New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney — Essex & Warren County
When someone else's negligence changes your life, you deserve an attorney who will fight for everything you are owed. Sean Branigan is a trial lawyer threat — insurance companies know he prepares every case for trial, which is exactly what forces fair settlements.
No fee unless you win. Contingency basis only. Available in English and Spanish.
10,000+
Matters Handled
20+
Years Experience
24/7
Free Consultation
3×
Top Lawyer in North America
Why Sean Branigan
The Insurance Companies Know His Name. That Is the Point.
Insurance companies have one goal: pay as little as possible, as slowly as possible. They have teams of adjusters, defense attorneys, and investigators whose entire job is to minimize your recovery. The only thing that changes that calculation is an attorney they are afraid to face at trial.
Sean Branigan is that attorney. He has been selected as a Top Lawyer in North America three times — an exclusive designation earned by fewer than 1% of attorneys. He has earned Super Lawyers Rising Stars honors three consecutive years. He has been featured in the Star-Ledger. He has handled over 10,000 matters across 20+ years.
But the most important thing about Sean is not his credentials. It is his approach. He prepares every personal injury case as if it is going to trial — because that preparation is what forces insurance companies to offer what the case is actually worth. When they do not, he takes it to trial.
He is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a free consultation. He handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — no fee unless you win. He is bilingual in English and Spanish. And he is based in Essex County — the heart of the communities he serves.
Free Consultation: 973.519.3332Trial Lawyer Threat
Insurance companies know Sean prepares every case for trial. That reputation is your leverage — it is what forces fair settlements without having to go to court.
Both Sides Experience
Sean has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury matters. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate cases — and how to counter their strategies.
24/7 Availability
Accidents do not happen on a schedule. Sean is available around the clock for a free consultation — nights, weekends, and holidays.
No Fee Unless You Win
Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. Sean only gets paid when you recover.
Recognized Excellence
Top Lawyer in North America (3×), Super Lawyers Rising Stars (3×), NJ Monthly Top Lawyer. The recognition reflects the results.
Bilingual: English & Spanish
Sean serves New Jersey's diverse communities in both English and Spanish — ensuring every client can communicate fully and confidently.
What Sean Handles
Every Type of Personal Injury Case in New Jersey — Handled with Precision.
Car & Truck Accidents
Rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, commercial truck accidents, rideshare accidents (Uber/Lyft), hit-and-run. Essex County Route 280, Route 46, I-78, Garden State Parkway — Sean knows every corridor where New Jersey drivers get hurt.
Slip & Fall / Premises Liability
Wet floors, broken stairs, inadequate lighting, icy parking lots, negligent security. Property owners in New Jersey have a duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail, Sean holds them accountable — from Montclair to Morristown to Jersey City.
Workplace & Construction Accidents
Falls from scaffolding, equipment failures, electrical accidents, trench collapses. New Jersey construction workers have rights beyond workers' compensation — third-party liability claims against property owners, general contractors, and equipment manufacturers.
Wrongful Death
When negligence takes a life, the surviving family has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Sean handles these cases with the gravity, compassion, and ferocity they deserve — fighting for the full measure of damages the family is owed.
Catastrophic & Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI, spinal cord injuries, amputations, severe burns, paralysis. These cases require an attorney who understands the full scope of damages — past medical expenses, future care costs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life.
Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
New Jersey has strict liability for dog bites — the owner is liable regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression. Sean pursues these claims aggressively, including against homeowners' insurance policies.
Medical Malpractice
Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors, birth injuries, anesthesia mistakes. Medical malpractice cases require an attorney with the resources and experience to take on hospitals and insurance companies. Sean has both.
Product Liability
Defective vehicles, dangerous medications, faulty equipment, unsafe consumer products. Product liability claims can involve multiple defendants — manufacturers, distributors, retailers. Sean builds these cases with the precision they require.
Immediately After an Accident
The Steps You Take in the First 24 Hours Determine Your Recovery.
Insurance companies begin building their defense the moment an accident is reported. The evidence you preserve — or fail to preserve — in the first 24 hours can make or break your case. Here is exactly what to do.
Call 911
Get police and emergency services on the scene. A police report is critical evidence. Do not leave the scene without one.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain. Many serious injuries — including traumatic brain injuries and internal injuries — do not present symptoms immediately. A gap in medical treatment is the insurance company's best argument.
Document Everything
Photos of the scene, the vehicles, your injuries, the road conditions, any signage. Video if possible. Get the names and contact information of every witness.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
The insurance company will call quickly and ask for a recorded statement. Do not give one without first speaking to an attorney. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim.
Call Sean — 24/7
The sooner an attorney is involved, the more evidence can be preserved and the stronger your case will be. Sean is available around the clock: 973.519.3332.
The Case Process
From the First Call to the Final Recovery — Sean Manages Every Step.
Free Consultation
Sean reviews the facts of your case, assesses liability and damages, and gives you an honest assessment of your options — at no charge, with no obligation.
Investigation & Evidence Preservation
Sean's team investigates the accident, preserves evidence, retains experts, and builds the strongest possible case before the first demand letter is sent.
Medical Treatment & Documentation
Sean works with your medical providers to ensure your injuries are fully documented — including future care needs that will be part of your damages claim.
Demand & Negotiation
Sean sends a comprehensive demand package to the insurance company and negotiates aggressively for a settlement that reflects the full value of your case.
Litigation (If Necessary)
If the insurance company does not offer what the case is worth, Sean files suit and takes the case to trial. His trial lawyer reputation is your leverage throughout the process.
Recovery
When the case resolves — through settlement or verdict — Sean ensures you receive the full recovery you are owed, as quickly as possible.
Service Area
Personal Injury Attorney Serving All of New Jersey — With Deep Roots in Essex & Warren Counties.
Essex County
Newark, Montclair, Bloomfield, Belleville, Nutley, Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, South Orange, East Orange, Irvington, West Orange, Glen Ridge, Caldwell, Verona
Warren County
Phillipsburg, Washington, Hackettstown, Belvidere, Oxford, Blairstown, Hope, Allamuchy, Lopatcong, Pohatcong, White Township, Harmony Township
Morris County
Morristown, Madison, Chatham, Florham Park, Parsippany, Rockaway, Dover, Denville, Randolph, Mount Olive, Boonton, Butler
Hudson County
Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City, West New York, North Bergen, Bayonne, Kearny, Harrison, Secaucus, Weehawken
Sussex County
Newton, Sparta, Vernon, Hopatcong, Byram, Hardyston, Wantage, Frankford, Hamburg, Ogdensburg
Hunterdon County
Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Frenchtown, Milford, High Bridge, Califon, Glen Gardner, Hampton, Raritan Township
Ocean County
Toms River, Brick, Lakewood, Jackson, Barnegat, Stafford, Berkeley, Lacey, Manchester, Plumsted, Little Egg Harbor
Not listed? Call anyway. Sean handles personal injury cases throughout New Jersey and will travel to meet you. 973.519.3332 — available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Injury Law in New Jersey — The Questions Sean Hears Most.
How much does it cost to hire Sean Branigan for a personal injury case?
Nothing upfront. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis — Sean does not get paid unless you recover. His fee is a percentage of the recovery. There is no financial barrier to pursuing your claim, and his interests are perfectly aligned with yours: the better the outcome, the better for both of you. Call 24/7 for a free consultation: 973.519.3332.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is generally two years from the date of the injury. For claims against government entities (a municipality, the state, NJ Transit), the deadline is much shorter — 90 days for a notice of claim. Do not wait. Call Sean immediately after an accident to preserve your rights.
What is my personal injury case worth?
Every case is different. Damages can include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages (past and future), pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and — in cases involving egregious conduct — punitive damages. Sean will give you an honest, specific assessment of the full value of your claim during your free consultation.
Should I accept the insurance company's settlement offer?
Almost never accept the first offer. Insurance companies' initial offers are designed to close cases quickly and cheaply — before you know the full extent of your injuries or the full value of your claim. Sean evaluates every offer against the full value of the case and does not recommend acceptance until the offer reflects what the case is actually worth.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
New Jersey follows the modified comparative negligence rule. If you are partially at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover. Sean builds cases that minimize the plaintiff's comparative fault — and maximizes the recovery.
What should I do immediately after an accident in New Jersey?
Call 911. Get medical attention immediately — even if you feel fine. Document the scene with photos. Get the names and contact information of witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Then call Sean: 973.519.3332. Available 24/7.
How long does a personal injury case take in New Jersey?
It depends on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Many cases settle within 12-18 months. Complex cases — catastrophic injuries, disputed liability, multiple defendants — can take longer. Sean moves cases efficiently and does not let them sit. He will give you a realistic timeline during your free consultation.
What makes Sean Branigan different from other personal injury attorneys in New Jersey?
Sean is a trial lawyer threat. Insurance companies and defense attorneys know he prepares every case as if it is going to trial — because that preparation is what forces fair settlements. He has handled over 10,000 matters across 20+ years. He has been selected as a Top Lawyer in North America three times. He is available 24/7. And he does not take cases he does not believe in.
Does Sean handle personal injury cases in Essex County specifically?
Yes. Essex County is Sean's home base. He knows the courts, the judges, the defense firms, and the insurance companies that operate in Essex County. He has handled cases in Newark, Montclair, Bloomfield, Belleville, Nutley, Livingston, Millburn, Maplewood, South Orange, East Orange, Irvington, West Orange, and every other Essex County municipality.
Does Sean handle personal injury cases in Warren County?
Yes. Sean serves Warren County clients throughout Phillipsburg, Washington, Hackettstown, Belvidere, Oxford, and every other Warren County municipality. He is available 24/7 for a free consultation regardless of where in New Jersey you are located.
Free Consultation — 24/7
You Were Hurt. You Deserve to Be Made Whole.
No fee unless you win. No obligation. No charge for the consultation. Just an honest assessment of your case from an attorney who has handled over 10,000 matters and who is available right now.
Available in English and Spanish. Serving Essex County, Warren County, Morris County, Hudson County, Ocean County, Sussex County, and Hunterdon County.