What should I ask my personal injury lawyer during our first call?

Ask questions that help you understand both the strength of the case and the next steps. For example: What facts matter most for proving fault; what records do you need from me right now; how will you communicate updates; who will handle the case day to day; what is the fee structure and what costs might come out of a recovery; and what is the expected timeline based on my injuries. You can also ask whether your situation involves only workers' compensation, a third-party personal injury claim, or both, since that can affect value and strategy.

I'm scared I'll be punished for getting hurt at work and trying to get compensation. What should I do?

Feeling nervous about retaliation is completely understandable, especially when your paycheck and your job security are on the line. If you are worried your employer might react badly, it can help to speak with a workers' compensation lawyer first, so you understand your rights and the safest way to report the injury based on your workplace and your situation. In New Jersey, workers' compensation is generally a no-fault system, so benefits are tied to whether the injury happened in the course of your job, not whether you did anything wrong. Retaliation for reporting a work injury or pursuing benefits is not something you should have to tolerate, and if it happens, documenting it matters. In the meantime, keep your own written record of what happened, when it happened, who was present, and what symptoms you noticed, then save any texts, emails, schedules, or messages related to the incident or your work status. If you need medical care right away, get it, and keep copies of every discharge paper, work note, and bill. Then, with legal guidance, you can decide how to notify your employer in a way that protects you and keeps the claim on track, without feeling pressured or cornered.

What kind of evidence should I gather for an injury at work?

Try to gather evidence that shows what happened, where it happened, and how it affected you. Helpful items include: photos or video of the area and any hazards; the names and contact information of witnesses; incident reports or supervisor notes; your work schedule showing you were on duty; any safety logs or training records you have access to; and all medical paperwork from visits and follow-ups. Keep a simple journal of symptoms and missed work days, and save copies of any emails or texts about the incident.

How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim from when I got hurt?

In New Jersey, workers' compensation claims generally must be filed within two years. In many cases, the two-year period runs from the date of the injury, and for some occupational conditions, it can run from the last date of exposure or the date you knew the condition was work-related. Even though the legal filing window may be two years, it is still best to report the injury and start the process as soon as possible because delays can create disputes about what happened and whether the injury is work-related.

East Hanover Personal Injury Lawyers | Injury Attorneys East Hanover NJ

Cohen & Riechelson/

East Hanover Personal Injury Lawyers

Injury Attorneys in East Hanover, NJ, Helping Clients Rebuild After Serious Injuries in East Hanover and Throughout New Jersey

Headlines often focus on major highway crashes, but many serious injuries start with everyday moments in East Hanover, NJ. If you were hurt, reaching out to East Hanover personal injury lawyers early can help you avoid costly mistakes with insurers and paperwork. We act fast to collect evidence, confirm coverage, and connect your injuries to the incident through clear medical documentation. Just as important, we track your treatment and records so nothing important gets lost in the shuffle. At Cohen & Riechelson, we stay hands-on because we care about protecting clients' rights and records in East Hanover. Contact our dedicated injury attorneys in East Hanover, NJ, at our firm today for a free, confidential consultation about your case.

Understanding Personal Injury Cases

Most personal injury cases begin with an everyday moment in East Hanover, NJ, that suddenly goes wrong. Under New Jersey law, a personal injury claim usually means you suffered harm because another person or company acted carelessly. We look for proof that the responsible party owed a duty of care, failed to meet it, caused your injury, and created measurable losses like treatment costs, lost wages, and pain. NJ's comparative negligence rules also allow blame to be divided, so insurance companies may try to use that to shrink your claim. Many East Hanover, NJ, cases come from vehicle collisions, unsafe premises, defective products, and preventable accidents at work or in stores.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in East Hanover, NJ

In East Hanover, NJ, injuries often start with one mistake, then the paperwork and insurance pressure show up right away. Since we appear in courts across NJ, we know how local rules, filing practices, and ordinances can impact how a claim develops and what evidence carries weight. Because of that, we build cases early, and we stay prepared for every stage.

East Hanover car accidents: Collisions involving unsafe lane changes, rear-end crashes, and failure to yield
East Hanover truck accidents: Commercial crashes that may involve company logs, maintenance records, and multiple insurance layers
East Hanover motorcycle accidents: Impacts that can cause serious injury even at lower speeds
East Hanover pedestrian accidents: Crosswalk and parking lot incidents where drivers fail to watch for people walking
East Hanover bicycle accidents: Crashes tied to unsafe passing, turning vehicles, and dooring incidents
East Hanover Uber accidents: Claims that often depend on whether the driver was on the app and transporting a passenger
East Hanover Lyft accidents: Cases that may involve coverage disputes and more than one responsible party
East Hanover catastrophic injuries: Severe harm that can require long-term care, rehabilitation, and major life adjustments
East Hanover construction accidents: Falls and equipment-related injuries tied to unsafe site conditions
East Hanover dog bite accidents: Injuries that can lead to scarring, infections, and disputes about liability
East Hanover medical malpractice: Mistakes in diagnosis or treatment that cause avoidable harm
East Hanover nursing home abuse: Neglect issues like falls, poor hygiene care, and unsafe supervision
East Hanover product liability: Injuries caused by defective products, including unsafe designs and missing warnings
East Hanover premises liability: Hazards on property that create risk for visitors and customers
East Hanover slip and fall accidents: Falls from wet floors, ice, uneven surfaces, or broken stairs
East Hanover workplace accidents: Injuries at work that may also support a separate claim against a third party
East Hanover workers' compensation: Benefit claims for work injuries, including disputes over treatment and disability ratings

No matter the circumstances, our team has the courtroom experience and local knowledge to pursue a strong outcome.

Common Injuries in Personal Injury Cases in East Hanover

The first sign of trouble in East Hanover, NJ, is often not the crash itself; it is the pain that sets in hours later. People frequently call East Hanover personal injury lawyers after traumatic brain injuries that lead to dizziness, sensitivity to light, or changes in concentration. Serious incidents can also cause spinal cord injuries and paralysis, which may require ongoing care and major changes at home and work. Fractures and orthopedic trauma are another common outcome, and they can involve surgery, braces, and long periods of rehab. When people search for types of injuries after a car accident or common injuries in slip and fall cases, they often find soft tissue injuries like whiplash and torn ligaments at the top of the list, along with burns or disfigurement that can cause lasting scars. Emotional and psychological harm, including PTSD, can also follow an accident and make normal routines feel exhausting. Our Morris County personal injury lawyers are familiar with many common injuries and can help determine what necessary compensation to pursue for your treatment and recovery.

How Pain and Suffering Are Calculated

The question is not just how much treatment costs, it is how you live while you recover. Since NJ has no fixed formula for pain and suffering, we build the value around key factors: the seriousness of the injury, how long healing takes, whether you face permanent changes, and how much the injury disrupts your normal routine. For car accident cases, the NJ verbal threshold limitation may apply, and it can limit claims for non-economic damages unless the injury meets certain legal standards. Insurance companies frequently use the multiplier method, which starts with economic damages and then multiplies that number to argue a pain and suffering figure. Other times, they rely on a per diem method, assigning a daily amount to discomfort and multiplying it across the recovery timeline. If you want a realistic explanation from injury attorneys in East Hanover, NJ, we can walk you through the options.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

The thought of court can feel overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with treatment, bills, and missed work in East Hanover, NJ. Fortunately, most personal injury cases resolve through settlement, and we help you understand what to expect at each stage.

Most Cases Settle Before Trial

Studies and case outcomes show that about 90% to 95% of personal injury cases settle out of court. If liability is clear and the damages are supported by records, insurers may offer a fair settlement earlier to avoid the uncertainty of a trial.

When a Trial Becomes Necessary

A trial may become necessary when there is a dispute over fault or the true value of your damages. It can also happen when the insurer makes unreasonable offers and refuses to adjust them even after we present strong evidence. In certain cases, going to court is a strategic decision that can lead to a better result.

We Prepare Every Case as if It Will Go to Court

That is why East Hanover personal injury lawyers at our firm prepare every case as if it will go to court, because solid preparation encourages good faith negotiations. At the same time, you remain in control, and we only proceed with trial if you agree after we advise you fully.

How Insurance Companies Undervalue Claims

Insurance negotiations often start with pressure, not fairness. A quick lowball settlement offer may show up before you have the full picture of your recovery, which can leave you short on treatment costs and lost wages later. Adjusters also seek recorded statements, and they may use them to highlight minor inconsistencies or push blame onto you. If you resist, the company may delay processing, claim paperwork is missing, or deny legitimate parts of the claim to force a cheaper resolution. They may even suggest you avoid hiring a lawyer because it will slow things down, even though legal guidance can protect you. We know how to negotiate with insurers, and we are not afraid to take your case to court.

How Our East Hanover Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

Getting legal help early can make it easier to protect your claim before details fade and records get misplaced. Our team offers regional access and flexibility, including offices in Hamilton, NJ, Bensalem, PA, and Philadelphia, PA, and we can meet you at a convenient location when needed. We start with a consultation and case evaluation, reviewing accident details, medical treatment, and the steps required to move forward. After that, we negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, managing communications and challenging low offers with clear documentation. If the case needs litigation support, we are prepared to take that step, and we build every claim with strong evidence and courtroom readiness in mind. At every point, we focus on making the process clearer, so you can concentrate on treatment while we handle the legal pressure.

About Personal Injury Accidents in East Hanover

It is often the routine places in East Hanover, NJ, that lead to the biggest surprises after an injury. Lurker Park is a central community hub with heavy activity, and crowded walkways, sports areas, and parking areas can contribute to falls and vehicle incidents. Ridgedale Avenue and nearby routes tied into the area's travel patterns can also create crash risks when drivers rush turns or get distracted. Workplaces and commercial properties can add hazards too, especially when snow, water, or uneven surfaces are not handled quickly. If you were hurt in one of these common settings, injury attorneys in East Hanover, NJ, can help document where it happened and why that matters.

Contact the Experienced East Hanover Personal Injury Lawyers at Cohen & Riechelson for a Free Consultation About Your Case

Recovery after an injury in East Hanover, NJ, is hard enough without trying to negotiate alone against an insurance company. At Cohen & Riechelson, we take the time to understand your situation, review your records, and explain what your case may involve so you can make confident decisions. Many people searching for East Hanover personal injury lawyers are looking for a firm that does not accept low offers and is prepared to take a case to court when needed, and that is the same mindset we bring to East Hanover, NJ, cases. We stay committed to protecting your rights and helping you secure your future through focused advocacy and strong preparation. Call us now or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims in East Hanover, NJ

Ask questions that help you understand both the strength of the case and the next steps. For example: What facts matter most for proving fault; what records do you need from me right now; how will you communicate updates; who will handle the case day to day; what is the fee structure and what costs might come out of a recovery; and what is the expected timeline based on my injuries. You can also ask whether your situation involves only workers' compensation, a third-party personal injury claim, or both, since that can affect value and strategy.
Feeling nervous about retaliation is completely understandable, especially when your paycheck and your job security are on the line. If you are worried your employer might react badly, it can help to speak with a workers' compensation lawyer first, so you understand your rights and the safest way to report the injury based on your workplace and your situation.
In New Jersey, workers' compensation is generally a no-fault system, so benefits are tied to whether the injury happened in the course of your job, not whether you did anything wrong. Retaliation for reporting a work injury or pursuing benefits is not something you should have to tolerate, and if it happens, documenting it matters. In the meantime, keep your own written record of what happened, when it happened, who was present, and what symptoms you noticed, then save any texts, emails, schedules, or messages related to the incident or your work status.
If you need medical care right away, get it, and keep copies of every discharge paper, work note, and bill. Then, with legal guidance, you can decide how to notify your employer in a way that protects you and keeps the claim on track, without feeling pressured or cornered.
Try to gather evidence that shows what happened, where it happened, and how it affected you. Helpful items include: photos or video of the area and any hazards; the names and contact information of witnesses; incident reports or supervisor notes; your work schedule showing you were on duty; any safety logs or training records you have access to; and all medical paperwork from visits and follow-ups. Keep a simple journal of symptoms and missed work days, and save copies of any emails or texts about the incident.
In New Jersey, workers' compensation claims generally must be filed within two years. In many cases, the two-year period runs from the date of the injury, and for some occupational conditions, it can run from the last date of exposure or the date you knew the condition was work-related. Even though the legal filing window may be two years, it is still best to report the injury and start the process as soon as possible because delays can create disputes about what happened and whether the injury is work-related.