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Verdicts & Settlements

Verdicts & Settlements at Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy

Serving clients throughout New Jersey since 1950

Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC was founded in 1950 by a Harvard Law School graduate. The firm focuses exclusively on injury recovery. Our law firm has offices in Elmwood Park, Bridgewater, Hackensack, Morristown, and Roseland and our lawyers represent clients in personal injury and workers compensation cases throughout New Jersey. We can help you in as timely a manner as possible.

Effective representation from experienced attorneys

In 2022, a year in which New Jersey courts were basically closed for trials, our firm still settled almost 100 cases for in excess of 8 million dollars.

*Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Some of our Verdicts/Settlements in the last several years:

Motorcycle Accident — $1,700,000.00
In the Spring of 2017, Phil Wiskow settled his 60 year old client’s motorcycle accident case for $1,700,000.00. Frankly, the case would have settled for more money but the most culpable party only had a $300,000.00 liability insurance policy. The firm’s client, who was already disabled and receiving social security benefits at the time of his accident, sustained multiple lower leg fractures–which ultimately resulted in numerous surgeries and an above the knee amputation–when a delivery van blindly backed out of a loading dock and pinned his leg against his bike. The majority of the client’s settlement money was paid by the owner of a tractor-trailer and the lessee of the loading dock whose dangerous loading and unloading procedures blocked the van driver’s view of the motorcycle and the firm’s client’s view of the van.

Motorcycle Accident — 1,300,000.00
In the Spring of 2020, Phil Wiskow settled a motor vehicle/motorcycle accident case for the Defendant’s 1.3M policy limit. The terms of the settlement are confidential.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $1,040,000.00
In June of 2019, Phil Wiskow settled a motor vehicle accident case, with the assistance of retired Judge Daniel Mecca, for $1,040,000.00. The driver, a woman in her 50’s who sustained multiple fractures and underwent multiple foot surgeries, received $625,000.00. Her teenage daughter, who fractured her femur and had a rod inserted into her thigh, received $375,000.00. The driver’s husband, who came to the accident scene to render aid, received $40,000.00 for his Portee claim since he witnessed his family’s suffering.

​Commerical Vehicle Accident — $1,000,000.00
In the Fall of 2022, Phil Wiskow settled a special education teacher’s commercial vehicle accident case for $1,000,000.00. The female client, a middle aged woman with two college aged children, was rear-ended by a distracted motorist. As a result, she​ sustained a traumatic brain injury and multiple cervical and lumbar herniated discs. Her pre-existing migraine headaches were also aggravated.​ Fortunately, with the law firm’s assistance, she was able to collect permanent accidental disability retirement benefits from her school district, too.

Motor Vehicle Accident — 1,000,000.00
In September of 2021, Phil Wiskow represented a mid-40’s bagel store owner from Egypt who was very seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. As a result of the accident, the client underwent bilateral hip and back surgeries. Since he was operating a commercial vehicle at the time of his accident, the firm’s client had significant outstanding medical bills. With the assistance of retired Judge Jack Lintner, those bills were substantially compromised and the case settled, after mediation, for one million dollars.

Two Injury Claims — $1,000,000.00
In the Summer of 2018, Phil Wiskow settled a motor vehicle accident case for $385.000.00. The case was very complicated because Mr. Wiskow previously settled two prior cases for the same 65-year-old Plaintiff for over $600,000.00. In total, the Plaintiff received over $1,000,000.00 from her injury claims. In this case, she was broadsided at an intersection by a young driver and was compelled to undergo multiple surgeries on her knees.

Pedestrian-Motor Vehicle Accident — $895,000.00
In the Winter of 2017, Phil Wiskow settled his client’s pedestrian-motor vehicle accident case for $895,000.00. Significantly, the client’s accident was in June of 2016. Yet, the firm was able to settle its client’s case in less than 9 months. The firm’s client was injured after he exited his parked work truck and was struck by a distracted motorist who dropped his cell phone and crashed into him. The client sustained multiple leg, hip and arm fractures and underwent multiple open surgeries. (The distracted motorist’s insurance carrier paid its 1 million dollar policy limit to the firm’s client (895k), a passenger in the Plaintiff’s car (95k) and the owner of the client’s work truck (10k).)

Motor Vehicle Accident  — $800,000.00
In the Spring of 2018, Phil Wiskow settled a school teacher’s federal court lawsuit for $800,000.00. After the teacher’s car broke down on Route 80, her vehicle was struck by a tractor-trailer that jack-knifed. As a result, she sustained a concussion, a subdural hematoma and a partial loss of taste and smell. The case settled at mediation, with the assistance of retired Judge Jack Lintner.

Failure to Safeguard Roadway after MVA— $750,000.00
In the Fall of 2020, Phil Wiskow settled a motor vehicle accident case that alleged a contractor failed to properly respond to a prior motor vehicle/animal accident. As a result, the 53 year old painting contractor drove into the back of the contractor’s truck and sustained horrific leg injuries. Significantly, three other law firms turned the case down before GGWM was retained. The details of the settlement are confidential.

Intersectional Accident — $750,000.00
In May of 2019, Phil Wiskow settled an intersectional accident, motor vehicle case. The firm’s client, a woman in her late 50s, was compelled to undergo an anterior cervical fusion and knee surgery after a collision. Since the Defendants only had $550,000.00 in insurance coverage available, the Defendant had to pay the balance of the $750,000.00 settlement from her personal assets.

Product Liability — $750,000.00
In the Summer of 2018, Phil Wiskow settled a retired gentleman’s products liability case for $750,000.00. The terms of the settlement, which were negotiated with retired Judge Eugene Codey’s assistance, is confidential.

Falldown Accident — $750,000.00
In the Spring of 2018, with the assistance of co-counsel, Phil Wiskow settled a fall down case for $750,000.00. The Plaintiff, a Spanish woman in her 30’s, fell at a local supermarket. When conservative therapy failed, she underwent several epidural injections, a radiofrequency ablation and an anterior cervical fusion.

Falldown Accident — $750,000.00
In the Spring of 2016, with the assistance of a mediator, Phil Wiskow settled a construction accident falldown case for $750,000. Initially, the target Defendant denied liability, arguing the firm’s client tripped over electrical wires utilized by a co-worker. After locating and subpoenaing independent witnesses, the Plaintiff was able to prove a sub-contractor and the general contractor were at fault. The Plaintiff injured his neck and shoulder and underwent an anterior cervical fusion and rotator cuff surgery.

Motorcycle/Tort Claims — $750,000.00
In the Winter of 2015, Phil Wiskow settled a Tort Claims case against a municipal entity. The victim, who was operating a motorcycle, was injured when a woman ran a stop sign and broadsided his motorcycle. The property owner adjacent to the intersection was sued because his fence violated the town’s set back regulations. The municipal entity was sued because its road was allegedly improperly designed due to a lack of visibility for motorists at the intersection. After three mediation sessions, all three Defendants contributed to a three quarters of a million dollar settlement.

Falldown Accident — $650,000.00
In the Fall of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled a falldown case for a 62-year-old woman who slipped on ice at a local supermarket. Significantly, the Plaintiff was already receiving Social Security Disability benefits at the time of her accident. Nonetheless, Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy was able to negotiate a $650,000 settlement to compensate her for a badly injured knee, that required multiple surgeries, including knee replacement surgery.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $650,000.00
In the Winter of 2015, Phil Wiskow settled a seventy (70) year old bus driver’s lumbar fusion case. This case was settled after suit was instituted but long before the anticipated trial date.

Tort Claims Case — $640,000.00
In March of 2019, Phil Wiskow negotiated a confidential $640,000.00 settlement for a young man seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. (Details cannot be provided.) An accident reconstruction expert greatly helped with the case.

Falldown Accident — $625,000.00
In the Summer of 2021, with the assistance of Retired Judge Anthony Graziano, Phil Wiskow settled a falldown case for $625,000.00. The mid-40’s male Plaintiff fell at a commercial restaurant who violated its own policy by mopping its floor while the restaurant was still open. As a result, the firm’s client underwent a multiple level anterior cervical fusion. HIs outstanding medical bills approached $250,000.00. The firm was able to assist the client in obtaining an advance on his case, from an independent finance company, so he could continue to support his family while he recovered and litigation progressed. Since the client successfully walked through the dangerous area when first entering the restaurant, and fell on his way back to his table, the Defendant tried to blame the Plaintiff for his fall/injuries. Consequently, the Plaintiff was very happy with his settlement.

Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident — $600,000.00
In the Spring of 2023, Phil Wiskow and Dennis Shlionsky of Snyder Sarno settled a motor vehicle accident case for a young woman who had prior spine surgery. Unfortunately, after a commercial vehicle crossed over into her lane of travel and violently collided with her vehicle, she aggravated her previous injury and was compelled to undergo another spinal surgery. She also had significant outstanding medical bills. Nonetheless. the firm’s attorne ys were able to highlight her new problems and successfully negotiated a significant settlement.

Falldown Accident — $575,000.00
In the Spring of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled a retired teacher’s falldown case for $575,000. The firm’s client was injured when a construction dumpster at an outdoor mall leaked and water froze on a pedestrian sidewalk. The firm was very happy with the settlement because, although multiple surgeries were recommended, the retired teacher opted not to have any of the recommended surgeries.

Medical Malpractice/Failure to Properly Supervise — $500,000.00
In the Spring of 2020, Rich Isolde settled a combination failure to supervise/medical malpractice case for a male client who was improperly supervised and poorly treated by his doctor and nurses. As a result, he fell, fractured his jaw and underwent surgery. The details of the settlement are confidential.

Trucking Accident — $500,000.00
In June of 2019, Phil Wiskow negotiated a $500,000.00 policy limit settlement for his mid-40’s male client whose foot was run over by a commercial vehicle. Thereafter, the injured party was compelled to undergo back and shoulder surgery. All medical bills were paid separately.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $500,000.00
In the Winter of 2018, David Kowzun and Phil Wiskow settled a motor vehicle case, with the assistance of retired Judge Daniel Mecca, for $500,000.00. The case was complicated by the fact that the Plaintiff was in the country on a work VISA, which expired while the case was being litigated. As a result of her accident, the mid-40’s Plaintiff received epidurals and underwent a lumbar laminectomy. No wage loss claim was presented.

Construction Accident — $490,000.00
In the Spring of 2015, Phil Wiskow settled a construction accident case whereby a truck driver was injured when a thousand pounds of rebar was accidentally dropped on his leg. Four different Defendants contributed to the recovery.

Falldown in Commercial Building — $475,000.00
In the Summer of 2020, Phil Wiskow settled a middle-aged woman’s falldown accident case for $475,000.00. The woman, a maintenance worker at a commercial building, fell down a steep, dark staircase while working. The law firm alleged the building did not have appropriate emergency lighting, which violated the local building code, and created a dangerous condition. As a result, the woman fractured her ankle and underwent two open ankle surgeries. The case settled at mediation with the assistance of retired judge Eugene Codey.

Forklift Accident — $475,000.00
In the Spring of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled a minister’s lawsuit against a forklift operator. The minister was injured when the forklift operator proceeded onto the retail portion of a store without a spotter. As a result, he struck the 70-year-old Plaintiff with the front of the lift. The firm’s client underwent hip surgery. Medicare had to be re-paid approximately $125,000.

Motor Vehicle Accident  — $450,000.00
In the Winter of 2018, Phil Wiskow settled a complicated, consolidated motor vehicle accident case for $450,000.00. The case was complicated because the 50-year-old Plaintiff already had two prior accidents and previously settled those cases for over $200,000.00. Thereafter, she had two additional accidents within a year and, in one of those accidents, liability was hotly contested. The case settled after Mr. Wiskow deposed the Defendant’s accident reconstruct expert for five hours and his medical expert for three hours.

Commercial Vehicle Accident — $425,000.00
In the Spring of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled a pool installer’s motor vehicle accident case against a commercial truck driver who rear-ended his vehicle. The firm’s client underwent shoulder surgery and had lower back injections/epidurals. The commercial truck driver also agreed to pay all of the Plaintiff’s medical bills and lost wages, which exceeded $200,000.

Dram Shop/Liquor Liability — $425,000.00
In the Winter of 2015, Phil Wiskow settled a case where a bar served a 35 year old woman after she became visibly intoxicated. As a result, she fell off the bar’s second floor balcony and fractured her pelvis. The case settled at mediation before trial.

Trucking Accident — $400,000.00
In May of 2019, with the assistance of Retired Judge Anthony Graziano, Phil Wiskow settled a 50 year old disabled man’s case for $400,000.00. Prior to his accident, the man already had back surgery but, while legally disabled, was still stable. After being rear-ended by a commercial vehicle, his condition worsened and additional surgery was recommended.

Motor Vehicle Accident  — $385,000.00
In the Summer of 2018, Phil Wiskow settled a motor vehicle accident case for $385.000.00. The case was very complicated because Mr. Wiskow previously settled two prior cases for the same 65-year-old Plaintiff for over $600,000.00. In total, the Plaintiff received over $1,000,000.00 from her injury claims. In this case, she was broadsided at an intersection by a young driver and was compelled to undergo multiple surgeries on her knees.

Rear-end Motor Vehicle Accident — $380,000.00
In the Fall of 2020, Matt Villani settled a young man’s motor vehicle accident case for $380,000.00. The firm’s client sustained serious injuries to his shoulder and back and underwent arthroscopic surgery to his shoulder and spinal decompression surgery. Successful claims were made against the driver of the other vehicle and the client’s own insurance company.

Trucking Accident — $375,000.00
In November of 2019, with the assistance of Retired Judge Daniel Mecca, Phil Wiskow settled a 50 year old woman’s MVA case for $375,000.00. The woman’s vehicle was rear-ended by a commercial vehicle. When conservative treatment failed, she was compelled to undergo an anterior cervical fusion. Damages were hotly contested because she allegedly had significant pre-existing arthritis.

Drunk Driver Accident — $375,000.00
In the Winter of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled an attorney’s underinsured motorist case for $375,000. In the intersectional accident, the attorney seriously injured her foot and fusion surgery was recommended. However, because she had a small child, the firm’s client elected not to have the recommended surgery. The case settled after mediation with a retired judge.

Slip and Fall Accident — $362,500.00
In July of 2019, with the assistance of Retired Judge Daniel Mecca, Phil Wiskow settled a 40 year old Caribbean woman’s falldown case for $362,500.00. The woman was very familiar with the accident scene and the Defendant tried to blame her for her fall on ice. Prior to her accident, she was already totally disabled from a serious work-related accident.

Pedestrian Knockdown Accident — $350,000.00
In the Spring of 2022, Phil Wiskow settled a middle age woman’s pedestrian knockdown case for $350,000.00.
The woman was struck by a vehicle while walking within the crosswalk. As a result of the accident, she sustained multiple fractures and underwent surgery on both her knee and her ankle. Fortunately, she made a good recovery and had limited economic damages.
The most interesting part of the case was that another law firm originally settled the pedestrian’s case, without her full consent, for $250,000.00. Mr. Wiskow was hired to set aside the settlement. Within 18 months, Mr. Wiskow filed a motion to set aside the settlement, appealed the lower court’s refusal to set aside the settlement and, after winning her appeal, negotiated a settlement $100,000.00 higher than his predecessor.

Falldown Accident  — $348,000.00
In the Fall of 2018, Phil Wiskow settled a fall down case for $348,000.00. The 52-year-old Plaintiff fell on “slime” in the parking lot of the Defendant’s restaurant and fractured her ankle. Open surgery was required and a second surgery, to remove hardware, was being considered when the case settled, with retired Judge Daniel Mecca, at mediation.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $340,000.00
In the Summer of 2015, Phil Wiskow settled a case wherein a twenty one (21) year old passenger in a pick-up truck seriously injured his neck and shoulder and underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Accident — $325,000.00
In the Spring of 2020, Phil Wiskow settled a hotly contested pedestrian/MVA case for $325,000.00. Liability was hotly contested because the Defendant had the right-of-way when the firm’s client allegedly exited his parked vehicle into the roadway. The Plaintiff contended the Defendant was driving too close to all of the parked vehicles on the small town’s Main Street. The 55 year old Plaintiff underwent multiple knee and shoulder surgeries and the settlement included satisfaction of approximately $75,000.00 in unpaid medical bills. The case was settled after Plaintiff’s doctors were videotaped for trial and numerous Motions in Limine were filed by Plaintiff’s counsel. The case settled for $150,000.00 more than the arbitrator’s non-binding award.

Falldown Accident — $325,000.00
In the Summer of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled a falldown case in Sussex County for $325,000. The firm’s client, who had recently undergone unrelated spinal fusion surgery, tripped on the sidewalk due to a missing brick in front of a candy store. As a result of her fall, the Plaintiff’s fusion did not fully heal and revision surgery was recommended.

Falldown accident — $312,000.00
In the Spring of 2017, Phil Wiskow settled a falldown case in which his 60-year-old client fell on water at a grocery store and injured her knees and ankles. She underwent three arthroscopic surgical procedures and missed three months of work. However, she made a good recovery and returned to her old job. With the assistance of a mediator, the case settled shortly before trial for $312,000.00.

Falldown Accident — $310,000.00
In the Spring of 2021, Phil Wiskow settled a falldown case that happened at a banquet hall that was hosting a wedding. Specifically, the banquet hall allowed the wedding party to go outside into its garden, within two days of a snowstorm, even though it had not cleared the garden. As a result, the client, a mid 60’s male, who previously had shoulder problems, fell on ice and was compelled to undergo shoulder replacement surgery. Fortunately, he made a good recovery and he did not have any economic damages. (Medical bills or lost wages.) The Plaintff was very happy with his $310,000.00 settlement.

Falldown Accident — $300,000.00
In the Spring of 2020, Phil Wiskow settled a 38 year old mother of four’s falldown accident case for $300,000.00. Liability was disputed because the step that allegedly caused the Plaintiff’s fall was painted yellow and the words “Watch Your Step” were written in black paint on the top of the yellow step. Since the step was located in a common area of the Defendant’s business, which was quite crowded on the day of the Plaintiff’s fall, the Plaintiff argued the Defendant’s warning was ineffective. The Plaintiff underwent bilateral patellar tendon surgery after her fall. All bills were paid by the Plaintiff’s health insurance company, which did not assert a lien.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $300,000.00
In the Fall of 2018, David Kowzun and Phil Wiskow settled a young woman’s motor vehicle accident case for $300,000.00. The woman sustained multiple herniated discs in her accident and underwent epidural injections, facet injections, branch block injections and a radiofrequency ablation.

Falldown Accident — $300,000.00
In the Fall of 2017, Phil Wiskow settled a falldown case that resulted in our client’s death. The firm’s elderly, retired client fell down an interior staircase at his rented bungalow. Since he was not found for two days after he fell, the firm hired an accident reconstruction expert to re-create the way the accident probably happened. Since nobody knew exactly how the accident happened, liability was difficult to prove. With the assistance of a mediator, the case settled favorably to the Plaintiff. His only daughter put a large deposit on a new house with the net settlement proceeds.

Cemetery Accident — $300,000.00
In the Spring of 2015, Phil Wiskow settled a case after a headstone fell on a worker’s foot. The victim fractured two bones in his foot and alleged it limited his ability to work.

Falldown Accident — $299,000.00
In the Summer of 2017, Phil Wiskow settled a Sussex County falldown case for $299,000.00. Our fifty-five-year-old client, who previously had his knee replaced, had to have his knee replaced again after he fell in a parking lot outside PetSmart. He also injured his shoulder. Since the client was a convicted felon, and since there were no witnesses to the accident, the firm’s client was thrilled with his settlement.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $297,500.00
In the Fall of 2017, Phil Wiskow settled a motor vehicle accident case for $297,500.00. Significantly, the Defendant’s total available insurance was $300,000.00. The firm’s client fractured his hip and underwent open reduction surgery. The case settled within a year of the accident.

Uninsured Motorist Settlement — $297,000.00
In February of 2023, Phil Wiskow, working with co-counsel Mitch Dornfeld of Snyder Sarno, settled a 38 year old woman’s rear end motor vehicle accident claim—less than a year after her accident—for $297,000.00. As a result of her accident, the firm’s client was compelled to undergo a one level anterior cervical fusion. Fortunately, the client made an excellent recovery.

Motor Vehicle — $295,000.00
In the Summer of 2015, Phil Wiskow settled a deliveryman’s lawsuit. The deliveryman was injured, and underwent lumbar back surgery, after his vehicle was left-turned at a rural intersection.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $290,000.00
In the Spring of 2021, Phil Wiskow settled a motor vehicle accident case, venued in federal court, for $290,000.00. The firm’s client, a mid 40’s male, was sideswiped by a tractor trailer and, after conservative therapy failed, underwent a single level anterior cervical fusion. All of his medical bills were paid by his private insurance carrier.

Falldown Accident Caused By Slumlord — $290,000.00
In the Summer of 2020, Phil Wiskow represented a Passaic County woman who fell when her exterior, concrete step broke-off while she was walking. The firm’s client, a 50 year old woman, injured her hip. When conservative therapy failed, she underwent arthroscopic hip surgery. Fortunately, she made a reasonable recovery. (The landlord/defendant’s insurance policy limit was $300,000.00.)

Falldown Accident — $275,000.00
In February of 2023, Phil Wiskow, working with co-counsel Dennis Shlionsky of Snyder Sarno, settled a commercial falldown case, at mediation with a retired judge, for $275,000.00. The firm’s client, an African American woman in her mid 40’s, fell over numerous pairs of shoes that were left in the middle of the shoe department of a major department store. As a result, she required arthroscopic shoulder surgery and microscopic back surgery. Liability was hotly contested because the shoes were “in plain view” and the department store attempted to blame the firm’s client for her accident.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $275,000.00
In December of 2019, Matt Villani settled a motor vehicle accident case for a middle aged woman whose legs were severely burned when her airbag deployed. As a result of her injuries, she was compelled to treat at the St. Barnabas outpatient Burn Center for over a year.

Bicycle Accident — $275,000.00
In the Fall of 2018, Phil Wiskow, and the Essex County attorney who referred the case to him, settled a young high school graduate’s bicycle-truck accident case for $275,000.00. Liability in the case was hotly contested as the Plaintiff was wearing dark clothes, while riding his blue bike, late in the evening. Additionally, the Defendant truck driver alleged the Plaintiff was riding in the road. The Plaintiff, who contended he was riding on the shoulder of the road, sustained a concussion, a large laceration to the back of his head, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The case settled, with the assistance of retired Judge Jack Lintner, at mediation.

Slip and Fall Accident on Ice — $262,500.00
In the Fall of 2020, Phil Wiskow settled a very difficult liability case for an African immigrant who was unfamiliar with the snow. As a result, when her landlord did not remove the ice and snow from her stairs, she boiled water and dumped it on the stairs. After three successful trips with the boiling water, the client slipped on the ice and dumped the boiling water on her legs. She suffered third degree burns over 8% of her body. Fortunately, she made a good recovery, incurred medical bills under $50,000.00 and returned to work within the year.

Falldown Accident — $260,000.00
In the Spring of 2020, Phil Wiskow settled the 72 year old Plaintiff’s falldown accident case, which occurred on a raised commercial sidewalk. The settlement was negotiated less than a year after the accident and before depositions were scheduled. As a result of the accident, the Plaintiff fractured her femur and required open reduction surgery. Fortunately, the firm’s client made an excellent recovery and resumed most activities, including intensive physical exercise, prior to the settlement. Medicare’s net lien was less than $15,000.00.

Commercial Truck Accident — $250,000.00
In the Spring of 2022, Phil Wiskow settled a 71 year old woman’s lawsuit against the operator of a commercial truck that backed into her stopped vehicle. Two years earlier, one of GGWM’s associates settled the same woman’s prior claim for the Defendant’s $100,000.00 policy limit. In the most recent case, the woman fractured her ulnar and radius and underwent open surgery. She also aggravated pre-existing neck and back injuries.

Policy Limits Settlement within a Year — $250,000.00
In the Summer of 2022, Phil Wiskow, and one of his associates, settled a 21 year old college student’s motor vehicle accident case for the Defendant’s policy limit and then negotiated a second settlement with her own insurance carrier for its underinsured motorist policy limit. Both settlements totaled $250,000.00. Significantly, both settlements were resolved within one year of her accident. The client fractured her ankle and underwent open surgery as a result thereof.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $250,000.00
In the Winter of 2021, Phil Wiskow, with the assistance of Richard Goldstein, Esq., settled a negligence case against a major commercial retailer for $250,000.00. The 60 year old African American Plaintff was hit by an employee pushed work cart. As a result, she injured her foot, developed cellulitis and was compelled to undergo numerous injections. Her injections caused significant scarring, which was quite visible on her abdomen. Given the commercial retailer’s reputation for “low balling” victims, the Plaintiff was thrilled with her settlement.

Arbitration Award —  $250,000.00
In the Summer of 2020, Phil Wiskow assumed responsibility for a verbal threshold/motor vehicle accident case in which the prior attorney recommended an $18,500.00 settlement. The client fired his attorney and hired GGWM’s Managing Partner. In less than six months, Phil presented the case to a retired judge/arbitrator during a binding arbitration hearing and the judge/arbitrator awarded $250,000.00 in damages. The case was resolved for that amount.

Uninsured Motorist Policy Limits Case — $250,000.00
In the Fall of 2020, Matt Villani settled a mid-50’s woman’s uninsured motorist claim for the insurance company’s $250,000.00 policy limit. The other driver, who caused the accident, fled the scene and could not be identified. Matt made a claim against the firm’s client’s own insurance company for uninsured motorist benefits. After the client underwent an anterior cervical fusion, the carrier offered its full policy limit to settle. It also paid all of the client’s medical bills.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $250,000.00
In the Summer of 2018, Phil Wiskow settled a college student’s motor vehicle accident case, less than six months after her accident, for the Defendant’s $250,000.00 policy limit. Liability was clear as an elderly woman struck the Plaintiff as she was standing in front of her Fair Lawn house waiting to cross the street. The young Plaintiff fractured her pelvis and seriously injured her hip and leg. She was compelled to undergo multiple debridement surgeries. Fortunately, all her medical bills were paid by her own insurance company.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $250,000.00
In the Fall of 2017, Phil Wiskow settled a Passaic County client’s case for the insurance company’s $250,000.00 policy limit. The firm’s fifty-year old client, who previously underwent lumbar fusion surgery, had a permanent pain stimulator inserted into her back after her vehicle was rear-ended in Paterson. Initially, the insurance carrier presented a vigorous medical defense, arguing all injuries were pre-existing. After a successful arbitration hearing, the carrier’s policy limit was offered.

Jury Verdict in Excess of Policy Limit — $250,000.00
After rejecting a $10,000 settlement offer and obtaining a $250,000 jury verdict, Roy Mossi resolved a motor vehicle accident case for the insurance carrier’s policy limits of $125,000.

Pedestrian/ Motor Vehicle Accident Case — $235,000.00
In the Spring of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled a pedestrian knockdown case for $235,000. As a result of the accident, the 50-year-old Plaintiff fractured her pelvis and multiple ribs. Since the Plaintiff was wearing dark clothing and was intoxicated at the time of the accident, she was very pleased with the settlement. Since the Plaintiff was a Medicaid recipient, the firm set up a special needs trust so she could continue to collect government benefits after her settlement.

Falldown Accident — $232,500.00
In January of 2019, Phil Wiskow settled a young man’s falldown accident case for $237,500.00. The victim, who was in his late 20’s, fell while exiting a restaurant. He sustained a fractured ankle and underwent open reduction surgery. The Defendants alleged he was drunk at the time of his accident and denied liability. An engineer greatly assisted with the case.

Falldown Accident — $231,000.00
In the Spring of 2020, Rich Isolde settled the young Plaintiff’s falldown case for $231,000.00. Liability was vigorously disputed because the Plaintiff was living at her boyfriend’s parents’ house at the time of the accident and a dispute arose about the condition of the premises leading to the Plaintiff’s basement apartment. As a result of her fall, the Plaintiff fractured her ankle and underwent open reduction surgery. Her Medicaid lien was approximately $6,000.00. The case settled after numerous depositions were taken, including the deposition of the Defendant’s insurance carrier’s private investigator, as the parties were preparing for trial.

Underinsured Motorist — $230,000.00
In the Summer of 2015, Phil Wiskow settled a minister’s lawsuit against her own insurance company. The minister was a passenger in her own vehicle and seriously injured her knee. In fact, her doctor recommended knee replacement surgery. After the Defendant paid its small policy limit, the minister collected an additional $215,000 from her own carrier.

Motor Vehicle Passenger — $225,000.00
In the Spring of 2020, Phil Wiskow settled a MVA passenger’s lawsuit, right before trial, for $225,000.00. While liability was clear, damages were thoroughly challenged because the Plaintiff had a very serious accident approximately ten years earlier and underwent serious neck surgery after that accident. The Defendant tried to blame the Plaintiff’s need for another surgery on the Plaintiff’s old accident. The Defendant also contended that the Plaintiff was exaggerating his injuries and hired a private investigator to follow him and videotape him. Fortunately, the Defendant’s surveillance tape, which was quite favorable to the Plaintiff, helped settle the case.

Fall down Accident — $225,000.00
In the Fall of 2017, Phil Wiskow, with the assistance of Tim Fleming, Esq., settled a Morris County falldown case for $225,000.00. The liability portion of the case was difficult because, although the firm’s client alleged she fell on coffee, nobody else, including other store patrons, the investigating police officer/EMT, saw any coffee on the floor. Our client tore her hamstring and was compelled to undergo two surgeries. In light of the liability issues, with the assistance of a mediator, this case was settled for $225,000.00.

Falldown Accident — $225,000.00
In the Summer of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled an investment advisor’s falldown case against a local Board of Education and snowplow contractor for $225,000. The 55-year-old Plaintiff fell on black ice, while walking in a middle school parking lot, prior to a youth basketball game. The firm’s client tore his quadricep tendon and required surgery.

Negligent Lawn Maintenance — $225,000.00
In the Fall of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled a falldown case against a contractor who failed to maintain a landscaped island in the parking lot of a mall. After shopping, the 70-year-old Plaintiff was taking a short cut through the island when she tripped over the root of an overgrown plant. As a result, she fractured her ankle and underwent open surgery. She also injured her previously replaced knee. The Defendants attempted to blame the Plaintiff for her accident, arguing she should not have walked over the island. Plaintiff had to re-pay Medicare $50,000.

Medical Malpractice — $225,000.00
In the Spring of 2015, Phil Wiskow started a medical malpractice trial and settled it after a few days. The seventy five (75) year old victim, a known fall risk with a short life expectancy due to kidney problems, was left unattended in a bathroom and fell. As a result, she suffered s closed head injury and died.

Motor Vehicle Accident — $220,000.00
In the Summer of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled an underinsured motorist case against the Plaintiff’s own insurance company. The Plaintiff, a 40-year-old construction worker, developed a fistula and underwent two surgeries to improve his balance and hearing.

Landlord Liability for Falldown Accident — $210,000.00
In the Spring of 2023, Phil Wiskow and Matthew Eichen of Snyder Sarno settled a falldown case for a sweet Spanish client. The client fell on interior, wooden stairs in a rented apartment. While the stairs looked “good,” an expert engineer was retained and determined the stairs did not meet code because they did not have a continuous handrail. Armed with the expert’s report, the firm was able to establish fault. The firm’s client fractured her ankle and underwent open reduction surgery. Fortunately, she had minimal out of pocket expenses and medical bills.

Malfunctioning Traffic Light — $208,000.00
In the Summer of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled a young scientist’s claim against the State of New Jersey and two motor vehicle operators after she seriously injured her back in an intersectional accident. At the time of the accident, the traffic light was not functioning. All of the drivers claimed to have the right of way. With the assistance of the county’s presiding civil judge, the case settled just prior to trial.

Falldown Accident  $206,000.00
In the Summer of 2017, Phil Wiskow, with the assistance of Casey Donovan, Esq., settled a falldown case for $206,000.00. The Plaintiff, a forty- year old mother, was participating in a dance class when she fell and seriously injured her shoulder. The firm hired a ballet expert who opined the firm’s client was improperly instructed and improperly asked to perform dance moves she was incapable of performing.

Tort Claims Settlement — $200,000.00
In the Summer of 2022, Phil Wiskow settled a retired police officer’s Tort Claims case against a public entity where he fell in a puddle at a poorly maintained public building. The police officer underwent two arthroscopic knee surgeries and had limited range of motion after his second surgery. The firm also successfully prosecuted a worker’s compensation case on the client’s behalf.

DPW Employee’s Claim — $200,000.00
In the Spring of 2022, Phil Wiskow, and one of his associates, settled a DPW employee’s commercial vehicle accident claim for $200,000.00. Liability in the case was hotly contested as the driver of the other vehicle contended the DPW truck cut off his vehicle. The firm obtained surveillance videos from nearby commercial buildings and proved its client was not at fault. The client sustained neck, back, shoulder and knee injuries and underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery two years after his accident. The firm also successfully handled the client’s worker’s compensation claim.

Premises Liability Case — $200,000.00
In March of 2023, Phil Wiskow, working with co-counsel Dennis Shlionsky of Snyder Sarno, settled a 71 year old man’s premises liability case for $200,000.00. The man, a tenant of a N.J. apartment complex, was injured when he fell while trying to put out his garbage in a dumpster that was located in a place that was difficult to reach. The dumpster was also on uneven ground. Sadly, the man fractured his hip and required hip replacement surgery. Medicare paid his bills and his economic losses were minimal. The Defendant tried to blame the firm’s client because hundreds/thousands of tenants had used the same dumpster without difficulty. The firm retained an expert engineer and proved the Defendant’s actions violated numerous safety codes and created a dangerous condition for its tenants.

Falldown at Rental Property — $200,000.00
In the Fall of 2020, Phil Wiskow settled a Chicago tourist’s falldown case for $200,000.00. The tourist, while staying at a local commercial property while visiting New York City, fell on slippery, newly-installed carpet and fractured her ankle. She was compelled to undergo surgery and recover alone in a strange city.

Nursing Malpractice — $200,000.00
In the Fall of 2020, Phil Wiskow settled a 71 year-old retired man’s nursing malpractice case. The firm’s client alleged the nurse did not provide clear instructions post-surgery. Consequently, the firm’s client attempted to use a walker, without assistance, and fell. His fall aggravated his previous injury and his surgery had to be re-done. Fortunately, his medical bills were less than $25,000 and he made a good recovery.

Motorcycle Accident — $200,000.00
In September of 2019, Phil Wiskow settled a local DPW worker’s motorcycle accident case for $200,000.00. The Plaintiff, an obese middle-aged male, had multiple prior accidents and significant pre-existing back problems. As a result of his accident, he underwent back and ankle surgeries.

Falldown Accident — $200,000.00
In the Spring of 2017, Phil Wiskow settled a falldown case against a local board of education for $200,000.00. The Plaintiff’s client fell on ice on school property while walking her son to his kindergarten class. The firm hired an expert engineer who opined the accident was caused by the improper placement of downspouts. The firm’s client fractured her ankle, underwent open reduction surgery, and missed three months of work. Fortunately, she made an excellent recovery.

Falldown Accident  $200,000.00
In the Winter of 2017, Phil Wiskow settled a Passaic County falldown case for $200,000.00. The firm’s client, a long-time resident of a multi-family home, fell on ice on the front walkway of the property. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, a manipulation under anesthesia procedure, and two lumbar epidurals. His outstanding medical bills were reduced, as part of his settlement, from $206,000.00 to $35,000.00.

Medical Malpractice — $200,000.00
In the Summer of 2016, Phil Wiskow settled a medical malpractice case against an emergency room physician and a physician’s assistant who negligently failed to give the firm’s client antibiotics after she lacerated her finger on her roommate’s tooth. As a result, she developed an infection on two knuckles of her hand and was compelled to undergo hand surgery.

Underinsured Motorist — $200,000.00
In the Winter of 2015, Keith Evans settled a police officer’s lawsuit against his own insurance company. The officer was injured by a motor vehicle when he was trying to apprehend a criminal. The officer’s injuries were largely psychological.

Hotel Liability for Improper Shower — $200,000.00
In the Spring of 2023, Phil Wiskow and Dennis Shlionsky of Snyder Sarno settled a middle aged woman’s falldown case for $200,000.00. The woman, who had a few glasses of wine before her fall, fell while attempting to exit the shower in her hotel room. As a result, she slid across the hotel’s bathroom floor and fractured her humerus. The firm was able to establish liability after its expert engineer determined the shower did not meet code because it did not have a grab bar or an appropriate floor mat.

*Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Get the results you want in your New Jersey injury case

Call Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC at 862-263-0770 or contact us online to schedule your one-hour free initial consultation. For your convenience, we have offices in Elmwood Park, Bridgewater, Hackensack, Morristown, and Roseland, with Spanish-speaking translators available by request.

VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
  • In 2022, a year in which New Jersey courts were basically closed for trials, our firm still settled almost 100 cases for in excess of 8 million dollars.
  • Discuss the firm's 2022 settlements.
  • Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Our Offices
  • Elmwood Park Office
    One Broadway
    Elmwood Park, New Jersey 07470
    Phone: 862-263-0770
    Fax: 973-813-3360
  • Hackensack Office
    401 Hackensack Ave
    Suite 706
    Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
    Phone: 201-488-3366
  • Morristown Office
    19 Cattano Ave.
    Morristown, New Jersey 07960
    Phone: 973-922-3900
  • Roseland Office
    425 Eagle Rock Ave
    Suite 100
    Roseland, New Jersey 07068
    Phone: 973-274-5200
  • Bridgewater Office
    440 Route 22 E
    Suite 170
    Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807
    Phone: 908-927-0200