About Law Offices of Montell Figgins, LLC — Personal Injury Newark New Jersey
The Law Offices of Montell Figgins, LLC brings courtroom strength to personal injury Newark matters across Essex County, pairing injury representation with criminal defense and family law experience. Attorney Figgins is known in the Newark legal community for being prepared at every stage — a quality that matters in injury claims because insurers adjust their settlement posture when they know an attorney is willing and ready to try a case. The firm reviews the medical and financial impact of each claim before advising on strategy, and it represents clients across a range of negligence and accident situations. Injured Essex County residents can reach the Newark office for an assessment of their claim.
What Clients Say
Clients of the Law Offices of Montell Figgins point to courtroom confidence as the quality that stands out. Reviewers say the attorney did not shy away from confrontation with insurance adjusters, and that the preparation going into negotiations was evident. Several also mention an attorney who speaks plainly — legal concepts explained without jargon, in terms that made clients feel like participants in their case rather than bystanders to it.
personal injury Newark — Practice Areas & Services
- Car and motor vehicle accident claims in the Newark area
- Slip-and-fall and premises liability cases across Essex County
- Wrongful death claims for families affected by negligence
- Coordinated counsel when injury and criminal issues overlap
- Clear guidance on New Jersey’s injury claim rules
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wrongful death claim in New Jersey, and who can file one?
New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq.) allows the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate to file a civil lawsuit when death was caused by another party’s negligence. Recoverable damages include the financial contributions the deceased would have made to surviving family members — wages, household services, guidance — as well as funeral expenses. A separate Survivor Act claim (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-3) recovers the deceased person’s own pre-death pain and suffering. Essex County wrongful death suits must be filed within two years of the date of death, which means families should consult an attorney quickly while evidence is still available.
How do New Jersey courts calculate pain and suffering in a personal injury case?
There is no fixed formula. Essex County juries consider the nature and duration of the injury, the extent to which it has disrupted the plaintiff’s daily life, the medical treatment required, and any permanent limitations. Attorneys typically present this through the plaintiff’s own testimony, treating physician records, and sometimes vocational or life-care expert testimony. The defense counters with independent medical examiners. The clearest predictor of a strong pain-and-suffering award is well-documented, consistent medical treatment — gaps in care are the first thing defense counsel highlights.
Can I sue Essex County or the City of Newark if a road defect caused my accident?
Yes, but government entity claims are governed by the New Jersey Tort Claims Act (N.J.S.A. 59:1-1 et seq.), which imposes strict procedural requirements. You must file a written Notice of Tort Claim with the public entity within 90 days of the accident — missing this deadline typically bars the claim entirely. The notice must describe the accident, the location, the nature of the injury, and the damages sought. Government liability for road defects also requires showing that the public entity had actual or constructive notice of the hazardous condition and failed to fix it. These claims are defensible, but the procedural traps mean early attorney involvement is essential.
Quick Facts: Personal Injury in Newark, New Jersey
- Essex County road deaths (2024): 13 traffic fatalities recorded — NJ State Police
- Statewide toll: New Jersey logged 485 road deaths through Sept. 30, 2024, up 14.4% year over year — NJ State Police
- Contingency fee cap: NJ Court Rule 1:21-7 limits fees to 33.33% of the first $500,000 recovered — New Jersey Courts



