Personal injury lawsuits allow you to seek compensation for economic and noneconomic losses. Economic damages, such as past and future medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses and car repair costs, are relatively easy to calculate using bills and receipts.

Noneconomic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective and difficult to prove or quantify. These damages encompass pain and suffering, emotional injuries and loss of enjoyment of life. Victims may also be eligible for punitive damages in cases where the defendant's actions were particularly reckless.

In the following sections, we explore the different regulations concerning obtaining compensation through a personal injury lawsuit and the significance of having a lawyer's assistance in obtaining a fair award.

In New Jersey, if you're hurt in an auto accident, slip-and-fall, animal attack or another incident caused by someone else's fault, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within a limited time. These laws, known as statutes of limitations, set the deadlines for filing your claim.

Generally, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a case in New Jersey court. This applies to motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dangerous or defective products, dog bites, injuries from assault and battery and medical malpractice. However, some situations can alter this deadline.

For those interested in filing a personal injury lawsuit, there are several key laws beyond the statute of limitations to be aware of.

Most personal injury claims never end up going to trial; they tend to get resolved with a settlement. Here are some key considerations for those filing a claim in New Jersey.

Settlement timeframe

The time it takes to settle your case varies depending on your case.

The exact time it takes to settle your claim depends on how serious the accident was, the number of liable parties involved, the extent of your injuries and whether and how quickly you cooperate with the insurer when they ask for clarification or certain evidence.

Settlement taxation

Generally, compensatory damages for physical injuries or illnesses aren't taxable in New Jersey under state and federal law. However, certain components of your settlement could be taxable.

Attorney fees

Personal injury attorneys typically take on cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that if they see potential in your case, they will provide representation at no upfront cost. If they win compensation for you, they will deduct a certain percentage from the settlement or verdict as their fee. But if they are unable to secure anything, then you won't owe them any fee.