Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Workers' Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers in New Jersey
At The People First Lawyers, we have dedicated ourselves to advocating for injured individuals since 1995. Our firm combines decades of legal expertise with a client-centered approach, serving all of New Jersey from our offices in Mount Laurel and Hackensack. With multiple board-certified trial attorneys specializing in workers' compensation and civil trial law, we have secured millions in recoveries for clients facing workplace injuries, personal injury accidents, medical malpractice, and more. Our team litigation model ensures every case benefits from collective experience, while our commitment to communication, education, and innovation keeps clients informed throughout the process.Recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Board of Trial Advocacy, we fight aggressively to maximize compensation through settlements or courtroom victories. Our values emphasize compassion, determination, and transparency, ensuring clients receive both legal excellence and genuine care for their well-being.
Services
Workers' Compensation
Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Nursing Home Negligence
Premises Liability
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- Multiple board-certified attorneys in workers' compensation and civil trial law
- Client-centered approach with 24/7 communication and case updates
- 27 years of experience handling complex injury cases statewide
- Aggressive litigation strategy with contingency fee structure
- Recognized by Million Dollar Advocates Forum for million-dollar verdicts
Associations and certifications
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Supreme Court of New Jersey Board on Attorney Certification
What people say
Compassionate and attentive
25% larger settlement
Kept in the loop
Professional and patient
Genuine concern for well-being
Services
Workers' Compensation
We represent clients injured on the job, navigating New Jersey's workers' compensation system to secure medical treatment and disability benefits. Our board-certified attorneys challenge denied claims and disputed benefits while handling employer/insurer resistance. With 27 years of experience, we ensure clients receive full compensation for workplace injuries, including permanent disability awards and lifetime benefits for total disabilities.
Personal Injury
Our firm handles personal injury cases from motor vehicle accidents to medical malpractice, seeking compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Board-certified civil trial attorneys use expert witnesses and evidence to build strong cases, operating on contingency fees to ensure access to justice. We negotiate settlements or litigate when necessary to maximize client recoveries.
Medical Malpractice
We pursue claims against healthcare providers for diagnostic errors, surgical mistakes, and substandard care. Our team works with medical experts to prove negligence and secure compensation for additional treatment costs and pain suffering. With trial-ready attorneys, we ensure accountability in complex medical cases.
Nursing Home Negligence
Our attorneys investigate and litigate cases involving elder neglect, falls, medication errors, and inadequate care in nursing facilities. We hold facilities accountable for preventable injuries while securing compensation for victims' medical needs and emotional distress through thorough case preparation.
Premises Liability
We represent clients injured from slip-and-falls, inadequate security, and other property hazards. Our firm proves property owner negligence to recover medical costs and lost income, using accident reconstruction experts when necessary to establish liability for unsafe conditions.
People
Adam Kotlar
Partner
Board-certified workers' compensation attorney with 27 years of experience, recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Specializes in complex workplace injury cases and serves as a National Board of Trial Advocacy-certified civil trial lawyer.
Jos Hernandez
Partner
Board-certified trial attorney focusing on workers' compensation and personal injury litigation. Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum with extensive experience handling high-stakes injury claims across New Jersey.
Justin Cohen
Partner
Experienced litigator specializing in workers' compensation claims and personal injury cases. Provides strategic legal representation while maintaining the firm's commitment to client-centered advocacy.
Sherry Cohen
Personal Injury Paralegal
Senior paralegal with extensive experience managing personal injury case documentation and client communication, ensuring efficient case progression through all legal stages.
Heather Quarry
Director of Finance
Certified Public Accountant overseeing financial operations while ensuring transparent billing practices. Provides financial expertise to support the firm's contingency fee structure and client-focused business model.
Questions
Do I need a lawyer for workers' compensation claims?
Yes. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. Our board-certified attorneys ensure fair benefits for workplace injuries.
What if my employer disputes my workers' comp claim?
We provide aggressive representation, challenging employer/insurer tactics using our experience with defense strategies.
How are personal injury case values determined?
Case value depends on medical costs, lost wages, and injury severity. Consultation required for accurate assessment.
Do pre-existing conditions affect personal injury claims?
Not necessarily. We focus on damages caused by the incident, not pre-existing issues.
What payment options exist for legal services?
Contingency fees only - 1/3 of recovery amount, with no upfront costs.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim?
Two years from last benefit date or discovery of work-related illness.
