Monmouth County NJ Personal Injury Lawyers
Law Offices of Michael S. Williams – Proudly Serving New Jersey Residents for nearly 20 Years
Thousands of people are injured in accidents every day in the United States, including car accidents, workplace accidents, and slip and falls. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that 31 million people seek medical treatment for injuries annually, with 2 million requiring hospitalization.
Car accidents are the most common cause of personal injury claims. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that over 5 million auto accidents occur yearly, resulting in approximately 3 million injuries and 40,000 fatalities.
Workplace accidents are also widespread. According to the National Safety Council, 4.6 million people are injured at work, the most commonly occurring on construction sites, with over 300,000 injuries and 1,000 fatalities annually.
For close to 20 years, Michael S. Williams, Esq. has represented injured clients, securing millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. We understand how an unexpected injury can upend your life, causing pain and suffering and financial hardship. We can protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your personal injury case.
Our offices are located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey. We represent the injured who live not only in Monmouth and Middlesex County, but throughout the state.
What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
If you are injured due to another’s negligence, that is legally defined as a “personal injury.” This allows you to file a claim against the responsible person for compensation to cover your expenses related to the accident and injuries.
New Jersey is a comparative negligence state, which assigns a percentage of fault to both parties and affects the compensation you can receive. For example, if the court finds you 20 percent at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced to 80 percent. If you are found to be 51 percent responsible, you cannot seek compensation from the at-fault party.
What Are the Different Types of Personal Injury Claims?
Personal injury claims are among the most common types of lawsuits, as an accident can happen anywhere and in many ways. The most common types of personal injury claims include:
- Car accidents
- Class actions
- Construction accidents
- Defective drug cases
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home negligence
- Products liability
- Slip and fall accidents
- Toxic torts
- Truck accidents
- Wrongful death
- Work accidents and injuries
What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
Damages awarded in a personal injury claim are classified into three categories – economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are expenses and other items that can be proven through documentation, such as bills, estimates, and invoices, and include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitative care
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Home alterations
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses with no specific financial value, such as:
- Physical and mental pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Loss of life enjoyment
The awarded amount of non-economic damages varies by case, depending on factors such as age, severity of injuries, and lifestyle changes.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rare, as they are awarded as punishment for the responsible party when there is clear evidence of intentional harm.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. A minor has two years from their 18th birthday.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
If you are involved in an accident, you should do the following:
- Report the accident: Call the police, emergency services, property manager, or supervisor, depending on the type and location of the accident. In all cases, they will need to make a report of the accident.
- Document the scene: Photograph the scene, including property damage, your injuries, weather or road conditions, signage, obstacles and hazards, and any other contributing factors.
- Gather statements: Gather contact information and statements from any witnesses to the accident.
- Seek medical attention: Always seek a medical evaluation within 48 hours of the accident, even if your injuries seem minor. Some medical conditions do not present symptoms for hours or days but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Additionally, the medical report is crucial to your claim; without one, your claim will likely be denied.
- Hire a lawyer: Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. The earlier a lawyer becomes involved in your claim, the better. They can gather evidence, investigate, speak with witnesses, and consult medical professionals.
How Much do Injury Attorneys Charge?
We offer legal representation on all non workers’ compensation injury matters on a contingency fee basis. So no attorney fee unless you are compensated for your injuries. Workers’ compensation, while also on a contingency fee basis is governed by the Workers’ Compensation Act and its rules are different. Fees attorneys are allowed to charge are set by the New Jersey Court rules.
Attorney shall not contract for, charge, or collect a contingent fee in excess of the following limits pursuant to paragraph (c):
(1) 33⅓% on the first $750,000 recovered;
(2) 30% on the next $750,000 recovered;
(3) 25% on the next $750,000 recovered;
(4) 20% on the next $750,000; and
(5) on all amounts recovered in excess of the above by application for reasonable fee in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (f) hereof; and
(6) where the amount recovered is for the benefit of a client who was a minor or mentally incapacitated when the contingent fee arrangement was made…shall not exceed 25%.
(d) The permissible fee provided for in paragraph (c) shall be computed on the net sum recovered after deducting disbursements in connection with the institution and prosecution of the claim…
If you have been injured in an accident in New Jersey, you may be dealing with severe injuries, medical expenses, and other financial losses. You and your family might feel overwhelmed and frustrated.
Michael and his team are experienced in handling these issues so you can focus on your treatment and getting back on your feet.
Why Should I Hire the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams?
Michael is one of the state’s most respected and well-known personal injury lawyers. He has developed relationships that allow him to move cases swiftly through the system so his clients can receive compensation sooner.
Michael has a stellar track record and has secured millions of dollars for his clients. He is a trusted lawyer with an unparalleled passion for his profession and compassion for clients.
New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams Help Injured Clients Recover Compensation
If someone else’s negligence has injured you, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our New Jersey personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams can fight for what you deserve. Call us at 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey we serve clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County and throughout the state.
