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New Jersey Personal Injury Attorneys
Helping Victims of Negligence Pursue Compensation
With over 150 years of combined experience, The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao represents victims of all types of accidents, injuries, and losses throughout the state of New Jersey. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and are prepared to aggressively advocate for the maximum compensation you are owed.
Although we always strive to resolve our clients’ cases as quickly and efficiently as possible, we take the time to prepare every case as though it will proceed to trial. Whenever necessary, we are ready to represent our clients and their rights in the courtroom.
Injured in an accident? Contact us online or call (973) 358-6134 to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with our NJ personal injury lawyers. We can assist you in English, Spanish, Polish, and Italian.
What are the Causes of Personal Injury?
Anything that causes injury to a person as a result of the action of another can be a basis for the victim to file a personal injury lawsuit. The most common include the following:
- Negligence – This is the usual reason behind injuries caused by vehicular accidents or medical practice.
- Liability – Manufacturers of a certain product that causes harm to a consumer can also be brought to task through the personal injury law. The same goes with toxic exposure from industries situated near communities and injuries from faulty construction.
- Social wrong – Victims of bullying or preferential treatment because of race or gender, among others, can also file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Intentional wrong – This pertains to any voluntary act that injures another person.
When Does a Victim Need a Lawyer?
Victims can opt for a legal remedy especially in the following situations:
- Medical malpractice – Anyone who has experienced negligent or incompetent health care services needs a legal representative to get the most of his/her claim.
- Permanent disability – This covers appearance and physical abilities. A lawyer helps in figuring out the terms of compensation that would be highly beneficial to the victim and his/her family.
- Fair settlement – To reach the best terms, legal representation is the best way to go. Some of the factors that are considered as basis for compensation include the severity of injuries and the time the victim is not able to work due to his/her injuries to name a few. Having an experienced lawyer by your side eases this process.
Were You Injured in NJ? You May Be Eligible to Pursue Damages!
Personal injury law is designed to help people who suffer serious injuries and other losses because of someone else’s irresponsible actions or failure to act properly. When your health, wellness, or emotional state is compromised due to little or no fault of your own, you have the legal right to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. While you can pursue these damages on your own, your case stands a much better chance with the help of an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
No matter what life-altering situation you find yourself in, we are committed to defending your rights and best interests by any means necessary. Negligence can destroy lives and too often people aren’t held accountable for the damage their actions can cause. At The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A., our NJ personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for the justice you deserve.
We represent clients in all types of personal injury claims, including cases involving:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Brain injuries
- Construction injuries
- Dog bites
- Explosion injuries
- Neck, back, and spine injuries
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability
- Slip and falls
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
When you contact our firm, one of our experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights. The exact dollar amount you may be entitled to receive depends on the circumstances and severity of your case, among many other factors. When you schedule a free consultation with our office, we can begin to get a sense of what your case might be worth and give you honest and fair guidance on whether you should take further action.
How to Prove Negligence in a NJ Personal Injury Case
Most personal injury cases come down to the issue of negligence. When investigating a case, our New Jersey personal injury attorneys ask questions like, Who caused the injury? What were their legal responsibilities, and did they fail to do what a reasonable person would have done? State and federal laws provide very specific guidelines for determining fault, liability, and compensation in personal injury cases.
Generally speaking, to prove your personal injury case, you (or your attorney) must demonstrate the following:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached or failed to uphold the duty of care
- You were injured
- You suffered measurable damages
- The defendant’s conduct was the proximate cause of your injuries
As experienced personal injury attorneys in New Jersey, it’s our responsibility to apply the law to the facts of your case and go after each and every dollar that you deserve. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you don’t have a case until you’ve talked to an attorney.
At The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A., you can meet with a member of our team to discuss your case for free. If you do choose to have us represent you, we won’t charge for our services unless we reach a settlement on your behalf or win your case in court.
What Happens During a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The victim is the plaintiff while the accused is the defendant. Legal representation is vital in the process since many cases do get settled before trial. As mentioned earlier, money compensation for injuries is the most common objective for this type of case. Only a small percentage of personal injury lawsuits get a trial date.
What Happens When the Plaintiff Wins the Case?
When the plaintiff wins the case, the judge or the jury will award the victim the compensation as laid out by the terms. This is the reason why the victim needs legal guidance throughout the process. The terms should encompass many things such as medical bills, lost wages (both present and future), current condition, disfigurement, and disability.
When Do I Agree to a Settlement?
When you settle a case, this means you agree to drop the case in exchange for appropriate compensation. As said earlier, this is the usual outcome in a personal injury lawsuit. Important to note is that by reaching a settlement, the plaintiff is absolving the defendant from further liability.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
If you’ve sustained losses because of someone else's actions—even if it seemed like an accident—you don’t deserve to bear that burden by yourself. Fortunately, personal injury law is set up to protect you, help you get better, and fully compensate you for your losses, or “damages.”
The law can be complicated, of course, but all you need is an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney to guide you through. At The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A., we are ready to make your case with compassion, dedication, and zeal.
Depending on the unique details of your case, you may be entitled to the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium (losing the benefits of a family or marital relationship)
- Bodily pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Changes in mental stability, cognition, or wellness
- Impaired reputation
- Brain damage
- Disfigurement
- Future medical expenses
- Future lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Lost or diminished quality/enjoyment of life
- In-home assistance, nursing, and care costs
- Home modifications
These are just a few examples of compensable damages under New Jersey law. Every case is different, and the compensation you are to receive can vary greatly depending on damages that can be proven, as well as the percentage of liability assigned to each party.
The goal of filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit is to recover damages that help make you whole. At The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A., we recognize that no amount of financial compensation can undo the pain, suffering, and trauma you have been through. But we have also seen firsthand how a fair settlement or verdict can provide individuals and families with the resources they need to heal.
Call (973) 358-6134 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.
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Work Accident Case $2,000,000
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Motor vehicle Accident $3,100,000
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Drunk Driving Case $14,000,000
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Drunk Driver Accident $14,100,000
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Bus Accident $2,000,000
How Comparative Negligence Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
New Jersey law uses a rule called “modified comparative negligence” to determine fault in personal injury cases. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover monetary compensation. In fact, as long as you are less at fault than the other party, you could still be entitled to compensation for your damages.
However, you will not be able to recover the full amount you are seeking in damages. Instead, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are deemed to have, as decided by the insurance adjuster, judge, and/or jury. In other words, a court will determine what percentage of the fault was yours and then reduce your reward by that amount.
So, if a jury decided that you suffered $100,000 in damages but you were 20 percent at fault, you’d receive an $80,000 award. And remember, if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you won’t receive anything at all.
Figuring out the percentage of fault can be very complicated, and many insurance adjusters will assign fault unjustly in an attempt to deny claims or lower payouts. It’s always best to talk with a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey about your case. As long as you have proof that you were injured and not completely at fault, there is a good chance you are entitled to more money than you think.
Personal Injury FAQs
- What does personal injury mean?
- How do I know if I have a case?
- Why do people file personal injury claims?
- What are the most common types of personal injury claims?
- How much do I pay you for my case?
- How long do personal injury cases take?
- What if I was partially at fault?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
- How much is a consultation?
- What should I bring to the consultation?
- Can you sue for emotional distress?
What does personal injury mean?
A “personal injury” is a term that refers to the harm someone suffers after an accident. It is often used in the context of legal or insurance procedures to describe cases in which a person is injured due to someone else’s mistakes or negligence.
When a person takes legal action after suffering an injury to receive compensation for their suffering, they are often filing what is known as a personal injury claim.
How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
Some cases are more obvious than others. If someone is injured by a drunk driver, for example, it will be clear that a victim’s injuries were caused by another’s negligence. However, some injuries have multiple causes and legal considerations are more complex.
A qualified, experienced NJ personal injury attorney will investigate their client’s case to determine the strength of their claim.
Why do people file personal injury claims?
Injuries are extremely costly. In addition to pain and suffering, victims often face several financial consequences, such as exorbitant medical bills, costly prescription medications, ongoing treatment, loss of income, and loss of future work capacity.
A personal injury claim is a tool used by injured individuals to seek fair compensation for these and other damages. These claims help ensure that a victim does not have to shoulder the costs of someone else’s mistakes.
What are the most common types of personal injury claims?
Personal injury claims typically center around injuries stemming from incidents like vehicle crashes or slip and fall accidents, to name just a couple of examples. Dog bites, lead poisoning, and other types of injuries might also fall under the category of personal injury cases.
Additionally, there are several variations of personal injury claims, such as medical malpractice (errors by doctors or nurses), premises liability (slip and fall injuries caused by negligent property owners), and product liability (a defective product causes a consumer’s injury). These cases are very similar to personal injury claims, mostly because they deal with cases in which a person is injured due to the negligence of others.
How much do I pay you for handling my case?
We earn no fee until we win your case. If your claim is successful, we will be paid through a contingency fee, meaning that we will receive a small portion of the amount you win.
How long do personal injury cases take?
Every case is different, and no attorney will be able to give you a clear answer without knowing all the facts surrounding your case.
Personal injury cases can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months or even longer, depending on the circumstances. Some cases settle quickly, while others might involve a trial, in which case it will take much longer to resolve a dispute.
As many attorneys tell their clients, patience can be rewarding for someone filing a personal injury claim, though it is understandable that many people want the case to be over with as soon as possible.
Can I file a claim even if the incident was partially my fault?
Yes. In New Jersey, this is called modified comparative negligence, which is a rule stating that a person can receive compensation based on a proportionate scale. In other words, if you were 50 percent or less responsible for the incident that led to your injury, the negligent party might still be required by the courts to compensate you for half or a portion of the costs stemming from your injury.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
There is a time limit regarding how long a victim has to file a claim after suffering an injury. It is called a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years.
The statute of limitations of similar types of cases—such as medical practice and product liability—is also two years. Some exceptions are made for people who may not have realized the full extent of their injury at the time of an accident.
How much is a consultation with one of your attorneys?
A consultation with The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A. is free. We will meet with you to discuss and evaluate your case at no charge.
What should I bring to the consultation?
If you schedule a consultation with us, you should bring copies of medical bills and any other relevant documents, bills, receipts, photos, or videos that might be relevant to your case. This will help us determine the strength of your claim and allow us to give you more specifics about the chances of a successful case.
Can You Sue for Emotional Distress?
In New Jersey, you can file a lawsuit for emotional distress that was caused by the actions of another person/party. However, these cases tend to be difficult to prove. You must be able to demonstrate that the actions of the defendant were traumatic enough to cause you to suffer emotional harm.
Emotional distress is best proved with testimony from medical and mental healthcare experts. If your emotional distress is linked to an accident or injury, the insurance company may cover a portion of the emotional distress damages alongside other damages in your claim.
However, emotional distress does not need to be attributed to an accident or injury to be a valid claim. There are many situations where a defendant could be threatening enough to cause emotional distress without injury.
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What Sets Us Apart?
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Hundreds of Millions Recovered For Our Clients
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Personalized Attention & Curated Legal Plans
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Committed & Passionate Advocacy
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Always Available & Accessible To Our Clients
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Capable of Handling a Wide Variety of Case Types
