Living with fibromyalgia after an accident can change every part of your life. The pain is real, the fatigue is constant, and the doubt from insurance companies, employers, and even friends can feel just as exhausting as the condition itself.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our Fort Lee fibromyalgia disability lawyer is here to listen, believe you, and fight for the financial recovery you deserve. We represent people across Fort Lee, Hackensack, and the Bronx who developed fibromyalgia after a car crash, truck collision, fall, or work injury.
We understand how this condition affects your ability to work, sleep, and care for the people you love. If another party’s negligence caused your symptoms or made them worse, you may have the right to compensation for medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Call us today at 201-585-9111 to talk with someone who takes your pain seriously.
Why Choose Us as Your Fort Lee Fibromyalgia Disability Lawyer?
Fibromyalgia cases are not like ordinary injury claims. Insurance companies often try to dismiss the condition because it does not show up on a standard X-ray or MRI. We know how to build cases that prove the connection between an accident and the onset or worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Our team brings real advantages to every case we handle:
- More than 100 years of combined trial experience across New Jersey and New York
- Multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients with complex injury claims, including a $1,067,000 recovery for a truck driver who developed fibromyalgia after a crash
- A team of 30 dedicated professionals working on your case, not just one attorney
- Contingency fee representation, meaning you pay nothing unless we win
- Deep familiarity with local courts, medical providers, and the communities we serve from Fort Lee to Hackensack
We treat every client as a unique person, not a case file. When you walk into our office near the George Washington Bridge approach, you are talking with people who will learn your story, your symptoms, and your goals. Call 201-585-9111 today for a free consultation.
I want to express my deepest appreciation to the firm “MAGGIANO, DiIGIROLAMO
& LIZZI P.C. and to Cristopher DiGirolamo, in particular, for professionally and timely manner. The most important result for me is the successful completion of the case.
I also wish to express my thanks to the paralegal Nirelly Echanique and to Katty, the nice lady at the front desk.
Without any hesitation, I would recommend your firm to others.
Many thanks for your fruitful work.
I cannot thank Mr. Michael Maggiano and his staff enough for their handling of my case. My incident happened before the pandemic, but that did not hinder the performance of Michael, his Paralegal, Ms. Linda Reid, and his support staff. Ms. Reid remained in constant communication with me around the clock and she did her due diligence with gathering all evidence for my case. She left no stone unturned by recording every detail of the incident and my medical history. Every detail is important no matter how minuscule it may seem. Linda has the capacity to make you feel comfortable in one of the most uncomfortable moments of your life. Her explanation and assistance with the court proceedings put me at ease. Michael Maggiano and his Paralegal, Linda Reid will fight to win your case and get their clients what they are owed. Highly recommended!
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
What Is Fibromyalgia and How Is It Linked to Accidents?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and memory issues, sometimes called “fibro fog.” The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recognizes fibromyalgia as a real medical disorder that affects how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals.
While doctors do not know every cause, research and medical practice connect fibromyalgia onset and flare-ups to several triggers, including:
- Physical trauma from a car, truck, or motorcycle accident
- Repetitive strain or sudden injury at a construction site or workplace
- A serious slip and fall or other premises liability incident
- Emotional and physical stress following a traumatic event
- Surgery or extended periods of immobility after an injury
The pain does not always appear right away. Many of our clients first felt symptoms weeks or months after the accident that caused them, which is one reason insurance companies challenge these claims.
That delay does not erase your right to compensation. With the right medical documentation and legal strategy, our fibromyalgia disability attorney can connect the dots between what happened to you and what you are living with now.
Who Develops Fibromyalgia After an Accident?
Fibromyalgia can affect anyone, but certain groups are more likely to develop it after a traumatic event. We have helped clients across many walks of life, including commuters injured on Route 4 and the GWB approach, workers hurt on job sites throughout Bergen County, and pedestrians struck near busy intersections in the Bronx.
Common situations we see include:
- Drivers and passengers in rear-end crashes who later develop chronic widespread pain
- Truck accident survivors with whiplash that evolves into fibromyalgia symptoms
- Construction workers whose injuries trigger pain that spreads beyond the original site
- Pedestrians and bicyclists struck by vehicles who experience long-term nerve and muscle pain
- Workers in physically demanding jobs who suffer repetitive trauma
If any of this sounds like your situation, you are not alone, and your symptoms are not in your head. Our Fort Lee fibromyalgia disability lawyers are ready to help you take the next step.
Proving a Fibromyalgia Claim in New Jersey
Winning a fibromyalgia disability case requires medical evidence, credible testimony, and a clear legal theory. Because fibromyalgia is diagnosed largely through symptoms and exclusion of other conditions, the defense will often argue that your pain is exaggerated or unrelated to the accident. We answer those arguments with thorough preparation.
Our approach typically includes:
- Gathering complete medical records from before and after the accident
- Working with treating physicians, rheumatologists, and pain management specialists
- Retaining qualified medical experts to explain the diagnosis to a jury
- Documenting how symptoms have changed your daily life, work, and family relationships
- Preserving evidence from the accident scene, including police reports and witness statements
Under New Jersey’s personal injury statute of limitations (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If your case involves a workers’ compensation issue, different deadlines may apply under the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation rules. Acting quickly protects your evidence and your legal rights.
Compensation Available in Fibromyalgia Cases
Fibromyalgia can take away your ability to work full-time, exercise, sleep, and enjoy time with family. The financial cost of ongoing treatment adds up quickly. New Jersey law allows injured people to seek recovery for both economic and non-economic losses when another party’s negligence caused the harm.
Compensation in a fibromyalgia claim may include:
- Past and future medical expenses, including specialist visits, medication, and physical therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if you can no longer work the same job
- Pain and suffering, including the emotional toll of chronic illness
- Loss of enjoyment of life and damage to personal relationships
- Costs of household help, transportation to medical care, and adaptive equipment
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your symptoms, your treatment history, and the strength of the evidence linking your condition to the accident. We will review your situation honestly and explain what a fair recovery looks like.
Our Results in Fibromyalgia and Complex Injury Cases
We have a long history of securing significant recoveries for clients with hard-to-prove injuries. Our track record includes a $1,067,000 settlement for a female truck driver who developed fibromyalgia after a multi-vehicle crash, along with multi-million-dollar results in motor vehicle, construction, and workers’ compensation cases.
Some of our notable recoveries include:
- $6,200,000 for a commercial truck driver who suffered a traumatic brain injury
- $5,000,000 for a family struck by a tractor-trailer making an improper turn
- $3,600,000 for a worker injured while serving as a caddy at a charity golf event
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they show what is possible when an experienced legal team takes a case seriously. We bring the same dedication to every client who walks through our doors.
Verdicts and Settlements
$450,000 - Hertz Truck Accident
A mother and her 3 sons traveling to NY with a car rental from Hertz, the car began to act up and loose power. The mother called Hertz for help and was told they didn’t provide road side assistance but that she should head to their nearest location for further help, that was about 25 miles from her location. She couldn’t go more than 25-30 miles per…
$2,800,000 - Truck Accident
A man suffered serious knee injuries when a truck pulled out in front of him.
$780,000 - Work Reconditioning Injury
New York medical malpractice settlement of $700,000 plus an additional reduction of $80,000 in a worker’s compensation lien (total $780,000). Recovery was obtained for a 29 year old man who suffered a back injury and subsequent fusion surgery while engaging in a box lifting exercise undertaken as part of a work conditioning program at a New York physical therapy facility.
What Fibromyalgia Disability Means for Your Work and Life
A fibromyalgia diagnosis can affect your ability to hold a job, especially if your work involves physical labor, long hours on your feet, or repetitive motions. Many of our clients across Fort Lee tell us they can no longer keep up with the demands of their employer. Others struggle to sit at a desk through a full workday because of pain and fatigue.
Disability related to fibromyalgia may affect:
- Your eligibility for short-term and long-term disability benefits through your employer
- Workers’ compensation claims if your symptoms were triggered or worsened by job duties
- Social Security Disability Insurance, though these claims have their own strict requirements
- Personal injury settlements that account for reduced earning capacity over time
We help clients understand how these systems interact. If you were hurt on the job and developed fibromyalgia as a result, you may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate third-party injury claim. Few firms handle both, and we believe combining them maximizes your total recovery.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Fibromyalgia Claims
Because fibromyalgia symptoms can be invisible to others, the way you document and discuss your condition matters. Mistakes early in a case can give the insurance company ammunition to deny or reduce your claim.
Things to be aware of include:
- Posting on social media in ways that could be misinterpreted as inconsistent with your symptoms
- Gaps in medical treatment, which insurers use to argue your pain is not serious
- Giving a recorded statement to the insurance company before speaking with a lawyer
- Accepting a quick settlement offer before the full extent of your condition is known
- Trying to “push through” work duties without telling your doctor how much you are struggling
Talking with us early helps you avoid these traps. We will guide you through what to say, what to document, and what to keep private. Reach out to our team at 201-585-9111 before making any major decisions about your claim.
How We Build a Stronger Case for You
When you hire us, you get a team that treats your case as if it were our only one. We dig into the medical literature, work closely with your doctors, and prepare every case as if it is going to trial. That preparation often leads to better settlements without ever needing a courtroom.
Our process typically includes:
- A free, no-pressure consultation to learn about you and your goals
- A thorough investigation of the accident, including site visits when helpful
- Coordination with your medical providers to ensure your records are complete
- Negotiation with insurance companies from a position of strength
- Trial preparation from day one, because well-prepared cases settle for more
We stand in your shoes. The respect we have earned from judges and other attorneys across New Jersey and New York reflects the way we handle every case, from a single-car accident on Lemoine Avenue to a multi-defendant trucking case on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Questions Answered by a Fort Lee Fibromyalgia Disability Lawyer
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from people considering a fibromyalgia disability claim in Fort Lee and the surrounding area.
Can fibromyalgia really be caused by a car accident?
Medical research and clinical experience support the link between physical trauma and the onset or worsening of fibromyalgia. A car crash can trigger changes in how the central nervous system processes pain, leading to the widespread symptoms that define this condition. Your treating doctors and medical experts can explain this connection in a way that helps your case.
How long do I have to file a fibromyalgia injury claim in New Jersey?
Most personal injury claims in New Jersey must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Workers’ compensation claims have different deadlines, and certain situations may shorten the time you have to act. Speaking with a lawyer soon after your diagnosis helps protect your right to compensation.
Will my case have to go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial, but the strongest settlements come from cases prepared as if they will be tried in court. We get ready for trial from the start, which often motivates insurance companies to make fair offers. If a fair settlement is not possible, we are ready to take your case before a jury.
How much does it cost to hire a fibromyalgia disability attorney in Fort Lee?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front and nothing at all unless we recover money for you. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so there is no financial risk in calling us to discuss your case. The initial consultation is always free.
What if my doctor has not officially diagnosed me with fibromyalgia yet?
You do not need a final diagnosis before contacting a lawyer. Many of our clients are in the middle of getting answers when they first reach out. We can help you understand what kind of medical evaluation may strengthen your case and connect you with experienced providers when appropriate.
Can I still file a claim if I had pain before the accident?
Yes. New Jersey law recognizes that a negligent party can be responsible for making a pre-existing condition worse. If the accident aggravated symptoms you had before or triggered new ones, you may have a valid claim. We will look closely at your medical history to build the strongest case possible.
Contact Our Fort Lee Fibromyalgia Disability Lawyer Today
You do not have to face fibromyalgia, lost income, and an insurance company alone. We see you, we believe you, and we are ready to fight for the recovery that can help you rebuild. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., your case will be handled by a team that understands both the medicine and the law behind these complex claims.
Call us today at 201-585-9111 to schedule your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win, and there is no obligation to hire us after we talk. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and a more stable future.
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