If You've Been Hurt in an Accident, Consult an Attorney Immediately
You don't have to be certain your injury "counts" before you call. Many people who were seriously harmed walk away from real compensation because they assumed their situation wasn't worth pursuing — or because they trusted the insurance company to treat them fairly. As a personal injury lawyer serving Woodbury, Gloucester County, and the broader South Jersey region, I've spent 45 years helping injured people understand exactly where they stand.
Types of Injury Cases I Handle in South Jersey
William A. Sheehan Supporting Clients Across New Jersey
No upfront cost. No obligation. Just a straight answer.
New Jersey's injury laws are specific about how fault is assigned and how damages are calculated — and those details matter more than most people realize. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, a slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else's negligence, the only way to know whether you have a claim is to have an attorney who knows this area of law look at it.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the most common personal injury matter I see, and they're also the most frequently mishandled — either by injured drivers who don't know their rights, or by insurance adjusters who move fast to close claims before the full picture is clear. If you were hurt in a crash in Gloucester County or anywhere in South Jersey, I can walk you through what New Jersey law actually allows you to recover, and what the insurance company isn't volunteering.
Learn more about car accident claims in New Jersey on the car accidents page.
Slip and Fall and Premises Liability
Property owners in New Jersey have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions. When they don't — and someone is hurt as a result — that's a premises liability claim. Slip and fall cases can be harder to prove than car accidents, but they're far from impossible when the evidence is preserved early. I help clients document what happened, identify who bears responsibility, and build a claim that holds up.
How New Jersey's Fault Rules Affect Your Injury Claim
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence standard. That means your compensation can be reduced if you're found partially at fault — but you can still recover damages as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. Insurance companies understand this rule well and use it deliberately, often arguing that the injured party bears more responsibility than they actually do. Knowing how that argument is built — and how to counter it — is a significant part of what I bring to every case.
Why the Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
Insurance adjusters are skilled at appearing helpful. They call quickly, they sound reasonable, and they often push for a fast settlement — before you know the full extent of your injuries or what you're legally entitled to recover. I've represented injured clients against insurers for decades, and I know how they build a case to minimize what they pay out. Once you accept a settlement, you generally can't go back. Getting a case evaluation before you agree to anything costs you nothing and could make a significant difference in the outcome.
Common Questions About Personal Injury Claims in New Jersey
Answers Designed To Keep You Protected
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in New Jersey if the other driver was clearly at fault?
Even when fault seems obvious, having legal representation protects you. Insurance companies may accept liability but still dispute the value of your injuries, push for a quick low settlement, or argue you had a pre-existing condition. An attorney helps you document your damages properly and negotiate from a position of knowledge rather than uncertainty.How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New Jersey?
In most cases, New Jersey's statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can permanently bar your claim, so it's worth getting an evaluation sooner rather than later — especially while evidence and witness accounts are still fresh.What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
You may still be able to recover compensation. Under New Jersey's modified comparative negligence rule, you can pursue a claim as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you wouldn't be shut out entirely. The exact determination depends on the facts of your case.Is my injury serious enough to hire a personal injury lawyer?
That's exactly the question a free case evaluation is designed to answer. Injuries that seem minor at first can involve longer recovery times, missed work, and costs that add up quickly. The only way to know whether you have a viable claim is to have an attorney review the specifics.How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
The initial consultation is free. For personal injury cases, I work on a contingency basis, which means I only get paid if you recover compensation. You won't owe attorney's fees out of pocket to get started.