It’s only natural to have questions after an accident or serious injury. Most people do. Whether you’re trying to understand your rights, wondering how insurance really works, or just figuring out what to do next, this FAQ is here to help. Below, you’ll find clear answers to some of the most common questions people in New Jersey ask after being hurt in an accident.

New Jersey Personal Injury FAQ

Q: What should I do right after a car accident?
A: The moments after a crash are confusing, and everything feels a bit like slow motion. Still, try to stay calm. Make sure everyone’s okay, call 911, and report the accident, even if it feels minor. Get the other driver’s information, take photos, and, no matter how you feel, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries hide for days.

Q: Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in New Jersey?
A: New Jersey uses something called a “no-fault” system, which means your own car insurance (through PIP coverage) pays your medical bills, regardless of who caused the crash. It sounds odd, but that’s how the system works. You can still pursue further compensation if your injuries are serious enough under New Jersey law.

Q: What should I know if I’m hurt on a construction site?
A: Construction sites are dangerous places even when everyone follows the rules, and when something goes wrong, the injuries can be life-changing. If you’re hurt, you can usually file a workers’ compensation claim, but sometimes another company, a contractor, subcontractor, or manufacturer, might also be responsible, which could open the door to a separate lawsuit.

Q: What causes most construction accidents?
A: Falls from scaffolding, heavy equipment failures, electrical shocks, and falling debris, those are the big ones. Sometimes it’s poor safety protocols, sometimes it’s rushed work or neglected equipment. The result is the same: hardworking people get seriously injured doing their jobs.

Q: How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in New Jersey?
A: Generally, you have two years from when you discovered the injury, or when you reasonably should have discovered it. The law gives some exceptions, like for children or if a doctor tried to hide what happened, but time moves quickly in these cases, so it’s best not to wait.

Q: What actually counts as medical malpractice?
A: Medical malpractice happens when a doctor or hospital makes a mistake that another competent medical professional simply wouldn’t have made. It could be a surgical error, a delayed diagnosis, the wrong medication, or even a failure to warn you about the risks of a procedure. The key is that the mistake caused harm that shouldn’t have happened.

Q: What should I do if I’m bitten by a dog?
A: First, get medical treatment. Dog bites can cause serious infections. Then, report the bite to local animal control and try to find out who owns the dog. Under New Jersey’s strict liability law, dog owners are responsible for their pets’ bites, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.

Q: What makes catastrophic injury cases different from other personal injury cases?
A: These are the injuries that change everything: spinal cord damage, brain trauma, severe burns, amputations. They don’t just affect your health; they affect your future. The law recognizes that, which is why these cases often involve complex medical evidence and long-term financial considerations like lost earning capacity and lifetime care.

Q: Who’s responsible for a slip and fall?
A: It depends on where it happened and who maintains the property. In New Jersey, property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. If you slip on ice, a wet floor, or uneven pavement, and it’s because someone failed to take reasonable care, they could be held liable.

Q: What do I have to prove in a slip and fall case?
A: You have to show that a dangerous condition existed and that the property owner knew, or should have known, about it but didn’t fix it in time. Photos, surveillance footage, witness statements, and even maintenance logs can make or break these cases.

Q: What is a bad-faith insurance claim?
A: It’s what happens when your insurance company doesn’t play fair. Maybe they delay paying you, deny your claim without a real reason, or offer an insultingly low amount. When an insurer acts dishonestly or unreasonably, New Jersey law lets you hold them accountable for more than just your policy’s limits.

Q: What does insurance broker malpractice mean?
A: This happens when an insurance broker drops the ball, like failing to get the right coverage, giving you bad advice, or not renewing your policy on time. When that mistake ends up costing you money, it’s more than just negligence; it’s malpractice.

Q: What benefits can I receive through workers’ compensation in New Jersey?
A: If you’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation covers your medical care, a portion of your lost wages, and compensation if you’re permanently disabled. In tragic cases where a worker passes away, surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits.

Q: Can I sue my employer after a workplace injury?
A: Usually, no, workers’ compensation is meant to be your exclusive remedy against your employer. But if someone outside your company, like a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, played a role in your injury, you may have a separate lawsuit on top of your workers’ comp claim.

Q: What’s the difference between a workers’ comp claim and a work injury lawsuit?
A: A workers’ comp claim is handled through the system; it’s quicker, but limited in what it pays. A work injury lawsuit, on the other hand, is against a negligent third party and can include full compensation for things like pain, suffering, and long-term loss of quality of life.

Contact Lee Law Firm, LLC Today

If you have additional questions or believe you have a valid injury claim, please don’t hesitate to contact Lee Law Firm, LLC for a free initial consultation today.