In New Jersey, personal injury law allows individuals who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence or reckless actions to seek compensation for their losses. These cases encompass a broad range of incidents, from car accidents to workplace injuries, and are designed to help victims recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Personal injury law in New Jersey operates under a statute of limitations, meaning victims have a limited time to file a claim, typically two years from the date of the injury. The legal process can be complex; having the right legal representation is critical to securing a fair outcome.
At Petrillo & Goldberg Law, our Burlington County personal injury lawyers understand the challenges victims face after an accident. We are committed to offering compassionate, experienced legal representation to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Whether you have been injured in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or lost a loved one due to wrongful death, our team of attorneys will work tirelessly to build a strong case. With a team-based approach, each of our skilled attorneys handles a specific stage of your case, ensuring comprehensive representation from start to finish. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you through this difficult time.
New Jersey Personal Injury Statistics
New Jersey has one of the highest rates of personal injury cases in the country, ranking third per capita. Personal injury cases in the state occur at a rate of 30.34 per 100,000 people, which is a staggering 218% above the national average of 9.53 per 100,000. These cases also make up a significant portion of New Jersey’s civil caseload, comprising 31% of all civil cases, compared to the national average of 11.65%.
In just one year, from June 30, 2023, to June 30, 2024, there were 28,403 civil case filings in New Jersey District Court, with 20,625 being personal injury or product liability cases. This high volume of cases underscores the importance of working with an experienced personal injury attorney who can navigate the legal process efficiently. The median time from filing to disposition for these cases in New Jersey is 7.1 months, while cases that go to trial take an average of 57 months from filing to resolution.
Burlington County Personal Injury Practice Areas
At Petrillo & Goldberg Law, we handle various personal injury cases in Burlington County and beyond. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, slipped and fell, or suffered harm at your workplace, our attorneys are ready to advocate.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury claims in New Jersey. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, or intoxicated driving, victims of car accidents often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. In Burlington County, busy roads such as Route 130 and I-295 see their fair share of accidents, and victims deserve compensation for their injuries and damages.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be particularly devastating due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. These cases involve multiple parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers. With New Jersey’s high volume of commercial traffic, truck accidents are a serious concern for Burlington County residents.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are a common cause of personal injury claims, and incidents often occur in areas undergoing construction, like Moorestown Mall. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their premises are safe, significantly when construction increases the likelihood of hazards such as uneven surfaces, debris, and obstructed walkways. Failing to address these safety concerns can result in serious injuries. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include poorly marked construction zones, wet floors, and inadequate lighting. Property owners must remain vigilant in maintaining safe conditions to prevent accidents.
Premises Liability
Premises liability cases occur when someone is injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. This can happen at places like Larchmont businesses or apartment complexes where hazards such as broken staircases or faulty electrical systems pose a risk to visitors. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their property is safe for guests, and failure to do so can result in legal action.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can happen in any industry but are especially common in construction and industrial settings. In Burlington County, industrial parks and facilities see numerous accidents each year. Workers injured on the job are entitled to compensation through workers’ compensation or, in some cases, personal injury lawsuits if a third party is responsible for the injury.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. Whether the wrongful death occurred due to a medical error at Virtua Mt. Holly or a fatal car accident, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for their loss. Wrongful death cases can include claims for medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of companionship.
Uber and Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents are becoming more frequent as services like Uber and Lyft continue to grow in popularity, especially for students at Rowan College at Burlington County, many of whom rely on these services for transportation. The likelihood of accidents involving multiple insurance companies and policies has also risen with the increased use of rideshares. These cases can be complex, as determining liability often involves navigating different insurance coverages for the driver, the rideshare company, and other involved parties. If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, working with an attorney who understands the intricacies of these cases is crucial to securing fair compensation.
Industrial Accidents
Industrial accidents often result in severe injuries, from burns to traumatic brain injuries. In Burlington County’s industrial areas, workers face hazards daily, and when accidents happen, the consequences can be life-altering. Victims of industrial accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers injured on the job are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages. However, navigating the workers’ comp process can be challenging, especially when employers or insurers attempt to deny or minimize claims. Our team will help you secure the benefits you’re entitled to under New Jersey law.
Understanding Damages and Compensation Under New Jersey Law
In New Jersey, personal injury victims have the right to seek compensation, known as damages, to recover from the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by an accident. The type and amount of damages you may be entitled to depend on the specifics of your case and the impact of your injuries.
Some common types of compensation available include the following:
- Medical expenses. You can seek compensation for both past and future medical costs related to your injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any necessary ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages. If your injury prevents you from working or affects your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering cover the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury. These damages often depend on the severity of the injury and its long-term effects on your quality of life.
- Property damage. If your personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the accident, you can recover costs for repairs or replacement.
- Punitive damages. New Jersey law allows for punitive damages in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious. These are awarded to punish the negligent party and to discourage similar behavior in the future.
While New Jersey does not place limits on economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, punitive damages are capped. Punitive damages cannot exceed five times the compensatory damages or $350,000, whichever is greater. Understanding the potential for compensation in your case is crucial for ensuring you receive a fair recovery.
By working with an experienced attorney, you can explore the full range of damages and pursue the maximum compensation under New Jersey law.
Why Choose Petrillo & Goldberg Law?
Choosing the right attorney for your personal injury case can significantly affect the outcome. At Petrillo & Goldberg Law, we take a team-based approach to every case, allowing each of our attorneys to focus on a different stage of the legal process. This ensures that your case is thoroughly prepared and handled with the utmost care from start to finish. With decades of experience serving clients in Burlington County, we are committed to fighting for justice and fair compensation for injury victims.
Our firm’s reputation for honesty, loyalty, and dedication sets us apart. We work closely with our clients, offering personalized attention and clear communication throughout the legal process. If you or a loved one has been injured in Burlington County, contact Petrillo & Goldberg Law today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve. You can reach us at 856-486-4343 or through our secure online contact form. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our service unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.
