Even in the most ordinary settings, an accident can happen in a brief moment and change a victim’s life forever. Serious, sometimes fatal injuries can happen when individuals or businesses fail to take precautions to account for the safety of others. If you or someone in your family has been involved in an accident caused by someone else, the Middlesex County personal injury lawyers at Siegel & Siegel, P.C., are here to help. We serve clients throughout Middlesex County, Mercer County, and the surrounding areas of central New Jersey.
In personal injury cases such as those arising from car crashes, slip and falls, or dog bites, the plaintiff must file his or her claim within a certain amount of time, or the legal right to seek compensation probably will be barred. This time period is known as the “statute of limitations.” The limitations period in New Jersey is generally two years from the date of the accident. While this may seem like a long time, there are many reasons to seek counsel sooner rather than later.
One of the most important reasons that an injured person should get started on his or her claim as quickly as possible after an accident is that he or she has the burden of proof at trial. To be successful, the plaintiff and their Middlesex County personal injury attorney must convince the jury by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant owed a duty of care toward the plaintiff, the defendant breached the duty of care, the plaintiff suffered damages in the accident, and the defendant’s breach of duty was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s damages. Waiting too long to hire an attorney can result in difficulty in proving one’s case because evidence may disappear or witnesses’ memories may fade or be influenced by insurance company investigators. For example, in a premises liability case involving a slip and fall on business property, the accident may have been recorded by video surveillance cameras. If the plaintiff does not act quickly to obtain a copy of the video, however, it may be deleted according to normal business practices.
Another way in which a personal injury attorney in Middlesex County can make a huge difference to a victim and their family is by proving the full scope of the damages that resulted from the accident. A knowledgeable lawyer can compile medical documentation, witness testimony, expert testimony, and other evidence to show the economic and non-economic forms of harm that the victim suffered. For instance, they can pursue the costs of not only past medical bills but also treatment that is reasonably likely to be necessary in the future. In addition to seeking compensation for lost wages caused by time away from work, a plaintiff may be able to recover compensation for their expected lost earning capacity in the future. Also, some elements of damages are highly subjective, such as pain and suffering. Effectively describing the impact of the accident on the victim’s quality of life requires a compassionate, meticulous, and dedicated advocate who can give each case the attention that it deserves.
It takes time, skill, and perseverance to build a case of negligence in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, whether it arises from a car or truck accident, a slip and fall, a dog bite, or an incident on a construction site. At Siegel & Siegel, P.C., our knowledgeable accident lawyers can help you pursue your case for compensation for all of the harm that you have suffered and the costs that you have incurred. For a free consultation, call us at 609-799-6066 or contact us online. We serve injured people in Plainsboro, Cranbury, South Brunswick, North Brunswick, New Brunswick, Edison, Piscataway, Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton, and West Windsor, as well as other areas of Middlesex, Mercer, Burlington, Monmouth, and Union Counties.