At Galarza & Etwaroo, we’re not just attorneys; we’re advocates for the injured and champions of justice for underserved communities in New Jersey. Our team, led by the compassionate yet formidable duo, Reiah N. Etwaroo and Christina M. Galarza, specializes in turning the tide for those affected by personal injury.
With us, you gain more than legal representation; you find partners committed to securing your rightful compensation with a blend of empathy, expertise, and unwavering dedication.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
In New Jersey, personal injury cases are more common than one might think. Annually, thousands are injured in auto accidents, work-related incidents, and other negligence-based situations. These statistics underscore the critical importance of understanding your rights and the necessity of having experienced legal representation as soon as possible to navigate the aftermath of an injury.
Personal injury law encompasses a broad array of situations where individuals are harmed due to someone else’s negligence. Understanding the nuances of each case, from auto accidents to slip and fall incidents, requires a keen legal mind and a compassionate approach. It’s here that our expertise shines, guiding you through the legal process to restore your life to its fullest potential.
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Insurance companies will try to take advantage of someone who is not represented by a lawyer. They will offer small amounts of money very quickly in an effort to bait you into taking the low ball offer and not seeking legal counsel. These are the kinds of tactics we fight against.
Christina M Galarza – Founding Partner
The Basics of Personal Injury Law
Personal injury involves any harm caused to a person’s physical and/or emotional well-being. It can result from various incidents, including auto accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, product defects, and workplace injuries.
Negligence
The most common basis for personal injury claims is negligence. To win a negligence case, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove:
- Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act with a certain level of care towards the plaintiff.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet that duty of care.
- Causation: The defendant’s action or inaction caused the injury.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual harm or loss as a result.
Intentional Wrongs
Some personal injury cases are based on intentional actions, such as assault, battery, or other intentional torts. In these cases, the plaintiff must prove the defendant intentionally caused harm.
Strict Liability
In certain cases, particularly those involving dog bites, the doctrine of strict liability applies. Under strict liability, a defendant can be held responsible for harm without the elements of negligence or intent.
Compensation
Compensation in personal injury cases (damages) can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of egregious wrongdoing)
Statute of Limitations
In New Jersey, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident.
Comparative and Contributory Negligence
Some jurisdictions apply principles of comparative or contributory negligence, which can reduce or eliminate the ability to recover damages if the plaintiff is found to be partly at fault for their injury.
In, New Jersey we have a comparative fault system. N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.2 provides as follows: Findings of fact; percentage of fault; terms defined
2. a. In all negligence actions and strict liability actions in which the question of liability is in dispute, including actions in which any person seeks to recover damages from a social host as defined in section 1 of P.L.1987, c.404 (C.2A:15-5.5) for negligence resulting in injury to the person or to real or personal property, the trier of fact shall make the following as findings of fact:
(1) The amount of damages which would be recoverable by the injured party regardless of any consideration of negligence or fault, that is, the full value of the injured party’s damages.
(2) The extent, in the form of a percentage, of each party’s negligence or fault. The percentage of negligence or fault of each party shall be based on 100% and the total of all percentages of negligence or fault of all the parties to a suit shall be 100%.
2. b. In an action in which a person seeks to recover damages from a social host for negligence resulting in injury to the person or to real or personal property, the negligence of any person in becoming intoxicated shall be considered by the trier of fact, and the trier of fact shall allocate a percentage of negligence to that person.
Settlements
Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlements before reaching trial. A settlement is an agreement between the plaintiff and defendant (often mediated privately or by the court) to resolve the case without a jury trial.
Why Hire Us
Choosing Galarza & Etwaroo means partnering with a team that not only understands the intricacies of personal injury law but also deeply cares about your recovery and rights. Our firm stands out for several reasons:
Expertise Across Personal Injury Claims:
Our comprehensive knowledge ensures that no matter the complexity of your case, we are equipped to handle it.
Personalized Attention:
We believe in a client-centered approach, ensuring you receive the dedicated support and communication you deserve.
Proven Track Record:
Our history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients speaks volumes about our commitment and expertise.
No Fee Unless We Win:
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we secure compensation for you.
Your Partner in Recovery
In the journey toward recovery and justice, having a skilled personal injury lawyer by your side is invaluable. If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence, we invite you to reach out to Galarza & Etwaroo. Together, we can work towards not only securing your rightful compensation but also ensuring your story ends in triumph.
