Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC

If you’ve suffered a personal injury due to the recklessness or carelessness of someone else, you have rights and protections under our legal system. The experienced attorneys at Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC are dedicated to helping injury victims recover damages caused by negligent individuals and companies. If you’ve been harmed because of the negligence of someone in the Jersey City or Newark areas of New Jersey including Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, contact Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC today by completing the form on this page or calling (732) 617-8050 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorneys. We work on a contingency basis, which means that you owe us nothing unless we achieve a successful outcome in your case. Over the course of almost 60 years of combined experience, our personal injury lawyers have established a proven track record of success for obtaining full and fair compensation for victims of: Auto accidents Medical malpractice Nursing home abuse Product liability Premises liability Dog bites Workers' compensation If a doctor fails to diagnose your medical condition correctly, or if a reckless driver breaks the law and causes an accident, they can be held responsible for any injuries you sustain, and the impact your injuries have on your daily life. Common injuries that may result from negligence include: Head and brain injuries Burn injuries Birth injuries Wrongful death How Do I Understand the Value of My Injury Claim? If you have sustained a serious personal injury, you may have already been offered a settlement by the other party’s insurance company. It’s important to understand that these initial offers are almost always less than the true value of your claim. Before you speak with any insurance company, you should first contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC. We have the resources and experience necessary to recover the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Personal injury claims are often vigorously contested by insurance companies; it’s crucial to your best interests and the well-being of your family that you don’t settle for less than you deserve. We will gather the evidence and expert witness testimonies you need to build a successfully compelling case. We can help you by: Evaluating the strength of your case at a free, no-obligation initial consultation Recommending your best course of action Investigating the details of your case and injury to determine its cause Developing a compelling case on your behalf Aggressively seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages related to your injury. Contact Us Now for a Free Consultation It costs you nothing to discuss your case with our seasoned personal injury attorneys. Let us help you determine the viability of your claim and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. To schedule your free consultation, contact Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC today online or at (732) 617-8050. You will owe us nothing upfront and nothing at all if your case is not successful. We proudly serve Newark, Jersey City, Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, and nearby areas in New Jersey.

The repercussions of a criminal conviction can not only affect your freedom, but could impact your reputation, finances and job options. At Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC, we understand how frightening a criminal charge can be: you’re stressed, you can’t sleep and you’re terrified of going to court. We are committed to shouldering that burden for you. We will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. If you are facing criminal charges and need a skilled and aggressive advocate on your side, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys today online or at (732) 617-8050 to discuss your case for free. We serve the areas near Monmouth and Middlesex County in New Jersey. Criminal Defense Practice Areas Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC can help protect your rights and provide the knowledgeable and assertive representation you need to maintain your innocence, have your charges reduced or possibly even try to prevent charges from being filed following an arrest for: DUI/DWI Drug offenses Traffic violations Dram shop/social host liability Protecting Your Rights and Your Future Criminal convictions can damage your professional and personal reputation for years to come. When the stakes include your freedom and the well-being of your family, you cannot afford to trust your case with a firm that does not have the experience or resources to effectively handle the myriad of complexities a criminal charge entails. Although the prospect of jail time may be your most immediate concern, you need to realize that the ramifications of criminal conviction can linger for the rest of your life. Depending on the nature of your crime, a conviction could impact your: Driving privileges Employment opportunities Child custody and visitation rights Ability to get a loan for a home or car Financial aid status Contact Our New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys Today Our attorneys have decades of criminal defense experience in the New Jersey courts defending criminal and municipal court cases. As a former prosecutor, David Sternlieb has a unique perspective on hearings, trials, motions and negotiations. We firmly believe that the keys to successful representation lie in thorough investigations, customized strategies and hard work. If you’ve been charged with a crime, call Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC today at (732) 617-8050 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. We welcome clients from the areas of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties and nearby areas of New Jersey.

Workers' Compensation Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers serving Englishtown, Newark, Jersey City, Monmouth & Middlesex Counties, and nearby areas of New Jersey Hundreds of people are put out of work every year due to a job-related injury or illness. Many of these workers will never be able to earn a wage again, but must still worry about how they will cover their medical bills and living expenses. If you’ve been hurt on the job and need an experienced workers' compensation lawyer in the Newark, Jersey City, Monmouth and Middlesex County areas of New Jersey, please contact Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC today online or at (732) 617-8050 to discuss your case for free. Understanding Workers' Compensation in New Jersey In New Jersey, workers' compensation claims are handled by a state agency called the Division of Workers’ Compensation, not the court system. Workers' comp covers most job-related injuries, including broken bones and repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Illnesses that are linked to an individual's job, such as lung disease caused by breathing toxic fumes, may also be covered by workers' compensation. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system in New Jersey, which means that you can receive benefits regardless of who was at fault for your injury. Even undocumented workers can file for workers' comp. Depending on the unique factors involved in your accident or illness, you may be eligible to receive the following: Medical benefits: This covers all necessary and reasonable treatments, prescriptions and hospitalization related to your workplace illness or accident. Temporary total disability benefits: You may qualify for these benefits if you remain disabled for more than seven days. Temporary total disability pays 70 percent of your average weekly wages. Permanent partial disability benefits: These benefits are based on the percentage of your disability, either scheduled or nonscheduled. A scheduled loss involves a disability in your eyes, ears, fingers, hand, arms, toes, feet, legs or teeth. An unscheduled loss refers to other anatomical systems or parts not included in the scheduled list, such as your back or heart. Permanent total disability benefits: You may be eligible for permanent total disability benefits if your injuries prevent you from returning to any type of gainful employment. The Importance of Acting Quickly in a Workers' Comp Claim It is important to report your workplace illness or injury as quickly as possible. Failing to do so could jeopardize your case, particularly if the delay impacted your employer's ability to properly investigate your accident or cause of illness. Employers are obligated to file your claim within a set timeframe once you have notified them. Workers' compensation insurance does not account for pain and suffering. However, if the negligence of a third party, such as a property owner or subcontractor, led to your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for your mental anguish and other damages. Our experienced workers' compensation attorneys understand the intricacies of these claims, and will focus on your case so you can focus on healing. What is the average settlement for workers' compensation? There is no “average” settlement for workers’ compensation. It is based on the recipient’s actual weekly wages and medical expenses. Due to the nature of various injuries, this can make the amount one injured worker receives vary widely from the next. In the state of New Jersey, workers’ compensation will cover all of the medical expenses, including travel to and from appointments, which are related to your injury. It will also provide 70% of your weekly wages (not to exceed 75% of the Statewide Average Weekly Wage). How long do I have to file a workers' compensation lawsuit? It is uncommon for workers’ compensation claims to result in a lawsuit. These may occur when a claim is denied or when employers attempt to stop a claim, but by and large, workers’ compensation claims are simply filed with the Division of Workers’ Compensation at the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. These claims must be filed within two to three years of the accident, depending on the nature and extent of the injury. While you do have some time to file a claim, it is always best to act quickly. It can become easier to deny a claim when several months or years have passed. Choosing to work with an attorney to file your claim can help you avoid pitfalls and may even speed the process up.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers serving Englishtown, Newark, Jersey City, Monmouth & Middlesex Counties, and nearby areas of New Jersey Medical professionals face life-and-death situations on a daily basis. As patients, we trust our health care providers to maintain a standard of care. Unfortunately, medical negligence is the third leading cause of death in the United States, according to a recent study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine. If you or someone you loved has suffered due to subpar medical care, please contact Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC today online or at (732) 617-8050 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced medical malpractice attorneys. We welcome clients from Newark, Jersey City, Monmouth County, Middlesex County, and nearby areas in New Jersey. Medical malpractice cases are incredibly complex and require the knowledge and skill of a seasoned lawyer. Some of the most important details to understand about these complicated and often heart-wrenching claims include: What Is Medical Malpractice? Emergency Room Errors Surgical Errors Medication Errors Anesthesia Errors OBGYN Malpractice Lung Cancer Screenings Medical Malpractice That Results in Death Proving Negligence in a Medical Malpractice Claim Damages in a Medical Malpractice Claim What Is Medical Malpractice? Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional fails to treat and care for a patient with a reasonable amount of expertise and judgment. Medical errors often result in severe injuries that require further treatment to correct. These injuries can be life-altering, and impact your ability to work, function or enjoy life the way you once did. If your medical provider was careless, lacked adequate skills or disregarded standardized rules, you may be able to prove negligence. If such negligence resulted in damages, you may be able to pursue compensation. Hospitals, nursing homes and various other medical institutions can be held liable for the negligence of their employees, including: Doctors Nurses Surgeons Specialists Administrative staff Pharmacists It’s important to realize that by its nature, medicine is a very complex and not all unsuccessful outcomes are the result of malpractice. Many medical procedures carry inherent risks. Complications can result despite excellent care. You must demonstrate that your injury was caused by a mistake or negligent care in order to have a valid claim of medical malpractice. medical malpractice stats new jersey attorneys Emergency Room Errors Emergency rooms are some of the most challenging environments for medical professionals to work. In the fast-paced, and often hectic, working conditions, medical professionals need to think quickly and clearly under extreme pressure. In the effort to save lives, miscommunication and errors can lead to even worse problems than the initial emergency. Emergency room errors can result from a number of potential causes, such as: Overcrowding Insufficient training Fatigue Ignoring or failing to obtain a patient’s medical history Inadequate resources Medical professionals who work in emergency rooms face incredible pressure, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s important to understand that this is the nature of ER work, and high demands do not excuse irresponsible or reckless actions. Surgical Errors Surgical errors are mistakes made by surgeons or other members of hospital staff that occur during surgical procedures. Miscommunication between branches within large hospitals often plays a significant role in these unfortunate mistakes. Some examples of common surgical errors include: Failure to anticipate complications Infections and other complications caused by a lapse in post-operative care Poor or incorrect administration of anesthesia Instruments and other surgical materials left inside the patient Wrong-site surgery Incorrect procedure Administering the wrong blood type Diagnosis Error Damages | Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLCMedication Errors Mistakes involving medication can occur at any time during your medical process. Hospital staff members may administer the wrong drugs, your doctor may write a flawed prescription, or your pharmacist could make an error while filling your prescription. Common medication errors include: Prescribing the wrong medication Prescribing an incorrect time or method of administration of the drug Prescribing the wrong dosage for your age or physical condition Improperly prescribing medicine for unapproved or “off label” uses Failing to consider your medical history and drug allergies Administering a drug to the wrong patient Prescribing or administering experimental drugs without informed consent Multiple prescriptions in dangerous combinations Emergency room administration of drugs or sedatives to intoxicated patients Continuing ineffective medication Anesthesia Errors

Sex abuse of a child is a horrible matter. No one ever wants to think that it can happen to their child, but sadly, it is an all too common occurrence in modern America. At Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC, in New Jersey, we help the victims of child sexual abuse seek the justice they deserve. Understanding Criminal vs Civil Court In child sex abuse cases, there are two different types of court proceedings. There may be criminal charges brought by the state in a criminal action, and as a victim or parents of the victim, you may file a civil lawsuit against the abuser to hold them liable for the abuse. If charges are filed for a criminal proceeding, the results of that proceeding can play a part in your civil case against the abuser. For example, a criminal conviction can make it easier to prove liability in the civil case. We can help you understand the complexities of these cases and help you make the right decision about moving forward with a civil lawsuit. Who Can Be Held Responsible for Child Sexual Abuse? The obvious answer is the abuser. He or she will be named as the defendant in a civil court case. However, anyone who was in a position to prevent the abuse or had a legal obligation to do so can also be held liable in a civil lawsuit. This may include: Parents (if the alleged abuser is a minor) Daycare providers Churches or religious organizations Schools or their employees Employer of the alleged abuser What Must Be Proved In a Sex Abuse Lawsuit? In a lawsuit alleging abuse, as the plaintiff, you must show the extent of the harm suffered, which can include: Physical injuries Emotional trauma Anxiety Other short-term and long-term effects of the abuse The abuser’s liability must be proven “by a preponderance of the evidence,” which is a lower bar than in a criminal case. We must prove that it was “more likely than not” that the abuser committed the alleged abuse. Should You File a Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit? This is a very personal question that only you can answer with the help of an experienced lawyer. During a civil lawsuit, you will be asked to revisit painful memories of the abuse and open up your life to be scrutinized in detail by the opposing party’s attorneys. The first step in deciding whether a civil case is the right course of action for you and your family is to sit down with one of our experienced lawyers to discuss your case and fully understand your legal options. Call Shapiro & Sternlieb Today for Your Consultation If you or your child has been the victim of sexual abuse, you need an experienced attorney by your side to help you navigate the legal system and seek the justice you deserve. Contact Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC, today online or call 732-617-8050 for your free legal consultation. We represent clients throughout Newark, Jersey City, and the surrounding areas of New Jersey.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers serving Englishtown, Newark, Jersey City, Monmouth & Middlesex Counties, and nearby areas of New Jersey Every year, millions of families face the heart-wrenching decision of entrusting a nursing home or assisted living facility with the care of an elderly family member. When making this difficult choice, we hope that our loved ones will receive the gentle, compassionate care they deserve, but unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect is increasingly common in the United States, and victimization is a rising epidemic. At Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC, we are committed to pursuing justice for elderly victims of neglect, abuse and other injuries resulting from medical malpractice. If a trusted caregiver has harmed your elderly loved one, contact our New Jersey office today online or at 732-617-8050 to discuss your case for free with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer. We help clients from in and around Monmouth and Middlesex County. Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Aging is an unavoidable fact of life, but spending your final years in an environment that is dangerous, neglectful or humiliating is simply wrong. The Family Caregiver Alliance estimates that 35 percent of Americans aged 65 and older will eventually enter a nursing home, and by 2050, the number of individuals using long-term care will double from 13 million to 27 million. According to the National Center for Adult Abuse, nearly two million seniors suffer some form of abuse at the hands of those entrusted to care for them. Tragically, the victims of abuse are often unable to understand or communicate what is happening, and for every instance of nursing home neglect or abuse that is reported, there could be many more that go unreported. New Brunswick nursing home abuse lawyers Common Types of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Nursing home neglect is similar to nursing home abuse, but the two are not the same. Nursing home abuse implies a specific intent to harm an elderly person. Nursing home neglect is defined as a breach of duty or form of substandard care that causes harm to the patient. While nursing home neglect and abuse can vary among individual cases, some of the most common types are: Malnutrition Dehydration Wandering and elopement Emotional abuse Sexual abuse Financial exploitation Slip and fall accidents Broken and fractured bones Bedsores and pressure sores Bedrail entrapment Damages in a Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse Case If your elderly loved one has been harmed as the result of nursing home neglect or abuse, our experienced nursing home abuse attorney will aggressively fight for the justice and compensation you deserve, which may include: Economic damages, which include compensation for past, present and future medical expenses and other out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic damages, which include emotional pain and suffering, as well as a diminished quality of life. Physical disfigurement and impairment, which includes compensation for scars and physical disabilities. End of life expenses, which include funeral costs and loss of companionship. Punitive damages, which could be issued as punishment for outrageous conduct. If someone you love has suffered as a result of nursing home neglect or abuse in or around the Monmouth and Middlesex County areas of New Jersey, please contact Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC today by completing the form on this page or calling 732-617-8050 to schedule a free consultation.

Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers serving Englishtown, Newark, Jersey City, Monmouth & Middlesex Counties, and nearby areas of New Jersey Every year, thousands of motor vehicle accidents occur on New Jersey roads and highways. Regardless of whether it was caused by a distracted driver, an unsafe vehicle or an exhausted truck driver, an automobile accident can turn your life upside down. If you’ve been harmed in a motor vehicle accident in the areas of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties and nearby areas of New Jersey, the skilled lawyers at Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today online or at (732) 617-8050 to discuss your case for free. Common Auto Accidents in New Jersey Our experienced attorneys have almost 60 years of combined experience handling all types of motor vehicle accident cases, including: Car accidents Truck accident Motorcycle accidents Pedestrian accidents Proving negligence in these types of accidents can often be incredibly difficult and require a thorough investigation. Perhaps a defective auto part or improper maintenance contributed to the wreck. We never jump to conclusions or take a one-size-fits-all approach to our cases. We believe that the keys to success are rooted in hard-work and a customized approach to each client and claim. How Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC Can Help You In addition to the pain and trauma of a crash, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Insurers usually have a team of lawyers at their disposal, which makes getting your claim approved and obtaining fair compensation difficult. Our knowledgeable attorneys understand the ways insurance companies try to pay you as little as possible. We’ve handled motor vehicle accident cases for decades and we know how to get you the best outcome. There are a number of reasons why it’s in your best interest to contact Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC after your accident, including: Experience: Small details can make the difference between an insufficient settlement and maximum compensation. We know how to identify the key pieces of your case. Higher settlements: Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying it. They often try to settle for far less than the actual cost of medical expenses and lost wages. Whether in a courtroom or at a negotiating table, our attorneys are skilled at obtaining a full and fair settlement. Peace of mind: Serious injuries can take a significant toll on your quality of life. Adding the stress and confusion of a legal action to your list of concerns can be overwhelming. We can help reduce your worries by focusing on your case so you can focus on healing. Call Our New Jersey Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys Today If you or someone you love was hurt in a motor vehicle wreck, please contact us today by completing the form on this page or calling (732) 617-8050 to discuss your case for free with our experienced auto accident attorneys. We welcome clients from Monmouth and Middlesex counties, and nearby NJ areas. We work on a contingency basis, which means that we don’t get paid unless you do.

Your career is one of your most valuable assets. When coworkers and supervisors make it difficult to get or maintain your job, they put your ability to provide for yourself and your family at risk. At Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC, we understand how devastating it can be, both financially and emotionally, when you are discriminated against or harassed at work. We work tirelessly for our clients to pursue the justice you deserve. Call us today at 732-851-1478 for your free case evaluation. Understanding Your Employment Law Rights Although, in general, companies can hire and fire employees without the need to justify their decisions, under New Jersey and federal law, you do have specific rights when it comes to your employment. Those rights include: The right to work free from discrimination and harassment The right to work free from retaliation for reporting or filing a discrimination claim against your employer The right to a safe workplace The right to fair compensation The right to privacy When an employer violates your rights, you may have a legal claim to recover compensation for your losses. If you feel that your rights have been violated, it’s time to talk to an experienced attorney, who can help you understand all of your rights and help you determine the next steps to take. Hiring an Experienced Employment Lawyer When you have suffered a job loss or other adverse employment action because of some form of discrimination, you need a skilled and experienced lawyer on your side. At Shapiro & Sternlieb, our attorneys have more than six decades of combined experience representing clients in employment cases. We are passionate about helping our clients obtain the justice and compensation they deserve, and we have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Call Shapiro & Sternlieb Today If you need a skilled employment law attorney in New Jersey, contact Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC, today online or at 732-851-1478 to discuss your legal case for free. We represent clients throughout Newark, Jersey City, and the surrounding areas of New Jersey.