bcampbell, Author at Dolan & Dolan, PA

Slip and Fall in Northern NJ? What to Do If You’ve Been Injured

Were You Hurt in a Slip and Fall in Northern NJ? Here’s What to Do Next.

Slip and fall accidents happen fast but the consequences can last for months or even years. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Sussex or Morris County, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

At Dolan & Dolan, P.A., we’ve been representing injured victims in New Jersey since 1909. Here’s what you need to know and what to do if you were hurt in a fall caused by unsafe conditions.

Act Quickly! New Jersey Has Strict Deadlines

In most slip and fall cases, you have only two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. If your fall occurred on public property, the timeline can be as short as 90 days.

That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier we get involved, the more evidence we can gather and the stronger your case will be.

Step 1 – Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like head trauma or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms right away and having medical records strengthens your legal case.

Step 2 – Document Everything

Take photos of the scene, the hazard (wet floor, icy conditions, broken steps, uneven pavement), and your injuries. If anyone saw the fall, get their contact information. Evidence fades quickly – preserve it while you can.

Step 3 – Report the Incident

Report the fall to the property owner, store manager, or landlord. Ask for a copy of the incident report if one is made. Don’t apologize or make assumptions, it can be used against you.

Step 4 – Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer

Insurance adjusters will try to minimize your injuries or shift blame. Don’t give a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement until you’ve spoken with our experienced Northern NJ personal injury attorneys at Dolan and Dolan.

Step 5 – Call Dolan & Dolan for a Free Consultation

We know what it takes to win a premises liability claim in New Jersey. Our attorneys investigate your fall, gather the right evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in NJ:

Icy sidewalks and parking lots
Wet or greasy floors
Loose carpets or mats
Broken stairs or missing handrails
Poor lighting in walkways
Hidden holes or uneven surfaces

Don’t Wait. Get Legal Help Today.

If you’ve been hurt in a fall, your next step matters. Let our experienced team protect your rights and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.

Please contact our office to arrange for a free consultation.
– Serving Newton, Sparta, Franklin, Vernon, Wantage and all of Sussex County and New Jersey.

What to do Immediately After a Car Accident in New Jersey

Posted by bcampbell in Personal Injury

Learn the steps to take after a motor vehicle accident in Northern NJ to protect your health and legal rights.

Car accidents happen in a flash. Whether it’s a fender bender on Route 206 or a major collision on I-80, what you do in the moments after an accident can affect your health, your finances, and your ability to recover compensation later.
If you’ve just been in a car accident in Northern New Jersey, here’s what you need to do right away:

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Your first priority is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further damage. Turn on hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately.

2. Call 911

Even for minor accidents, a police report is essential. It creates an official record of what happened and may include witness statements and details about the crash scene. This report will be important for your insurance claim and potentially your personal injury case.

3. Exchange Information

Be polite, but don’t admit fault. Exchange names, contact details, insurance info, driver’s license numbers, and vehicle details with the other driver(s). If there are any witnesses, get their contact info as well.

4. Document the Scene

Take clear photos and videos of all vehicles involved, including visible damage, skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and road conditions. Don’t forget to save any dashcam footage, if available. If you have visible injuries, photograph them as soon as possible.

5. Seek Medical Attention – Even If You Feel Fine

Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, don’t show symptoms right away. Always visit a doctor after a car accident. If your injuries are immediately noticeable, seriously consider being transported by ambulance to the hospital. A medical record not only protects your health but can also help link your injuries to the crash.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurer right away and stick to the facts. Ask if your plan has Personal Injury Protection (PIP). In New Jersey, PIP covers medical bills and some lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. It helps you get care fast, but serious injuries may still need legal action to recover full compensation.

7. Don’t Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Without a Lawyer

Their questions may seem routine, but they are trained to get you to say things that can hurt your claim. Let your personal injury attorney handle all communication to protect your rights and strengthen your case.

8. Contact a Local Car Accident Attorney

A Sussex County personal injury attorney can protect your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. If your accident occurred in Sussex, Morris, or Warren County, the experienced team at Dolan & Dolan is ready to help. We offer a free consultation because we’re confident in our ability to win and we want you to feel the same.

Why Choose Dolan & Dolan?

Our Attorneys have over 100 years of legal experience
Our Attorneys have deep roots in Northern New Jersey
Our Attorneys have proven success in car accident and injury claims

Please contact our office to arrange for a free consultation.

Personal Injury during Quarantine Uncertainty

Posted by bcampbell in Personal Injury

Personal Injury During Quarantine Uncertainty

The majority of us have been sheltering in place for months. We have endured unprecedented stress and perhaps, even loss. As our state begins to reopen, we emerge from quarantine uncertain of whatâ€™s to come and saddled with concerns. With increased travel and mobility comes increased risk for injury. Further complicating this threat is our â€œnew normalâ€ where medical treatment, insurance claims and court proceedings are now far more complicated to navigate. This causes fear, doubt and frustration for those who are suffering and in need of answers.

Now, more than ever, we must rely on our experienced professionals to guide us through these unfamiliar times, while keeping succinct pace with constantly developing changes to our laws and procedures in personal injury cases.

Robert T. Morgenstern is a litigation attorney with over 40 years of experience and expertise in Personal Injury Law. He is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court. In this past year, he earned his clients over $4.5 million dollars in compensation. His cases have included:

a. Nursing Home Neglect Death

b. Wrongful Death

c. Traumatic Brain Injury

d. Electrocution

e. Slip and Fall

f. Dog Bite

g. Tractor Accident

h. Bodily Injury

Please contact our office to arrange for a free consultation with Mr. Morgenstern by phone or with your preferred video-chat application.

Catherine Anne Gacquin Joins Firm as Partner

Posted by bcampbell in Family Law, Firm News

Catherine Anne Gacquin Joins Firm as Partner

Catherine Anne Gacquin, Esq. has become a partner in the law firm Dolan & Dolan, PA. She will continue to concentrate her practice on Family Law and related matters.

A graduate of the National University of Ireland (Galway) and Seton Hall Law School, Ms. Gacquin has been in practice for twenty-three years. She is admitted to the bar in New York and New Jersey and is a Court approved Family Law Mediator. Ms. Gacquin is a frequent volunteer for Project Self-Sufficiency and recently received a 2018 Mosaic Award for her contributions to the community. Ms. Gacquin has also volunteered for DASI and Legal Services of Northwest Jersey. Ms. Gacquin sits on the Sussex County Family Law Early Settlement Panel and has served on Blue Ribbon Panels. Originally from Ireland, Ms. Gacquin has lived and worked in Sussex County for the last thirty years. She resides in Wantage with her husband and their son.

Florence A. Hood, Sussex County’s First Female Attorney, Began Her Career at Dolan & Dolan, PA

Posted by bcampbell in Firm News

Florence A. Hood, Sussex County’s First Female Attorney, Began Her Career at Dolan & Dolan, PA

Eleanor Roosevelt joined the female members of the Law School at New York University for afternoon tea in 1929.

Florence A. Hood was initially employed as a stenographer with Dolan & Dolan, PA in 1921. After graduating form the School of Law of New York University in 1930, she returned to Dolan & Dolan to become the first female attorney in Sussex County.

Click here to read Wayne McCabe’s informative article from the New Jersey Herald about one of Dolan & Dolan’s most illustrious alumni.

Why You Should Use a Certified Attorney

Posted by bcampbell in Legal Information, Workers' Compensation

The Board on Attorney Certification was established by the Supreme Court of New Jersey in 1980 for the purpose of helping consumers find attorneys who have a recognized level of competence in particular fields of law.

Roger Thomas is the only Certified Workers Compensation Attorney and Robert Morgenstern is one of only three Certified Civil Trial Attorneys practicing in a Sussex County firm.

A certified attorney is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. Attorneys may be designated by the Supreme Court as “certified attorneys” only if they: are able to demonstrate high levels of experience, education, knowledge and skill in a specific area of law or practice; have passed a rigorous examination; and have been recognized by their peers and judges as having sufficient skills and reputation in the designated specialty. Currently, there are five certified specialties: civil trial law, criminal trial law, matrimonial trial law, municipal court law, and workers’ compensation law. For more information, visit the Board on Attorney Certification website at https://njcourts.gov/attorneys/attcert.html .