Serving The New Jersey Citizens Of Oradell

Do You Have Serious Injuries? Speak With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer.

Last updated on March 20, 2025

There is nothing worse than sustaining a serious injury because of someone else’s careless action. People are wrongfully injured every single day in Northeastern New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. If you or a loved one is one of them, our experienced legal team at the Law Office of E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi is here to help.

It can be hard to know where you stand with your legal issue until you speak with a lawyer who understands the system and can put your situation in perspective. For over 30 years, firm founder E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi has provided legal services to the residents of northern New Jersey, Rockland County, and Orange County in New York. Protect your rights and work with a highly rated attorney who has a proven record of attaining compensation for injured clients.

From Photos To Reports: Evidence Needed for Injury Claim

To successfully pursue a personal injury claim, you will need to gather evidence to meet the burden of proof. This means demonstrating that your injuries were directly caused by someone else’s negligence. Key types of evidence that can help support your claim include:

  • Surveillance video capturing the incident
  • Photos showing what caused the accident (hazardous conditions) or the aftermath (vehicle or property damage)
  • Statements from witnesses supporting your claim
  • Medical records that describe the cause and severity of your injuries
  • The police report from the accident scene
  • Any additional evidence that can help substantiate your claim

Collecting this evidence can significantly strengthen your case and aid in recovering the compensation you deserve.

What Types of Damages Can I Claim in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

New Jersey and New York allow for compensatory damages. As long as we can satisfy the burden of proof, you should receive compensation for the economic and non-economic damages you’ve incurred as a result of your accident. Some examples of economic damages can include the cost of medical care (e.g., the cost of surgeries, overnight stays in a hospital, and rehabilitation), the cost of lost wages from being unable to return to work, and more. Examples of non-economic losses may include pain and suffering you have endured due to your accident, lower quality of life, permanent injuries, emotional trauma, and loss of support from your significant other.

New York does not cap these damages. New Jersey also allows for punitive damages in cases of particularly egregious conduct, though these are capped at five times the compensatory damages or $350,000, whichever is greater. Mr. Cannarozzi has over three decades of experience representing accident victims, and he is ready to put that experience to work.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims?

One critical aspect of personal injury law is the Statute of Limitations. This is the law limiting the period when you may file a claim for compensation. In New Jersey, individuals seeking to file a personal injury claim have a two-year window from the date of the incident to initiate legal action. Missing this deadline typically means losing the right to sue altogether. Certain circumstances, such as injuries occurring on government-owned property, may shorten this period. If you are injured on municipal or State property, you might have only 90 days to submit a notice of claim.

New York allows a three-year period from the injury date for most personal injury cases. Failing to file within these time limits can result in the loss of the right to pursue compensation. Some exceptions may apply, so it is best to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This proactive step allows your attorney to promptly begin advocating for the compensation you deserve. Remember, reaching out for legal assistance could be pivotal, and our dedicated team is ready to support you today.

Insurance Company Tactics to Minimize Your Claim

Insurance companies in New Jersey and New York have a variety of tactics to minimize or deny personal injury claims. One is to quickly offer a settlement that is significantly lower than the claim’s actual value. Insurers know that victims may be facing immediate financial pressures due to medical bills and lost wages. Their hope is that a quick payout will seem attractive. Another tactic is to delay the claims process. They aim to wear down claimants who may eventually accept a lower settlement out of frustration or desperation. An insurance company may refuse to offer a reasonable settlement. When negotiations come to an end, we will continue to aggressively pursue litigation to protect your rights.

Other Common Challenges in Personal Injury Claims

Even when you meet the statute of limitations and have an abundance of evidence, pursuing a personal injury claim can present several other legal challenges. Here are some common issues that may arise:

  • Preexisting conditions:Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were preexisting and not caused by the accident in question. Medical documentation showing that the accident exacerbated or worsened a preexisting condition will be necessary. Medical expert testimony can help to establish a clear link between the accident and the current state of your health.
  • Gaps in medical treatment: The defense may use delays or gaps in seeking medical treatment to argue that your injuries are not severe or were not caused by the accident. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible after an accident and following through with all recommended treatments can mitigate this concern. If there are gaps, you may need to provide explanations such as lack of insurance or inability to access care.
  • Contributory negligence defenses: The defense might argue that you share some blame for the accident and your injuries. This could lower the amount of compensation you receive. In New Jersey, the “modified comparative negligence” rule is applied. Under New Jersey negligence laws, you can only receive compensation if you are proven less than 50% at fault for your accident. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot receive any damages. In addition, since New Jersey is a modified comparative negligence jurisdiction the percentage of your comparative negligence reduces the net amount of your compensation.  On the other hand, New York law uses a “pure comparative negligence” system. Here, you can still receive compensation even if you are 99% at fault, but the amount will be reduced according to your level of responsibility. To reduce the level of fault assigned, it’s important to gather strong evidence such as statements from witnesses, accident reports and expert opinions.

Attorney Cannarozzi has a deep understanding of the nuances in New Jersey and New York statutes and case law. His ability to assess, investigate and argue in favor of your claim can help you overcome the typical challenges of personal injury cases.

Our Personal Injury Services

With over three decades of successful legal practice, Mr. Cannarozzi provides a broad base of services. He assists clients with litigation and negotiation matters that include:

Mr. Cannarozzi welcomes your inquiries as to whether you have a viable personal injury case.

Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding New Jersey and New York Personal Injury Claims

Attorney E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi has a record reflecting decades of providing maximum recovery in all types of personal injury matters. Over the years, he has recovered more than $30 million for his clients. Here are some frequently asked questions with brief answers. For legal advice and specific answers to your questions, contact our law firm for a consultation.

First-party insurance claims are filed with your own insurance company such as when seeking coverage under your health or auto insurance policy. Third-party insurance claims, on the other hand, are filed against the insurance company of the person or entity responsible for your injuries. The claims process can be complex. Mr. Cannarozzi is here to help you understand it.

After a personal injury accident, it is important to be cautious when dealing with insurance companies, even your own.  While you may need to report the accident to your insurer, it is advisable to limit your conversations with insurance adjusters and avoid providing detailed statements or accepting settlements without consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, so be vigilant about protecting your rights.

There is no set duration for resolving a personal injury lawsuit. Each person’s circumstances present different facts. Parties may come to a settlement agreement in a matter of several months outside the courtroom. If not, their timeline will be subject to the court’s schedule and evidence rules. If that’s the case, it could be a few years.

Managing your personal injury claim independently is possible. However, getting the help of a personal injury attorney can offer significant advantages. A seasoned attorney is well-versed in addressing the intricate legal processes, adept at negotiating with insurance companies and committed to advocating for your rights to pursue the highest possible compensation. Additionally, I offer guidance and support throughout the entire journey.

Why Work With Attorney Cannarozzi?

Mr. Cannarozzi served as a Dispute Resolution Professional from 1999 to 2003, arbitrating all New Jersey No-Fault claims on the permanent panel of arbitrators regarding insurance and benefits provided under the New Jersey State statutes. These binding arbitration determinations included awards regarding, among other issues, unpaid medical billing for services rendered by doctors and facilities arising out of auto accidents.

  • As a result of his extensive trial experience, mediation skills and negotiation skills, he has been successful in recovering maximum monetary damages for each of his clients.
  • He has often recovered the policy limits from the Defendant’s insurance companies in auto-related claims.

Mr. Cannarozzi has a reputation for aggressive representation and skillful negotiation in all areas of personal injuries, resulting in maximum monetary recovery while coordinating payment of all medical bills for each of his clients.

Contact a Proven Injury Lawyer Who Will Protect Your Rights to Compensation

Do not delay. Retain legal representation as soon as possible after an accident. The insurance company representatives are skilled at asking questions. A poorly worded answer may affect your ability to pursue a claim or negatively affect your overall compensation. Let your attorney do the talking. Call the Law Office of E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi at 201-897-3855 or contact us online. Mr. Cannarozzi offers a free consultation and case assessment. We serve clients throughout Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Union, and Morris counties and the neighboring New York metropolitan area including Westchester, Orange, Rocklin, and Sullivan counties, as well as Manhattan.