The State of New Jersey may be sued for a variety of reasons. Many government agencies interact heavily with citizens on a daily basis. In light of these daily interactions, it should come as no surprise that the government of New Jersey is sued every once in a while for causing injuries to innocent citizens. The possibilities are endless. Police brutality lawsuits may be filed against local departments throughout the Garden State. Transit buses may be sued after commuters suffer injuries in accidents. People may slip and fall in government buildings due to wet floors or icy sidewalks. These lawsuits can cost the state a significant amount of money, and according to a new report, the total cost was close to $200 million.
If you have been harmed by a government agency in New Jersey, your best bet is to get in touch with a personal injury attorney at your earliest convenience. There are unique challenges associated with filing injury lawsuits against government agencies, and there may be additional administrative steps that can pose issues. All of these hurdles can be overcome with guidance and assistance from your attorney. These legal professionals can help you strive for the best possible results – which usually involves a considerable financial settlement. You can use this settlement to pay for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and any other damages you might have suffered due to your accident.
New Jersey Pays Three Times More Settlements Compared to 2020
The $196-million price tag is significant because it represents a more than threefold increase in settlement payouts compared to 2020. It is also the most expensive year for lawsuits in at least a decade, according to the New Jersey Monitor. It is not exactly clear why so many settlements were handed out within such a short amount of time, although the data can show us exactly who these payments went to – and why.
The Majority of the Settlement Money Went to Big Corporations
However, it is important to note that this large sum does not necessarily mean that average citizens were receiving more settlement cash than usual. In fact, the entities that received the largest settlements were two big corporations. These two recipients were given the majority of that $196 million sum. Johnson & Johnson received $68.4 million, while Verizon received $47 million. These lawsuits were filed over tax disputes, and they had nothing to do with people getting injured. In addition, Queen Latifah received almost $500,000 in a separate tax lawsuit.
Public Transit Crashes Caused the Costliest Injury Settlements
In 2021, many of the state’s costliest settlements involved transit crashes. A total of $12.6 million were paid to six individuals who were injured in the infamous 2016 Hoboken Terminal train crash. A total of 110 people were injured in that incident, which was apparently caused by a combination of the engineer’s sleep apnea and non-existent speed-control systems.
Another notable settlement was worth $7.4 million, and this was paid to three plaintiffs injured after an empty New Jersey transit bus barreled through a red light and struck another bus in 2016. Two people were killed in this incident, while a further 12 people were injured.
One man from Delaware received $5 million after a state employee ran a stop sign and struck his car in Carneys point. $2 million was given to a pedestrian who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being hit by a transit bus in Irvington. $1.6 million went towards a family whose 10-year-old was killed after being struck by a transit bus in Bergenfield. $1.35 million was awarded to the family of a pedestrian who was struck and killed by a Pleasantville transit bus in 2015.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. Over the years, we have assisted numerous injured plaintiffs in the Garden State as they pursue fair compensation. Whether you were injured by a private company, another citizen, or a government agency, you always deserve the option to pursue legal action. The good news is that we can guide you towards the best possible outcome, allowing you to pay for your medical expenses, missed wages, and any other damages you might have incurred. Remember, the statute of limitations can prevent you from suing if you wait too long – so book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
