Personal Injury Lawyer in Newark

Types of Injury Matters We Handle

Our firm handles a wide range of personal injury matters, including:

• Car and truck collisions
• Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and fall incidents
• Injuries on unsafe property
• Workplace injuries that may involve both workers’ compensation and third-party claims
• Wrongful death cases
• Bicycle accidents
• Construction injuries
• Dog bites
• Explosion injuries
• Police brutality
• Medical malpractice
• Claims involving brain, neck, back, or spinal injuries

New Jersey Personal Injury Claim Rules

New Jersey injury claims generally require evidence that another party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused an injury with legally recognized damages. The evidence needed to establish negligence depends on the accident, the parties involved, and the disputed facts.

Potential damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, future medical expenses, future lost income, loss of earning capacity, disfigurement, care costs, necessary home modifications, and diminished quality of life. The losses available in a particular matter depend on the evidence and applicable law.

Filing Deadlines

New Jersey law sets important deadlines for injury claims. According to the New Jersey Courts, the general limitation period for many personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date the claim accrues, but exceptions and claim-specific deadlines may apply. Waiting too long can prevent a claim from being filed in court, regardless of the underlying facts.

Other notice requirements may be considerably shorter depending on the identity of the responsible party and the type of claim. Prompt review gives an attorney time to identify applicable deadlines and preserve available evidence.

Comparative Negligence

New Jersey follows modified comparative negligence, which addresses claims where more than one party shares responsibility. A claimant’s damages can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to that claimant. Under the statutory standard, recovery is barred when the claimant’s negligence is greater than the negligence of the party or combined parties from whom recovery is sought. How this rule applies depends on the facts and allocation of responsibility in the individual case.

Insurance Claims

Many personal injury matters are resolved through insurance claims. For example, a car crash in Newark often involves auto insurance carriers. Property owners and businesses may have liability policies that apply to falls or other incidents on their premises. Workplace accidents may involve workers’ compensation benefits, a claim against a responsible third party, or both.

These systems can become complex when multiple insurers, policies, or responsible parties are involved.

Essex County Court Context

Cases arising from accidents in Newark and Essex County may proceed through the Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex Vicinage. Filing requirements, procedures, schedules, and deadlines depend on the type of claim and its facts. Our attorneys have handled matters across New Jersey for decades, and we draw on that experience when advising you about timelines, strategy, and what to expect at each stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Work Directly with an Attorney on My Case?

Yes. We intentionally limit our caseload so you can work directly with our attorneys rather than relying only on support staff. Your attorney can discuss major developments, answer questions, and review decisions with you.

How Long Will My Newark Injury Case Take?

The length of a case depends on the nature of your injuries, ongoing treatment, disputed responsibility, the number of parties, insurance issues, and whether litigation is required. Some claims resolve in months, while others take longer. During your consultation, we can discuss the factors likely to affect your matter’s timeline.

Can Your Team Help If I Already Spoke to an Insurance Company?

In many situations, yes. A prior conversation with an insurer doesn’t automatically prevent you from seeking legal guidance. We can review what was said, discuss its potential significance, and handle future communications with the insurance company.

What Happens During the Free Consultation?

You can tell us what happened, describe your injuries, share available records, and ask questions about the process. We’ll discuss potential legal issues and next steps based on the information available. The consultation doesn’t require you to hire us.

Get Clear Guidance About Your Injury Claim

If you were hurt in an accident in Newark or elsewhere in Essex County, we can review the available facts, explain potential next steps, and address immediate questions about insurers, medical documentation, and filing deadlines.

At DeZao & DeZao, P.C., we combine more than 40 years of service to New Jersey residents with direct attorney involvement and an intentionally limited caseload. Consultations are free, we’re available 24/7, and personal injury representation doesn’t require upfront legal fees.

Call (973) 358-6134 to schedule your free consultation with our Newark personal injury attorney today.