Personal Injury Attorney in Paterson, NJ

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Paterson, New Jersey, you need an experienced personal injury attorney who understands local courts, knows the dangerous roads and intersections that cause accidents, and will fight aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve. At Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC, we’ve helped countless Paterson residents recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Why Choose Our Paterson Personal Injury Lawyers

Our office in nearby Cranford puts us within easy reach of Paterson, and we’ve built deep familiarity with the Passaic County court system over decades of practice. We regularly appear before judges at the Passaic County Courthouse at 77 Hamilton Street in downtown Paterson, and we understand how to present compelling cases that resonate with local juries.

What sets us apart:

• Local Court Experience: We handle personal injury cases in the Passaic County Superior Court’s Civil Division, where car accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, and product liability cases are decided
• Knowledge of Paterson’s Dangerous Roads: We know the accident hotspots—the Lakeview Avenue and Crooks Avenue intersection, the congested blocks around Market Street and Cianci Street, and the high-speed corridors of I-80 and Route 19
• Hospital Relationships: We work with medical professionals at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center and other area facilities to document your injuries thoroughly
• Aggressive Negotiation: Insurance companies know we’re prepared to take cases to trial, which strengthens our position in settlement negotiations

Common Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Paterson

Our Paterson personal injury attorneys represent victims in all types of accident and negligence cases:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Paterson’s roads see heavy traffic from commuters, commercial vehicles, and local drivers alike. Interstate 80 brings high-speed traffic through the city, while Routes 19, 20, and 46 see frequent accidents due to sudden stops and aggressive driving. We handle:

• Car accidents on I-80, Route 19, Route 20, Route 46, and local streets
• Truck accidents involving commercial vehicles on the city’s industrial corridors
• Motorcycle accidents throughout Passaic County
• Pedestrian accidents, especially in downtown Paterson where foot traffic is heavy
• Moped and scooter accidents, an increasing concern on Paterson’s busy streets
• Rideshare accidents involving Uber, Lyft, and taxi services

Premises Liability (Slip and Fall)

Property owners in Paterson have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. We represent victims injured due to:

• Wet or slippery floors in stores, restaurants, and office buildings
• Broken stairs or handrails in apartment buildings
• Poor lighting in parking garages and lots
• Icy sidewalks and parking lots during winter months
• Construction site hazards
• Inadequate security leading to assaults

Medical Malpractice

With St. Joseph’s University Medical Center—a 651-bed regional academic medical center and state-designated trauma center—serving Paterson residents, medical malpractice unfortunately occurs. We handle cases involving:

• Surgical errors and wrong-site surgery
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Emergency room negligence
• Birth injuries
• Medication errors
• Nursing home neglect and abuse

Wrongful Death

When negligence takes a loved one’s life, families deserve justice. We help surviving family members pursue wrongful death claims for fatal accidents on Paterson’s roads, workplace fatalities, and deaths caused by medical negligence.

Paterson’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Understanding where accidents happen most frequently helps explain why Paterson sees so many serious injuries:

Lakeview Avenue and Crooks Avenue

This intersection on the Clifton-Paterson border has been identified as particularly dangerous due to the lack of dedicated turn lanes or turn signals. A traffic safety study is underway, but accidents continue to occur at this problematic location.

Cianci Street and Market Street

This downtown intersection sees heavy commercial and pedestrian traffic, creating dangerous conditions especially during evening hours when visibility is reduced. The mix of large commercial vehicles and smaller mopeds has led to serious and fatal accidents.

Interstate 80

I-80 cuts through Paterson carrying high-speed traffic between New York and points west. High speeds, merging traffic, and congestion—particularly near Exit 60—lead to serious collisions including multi-vehicle pileups and fatal crashes.

Routes 19, 20, and 46

These major routes through Paterson see heavy commercial and commuter traffic. Sudden stops, aggressive driving, and the mix of local and through traffic create dangerous conditions throughout the day.

Downtown Intersections

The crowded intersections along Market Street, Main Street, and Broadway experience high accident rates due to heavy traffic volume, one-way streets, and the mix of cars, buses, pedestrians, mopeds, and cyclists.

Understanding Personal Injury Claims in New Jersey

New Jersey personal injury law allows accident victims to recover compensation when someone else’s negligence causes their injuries. Here’s what you need to know:

Types of Compensation Available

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical care
• Lost wages: Income lost while recovering, plus diminished future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of vehicles and personal property
• Loss of consortium: Compensation for impact on family relationships

New Jersey’s Modified Comparative Negligence

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 50%. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Statute of Limitations

In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically bars you from recovering compensation. Don’t wait—contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

Paterson’s Medical Facilities for Injury Treatment

After an accident in Paterson, you’ll likely receive treatment at one of these medical facilities:

St. Joseph’s University Medical Center

Located in Paterson, St. Joseph’s is a 651-bed regional academic medical center and state-designated trauma center. As Paterson’s largest healthcare facility, it provides comprehensive emergency and trauma services including:

• 24-hour trauma care for serious injuries
• St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for pediatric emergencies
• Specialized surgical services
• Comprehensive rehabilitation programs
• Board-certified emergency physicians

Nearby Facilities

Other hospitals serving Paterson residents include:

• Hackensack University Medical Center in nearby Hackensack
• Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains
• St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center
• General Hospital Center at Passaic

What to Do After an Accident in Paterson

Taking the right steps after an accident protects both your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. For serious injuries, call 911 or go to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center Emergency Department.

2. Report the Accident: For car accidents, call Paterson Police (973-321-1111) to file an official report. For accidents on private property, report to the property owner or manager.

3. Document Everything: If possible, photograph the accident scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and any hazardous conditions. Get contact information from witnesses.

4. Don’t Admit Fault: Be careful what you say to others at the scene and to insurance adjusters. Even apologizing can be used against you later.

5. Keep Records: Save all medical bills, receipts, and documentation related to your injury and treatment.

6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Before speaking extensively with insurance companies, consult with an experienced attorney who can protect your interests.

Why Paterson Residents Trust Our Firm

Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims throughout New Jersey. Our results speak for themselves.

Passaic County Court Experience: We know the judges, the procedures, and how to present cases effectively in the Passaic County Superior Court at 77 Hamilton Street.

No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and only pay attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.

Personalized Attention: Unlike large “settlement mills,” we provide individualized attention to every client. You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who know your case inside and out.

Bilingual Services: Se habla español. We serve Paterson’s diverse community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Paterson? A: New Jersey’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, certain exceptions may apply. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for my accident? A: New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 50%. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: How much is my personal injury case worth? A: Every case is different. Factors affecting value include the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, impact on your quality of life, and the degree of the defendant’s negligence. We provide free consultations to evaluate your specific situation.

Q: Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer? A: Be cautious about accepting early settlement offers. Insurance companies often make low initial offers hoping you’ll settle before understanding the full extent of your injuries. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether an offer is fair and negotiate for better compensation.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury claim? A: While you’re not required to have an attorney, studies consistently show that represented plaintiffs recover significantly more compensation than those who handle claims themselves. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters and lawyers protecting their interests—you should have the same.

Q: What if the person who injured me doesn’t have insurance? A: You may still have options. Your own insurance policy may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Other potentially liable parties may have insurance. We’ll explore all avenues for recovery.

Contact Our Paterson Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Don’t let someone else’s negligence derail your life. Whether you were injured in a car accident on I-80, suffered a slip and fall in a Paterson business, or experienced medical malpractice at a local hospital, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC
1150 Raritan Rd, Suite 100, Cranford, NJ 07016
Phone: (908) 232-2040

Free Consultation • Se Habla Español • Serving Paterson and All of Passaic County

Our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for maximum compensation under New Jersey law.

---

Proudly serving accident victims in Paterson and throughout New Jersey including Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Clifton, Passaic, Wayne, and all Passaic County communities.