Whether it’s a collision on the New Jersey Turnpike, a slip and fall at Newport Centre Mall, or a workplace injury while on the job in Jersey City, personal injuries can have a profound impact on your life, leaving you with pain and mounting medical bills. When someone else’s negligence causes you harm, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses.
The legal team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., is available to listen to your story and stand with you every step of the way. Our mission is to provide you with the support you need and the compensation you deserve. If you are searching for a trusted Jersey City personal injury lawyer, look no further than our experienced and compassionate team. Contact us today for a free consultation and begin your path to justice..
Call us today for a FREE consultation at (201) 425-1135.
Why Choose Us for Your Jersey City Personal Injury Claim?
An accident can be stressful, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we stand by your side, offering our unwavering support and legal advice to help you rebuild your life. Here’s why accident victims in Jersey City choose us:
- Proven Results: With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys have recovered multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients. We don’t just fight cases—we win them.
- Personalized Attention: Each case is unique, and so are our clients. We take the time to understand your specific situation, needs, and goals to build a strategy tailored to you.
- No Win, No Fee: You shouldn’t have to worry about upfront costs during an already challenging time. Our team works on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid when we secure compensation for you.
- Comprehensive Knowledge: From trucking accidents to workplace injuries, we handle a wide range of personal injury cases. Our deep understanding of Jersey City and its communities allows us to represent you effectively.
- Trusted Reputation: Recognized by elite legal organizations and peers, our attorneys are known for their trial skills, ethical excellence, and tenacity on behalf of clients.
Your focus should be on recovery, not on legal details. When you entrust your case to Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., you gain more than just legal representation. You gain a team that cares deeply about you and your future.
What is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim arises when someone suffers harm due to another person or entity’s negligence. These claims are designed to hold the responsible party accountable and secure financial compensation for the injured party. If you’ve been injured in an accident, a personal injury claim can help you recover costs for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Car Accident Lawsuit Verdicts and Settlements
$3,350,000 - Post-Collision Fire
In 2000, a young woman suffered severe burn injuries when the car she was riding in ignited in flames following a rear end impact caused by a drunk driver.
$2,250,000 - Unable to Work Post-Crash
A Union Electrician was hit on the Garden State Parkway North, causing him to spin and hit the median barrier. The injuries sustained required two back surgeries following the aggravation of pre-existing stenosis leaving him unable to work.
$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.
Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle
The Jersey City personal injury attorneys at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., have extensive experience handling a wide variety of personal injury claims, including but not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Construction accidents
- Premises liabilities
- Motorcycle accidents
- Roadway designs and defects
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Welding injuries
- Worker’s compensation
- Burn injuries
No matter the specifics of your case, our dedicated team is ready to advocate for you and secure the financial recovery you deserve.
Do I Have a Jersey City Personal Injury Case?
To determine if you have a personal injury case, it’s essential to examine whether negligence played a role in your accident. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with the level of care a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation, leading to harm.
To have a successful personal injury claim, four key elements must be established:
- Duty of Care
The at-fault party owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers must operate their vehicles responsibly, and property owners must keep their premises safe. - Breach of Duty
The responsible party violated their duty of care through their actions or inaction—for instance, texting while driving or failing to clean up a hazardous spill. - Causation
Their breach of duty caused your injuries. You must show a direct link between the at-fault party’s negligence and the harm you suffered. - Damages
You sustained actual losses, such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering, due to your injuries.
Establishing negligence requires a thorough investigation and the collection of strong evidence. Our lawyers understand the complexity of these cases and will gather the necessary proof to build a compelling argument on your behalf.
If you’re unsure whether you have a personal injury case, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation and provide straightforward advice about your legal options.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
After an accident, you may feel pressured to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company. They might tell you this is the best deal you’ll get or rush you to make a decision before you’ve had a chance to fully recover or understand your long-term needs. Here’s the truth you need to hear: Insurance companies often aim to minimize their payouts. They’ll use tactics like undervaluing your injuries or implying you were partially at fault to justify a low offer.
It’s crucial to speak with a Jersey City personal injury lawyer before accepting any offers. An experienced attorney can assess the true value of your claim, ensuring it accounts not only for immediate medical bills but also for lost wages, long-term care, and emotional distress. By consulting with our team, you protect yourself from settling for less than you deserve. Remember, once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more even if your expenses turn out to be much higher than anticipated.
We are here to fight for your best interests and ensure you receive fair compensation that secures your future. Before agreeing to anything, contact us for a free consultation.
Compensation Available in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, the law allows you to pursue compensation for your losses. This compensation, known as “damages,” is meant to make you whole again. While every case is unique, here are some of the types of compensation commonly available in personal injury lawsuits:
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for past and future medical bills, including surgery, therapy, prescription medications, and any specialized equipment you may need.
- Lost Income: Compensation for the income you’ve lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as a reduction in your earning potential if you’re unable to return to your previous job.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for how your injuries have affected your relationships with loved ones.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to your vehicle or other personal belongings.
Every situation is different, so it’s essential to work with a lawyer who can calculate the full scope of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Nothing but praise for Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi. I have never seen such a fantastic display of teamwork at all levels of the firm. (As an aisde, everyone one who works at the firm was extremely courteous and kind – character traits that one would not typically associate with a law firm. )
Furthermore, the legal results brought about by Mr. Maggiano’s tireless litigation efforts on our behalf were very fair and just. If you ever find yourself in a car accident, be sure to consult Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi.
Choosing Michael Maggiano and his firm was the best decision my husband and I made at a most horrific time in our lives. Multiple doctors, with whom we had trusting relationships, were confidently telling me that nothing was wrong when, in fact, that was not the case; allowing a cancer to grow over several years to an advanced stage.
Michael Maggiano and his incredible colleagues took our case, even though extremely complex. They patiently answered our endless questions, diligently pursued every aspect of our case, handled our anxieties; especially during trial preparation and settlement discussions. Due to their experience and skill, the final outcome was a sizable settlement.
We hope that this message helps you make the right decision during what is probably a difficult and trying time by speaking with Mike Maggiano.
I was one of those people who thought I would never sue anyone. That changed after I slipped and fell on a snow-covered hotel parking lot. I suffered a severe shoulder injury and it became apparent that I was not going to be compensated for my injury acting on my own. I live in Tennessee, so I was somewhat nervous about how I could coordinate with a legal team given the distance and the difference in time zones. I researched personal injury lawyers and was impressed with what I learned about the Maggiano law firm. I needed an attorney who had the knowledge, experience and reputation to represent me, but just as important was having an attorney who could relate to me and one who I could trust.
I knew after my first phone call with him that Mr. Maggiano was the attorney I wanted on my case. Mr. Maggiano brought in the right people to document and validate my situation which helped reinforce the facts of my injury. Everyone at the law firm was wonderful to work with! Linda Reid was a great source of information and support. I was very pleased with the settlement, and I know I would not have gotten this level of compensation without Mr. Maggiano and his team representing me. He definitely deserves a five star rating.
Do I Still Have a Case if I’m Partly to Blame for My Accident Injuries?
It’s a common misconception that being partially at fault for an accident means you can’t recover compensation. However, New Jersey follows what is known as a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still pursue a claim as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the accident.
Under this law, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault in a car accident, and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would still recover $80,000. This approach allows accident victims to seek justice while acknowledging shared responsibility.
Even if you believe you were partly to blame, don’t rule out your options. Our Jersey City personal injury attorney can review the details of your case, gather evidence, and build an argument to minimize your percentage of fault, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
What is the Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Jersey City?
Under New Jersey law, there is a strict time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to meet this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how compelling the evidence is.
However, exceptions can extend or shorten this timeframe. For instance, claims against a government entity may have a shorter deadline, while cases involving minors might have more flexibility. Because these deadlines are so critical, it’s essential to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, we’ll ensure your case is filed on time and handled with care. Don’t wait until it’s too late to pursue justice for your injuries.
Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi for FREE today.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Jersey City Personal Injury Attorney?
One of the biggest concerns accident victims face is the cost of hiring a lawyer. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, we believe legal representation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. What does this mean for you?
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t have to pay anything upfront to hire us.
- We Only Get Paid If We Win: Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us no attorney’s fees.
- No Hourly Billing: You’ll never have to worry about surprise legal fees racking up.
This arrangement ensures we’re fully motivated to fight for the best possible outcome in your case. It also means you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of legal expenses.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Personal Injury Case
Suffering from an injury after an accident can be stressful, especially when trying to figure out your next steps. A skilled personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process, making a difficult situation more manageable. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we’re here to provide the care, support, and skills you need to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Here’s how our Jersey City personal injury lawyer can help you:
- Understanding Your Rights
A lawyer can clearly explain your rights after an accident, ensuring you know what to expect and how to proceed. - Building a Strong Case
We gather the evidence needed to support your claim, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, presenting a compelling case for your recovery. - Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over your best interests. An experienced attorney will negotiate with them to secure fair compensation while protecting you from their underhanded tactics. - Maximizing Your Compensation
Legal representation ensures that all the damages you’re entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, are accounted for. - Guiding You Through the Legal Process
From filing paperwork to representing you in court, a personal injury lawyer will handle the complexities of your case so you can focus solely on your recovery.
With the right lawyer on your side, you’re not alone in this fight. Our team has the experience, compassion, and dedication to help you through every step of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Elements of a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The elements of a personal injury lawsuit revolve around establishing negligence. Essentially, negligence occurs when someone does not exercise the level of care that a reasonable individual would demonstrate in the same situation. A plaintiff must prove four key points to establish negligence:
- Duty: The defendant had a legal duty to the plaintiff under the circumstances.
- Breach: The defendant breached that duty by acting or failing to act in a certain way.
- Causation: It was the defendant’s actions (or inaction) that actually caused the plaintiff’s injury.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered losses or injuries as a result of the defendant’s actions.
These elements form the backbone of personal injury law. Each element must be established for a court to award any compensation. A Jersey City personal injury lawyer understands how to prove and present these elements.
Read More: How Can You Prove Negligence in Your Injury Case?
How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take in NJ?
The duration of a personal injury case in New Jersey varies significantly based on the case’s complexity, the clarity of facts, the extent of injuries, and the willingness of parties to settle. Cases can range from a few months for straightforward claims to several years for more complex issues involving severe injuries or disputed liability.
The legal process involves several stages: investigation, filing, discovery, negotiation, and potentially a trial. New Jersey’s court system strives for efficiency, but the thoroughness required for justice often extends timelines. A case might settle quickly if liability is clear and insurers are cooperative, while contested cases requiring expert testimony will take longer.
Jersey City personal injury lawyers, like those at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, understand the emotional and financial stress extended cases can cause. With a mission embodying courage and driven by justice, they work diligently to expedite the process without compromising the quality of their representation.
Is Settlement Money Taxable?
In general, settlement money from a personal injury case in New Jersey is not considered taxable income at the federal or state level. The IRS does not usually tax compensation that arises from physical injuries or physical sickness under IRC § 104(a)(2). This means that if you received a settlement for personal physical injuries or physical sickness and did not take an itemized deduction for medical expenses related to the injury in prior years, the full amount is non-taxable and does not need to be included in your income.
However, there are exceptions. If part of the settlement includes lost wages, that portion may be taxable as income. Additionally, in the rare event that the settlement includes punitive damages, they are typically taxable and must be reported to the IRS.
It’s also important to note that if you deduct medical expenses related to the injury on a previous tax return and then later receive a settlement for that injury, the portion of the settlement corresponding to the medical expenses you deducted may be taxable.
Because tax laws can be complicated and may change, it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional and a personal injury attorney to understand the tax implications of any settlement received.
What Are Compensatory Damages in New Jersey?
Compensatory damages in New Jersey are monetary awards given to a plaintiff to compensate for losses suffered due to another’s negligence or wrongful action. They are intended to restore the injured party to the position they would have been in had the injury not occurred.
Compensatory damages can be divided into two main categories:
Economic Damages
These include quantifiable losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Essentially, any out-of-pocket expenses that can be documented and attributed directly to the injury fall into this category.
Non-Economic Damages
These are more subjective and compensate for non-monetary aspects of harm suffered, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are not as easily quantifiable.
New Jersey law allows injured parties to claim compensatory damages in a personal injury lawsuit. The aim is to make the plaintiff whole again—to the extent that money can do so. While no amount of money can reverse the injury, compensatory damages are the legal system’s way of balancing the scales.
For accurate estimation and pursuit of these damages, consulting with the experienced Jersey City personal injury lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi is essential. They can help document and quantify these losses, ensuring you seek appropriate compensation for your injuries.
What Is the Meaning of Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages in New Jersey refer to monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff that go beyond what is necessary to compensate for losses. These are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or malicious behavior. The purpose of punitive damages is to serve as a deterrent to the defendant and others from engaging in similar conduct in the future. The award of punitive damages is incredibly rare.
Under New Jersey Statutes § 2A:15-5.12(b), punitive damages are only awarded when the plaintiff can prove that the harm suffered was the result of the defendant’s acts or omissions, and such acts or omissions were actuated by actual malice or accompanied by a wanton and willful disregard of persons who foreseeably might be harmed by those acts or omissions.
It is important to note that there are strict guidelines and caps on punitive damages in New Jersey. For example, punitive damages are limited to the greater of five times the compensatory damages or $350,000. Because of their complexity and the high burden of proof, plaintiffs considering seeking punitive damages should consult with skilled Jersey City personal injury lawyers who can provide guidance on the viability of such a claim in their specific case.
Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering in NJ?
Yes, you can sue for pain and suffering in New Jersey. Pain and suffering falls under non-economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit, which are intended to compensate the injured party for the physical and emotional distress resulting from an injury.
New Jersey law allows for the recovery of pain and suffering damages, but certain thresholds must be met, particularly in car accident cases. If a plaintiff has chosen a standard policy with the limitation on lawsuit option, per § 39:6A-8, they can only sue for pain and suffering if their injuries are deemed to be significant. Injuries that qualify include:
- Loss of a body part
- Significant disfigurement or scarring
- Displaced fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent injury
- Death
It’s worth consulting with Jersey City personal injury lawyers for a comprehensive evaluation of your case. The attorneys at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi can help determine whether your injuries meet the legal threshold to claim pain and suffering damages in New Jersey and guide you through the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve.
Consult Our Experienced Jersey City Personal Injury Lawyers Today
With Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, you’re not just hiring a lawyer, you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your well-being and recovery. We understand how life-changing an accident can be and are here to alleviate your burden. From dealing with aggressive insurance companies to building a robust case that highlights the full extent of your needs and damages, we are your advocates every step of the way.
Our team will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, ensuring you can focus on what matters most–your healing and your future. You don’t have to face the challenges of a personal injury case alone. We’ll stand up for you with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to achieving justice.
Contact us today at (201) 585-9111 or through our online form to discuss your case during a free consultation. Your story matters, and we are here to give you a voice.
