Personal Injury Attorney in Westfield, NJ

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

Why Choose Our Westfield Personal Injury Lawyers

Our office in nearby Cranford puts us just minutes from downtown Westfield, and we’ve built deep familiarity with the Union County court system over decades of practice. We regularly appear before judges at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, and we understand how to present compelling cases that resonate with local juries.

What sets us apart:

• Union County Court Experience: We handle personal injury cases in the Union County Superior Court’s Civil Division at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, where juries decide car accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, and product liability cases
• Knowledge of Westfield’s Roads: We know the accident-prone areas—the intersection of North Avenue and Tuttle Parkway, Central Avenue through downtown, South Avenue near the train station, and the busy commercial corridors
• Hospital Relationships: We work with medical professionals at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway, 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 Westfield

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

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Westfield’s roads see significant traffic, especially during rush hours when commuters travel to and from Westfield Station. Common accident locations include:

• Car accidents on Central Avenue, North Avenue, South Avenue, and East Broad Street
• Intersection accidents at North Avenue and Tuttle Parkway, Central Avenue and North Avenue, and South Avenue crossings
• Pedestrian accidents in the downtown shopping district where foot traffic is heavy
• Bicycle accidents on Westfield’s residential streets and near the downtown area
• Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft services, especially near the train station
• Parking lot accidents in downtown Westfield’s municipal lots and behind retail establishments

Premises Liability (Slip and Fall)

Property owners in Westfield have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. With over 450 downtown establishments and numerous commercial properties, slip and fall accidents are unfortunately common. We represent victims injured due to:

• Wet or slippery floors in downtown retail stores and restaurants
• Icy sidewalks along East Broad Street, Elm Street, and Quimby Street during winter
• Uneven pavement and broken sidewalks throughout the downtown district
• Poor lighting in parking lots behind downtown businesses
• Spills and hazards in grocery stores and supermarkets
• Inadequate maintenance at apartment complexes and condominiums

Medical Malpractice

Westfield residents receive medical care at excellent facilities like Overlook Medical Center in Summit—ranked among the best hospitals in New Jersey. However, medical errors can still occur. We handle cases involving:

• Surgical errors and wrong-site surgery
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Emergency room negligence
• Birth injuries at area hospitals
• Medication errors at pharmacies and medical facilities
• Nursing home neglect at senior care facilities

Wrongful Death

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

Westfield’s Accident-Prone Areas

Understanding where accidents happen most frequently helps explain the risks Westfield residents face:

North Avenue and Tuttle Parkway

This intersection has seen serious accidents, including a tragic fatal pedestrian accident that demonstrated the dangers of crossings that lack adequate traffic control devices. The combination of vehicle speed and pedestrian crossings creates ongoing risk.

Central Avenue

As one of Westfield’s main thoroughfares, Central Avenue carries heavy traffic through residential areas. Speed, distracted driving, and the mix of commuter traffic with local trips contribute to accident risk.

Downtown Business District

The heart of Westfield—East Broad Street, Elm Street, Quimby Street, and surrounding blocks—sees constant activity. Pedestrians shopping and dining, vehicles searching for parking, and delivery trucks all create potential for accidents. Winter conditions add ice and snow hazards on sidewalks.

South Avenue Corridor

Running along the NJ Transit rail line, South Avenue connects Westfield to neighboring Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and Garwood. The mix of train station traffic, commuter parking, and through traffic creates congestion and accident potential.

Westfield Train Station Area

The blocks surrounding Westfield Station see heavy pedestrian and vehicle activity during commute hours. Taxis, rideshares, and commuters hurrying to catch trains all converge in this busy area.

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.

Westfield’s Medical Facilities for Injury Treatment

After an accident in Westfield, you may receive treatment at one of these area facilities:

Overlook Medical Center (Summit)

Located just minutes from Westfield, Overlook Medical Center at 99 Beauvoir Avenue in Summit is a 490-bed hospital serving Union, Morris, and Essex Counties. The emergency department offers:

• 24-hour emergency services with an average wait time of 34 minutes
• Trauma center with helipad for air transport
• First hospital in New Jersey certified as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission
• Top 5% nationally for stroke treatment—eleven consecutive years
• Specialized cardiovascular and neurological care

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway

RWJ Rahway provides emergency services and comprehensive medical care for accident victims from Westfield and surrounding communities.

Local Urgent Care

For less serious injuries, Westfield-area urgent care centers provide prompt treatment and can document your injuries for insurance purposes.

What to Do After an Accident in Westfield

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 Overlook Medical Center’s Emergency Department in Summit. Even for seemingly minor injuries, get evaluated promptly.

2. Report the Accident: For car accidents, call Westfield Police at 908-789-4000 (or 911 for serious accidents) 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 Westfield 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.

Union County Court Experience: We know the judges, the procedures, and how to present cases effectively at the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

Convenient Location: Our Cranford office at 1150 Raritan Road is less than 10 minutes from downtown Westfield via North Avenue or Central Avenue.

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 the diverse communities of Union County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Westfield? 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: I slipped and fell in a downtown Westfield store. Do I have a case? A: Property owners in Westfield must maintain safe conditions. If a hazardous condition—such as a wet floor, uneven surface, or icy sidewalk—caused your fall, and the owner knew or should have known about the danger, you may have a valid premises liability claim. New Jersey law requires proving the owner had notice of the dangerous condition.

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.

Contact Our Westfield Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Don’t let someone else’s negligence derail your life. Whether you were injured in a car accident on Central Avenue, suffered a slip and fall in a downtown Westfield store, 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 Westfield and All of Union 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 Westfield and throughout New Jersey including Cranford, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Mountainside, Garwood, Summit, and all Union County communities.