually comes down to one core concept: negligence. Negligence is the legal theory used in most personal injury lawsuits. It means that an individual or entity failed to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have used in the same situation.
To have a successful case, your attorney must establish four distinct elements:
- Duty of Care: We must prove the defendant owed you a duty to act safely. For example, a driver has a duty to follow traffic laws, and a store owner has a duty to clean up spills.
- Breach of Duty: We must show the defendant failed to fulfill that duty. This could be a driver texting while driving or a construction site manager ignoring safety protocols.
- Causation: We must link the defendant’s breach directly to your injury. We need to prove that your injuries were not pre-existing and were the direct result of the accident.
- Damages: Finally, we must prove that you suffered actual losses. This includes medical bills, lost income, and physical or emotional pain.
In New Jersey, the law follows a system called “modified comparative negligence.” This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are awarded $100,000 but were found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
Understanding these legal standards is vital to the success of your claim.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
It is common for insurance adjusters to contact you shortly after an accident. They may sound friendly and concerned, offering you a quick settlement to “close the file” so you can move on. It is very important that you do not accept this first offer without consulting a lawyer.
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to protect their profits by paying out as little as possible on claims. The initial offer is almost always a “lowball” figure that fails to account for the full extent of your damages.
Here are tactics insurance companies often use:
- Minimizing Your Injuries: They may argue your injuries are not serious or that you hurt yourself before the accident.
- Pressuring You: They might tell you that this is a “one-time offer” or that you need to sign immediately to get paid.
- Requesting Recorded Statements: They often ask for a recorded statement hoping you will say something they can use against you later to deny liability.
Once you sign a settlement release, you cannot go back and ask for more money later, even if your doctor discovers your injuries are worse than you thought. By working with an attorney, you send a message that you are serious about your rights. We handle all communication with the insurance carriers, protecting you from their tactics and fighting for the true value of your claim.
Compensation Available to Personal Injury Victims in Secaucus
When we build a case for our clients, we look at the total impact the injury has had on their lives. Compensation, also known as “damages,” is generally divided into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages are the financial losses you can calculate with receipts and pay stubs. These include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor appointments, physical therapy, and medication. It also includes estimated future medical costs if you require ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: If you missed work to recover, you are entitled to be reimbursed for that income.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury is severe enough that you cannot return to your old job or can no longer work at all, we seek compensation for the difference in your future earnings.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: This can include travel expenses to medical appointments or the cost of hiring help for household chores you can no longer perform.
Non-Economic Damages are more subjective but equally important. They compensate you for the intangible ways the injury has affected your life. These include:
- Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the injury.
- Emotional Distress: This covers anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and PTSD resulting from the trauma.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If you can no longer participate in hobbies, sports, or family activities you once loved, you deserve compensation for that loss.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases of severe injury, this compensates a spouse for the loss of companionship and intimacy.
In rare cases where the defendant’s actions were especially malicious or recklessly indifferent to human life, the court may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
How Our Secaucus Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You
When you are recovering from an injury, the last thing you need is the stress of dealing with legal complexities and aggressive insurance companies. That is where our team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi comes in. We handle all aspects of your personal injury claim so you can focus on what is most important—your health and your family.
Here is how our experienced attorneys can help you:
- Investigating Your Case: We will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident to gather all the necessary evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Calculating Your Damages: We work with you and, when necessary, with financial and medical experts to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, ensuring that both your current and future needs are considered.
- Handling All Communications: We will take over all communication with the insurance companies and other parties involved, protecting you from their tactics and ensuring your rights are upheld.
- Negotiating a Fair Settlement: With our extensive experience, we will skillfully negotiate with the insurance company to secure a settlement that fairly compensates you for your losses.
- Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we are always prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
We are in it together. We will stand in your shoes, learn everything about your situation, and present your case completely and compellingly.
Verdicts and Settlements
$3,200,000 - Fall From Building
A 35 year old iron worker fell from a steel frame building under construction due to the failure of the general contractor to provide a safe workplace, which included supervision for the use of safety equipment and guide wires.
$2,800,000 - T-Boned Truck
Awarded to a driver who crashed into the side of a truck that had pulled into his path, resulting in multiple surgeries to his right knee including total knee replacement.
$7,000,000 - Lifelong Impairment
A 23 year old, alleged to have been running across a four lane highway in the middle of a block and against a green light, was struck by an oncoming motorist. She suffered brain injury resulting in severe cognitive and motor impairment including a speech defect, leaving her totally disabled and dependent on caregivers for life.
Secaucus, N.J. Personal Injury FAQs
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with more information about personal injury claims in New Jersey.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, there is a strict deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury claim. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to compensation. There are some exceptions, such as for minors or claims against government entities, which have much shorter notice requirements. It is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you are protected.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs or retainer fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you through a settlement or verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, which is agreed upon before we start working on your case. If we do not win, you do not owe us attorney fees.
What if I was injured in an accident involving a ride-share driver?
Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services can be complicated because different insurance policies apply depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. If the driver was waiting for a ride request, one policy applies. If they had a passenger in the car, a higher coverage limit usually applies. We can help determine which insurance policy is responsible for covering your injuries and ensure you are not left paying the bills.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
New Jersey’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages as long as you are not found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your award would be reduced by 20%.
Contact Our Experienced Secaucus Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you have been hurt, you do not have to face the future without support. The team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you need to rebuild your life. We have the experience, the resources, and the dedication to take on the toughest cases and win.
We are ready to help you by:
- Listening to your story with empathy and respect.
- Investigating the details of your accident thoroughly.
- Handling all paperwork and insurance communications.
- Fighting tirelessly for the maximum compensation available.
Do not wait to get the legal help you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.