Practice Areas

PERSONAL INJURY

I have had many years of experience representing individuals that have been injured in automobile accidents, work related accidents and slip and fall accidents. These are commonly referred to as negligence claims. Negligence can be either an affirmative act or an omission to act that results in injury. Generally, negligence is a departure from a standard of care. Over the years, I have had many recoveries for individuals that have been injured. 

Prior to representing plaintiffs, I worked for various insurance carriers and represented defendants. The combination of my prior employment working for major insurance carriers coupled with the experience I have obtained representing plaintiffs allows me to obtain optimum results for my clients. I have obtained recoveries for individuals injured in slip and fall accidents, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, workers compensation and product liability. 

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

I have had the opportunity to handle medical malpractice claims on behalf of injured plaintiffs. Negligence as stated is a deviation or failure to comply with a standard of care. A healthcare provider is required to protect a person from basic risks and harm. Medical malpractice is a failure to comply with the standard of care required by law. 

Medical malpractice claims are generally complex claims which require the use of many experts to establish a violation of the duty of care. Further, the standard of care for physicians differs from that of a lay person. When dealing with a medical malpractice claim, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant physician did something which the average member of his profession would not have done. The plaintiff must prove a deviation from the accepted standard of medical care. 

The fact that the medical result is poor does not necessarily mean that the claim is compensable. In the event a physician complies with the standard of care for his profession or like members of his profession, then the plaintiff may not recover regardless of the result. I am familiar with the use of experts to determine if there is a deviation from the accepted standard of care which resulted in an injury to the plaintiff. 

Once again, I have been able to obtain optimum results for my clients in this area. 

PRODUCTS LIABILITY

With regard to products liability, I have also had recoveries for individuals injured as a result of a defective product that was placed in the stream of commerce. A products liability case in its simplest form deals with a product which fails to safely fulfill its intended function. I have many successful recoveries where manufacturers have failed to provide consumers with a product that satisfied its intended purposes. 

WORKMENS' COMPENSATION

In many instances, workmens' compensation is the exclusive remedy available to individuals injured at work. In the event you are injured on the job, then generally speaking New Jersey Workers' Compensation is the specific and sole remedy. I have had many years representing individuals injured in various job related accidents. All workers in New Jersey are covered by the New Jersey Workmens' Compensation Act which is codified as N.J.S.A. 34:15-7, seq. 

Of course, there are certain situations where an employee may be able to pursue a third party claim. I have dealt with numerous workmens' compensation claims where we have been able to pursue a civil action against a third party.

MUNICIPAL COURT

I have had many years prosecuting cases both as a civilian attorney and as a Judge Advocate General in the military. On the civilian side, I have been a prosecutor for four years in Montville Township. On the military side, I was a member of the Judge Advocate General Corp for five years. As a member of the Judge Advocate General Corp, in addition to prosecuting cases, I provided legal defense to soldiers.

I have appeared in many of the Municipal Courts of New Jersey and have a relationship with many of the local prosecutors. I have represented individuals in Municipal Courts charged with disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly persons offenses, various drug charges, speeding offenses, reckless driving, careless driving and many other moving violations. 

As both a municipal prosecutor and an individual who has defended these types of claims for many years, I have been able to provide my clients with a unique and comprehensive perspective on what they can expect in court. 

My experience as a prosecutor and as a criminal defense attorney allows me to evaluate the States case in chief and the various defenses available to you. The experience I have allows me to provide you with the best legal advice available as to whether to enter into a plea agreement with the State or to move forward with a trial. 

In addition to dealing with motor vehicle violations, I have also appeared in Municipal Court for various criminal violations to include disorderly person's defenses and petty disorderly offenses. I have handled cases ranging from harassment to aggravated assault to drug offenses. 

MATRIMONIAL/FAMILY LAW

Rita M. Aquilio, of counsel to the Law Office of Daniel R. Danzi, specializes in the area of matrimonial/family law. Ms. Aquilio was admitted to the bar in 1999 and completed a pupilage in the Central New Jersey Family Law Inns of Court during the 2000-2001 sessions. Ms. Aquilio's areas of practice include divorce, separation, child custody and domestic violence. 

Ms. Aquilio also possesses a background in negotiation/mediation and serves as a volunteer mediator through the Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris Vicinage. By combining skills as both litigator and mediator, Ms. Aquilio utilizes her background and experience to address each family law matter on an individualized basis.