Personal Injury Lawyer New Brunswick, NJ
Professional Representation For Personal Injury Victims
When dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury, it’s crucial to understand the importance of having a skilled legal professional by your side. Our New Brunswick, NJ personal injury lawyer at the Law Firm of Edward Blinder, PLLC is dedicated to advocating for our clients’ rights. We’ve been practicing personal injury for over a decade and have represented many people with a wide range of injuries. You can trust our attorney Ed Blinder with your case. Contact us today to request your free consultation.
Table of Contents
- Professional Representation For Personal Injury Victims
- Negotiating With The Insurance Company
- Common Types Of Personal Injury Cases
- Personal Injury Statistics
- FAQs
- Law Firm of Edward Blinder, PLLC, New Brunswick Personal Injury Lawyers
- Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney Today
How Our Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Personal injury law encompasses a wide range of situations where an individual is harmed due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. This can include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and more. Our New Brunswick personal injury lawyer has the knowledge and experience to assess the specifics of each case and determine the best course of action.
The decision to hire an attorney is a significant one. Without proper representation, you may not receive the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury lawyer brings to the table a deep understanding of legal procedures, negotiation skills, and the ability to navigate the court system. Protecting your rights so that you can seek the compensation you deserve is critical if you have been in a personal injury accident.
Severe Injuries Or Long-Term Disabilities
If you have sustained severe injuries or long-term disabilities as a result of an accident in New Jersey, it is imperative to consult our injury lawyer. Such injuries can result in high medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, and missed wages. A skilled attorney can evaluate your case, calculate the true value of your damages, and advocate for the maximum compensation to cover past, present, and future expenses.
Liability Disputes And Complex Circumstances
When liability for an accident is unclear or disputed, it can be challenging to navigate the legal process alone. Insurance companies might try to shift blame or downplay their responsibility, leaving you with inadequate compensation. A personal injury lawyer knows how to investigate and gather evidence to establish liability. We have the knowledge to navigate complex cases, such as accidents involving multiple parties or situations where the responsible party is not immediately apparent.
Recovering Compensation For Your Injuries
In personal injury law, compensation—also known as damages—is categorized into different types, most broadly categorized as economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damages, and more. Compensation for medical expenses includes costs for emergency services, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatments. If your injury has caused you to miss work, compensation can cover lost income and benefits. For long-term or permanent injuries, you may be compensated for future wages that you are unable to earn. If personal property was damaged as a result of the incident that caused your injury, you could be reimbursed for repairs or replacement.
Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress. These damages cover the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced because of your injury. If an injury affects the relationship between you and your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship. Serious injuries can lead to psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, for which you may receive compensation.
In cases of egregious negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Negotiating With The Insurance Company
The aftermath of an accident or injury can be a daunting process, especially when it involves dealing with insurance companies.
The first step in any negotiation is to thoroughly understand the process. When you file a claim, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to evaluate the details. This adjuster’s job is to assess the extent of the insurance company’s liability and to negotiate a settlement. It’s important to remember that insurance adjusters are trained professionals working in the best interest of their employer – the insurance company. Hence, their initial offer may not fully cover your losses or the true value of your claim.
Presenting Evidence
Gathering and presenting evidence is critical in negotiating with an insurance company. This includes everything from photos of the incident, medical records, and bills, to reports from law enforcement and witness statements. The more comprehensive and organized your evidence, the stronger your negotiating position will be. It’s about painting a clear picture of the incident and its impact on your life.
Calculating Your Claim’s Value
Before entering negotiations, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the value of your claim. This includes not only the immediate costs, such as medical expenses and vehicle repairs but also long-term impacts like loss of earnings, future medical treatment, and pain and suffering. An experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer can help you accurately calculate this value, so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Negotiation Strategies
When you begin negotiations, it’s vital to start high. Expect that the insurance company will counter with a lower offer, and be prepared to justify your initial figure with the evidence you’ve gathered. Patience is key; these negotiations can take time, and it’s important not to accept the first offer unless it meets your calculated claim value.
Throughout this process, communication is crucial. Ensure all correspondence with the insurance company is documented, and consider conducting significant discussions via written communication. This not only helps maintain a record but also allows you to carefully consider your responses and negotiations.
Insurance Company Tactics And Low Settlement Offers
Insurance companies are notorious for employing tactics to minimize payouts. They may pressure you to accept a quick settlement offer that fails to account for the full extent of your injuries and damages. If you sign an agreement, this may keep you from seeking more compensation at a later time. Personal injury lawyers like ours have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and their tactics. They can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement that covers all your losses, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Statute Of Limitations And Legal Deadlines
Each state has its own statute of limitations, which determines the time limit within which you can file a personal injury claim. In New Jersey, you generally have two years (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2(a) (2024)) to take legal action for a personal injury case. Failing to meet these deadlines can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. Our personal injury lawyer is well-versed in the legal requirements and timeframes associated with your case. By hiring an attorney early on, you ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and promptly. They will be able to guide you through the process and protect your legal rights so that you do not miss any important deadlines.
Common Types Of Personal Injury Cases
Understanding the various types of personal injury cases is crucial for anyone who may have been harmed due to someone else’s negligence. At the Law Firm of Edward Blinder, PLLC, we’ve seen firsthand how an injury can upend your life. Whether it’s grappling with medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of an accident, our experienced team is here to guide you through the legal process. Below, we detail common personal injury cases and emphasize the importance of seeking the right legal representation.
- Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents such as car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents are among the most frequent causes of personal injury claims. They can be due to reckless driving, DUI, or even mechanical failures. Truck accidents in particular often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road and can suffer significant injuries from collisions. Pedestrian accidents and bicycle collisions are also common and often involve serious harm due to the lack of protection for those on foot or riding bikes. Additionally, rideshare accidents involving services like Uber and Lyft have become more prevalent, and our injury lawyer has experience handling these complex insurance cases.
- Slip And Falls
Property owners must keep their premises safe. Slip and fall injuries can occur anywhere, from public sidewalks to private businesses, and they can be particularly complex cases.
- Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals are expected to provide a standard level of care. When this standard is not met, and a patient is injured as a result, it may be a case of medical malpractice. Examples of medical malpractice cases include surgical errors, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, and birth injuries.
- Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct is devastating. Wrongful death claims can arise from various incidents, including vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and dangerous premises. These claims seek to provide justice and financial support for surviving family members during a difficult time.
- Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries cover a broad range of accidents, from construction site incidents to repetitive stress injuries from office work. Workers’ compensation laws can be intricate, making it essential to have knowledgeable legal support.
- Product Liability
Manufacturers and sellers are responsible for creating and distributing safe products. When they fail in this duty, and a product causes harm, the injured party may have a claim. Product liability cases can include design defects, manufacturing defects, failure to warn, and more.
- Dog Bites And Animal Attacks
Dog bite incidents in New Jersey fall under New Jersey Statutes Section 4:19-16, which holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their pets. Liability is established regardless of whether the dog had previously displayed aggressive behavior or if the owner was aware of such tendencies. New Jersey operates under a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means that dog owners are accountable for injuries caused by their dogs, even if they took reasonable precautions to prevent harm. Victims do not need to demonstrate negligence or carelessness on the owner’s part—proving that the bite occurred is sufficient.
- Assault, Battery, And Other Intentional Torts
Unlike other types of personal injury cases, intentional torts require proving that the injury was caused deliberately. These cases can be particularly distressing and demand a sensitive yet assertive legal approach.
Personal Injury Statistics
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 31 million Americans require medical treatment due to general injuries each year. More than 173,000 deaths result from unintentional injury. These accidents happen practically everywhere: on the road, in the workplace, in retail stores, and in any other location where people are going about their normal routines.
NJ.gov shared stats on slip and fall accidents during the state’s Falls Prevention Awareness Week in September 2024: 43,334 older Americans age 60+ died due to an unintentional fall in 2023. 543 of those cases were in New Jersey.
Statistics from the New Jersey Department of Health reported that unintentional injuries accounted for 6.1% of all New Jersey deaths in the year 2021, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the state behind heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19.
New Brunswick Personal Injury Infographic
FAQs
What Is A Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal action taken by an individual who has been physically or emotionally injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. This claim seeks compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The types of incidents that can lead to a personal injury claim include but are not limited to, car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and medical malpractice.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim?
The time limit for filing a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and the type of injury. Generally, it ranges from one to four years from the date of the incident or injury. It’s crucial to be aware of these deadlines as failing to file within this period can result in the loss of your right to sue. Consulting with a personal injury attorney promptly after your injury can help you meet all legal deadlines.
Can I Still File A Claim If The Injury Is Partially My Fault?
Yes, you can still file a personal injury claim even if you are partially at fault for your injury. Most states, New Jersey included, follow a comparative negligence rule, which allows for compensation proportionate to your degree of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 30% responsible for an accident, your compensation may be reduced by 30%.
What Can I Expect In Terms Of Compensation From A Personal Injury Claim?
The compensation in a personal injury case can vary widely based on the severity of the injury, the impact on your life, and the specific circumstances of the case. Generally, you may be entitled to recover costs for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney can offer a more accurate estimation based on the specifics of your case.
Do I Need An Attorney For A Personal Injury Claim?
While it’s not legally required to have an attorney for a personal injury claim, it is highly recommended. Personal injury law can be complex, and having an experienced attorney can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome. They can help in navigating the legal system, negotiating with insurance companies, and making sure that all necessary documentation is in order. Additionally, an attorney can represent you in court if your case goes to trial.
Law Firm of Edward Blinder, PLLC, New Brunswick Personal Injury Lawyer
94 Church St, Suite 401B, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney Today
Our personal injury lawyer has handled all kinds of personal injury accidents, such as slip and falls, medical malpractice, car collisions, and pedestrian or bike accidents. If you suffered because of a reckless driver, medical professional, or other individual, now is the time to take action. We have been successfully representing clients since 2009. Learn more about how you can get help from a highly skilled and experienced New Brunswick personal injury lawyer from the Law Firm of Edward Blinder, PLLC near you now.