BLOGS AND PRESS RELEASES

MICHAEL J. GAFFNEY, ESQUIRE OF RADANO & LIDE RECEIVES

THE 2022 PROFESSIONAL LAWYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Radano & Lide is delighted to announce that Partner, Michael J. Gaffney, Esquire received the 2022 Professional Lawyer of the Year Award for Cumberland County. The Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards are presented to lawyers who are respected by colleagues for their character, competence and exemplary professional behavior. Mr. Gaffney is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, the Chair of the Cumberland County Arbitration Selection Committee, a Member (and former Chair) of the Cumberland County Civil Practice Committee, a Member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, a Member of the New Jersey Association of Justice and an active Trial attorney with a recent Cumberland County Verdict of $565,000.00. Mr. Gaffney has practiced in Cumberland County for over 26 years.

2022 Trip & Fall Verdict $564,792

We are pleased to be able to report that a Radano & Lide client recently received a Jury Verdict in Cumberland County Superior Court in the amount of $564,792.19 for a trip and fall occurring on a rental property. The Plaintiff, a 25 year old tenant with three kids, had reported the dangerous condition of the deck to the landlord, but he did not timely repair it. The Plaintiff tripped on her way into the home and fell on her left knee, sustaining a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and an Osteochondral Defect, requiring an Arthroscopic Surgery performed by Premier Orthopedics. Dr. Richard DiVerniero testified on behalf of the Plaintiff, saying that the injuries were caused by the fall and were permanent in nature. The Trial took three days. The Jury made the decision in less than an hour, awarding the Plaintiff $500,000.00 in pain, suffering, disability, impairment and loss of enjoyment of life, and $64,792.19 in medical bills. The Plaintiff also has an additional claim for Offer of Judgment.

Blogs And Press Releases

By Nicholas G. Radano 07 Jan, 2024
You presented your Personal Injury matter to an attorney you retained, and they successfully obtained settlement monies on your behalf. That’s great! What happens now? At Radano & Lide, our staff investigates your outstanding medical bills to give you one less thing to worry about, and we disburse payments for only the bills rightfully owed by you that haven’t been covered by your insurance (such as co-pays and deductibles). This process can take up to 6 weeks or more, depending on the complexities involved in your case. In the meantime, your settlement proceeds are deposited into a Trust Account, which is a special type of bank account regulated by the government to ensure safe and appropriate handling of your money. While we work to disburse your funds as quickly as possible, we thought we’d take time to answer some commonly asked questions we get during this time! You Haven’t Received “Final Lien” from Medicare/Medicaid- Why Can’t I Have My Money? We understand that it can be very frustrating to have the delayed disbursement of your settlement proceeds! If you have or had Medicare or Medicaid, we are required, by law, to assess if they paid for any of your injury-related treatment. Such payments are considered “lienable”, and are required to be paid back out of judgment or settlement. Final Liens can take a minimum of 30 days to be reported to your attorney. Do I Have To Pay Taxes on My Settlement? No. The State of New Jersey has declared that compensatory damages received concerning injury or illness are not taxable. What Happens to My Settlement If I Owe Child Support? The State of New Jersey has deemed that “Any money that the non-custodial parent may be entitled to as part of a court-awarded lawsuit or settlement may be applied to past-due child support payments.” Click here to visit the New Jersey Child Support Website. I Moved Away, and Can’t Come to the Firm To Pick Up My Check. What Happens Now? If you moved away during your case, don't worry! At Radano & Lide, your legal team with coordinate with you to deliver your settlement funds. While we are not able to provide direct deposit, we are happy to mail you your check. The Case Was for my Child (under 18 y/o). Where Do The Settlement Proceeds Go? If your child is under the age of 18 at the time of settlement there are a few different things that need to happen. The first is that your attorney would schedule a Friendly Hearing before a judge, who will memorialize the exact terms of the settlement. Then an account will be opened for the minor at your county Surrogate's Office. The money will be safely deposited in that account and may be retried by the minor when they turn 18 years old. The Proceeds Awards are for A Deceased Party. What Happens Now? Typically, settlement proceeds or court-awarded monies go to the person who is set to inherit. If the deceased party is married, the settlement funds will go to the surviving spouse. If there is no one in line to inherit on behalf of the deceased party, the money gets sent to The Office of the Public Guardian for appropriate security and handling. We understand that you may have several questions about the details of your settlement, and we are here to help! Feel free to call us to get clarity on any and all aspects of your case with Radano & Lide. Make An Appointment Today Hours of Operation Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday: Appointments via Text (RLINJURY to 81500) Call 856-691-2500 Email admin@rlinjury.com Text “RLINJURY” to 81500
By Nicholas G. Radano 24 Dec, 2023
Personal Injury Attorneys specialize in a sector of law known as “tort”, which involves an action resulting in harm or injury which may then be addressed in civil litigation. Some examples of these actions include: Motor Vehicle Accidents Premises Liability Slips and Falls Product Liability Dog Bites Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Motor Vehicle Accidents Motor vehicle accidents are classified by a multitude of factors. First, you want to assess the types of vehicles involved (car, truck, motorcycle, etc.), the insurance coverages of both parties, and the type and severity of the injuries suffered. You may have a claim whether you were the driver, passenger, or pedestrian who suffered injury due to another’s negligence. Premises Liability A Premises Liability case arises out of injuries that have been caused by negligence or a dangerous environment at a private residence or commercial property/business. Again, you want to assess the insurance involved and the type and severity of injuries suffered. Slips and Falls Slip and Fall accidents may occur under the category of Premises Liability, but may also occur in public spaces where the city or state government may be liable for your injuries. Product Liability A manufacturer or business that allows you to access a defective product is liable for injuries that may occur out of the ownership or use of the product. All product sellers in the distribution chain are responsible for any product defect that causes injury. The law requires that a product meet the ordinary expectations of an average consumer. The product cannot meet the ordinary expectations of a consumer if said product has an unexpected defect or danger. Dog Bites Dog Bites are very frightening, and a victim can suffer severe, devastating injuries, which they may have to deal with for the remainder of their life. Most state laws hold any dog owner legally accountable for any and all damages caused by a dog bite or animal attack. The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. Medical Malpractice Once a medical error is made it cannot be undone. You must be able to show that the medical error caused you bodily harm. Delays in diagnosis (stroke, heart attack, appendicitis, deep vein thrombosis), improperly placed prosthesis, or overdose causing death are all examples of injuries or damage that are actionable. Wrongful Death If you suspect your loved one or relative was a victim of negligent actions resulting in wrongful death you may have a claim. If you are an immediate family member of the departed, financially dependent on the deceased, or in some cases, a distant family member, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Regardless of the type of claim, a Personal Injury (PI) Attorney will navigate the nuance of the legal system specific to your accident and injuries, and fight to get you the best outcome and compensation. Their job as experts in the field is to gather and evaluate the evidence, consisting of records of your injuries and treatment, present that to the insurance and or legal counsel representing the responsible party, and negotiate equitable settlement on your behalf. Make An Appointment Today Hours of Operation Monday - Friday : 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday: Appointments via Text (RLINJURY to 81500) Call 856-691-2500 Email admin@rlinjury.com Text “RLINJURY” to 81500
By Nicholas G. Radano 17 Dec, 2023
It’s that time of year again! The summer swelters and the crisp fall breezes have been replaced by Winter Wonderland. The beautiful blankets of snow that we see on occasion truly evoke a sense of joy and wonder, and it is certainly possible to enjoy the wonders of the season while traversing in such a way as to decrease the likelihood of incident and injury. Keep reading to learn some expert tips and tricks for traveling during the winter season! Time to Stock Up While you are stocking up on holiday supplies for your home, it is wise to consider a few items to have handy in the car, in case an adverse weather event leaves you in less than favorable conditions to get to your destination. You may want to consider storing emergency supplies such as a heated blanket, flashlight, first aid kit, hand/foot warmers, a reflective vest, and a small shovel, in case precarious road conditions leave you unable to proceed on your route. This is also a good time to get a tire repair kit. If you already have one, don’t forget to check the kit’s expiration date, to ensure it’s in optimal working order! Prepare for the Drive When you are ready to head, briefly give your car a once over: -Are the car and/or headlights covered in snow? -Are your windshield wipers in good condition, or are they damaged? -Is there sufficient windshield washer fluid (with antifrost and/or de-icer) -Is your gas tank full or is it running on empty? Assessing these items may seem tedious, but can make a difference to your comfort and safety while traveling in wintery conditions. Assessing for Dangers While you are out on the road it is imperative to maintain your focus and concentration on the road. In addition to the normal hazards we face while operating a car, truck, SUV, or even motorcycle, snowy conditions may result in decreased visibility and even black ice formation. Staying alert and decreasing your speed will help to decrease the likelihood of you being involved in an accident. Know Your Limits (and Local Rules) If the roads are unclear and you don’t feel safe traveling, staying home is well worth considering. In the event that you are a seasoned driver who isn’t deterred by poor weather conditions (kudos to you!), it is always wise to be mindful of the rules and regulations in your area. Look for local news postings such as “State of Emergency”, which prohibits non-essential travel. Knowing your limits, preparing, and being on alert for unforeseen emergencies may help prevent yourself and others from becoming involved in a motor vehicle accident. Make An Appointment Today Hours of Operation Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday: Appointments via Text (RLINJURY to 81500) Call 856-691-2500 Email admin@rlinjury.com Text “RLINJURY” to 81500
By Nicholas G. Radano 17 Dec, 2023
Radano & Lide is proud to announce that partnering attorney, Michael J. Gaffney, Esquire, was selected by the New Jersey Bar Association: New Jersey Commission on Professionalism (NJSBA) for the 2023 Professional Lawyer of the Year Award for his impeccably high ethical standards, legal astuteness, and service to his community. Mr. Gaffney was also honored with this award in 2022. The NJSBA annually selects a limited number of attorneys who demonstrate the utmost ethical behavior, support of their colleagues, and support in their communities. We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Gaffney on a job well done, and well-deserved award. To learn more about Michael J. Gaffney, please click here . To see a complete list of award recipients, please click here . Make An Appointment Today Hours of Operation Monday - Friday : 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday: Appointments via Text (RLINJURY to 81500) Call 856-691-2500 Email admin@rlinjury.com Text “RLINJURY” to 81500
By Nicholas G. Radano 29 Oct, 2023
In 1983, The Radano Law Firm was founded by Nicholas G. Radano, in an effort to serve his community. Shortly after, in 1985, Mr. Radano established a partnership with Mr. Melville D. Lide, the goal being to create a law firm that would expertly handle its client’s legal needs, while breaking the stereotypical barrier where clients are at arm's length throughout the process. This ideology was especially important to Founding and Managing Partner, Mr. Radano who, since he was a boy, always felt the need to defend those who could not defend themselves, even arguing with his school teacher when he felt that he or other friends were being treated unfairly. Mr. Radano has been practicing law since 1977. In his 45+ years of experience, he has passionately represented several thousands of clients with a variety of personal injury claims such as: Automobile Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, Motorcycle Accidents, Hit and Run Accidents, Slip and Falls, Trucking Accidents, Dog Bites, and Defective Products Incidents. His expertise in handling personal injury matters in New Jersey and Pennsylvania has resulted in significant settlements for his clients, such as $3,000,000.00 for a Trucking Accident Recovery, $2,300,000.00 for Wrongful Death as a Result of an Automobile Accident and $1,400,000.00 million for Brain Injury Sustained in a Bicycle Accident. Mr. Radano currently maintains his license to practice in both the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Mr. Melville D. Lide has been practicing law since 1980 and was admitted by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to practice before the Courts of the State of New Jersey and to practice before the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Mr. Lide has successfully argued hundreds of motions and has also successfully briefed and argued matters before the Appellate Division and the Supreme Court of New Jersey. He has over 43 years of practicing law and provides a wealth of knowledge to the cases handled at Radano & Lide. Since its founding in 1984, the Radano & Lide team has grown, and now includes three partners: Mr. Nicholas G. Radano, Mr. Melville D. Lide, and Mr. Michael J. Gaffney. Together, they have over 100 years of combined legal experience. Radano & Lide has also employed two additional associate attorneys; Paul V. Orecchia, Esquire, and Kelly A. Dougherty, Esquire. Michael J. Gaffney has been a firm partner with Radano & Lids since 1996 and is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney who has logged hundreds of hours of jury trial experience. His dedication, high ethical standards, and exceptional service to his community have awarded him recognition as Professional Lawyer of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Paul V. Orecchia is a senior trial attorney and has over 25 years of legal experience, including personal injury trials. Prior to joining the Radano & Lide firm, Mr. Orecchia practiced in areas of law such as Civil, Corporate, Business, and Estate litigation. Kelly A. Dougherty graduated from Rutgers School of Law in 2012 with her Juris Doctorate. She was also accepted into the Journal of Law and Public Policy, where her work was chosen for publication. Radano & Lide, Attorneys at Law offer free consultations for all individuals who have suffered personal injuries due to the fault of another party or person. Our contingency policy means that our clients don’t pay us until the attorney wins the case. We want our clients to focus on recovering from their injuries, while we handle the complexities of the legal matter at hand. Services are provided in both English and Spanish. At Radano and Lide, we are dedicated to providing our clients with exemplary service and unparalleled success. We are a group of individuals committed to the goal of creating a favorable and memorable experience for our clients at a difficult time in their lives. We work tirelessly and fearlessly for our clients to ensure the maximum compensation is reached for their injuries. Make An Appointment Today Hours of Operation Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday: Appointments via Text (RLINJURY to 81500) Call 856-691-2500 Email admin@rlinjury.com Text “RLINJURY” to 81500
By Nicholas G. Radano 22 Oct, 2023
Fall, or Autumn, is a favorite time of year among many New Jersey residents. It signals the start of excursions to pumpkin patches, hauling out the cozy sweaters, and lots of outdoor walks that don’t end in a sweat bath. For all of the wonders of the Fall season, it’s also important to remind ourselves to be cautious as the change of weather can bring about potentially hazardous conditions, such as wet fallen leaves. Autumn leaves are a beautiful indicator of the change of season, but left unattended can produce an unsafe traversal environment for you and your loved ones. Walking over wet leaves is known to increase your chances of having a Slip and Fall Accident. While a Slip and Fall may sound like an inconsequential event, they have caused serious injuries such as: Head Injuries, Broken Bones, Lacerations, and Back Injuries (just to name a few). As such, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas of unsure footing. It is also important to ensure that you maintain your private residence or business in the face of these seasonal environmental changes. A Slip and Fall accident occurring on your premises falls under a section of New Jersey Law known as Premises Liability. Under this law, the responsible party (homeowner, business owner/management) has a duty to reasonably ensure the area is safe for others. This includes clearing tripping and/or falling hazards like debris, uneven walkways, and even fallen leaves! If you have fallen and become injured as a result of fallen leaves (or other hazardous debris), here are some things you may want to take note of: Where did this happen? Residential Property Who owns it? Business City Property Your Relationship with the Property Owner Take Photos of the Area Take Photos of Injuries Premises Liability cases make up a large portion of New Jersey Personal Injury cases every year, and it is advisable to find an attorney who specializes in this area to help you build your case. Radano and Lide have represented people like you for serious injuries since 1984, with over $22,000,000.00 recovered for our clients in the year 2023 alone. Call, email, or text us to schedule your consultation today. Make An Appointment Today Hours of Operation Monday - Friday : 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday: Appointments via Text (RLINJURY to 81500) Call 856-691-2500 Email admin@rlinjury.com Text “RLINJURY” to 81500
By Nicholas G. Radano 22 Oct, 2023
Are you ready to welcome your community Trick-or-Treaters this year?! This year, Halloween falls on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. We recommend searching for the official Trick-or-Treat times in your area, as they may vary from county to county. In the meantime, while you are preparing your spookiest of home decor, we’d also like to prepare you with some safety tips! We may wish to ignore this fact, but the unfortunate truth is that children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween as opposed to any other time of the year. As such, it is imperative that we create the safest environment possible so that everyone may have the best experience while reducing the likelihood of serious personal injuries. Halloween typically brings about an increase in residential foot traffic, particularly those with teeny-tiny feet! Please remember to be extra vigilant in your travels in cars or on bikes on (and around) October 31st, as it is more difficult to spot those not at eye level. Turning on your vehicle lights a little earlier than usual may help increase your awareness of those traveling by foot! Trick-or-Treat commonly falls between the hours of 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM, so being conscious of the time may help you as well. If you have little ones participating in the festivities, here are some additional safety tips! Children learn by example, and this may be a great opportunity to show them how to safely cross a roadway. Take their hand and lead by example: try to find a designated crosswalk, and look both ways (twice) before proceeding. As an additional measure to increase your visibility to others,you may want to adorn yourself with a reflective material or patch, or even a glowstick (or 10, but who’s counting!). You may also want to consider costumes that don’t involve masks, as they can reduce your own visibility, or that of your child. In the event that you or your child become injured during Trick-or-Treat, we recommend getting checked by a medical professional as soon as possible, and calling Radano & Lide for a free legal consultation. Radano & Lide has experience representing both adult and minor clients for serious personal injuries, and we are determined to help you through this difficult process with the least amount of frustration as possible. Make An Appointment Today Hours of Operation Monday - Friday : 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday: Appointments via Text (RLINJURY to 81500) Call 856-691-2500 Email admin@rlinjury.com Text “RLINJURY” to 81500
02 Mar, 2023
17 Jun, 2021
Purchasing auto insurance can be a confusing and frustrating experience. However, since 1983 at Radano & Lide, we have been educating and assisting our clients on the type of auto insurance that best fits their individual needs and ensures that their rights under their automobile insurance are appropriately protected. When you are getting ready to compare and purchase Auto Insurance, make sure you organize yourself before calling and have the following information: 1. Driver's license 2. Details about your car. For example, vehicle ID, make, model, safety features, 3. current odometer reading, and an estimate of how many miles you drive in a year, 4. Determine the number of drivers covered under the plan and their driving history; 5. and, 6. Have a copy of your current Auto Insurance Declaration Sheet to compare when 7. speaking with an Auto Insurance Agent Below you will find some of the types of auto insurance coverages and what it covers: • Bodily Injury covers injuries and/or death caused by you. • Property damage covers property damages caused by you. • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage covers medical and property damage • costs after an accident with a driver who has insufficient insurance or no insurance • at all. • Collision is coverage for repair expenses in an automobile accident regardless of • who is at fault. • Comprehensive coverage is for those accidents that are beyond your control—for • example, weather, vandalism, and hitting an animal. • Medical coverage is for medical expenses for you and any passengers after an • accident regardless of fault. • Personal injury protection insurance covers medical expenses, as well as lost • wages regardless of fault. Choose auto insurance that best fits your lifestyle and needs. Remember that NJ is one of the most densely populated states, and the likelihood of you getting in an automobile accident is much greater than if you were living in Vermont. We recommend getting quotes from at least three different auto insurance companies before making your final decision. One of the benefits of being a Radano & Lide client is that we take pride in educating and helping our clients purchase the right auto insurance for their specific needs. To learn more about how the offices of Radano & Lide can help you, visit us at www.radanoandlidenj.com or TEXT RLINJURY to 85100 for VIP Legal Services or call us at 856-691-2500 . We look forward to assisting you!
Dog Bite — Northfield, NJ — Radano & Lide
By Admin 02 Sep, 2020
Dog bites almost always lead to serious injuries. New Jersey has specific laws in place to address animal bite injuries. Read this article to learn more.
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