We Will Work To Help You Recover From A Personal Injury
Last updated on April 24, 2025
People’s lives are often forever changed by a serious personal injury. Making sure juries understand how your family and life have been irrevocably changed is essential when telling your story in court. Because even after medical expenses and lost wages have been accounted for, the emotional trauma associated with disability and loss in quality of life must be addressed.
For more than 70 years, our attorneys have been advocating for clients and obtaining the compensation to which they are entitled after a serious accident. We are here to help you do the same.
Our Approach To Personal Injury Cases
At Parisi & Gerlanc, Attorneys At Law, we put you at the center of everything we do. From our offices in Hackensack and Ramsey, we work closely with injured clients in New Jersey.
We have been building deep knowledge of New Jersey law and strong relationships with local courts since 1936. Our extensive experience allows us to anticipate insurance company tactics and know how to counter them effectively. This wealth of practical knowledge allows us to build stronger cases, pursue maximum compensation and resolve your case efficiently. Our team handles the legal complexities so that you can focus on recovery.
The legal community has consistently recognized our commitment to excellence. Joyce Parisi, a Certified Workers’ Compensation Attorney, has made it to the New Jersey Super Lawyers list every year from 2005 to 2024. Glenn Gerlanc has secured substantial verdicts and settlements for injured clients, earned New Jersey Super Lawyers recognition yearly from 2012 to 2024, and holds membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
When you work with our firm, you do not just get one attorney – you get the combined strength of our entire team. This collaborative approach ensures that we explore every angle and leverage our collective experience to advocate effectively on your behalf.
Types Of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Every personal injury case is unique, just like the individuals we represent. This is why we take the time to hear your story. We want to understand what you need and create a plan that works for you. Our approach focuses on your specific situation, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Our team is well-versed in a wide range of personal injury cases, allowing us to offer comprehensive support no matter what challenges you are facing. Here is a list of the types of cases we handle:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Mass/public transit accidents
- Product liability
- Faulty automotive design
- Premises liability
- Cyclist and pedestrian accidents
- Third-party claims related to workplace injuries
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accidents
- Dog bites
- Wrongful death claims
If you or a loved one has been injured and believe you may have a case, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Call our office at 551-587-8915, and our team will carefully assess your situation.
The Personal Injury Process
When you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, understanding the legal process can bring comfort during a challenging time. Here is the breakdown of what your legal journey will look like:
Initial Consultation And Case Evaluation
During your first meeting, we listen carefully to your story, review any available evidence and ask questions to understand how the injury has affected your life. This conversation will help us determine if you have a viable case. Furthermore, we will explain your legal rights and potential courses of action.
Investigation And Evidence Gathering
Once we determine you have a valid case, we will launch a thorough investigation. This may involve collecting police reports, medical records and witness statements. When necessary, we work with accident reconstruction professionals and medical authorities to strengthen your case. Our goal is to build compelling evidence that clearly establishes liability and documents the full extent of your damages.
Filing Claims And Potential Litigation
With evidence in hand, we prepare and file the necessary legal documents to initiate your claim. This includes drafting a complaint that clearly outlines how the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries and the compensation you seek.
Negotiation With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements, but our 70 years of experience give us insight into their tactics. We handle all communications with insurers, so you do not face pressure to accept inadequate offers.
Trial Preparation When Necessary
If fair settlement negotiations stall, we prepare thoroughly for trial. Our attorneys have substantial courtroom experience and know how to present your case effectively to a judge and jury. We work with you to prepare for your testimony, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident.
Settlement Or Verdict
Most personal injury cases resolve through settlement before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to court. If we reach a settlement agreement, we will explain all terms clearly so you understand exactly what you will receive. Whether your case ends with a settlement or verdict, we remain available to answer questions and provide guidance.
Compensation In Personal Injury Cases
When determining compensation in personal injury cases, several factors come into play. The severity and permanence of your injuries form the foundation of any calculation, along with your current and projected medical expenses. The impact on your quality of life also matters – from physical limitations to emotional suffering. When navigating this legal landscape, you need a trusted team who can help you build a strong case that accurately reflects the full extent of your losses.
In New Jersey, you may be eligible for the following types of compensation:
- Medical expenses: This includes all costs related to your treatment, such as hospital bills, medication, therapy and future medical care.
- Lost wages: Your personal injury claim should include all the paychecks you lost during your recovery time. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all in the future, it should cover those future lost earnings as well.
- Property damage: This covers repair or replacement of personal property damaged in the incident, such as vehicles or personal belongings.
- Pain and suffering: This addresses the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injury.
When it comes to personal injury cases, quick action is crucial. In New Jersey, you typically have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you might lose your right to seek compensation.
The Role Of Comparative Negligence In Your Case
In New Jersey, we follow what is called “modified comparative negligence.” This means you can still recover money for your injuries even if you played a small part in causing the accident. However, you can only seek damages if you are less responsible for the accident than the other party. If a court decides you were 51% or more at fault, you cannot receive any compensation.
Insurance companies understand these rules well and often try to shift more blame to you to reduce what they have to pay. They might claim your actions contributed more to the accident than they actually did. As experienced attorneys, we see these tactics regularly and know how to counter them effectively.
Why Choose Our Firm
When you suffer an injury, who you select to represent you matters greatly. At Parisi & Gerlanc, we provide a partnership built on trust, experience and results. We bring more than seven decades of dedicated service to clients throughout Bergen County and surrounding New Jersey communities.
Our attorneys have earned respect in the legal community through prestigious recognitions. Both of our partners have received AV ratings through Martindale-Hubbell for legal ability and ethical standards – the highest possible peer review rating. These honors, along with our Super Lawyers listings, reflect our commitment to providing outstanding legal representation.
However, what truly sets us apart is our deep connection to the communities we serve. We know the local courts in Bergen County, the insurance companies that operate here and the unique challenges our neighbors face after injuries. When you work with us, you are partnering with a firm that combines big-firm capabilities with personalized attention that only a community-focused practice can provide.
We invite you to contact us for a free consultation where we can discuss your personal injury case and show you the difference our approach can make for your recovery.
FAQs About Personal Injury Law In New Jersey
Dealing with an injury can result in countless legal questions. You need clear answers and reliable guidance to help you make informed decisions about your health, your finances and your legal rights.
We’ve got the answers you’re looking for. Here are some of the most common questions we hear. Please reach out to us for further guidance on your situation.
Who pays your medical bills after a car accident in New Jersey?
Your own car insurance policy is the first place to turn for medical bill payment. State law requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP), a part of your policy designed to cover medical expenses regardless of who’s at fault. PIP can cover a wide range of costs, from emergency services to rehabilitation.
What should you do after a car accident?
In the aftermath of a traffic accident, your safety comes first. If you can, move to a safe area and assess if anyone needs immediate medical help. Then, call the police to report the accident. Even if the collisions seem minor, having an official report can be crucial later on.
You should also be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with others involved in the accident. However, keep the conversation brief and don’t admit fault.
Take pictures of the scene if you can. It helps to have your own evidence.
Lastly, reach out to us as soon as you can. We will take swift steps to protect your rights and walk you through what steps to take next.
What is a third-party personal injury claim after a work injury?
When you’re hurt on the job, workers’ comp typically covers you regardless of fault. However, if someone other than your employer or coworkers was to blame, you may have grounds for a third-party personal injury claim. Common examples of third parties include contractors, equipment manufacturers and other drivers in work-related car accidents.
A third-party claim allows you to seek compensation for damages not covered by workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering. It’s a separate process from filing for workers’ comp. It can provide significant additional support during your recovery and long after, which is why it’s so critical to enlist an attorney who won’t overlook this option.
Our lawyers have extensive experience in third-party injury claims. You can turn to us for guidance on whether it’s an option in your situation.
Let Us Fight For The Compensation You Deserve
In every case, we work on contingency and never collect fees unless we secure the compensation to which you are entitled.
To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Bergen County personal injury attorneys, call 551-587-8915 or contact us via email.