Camden County Personal Injury Lawyers

New Jersey Lawyers Dedicated to Ensuring Accident Victims Receive Fair Compensation for Their Injuries

In a split second, an accident can change your life. Whether you fall while shopping at the grocery store, suffer serious injuries after a drunk driver causes an accident, or are struck while crossing the street by a driver who wasn’t paying attention, we all encounter situations every day that put us in danger. Thankfully, most of us are fortunate enough to avoid a serious accident. However, sometimes, there is nothing you can do to prevent an accident—as well as the life-changing injuries that often follow in their wake. 

At the New Jersey law firm of Petrillo & Goldberg, our Camden County personal injury lawyers have more than 25 years of hands-on experience handling all types of injury lawsuits. We understand the challenges you face after an accident and can help you navigate the complex and sometimes stressful process of ensuring you recover the compensation you need to get your life back on track. 

What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

A personal injury lawsuit is a civil case that arises when one person is hurt due to an accident or injury that was caused by another person or business. The at-fault party’s insurance company often represents them throughout the process. While this ensures that the at-fault party has the resources to pay any damages award, it also complicates things for the accident victim because insurance companies devote almost unimaginable resources to fighting these claims. 

During a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff (the accident victim) presents evidence to prove that the defendant (the allegedly responsible party) acted negligently or recklessly, thereby causing the injury. In Camden County, personal injury cases often arise following car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, or injuries caused by defective products.

The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to compensate the victim for their losses, which might encompass medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. It’s not uncommon for these cases to be settled out of court. In fact, some estimates suggest that upwards of 90-95% of all personal injury cases do not reach trial. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, the case might proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the liability and the compensation amount that should be awarded to the victim.

New Jersey Accident Statistics

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, so it’s no surprise that there are a significant number of preventable accidents. For example, there are approximately 276,861 motor vehicle accidents each year in New Jersey and roughly 60,000 of these result in serious injury to at least one person. Additionally, in 2022, there were 697 people killed in 667 motor vehicle accidents. In Camden County, there were 69 fatalities stemming from 67 fatal accidents. 

In terms of workplace accidents, the most common causes include motor vehicle accidents, exposure to harmful substances, and falls. Together, these accidents make up nearly 75 percent of all fatal workplace injuries. Not surprisingly, the most dangerous industry was construction, with the most deaths occurring among specialty trade contractors.  

Types of Personal Injury Cases

There are many types of personal injury cases; however, in our experience as veteran Camden County personal injury attorneys, the most common types of personal injury cases in Camden County include the following:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles make up the largest type of personal injury case. Common causes of car accident cases include drunk driving, distracted driving, fatigued driving, and aggressive driving. In fact, in 2020, 151 people died from drunk driving in New Jersey, which is a 17.1% increase from the year before.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents involve individuals who slip, trip, or fall as a result of hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, usually due to the property owner’s negligence in maintaining safe premises. There are, however, limitations to an injured party’s ability to recover; for example, falls resulting from open and obvious hazards are generally not held against property owners. 

Workplace Accidents

These incidents occur in the workplace and can encompass a variety of injuries, ranging from falls to equipment-related accidents. Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment. Workplace accidents can also open the door to a workers’ compensation claim, although a personal injury case, when available, is often preferred by injured workers because these cases tend to provide greater compensation. 

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death claim is brought when someone’s negligence or intentional act causes the death of another person. Family members can bring a wrongful death suit to seek compensation for their loss. In New Jersey, the people who are generally allowed to bring a wrongful death claim are those who are immediate family members of the deceased, and this is usually facilitated by a representative of the deceased accident victim’s estate. Usually, a personal representative is named in the victim’s will, although the court will appoint a personal representative if the accident victim died without a will. 

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents occur when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, often at crossings or sidewalks. The drivers might be at fault due to distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield the right of way.

Premises Liability

Premises liability cases cover a broader range of cases where an injury occurs on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, including inadequate maintenance, poor lighting, or other hazards.

Construction Accidents

Construction accident cases involve workers or sometimes pedestrians who are injured at or near construction sites due to various hazards like falling objects, equipment malfunctions, or safety violations.

What Medical Treatment is Typically Required After an Accident?

Everyone is different, and accidents affect people in very different ways, so there is no “standard” course of treatment after an accident. However, in our experience, our clients often are required to undergo one or more of the following after an accident:

• Emergency Medical Care: This could involve stabilization, CPR, or other life-saving interventions.
• Imaging Tests: Including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to assess the extent of the injuries.
• Surgery: Depending upon the nature of the injury, surgeries can be orthopedic, neurosurgical, reconstructive, or other types of necessary surgeries.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is often required for rehabilitation and to regain strength and mobility after an injury.
• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy (OT) is a form of therapy that helps you recover from physical or mental illness so you can do the things you want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities. Occupational therapy is often necessary to help people return to their daily activities and work, especially if they have suffered significant injuries.
• Chiropractic Care: In cases of musculoskeletal injuries, chiropractic care can help alleviate pain and improve function.
• Pain Management: This can include medication, physical therapy, or interventions like epidural steroid injections.
• Wound Care: Including dressings, stitches, or surgical intervention if necessary.
• Psychotherapy or Counseling: This can be vital in helping individuals cope with the psychological trauma associated with severe injuries.
• Medications: Various medications might be prescribed, including pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and possibly antibiotics to prevent or treat infections.
• Speech and Language Therapy: This may be necessary if the accident affected the person’s ability to speak or swallow.
• Respiratory Therapy: For those accident victims who suffered lung or chest injuries, respiratory is a commonly suggested treatment. 
• Nutritional Therapy: This may be needed to help individuals maintain or regain weight and strength, especially if they have been hospitalized for an extended period.
• Orthotics and Prosthetics: These might be necessary if an individual has lost a limb or needs support for weakened or injured body parts.
• Vision or Hearing Therapy: If the accident affected the person’s sight or hearing, they might need specialized therapy to adapt to these changes.

Why Hire a Top Camden County Personal Injury Law Firm to Handle Your Case?

Hiring a personal injury law firm to handle your case can significantly increase your chances of securing the rightful compensation you deserve. At Petrillo & Goldberg, we have seasoned lawyers who possess extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the intricacies of New Jersey’s personal injury laws. Furthermore, we are adept negotiators, which is a vital skill in reaching favorable settlements with insurance companies who often try to minimize payout amounts.

At Petrillo & Goldberg, we also have the resources to undertake comprehensive investigations, gather necessary evidence, and present a robust case on your behalf. We can accurately value your claim, considering all potential damages, including medical bills, loss of income, and emotional distress. We also take all cases on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if you win. This puts our interests in alignment so you can rest assured that your lawyer is doing everything possible to reach the best possible result in your case. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Happens if I Fall or Sustain an Injury at Work? Do I Need to File a Personal Injury Claim?

If you experience a workplace injury, you have two options to pursue compensation. First, you could file a workers’ compensation claim. The New Jersey workers’ compensation system does not require you to prove anyone else (including your employer) was at fault for your injuries. Thus, this is a good option for those who were hurt in a workplace accident that didn’t involve another’s negligence. 

The second option is a personal injury lawsuit. However, you can only pursue a personal injury claim against a non-employer because New Jersey law considers a workers’ compensation claim an injured employee’s sole remedy against their employer. 

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Camden County Personal Injury Cases?

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Camden County, New Jersey, is typically two years from the date of the injury. This means that you have two years from the time you were injured to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If you fail to file a claim within this timeframe, you will likely lose the right to pursue compensation altogether. Thus, it is essential to consult with a Camden County personal injury lawyer to understand the specifics of your case and what requirements you must follow to effectively pursue your claim.

Have You Been Injured in a Camden County Accident?

If you or a loved one was recently injured as the result of an accident caused by another’s negligence, the dedicated Camden County personal injury attorneys at Petrillo Goldberg are here to help. With decades of experience successfully guiding clients through the recovery process, we know what it takes to ensure your case ends in the best result possible. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers today, call Petrillo Goldberg at 856-486-4343. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.