Paramus is the retail heartbeat of Bergen County. With major arteries like Route 4, Route 17, and the Garden State Parkway converging here, our borough is constantly in motion. Whether you are commuting to work, visiting the Garden State Plaza, or driving through town to get to Hackensack or Fort Lee, the high volume of traffic unfortunately leads to accidents.
When a fun afternoon of shopping or a routine drive turns into a life-changing injury due to someone else’s carelessness, you deserve a dedicated Paramus personal injury lawyer who listens to you and fights for your future.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we understand that an injury affects your whole life, not just your physical health. It impacts your ability to work, your time with family, and your peace of mind. We are here to help you move forward. We represent the person next door—the hardworking residents of Bergen County who need a strong voice against large insurance companies.
Why Choose Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., for Your Paramus, N.J. Personal Injury Claim?
When you are looking for a Paramus personal injury lawyer, you need a firm that combines the resources of a large practice with the personal attention of a local office. We are proud of the reputation we have built in New Jersey.
- We Are Trial Lawyers: While many cases settle, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This approach shows insurance companies that we are serious about securing the best possible outcome for you.
- We Focus on You: You are not just a file number to us. We limit our caseload so we can provide significant attention to every client. We take the time to learn your story, how the injury has changed your daily routine, and what you need to recover.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us hourly rates or upfront retainers. We only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict for you.
Our team of 30 dedicated professionals includes attorneys with over 100 years of combined experience. We have been recognized by elite legal organizations, but our greatest honor is the trust our clients place in us to handle their most difficult moments.
After thirteen surgeries, multiple procedures and over two months in the ICU, all due to the negligence of one of my doctors, I was referred to Michael Maggiano to pursue a medical malpractice case. I had never been involved in a lawsuit in my life and from the moment I met Michael and his team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi I knew I was in extremely competent hands. Michael is the best lawyer you could imagine – he is intelligent, detail oriented, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his work and his clients. Michael is a consummate professional and I will forever be impressed by, and indebted to, both him and his team. The entire staff at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi is friendly, welcoming and do everything to make their clients comfortable. I would like to specifically thank Linda Reid and Bernadette Elbert who both went above and beyond to make my experience as comfortable as possible, from including me in all detailed correspondence to sending encouraging texts and even giving hugs when needed. Thank you so much to everyone at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi – I highly recommend this law firm to anyone looking for a compassionate team to handle a personal injury claim.
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.
I am delighted to provide this testimonial for Mr. DiGirolamo. His representation of me during my case was unflagging over its four-year duration. He kept me informed, and prepared for every eventuality as the case progressed.
He understood my fears and pain, and saw to it that Workmans Comp provided support for me until my civil case was settled. He prepared me substantially whenever necessary. I was very grateful for his understanding of the disastrous effect my accident had on every aspect of my life.
He was always supportive and kind personally, and totally professional. He reminded me to be realistic about the eventual outcome, and advised me as to the importance of my demeanor and attitude.
Everyone I came in contact with at the office was polite and helpful, in particular Marisol Suarez, Mr. DiGirolamo’s paralegal assistant. I will always be grateful for the way my case was handled.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process used to seek “damages,” which is the legal term for money paid to compensate you for your losses. This process begins when one person or company fails to act with reasonable care, resulting in an injury to someone else.
In New Jersey, most of these cases are based on the concept of “negligence.” Negligence simply means that someone was careless or failed to do what a sensible person would have done in the same situation.
To have a valid claim, we generally must show that the other party owed you a duty of care (like a driver following traffic laws), that they breached that duty (like a driver texting behind the wheel), and that this breach directly caused your injuries.
Understanding these legal concepts is key to holding a negligent party accountable for the harm they have caused you and your family.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Paramus
Paramus is unique because it serves as a commercial hub for the diverse communities of Bergen County. From the Korean communities in nearby Fort Lee to the melting pot of Hackensack and Teaneck, everyone comes to Paramus to shop, dine, and work. This high density of people and vehicles creates specific risks.
We handle a wide range of injury claims, with a specific focus on:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: The congestion on Route 17 and Route 4 results in frequent rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups.
- Trucking Accidents: Delivery trucks and big rigs are constantly moving goods to the malls and retail centers. These accidents often cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles.
- Premises Liability: With so many retail spaces, slip and fall accidents in parking lots, malls, and restaurants are common. Property owners must keep their premises safe.
- Construction Accidents: As infrastructure and commercial spaces are constantly being updated, construction workers face significant risks on the job site.
- Workers’ Compensation: If you were injured while working, we can help you with your benefits claim.
We treat every case uniquely. Whether you were hurt in a car crash on the Parkway or suffered a fall at a local business, we investigate the details thoroughly to determine who is responsible.
Advocacy for Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death
Some accidents leave scars that never fully heal. We represent clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis, loss of limbs, or permanent cognitive damage. These cases require a “life care plan”—a detailed look at what it will cost to provide medical care and support for the rest of a person’s life.
In the most tragic circumstances, an accident results in the loss of a loved one. New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act allows family members to seek compensation for the financial and emotional support the deceased person would have provided. While no amount of money can replace a family member, it can provide the stability needed to move forward.
- Immediate Investigation: We gather evidence while it is still fresh to prove how the accident happened.
- Expert Consultation: We work with doctors and financial experts to value the long-term impact of your loss.
- Compassionate Communication: We keep you informed at every step so you can focus on your family.
Helping families find stability after a sudden loss is one of the most important things we do as trial lawyers.
Understanding Negligence in New Jersey
To recover compensation in a personal injury case, we generally need to prove that another party acted with negligence. In plain English, negligence means that someone failed to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would use in a similar situation.
For example, a “reasonable” driver stops at a red light. If a driver is texting and blows through that light, hitting your car, they have likely been negligent. To build a strong case, we look for four main elements:
- Duty of Care: The other person had a responsibility to keep you safe (like obeying traffic laws).
- Breach of Duty: They failed to fulfill that responsibility.
- Causation: Their failure directly caused the accident.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm (injuries, financial loss) because of the accident.
New Jersey operates under a “Modified Comparative Negligence” system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still be able to recover compensation, provided you were not more than 50% responsible. However, your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Understanding these laws is vital, but you do not need to become a legal scholar. We are here to handle the complex statutes so you can focus on healing.
What to Do After a Personal Injury in Paramus
Once you have received emergency medical care and have returned home, the legal process truly begins. This is the time to organize your thoughts and protect your rights. Taking the following steps can help strengthen your potential claim:
- Follow Doctor’s Orders: If you were prescribed medication or physical therapy, follow the plan exactly. Missing appointments gives insurance companies a reason to argue that you are not as injured as you claim.
- Document Everything: Start a file. Keep copies of your discharge papers, police reports, and receipts for any accident-related expenses (even bandages or taxi rides to the doctor).
- Take Photos of Injuries: As you heal, bruises and cuts fade. Photographic evidence of your injuries in the days following the accident can be powerful evidence later.
- Watch What You Say: Do not post about the accident on social media. Insurance adjusters often monitor social accounts to find photos or comments they can use against you.
Once you have stabilized your health, your next step should be to contact a lawyer. We can take over the administrative burden of filing claims and communicating with other parties so you can rest.
Handling Insurance Companies
Soon after an accident, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster. It is important to remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is often to settle the claim for as little money as possible.
They may ask you to give a recorded statement or offer you a quick settlement check. We strongly advise you to speak with us before agreeing to anything. A quick settlement rarely accounts for future medical needs or long-term pain. Once you sign a release, you generally cannot go back and ask for more money if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought.
We handle all communication with the insurance carriers. We know their tactics and we know the true value of your claim. We fight to ensure you are compensated for:
- Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future bills related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: Income you lost while recovering.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the activities you can no longer enjoy.
Let us be your shield against the insurance companies. We are here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
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.
$1,500,000 - Late Diagnosis
A gastric bypass patient suffered serious complications of a gastric leak which was not timely diagnosed.
$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.
Paramus Personal Injury FAQs
Understanding your rights after an accident can be confusing. Here are answers to some common questions we hear from clients in Bergen County.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey?
Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in New Jersey is two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your claim within this window, or you will likely lose your right to sue. However, there are exceptions, especially regarding claims against government entities, which have much shorter deadlines (often 90 days to file a notice of claim). It is best to consult with us as soon as possible to ensure no deadlines are missed.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
We believe that justice should not be reserved for the wealthy. That is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay any legal fees upfront. We cover the costs of the investigation and litigation. We only get paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict we win for you. If we do not win, you do not owe us an attorney’s fee.
Will my case have to go to court?
Not necessarily. The majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. We strive to reach a fair settlement that covers all your needs without the stress of a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and present your story to a jury.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
There is no online calculator that can accurately predict the value of a case because every person and every injury is unique. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, the amount of work you missed, and the impact the injury has had on your daily life. We review all these factors to determine a fair value for your specific situation.
I was injured in a rideshare vehicle; who is responsible?
Rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft can be complicated. Responsibility depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash (whether they had the app on, were waiting for a ride, or had a passenger). These companies have large insurance policies, but accessing them can be difficult. We can help identify the correct insurance coverage applicable to your accident.
Contact Our Paramus Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in Paramus or anywhere in Bergen County, you do not have to handle the burden alone. The period following an accident is stressful, but having the right legal team can make all the difference.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we are ready to stand in your shoes and fight for your rights. We invite you to sit down with us, tell us your story, and let us explain how we can help. There is no cost to speak with us and no obligation.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you get back to the life you love.
