Testimonials

CARRIE G.

I had only been on my job a few days when I was involved in an awful collision.  I was familiar with Petro Cohen law firm through my mom, who had been hurt at work and turned to Frank Petro for help with her workers’ compensation case.

I wasn’t sure I needed an attorney or whether I had a case.  But based on my mom’s great experience, I knew I could trust Frank and his team to offer honest advice and guidance.

After speaking with Frank and his wife, Susan Petro, it was clear that I did need an attorney to navigate the road ahead, which included a civil lawsuit and then a workers’ compensation case.  I felt like I had the best of both worlds with this team of exceptional lawyers.  Frank has a straightforward style – he explained from the very beginning what I was up against and made sure I understood that this would not be a simple case.  Susan was nurturing, compassionate, and so “hands on” that I was amazed.

The paperwork for this case was unbelievable and my medical bills exceeded $250,000 in the first six months alone!  Susan was there every step of the way to help me out and guide me – whether it was talking with a doctor or following up with creditors.  She insisted I keep a detailed journal to record pain levels, treatments, phone calls, etc., which came in handy during the civil suit arbitration.  Since I was unable to write or type due to injuries sustained in the accident, Susan even offered to let me dictate the journal entries and have the firm’s staff transcribe them!  Everything about Susan’s approach to my case was “above and beyond” what I could have every imagined.

I was extremely impressed with everything Susan and Frank did for me.  So of course, when I had a second car accident several years later, there was never any doubt that I would turn to Petro Cohen law firm again for help.  I was involved in a head on collision and the news stations at the scene of the accident reported there was a fatality and mistakenly reported it was me. By the grace of God, I survived.

Susan frantically reached out to my husband when she heard the news – not because she was looking for another case, but simply because she was concerned about my well-being.  She assured my husband that she would take care of whatever we needed…and she did.  In those first few months, Susan actually came to my home to meet with me rather than have me attempt to go into their offices.

Because I was in a previous accident, the insurance lawyers tried to blame my injuries on the first case.  Susan fought hard, articulated a very strong case on my behalf, and guided me through the entire process.  She was a rock!  Needless to say, we won!!!

The healing process for both accidents; were very long and painful, but made easier by Susan’s caring and guidance.  Even when I was unsure of the prognoses, Susan was there every step of the way encouraging me and motivating me.  To this day, I credit her for helping me get out of my “funk” and start living life again.

I would not wish these two accidents on anyone, but having the professional and powerful team of Frank and Susan Petro was life changing, in my case.  I whole-heartedly would recommend them to anyone facing a workers’ compensation or personal injury case.

JOHN E.

As a career electrician, my job required repetitive, tedious work using my hands, which resulted in numerous injuries. When I first developed carpal tunnel in my hand, I met with Frank Petro to see if I possibly had a case. From the very first interview with him, I had a great deal of confidence in him. He immediately made me feel comfortable and treated me with a great deal of respect. It was obvious that he was quite knowledgeable in workers’ compensation and he took the time to explain the system to me.

Like many other people, I was apprehensive about filing a workers’ compensation claim for fear that there might be negative repercussions at work. But Frank explained how the State workers’ compensation system actually worked and that I was very much entitled to the coverage the system provided.

Unfortunately, I had repeated injuries over the years, ranging from repeat carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and trigger finger to a hernia, which were all the result of the work I did. No matter what the size of the claim was, Frank always treated me with the same professional care and concern as if it were a huge claim. He was with me every step of the way and even helped me find the right medical specialists and treatment that I needed. In one case, Frank’s medical referral helped me find the root of my carpal tunnel issues, which was a pinched nerve. I shudder to think that I may not even have use of my hands had it not been for the finding and subsequent treatment of this doctor!

I have been so pleased with Frank Petro and have such a high confidence level in him, that I repeatedly referred friends and coworkers. Many of my coworkers, like me, were very apprehensive about even talking to a lawyer, for fear of losing their job. At no cost to them, Frank would patiently meet with whomever I sent his way, explaining the system and guiding them as he guided me. Everyone I sent to him ended up coming back to me with huge gratitude for sending them to someone who was so caring, explanatory, and thorough.

My wife and I have relied on Petro Cohen Petro Matarazzo numerous times over the years for workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. We feel so fortunate to have found Frank Petro as a lawyer and as a friend who we know is always on our side and looking out for our best interest.

RAY B.

My life was changed dramatically when I was hit by a postal truck while riding my bicycle.  One minute I was riding the bike down a sidewalk, avoiding road traffic; the next minute I was being airlifted to the Atlantic City Trauma Center with a brain injury, concussion, and long road of recovery ahead.

I was referred to Barry Cohen by a local friend and was impressed that he came to my house to meet with me and hear my story.  Although I had been given another attorney referral, I was immediately comfortable with Barry’s knowledge and expertise.  It was also very helpful that the firm had a local office here in Cape May Court House.

Because my case involved a Federal agency, it created extenuating circumstances – they required a multitude of tests resulting in a lengthy case period.  Although in hindsight I am very lucky to have not suffered worse than I did, I completely lost my sense of smell, which also affected my taste buds.  It took three years to finally settle my case and I was very appreciative that Barry was on my side the whole time – he knows the ins and outs of the law and worked hard to be sure I was treated fairly.  The Petro Cohen administrative staff was also very efficient and helpful in expediting the case during this long process.

It quickly became clear to me that Barry has been around the law, he has fought the fights, and he represented me well.  This was clearly not a circumstance in which I ever thought I would find myself – but it helped to know that I had someone on my side who would make every effort on my behalf to ensure I was treated fairly and received just compensation.

MARIAN G.

My experience with Petro Cohen Petro Matarazzo was just fabulous. Not a blip in the entire process. I had searched the Internet for a local female attorney and found Susan Petro in Cape May Court House. When I met with her in their Northfield office, she immediately put me at ease; I felt very comfortable.  I wasn’t even sure if I had a case, but Susan listened carefully to my auto accident details, and took the time to explain how the New Jersey no fault insurance system worked.  She took it from there, handling everything from soup to nuts.

If a lawsuit can be an enjoyable thing, this most certainly was!  Susan was very aggressive and persistent, very responsive to me.  Her follow-up and organizational skills are excellent and everything was handled around my schedule. I was relatively new to the area so it was so helpful to find someone like Susan who was so well-connected and respected.  My settlement was much more than I expected. I have already referred a friend to Susan and she was also very happy with her outcome.

JEFFREY B.

When I suffered a shoulder injury at work, a co-worker referred me to Stephen Matarazzo at Petro Cohen law firm.  It was convenient for me to meet with him since he had an office in Cherry Hill so I made an appointment to see him in person.  Like a lot of people, I didn’t know what benefits I was entitled to through workers’ compensation, but Steve took the time to explain everything to me.  He went through step by step what I should expect during the process, and everything happened exactly as he said  it would, including the final compensation amount!

Steve impressed me as someone who really was knowledgeable about workers’ compensation and I left his office with 100% confidence that he would be dedicated to work my case through to the finish line.  Just as Steve had told me, it took nearly a year to reach a settlement, but I was very comfortable knowing Steve and the firm were working on my behalf every step of the way as there was constant communication with him or one of the staff in the office.

Overall, I was extremely pleased with Steve – so much so that I have already referred about 10 clients to him, and some of them have referred their friends and relatives as well! The people I have referred have, like me, been very pleased with Steve, so I would not hesitate to recommend him to others in the future.  It’s a great feeling knowing you are in the competent hands of someone who truly cares about you and treats you well!

CHARLES (BUTCH) E.

Frank Petro of Petro Cohen Petro Matarazzo has a radio commercial stating, “In litigation, you don’t get a second chance.” Boy is that ever true!

I feel fortunate to have met Frank Petro years ago and since then he has been my “go to” attorney whenever I have needed advice or legal counsel over the years.

I was at work when I stepped out of my company’s truck and shattered a bone. I wasn’t even sure if I had a case – but I sought out Frank for advice. He reviewed my case and took care of everything. He made sure I got the proper medical treatment, guiding me to an excellent doctor who specialized in these types of injuries, and he helped with the workers’ compensation claim so I didn’t miss a day’s pay.

Frank gives great legal advice and has an impeccable reputation – not only in advising clients like me, but helping other lawyers, who greatly respect him for his vast knowledge. He has an incredible foundation in legal circles and is the “king” in the workers’ compensation industry, as was evident when I often saw other attorneys come to him for his recommendations! Not only did Frank usually have the “top of mind” knowledge to guide the other attorneys, but he had probably handled a similar case at least a few times; he knows how to foresee roadblocks and how to navigate the workers’ comp system.

I have used Frank several times over the years and have referred at least 30 other friends and co-workers, who have also referred their friends. I would whole-heartedly refer Frank Petro again and again. He won’t let you down! He is by far one of the best workers’ compensation attorneys in the state!

JOE U.

When I ruptured my ACL, I was in tremendous pain.  My physical therapist recommended that I talk with the lawyers at Petro Cohen to assist me with investigating whether I had a case.  I immediately felt like Barry Cohen was a straight shooter – he didn’t promise me the moon, but he was very knowledgeable.  I could sense he was committed to working the case through and giving it his best shot.

It was a long rehabilitation period for me including corrective surgery and months of physical therapy, which resulted in six months out of work.  Barry was there for me every step of the way, attentive to my needs and keeping me informed of the case progress.

I felt very comfortable working with Barry – he is a gentleman and a true professional, a craftsman at his trade!  I was extremely satisfied with the outcome of the case.  Although I hope no one has to suffer the way I did, I would definitely recommend Barry Cohen and Petro Cohen law firm to my friends.

JOANN D.

In 2008, an unlicensed driver who was operating his parents’ vehicle broadsided me.  The day after the accident, I had some neck issues and thought it might be whiplash, so I went to a chiropractor and learned it was much more serious. That’s when I contacted Susan Petro.

Knowing the firm’s excellent reputation, I wanted to see what my options might be.

From the very beginning, I received OUTSTANDING legal advice from Susan Petro.  I immediately felt I had someone who was on my side. She embraced me and understood my needs, and most importantly, she believed in me.  One of her first pieces of advice was to not speak with the other insurance company, which I wouldn’t have known.

She guided me and my family through such a difficult process.  The unlicensed driver pleaded guilty to all charges in court. In addition to guiding me through the judicial system, Susan guided me through all the medical procedures – orthopedics, neurological, etc.  I was forced to resign my job because of the severity of these issues, while at the same time my husband accepted another job out of state, so it was a very difficult time for us. She guided me through all of the necessary paperwork and these significant life changes, since I was no longer able to perform basic tasks with my arm.

Susan’s guidance, knowledge, and expertise in personal injury is astounding. She always has the client’s best interest at heart.  She takes the time to dig and find out all the particulars to understand exactly where the client is coming from and to verify that you are, in fact, truly injured.  She helps work through all the “nonsense” so that you don’t have to!

She is a professional in her field – and she prepares you, as a professional, to work through the difficult process to get what you need, which was particularly important in my case since I lost my livelihood.

She prepared me and my family to work through what happened.  It was such a relief to know you have an attorney as professional as Susan who always has her client’s best interest at heart. She was very upfront with us – honest, open about what we should expect. She would not promise something she could not deliver.  She told us what to expect and what not to expect.

I couldn’t imagine recommending anyone but Petro Cohen for personal injury cases. I would highly recommend Susan – she is the utmost professional with honesty and integrity that is unmatched.

We were very happy with the settlement and know that Susan worked so hard to get me what I deserved.  She gave me realistic goals and expectations.  Through her hard work and determination, she got me what I rightfully deserved – more than I could have expected.  She educated me on how to buy insurance in the future, too!

JOE D.

I was in a horrific auto accident that left me in severe pain.  Even though the accident wasn’t my fault, I had a nightmare of a time trying to get my insurance company to help – the pain was so excruciating, I had to lay down, yet my insurance company told me I didn’t need physical therapy.

After weeks of getting the run around from them, I was desperate and decided to seek out legal assistance.  My primary concern was getting the proper care that I needed to heal.  I looked in the phone book for a few lawyers specializing in personal injury and made some appointments to meet with a few and pick the one I felt would best serve my needs.

Barry Cohen was the first and last attorney I met with, as I knew immediately that he would take care of me better than anyone else.  From the beginning, he treated me like a human being, not a dollar sign!  My focus was on getting proper care; I wasn’t looking for a huge lawsuit settlement.

I knew had a champion in my corner – every time I was denied care, Barry and his staff got involved and straightened things out.  Barry was honest with me and trustworthy with a high level of integrity every step of the way.

In addition to getting the physical therapy and healthcare I needed, Barry fought for a case settlement that completely exceeded my expectations – I was thrilled!  You hear stories about how difficult it can be dealing with insurance companies in these types of situations, but I experienced it firsthand!

I know that the accident could have been much worse.  I was lucky to be alive and lucky to have found Petro Cohen law firm.  I wholeheartedly, without hesitation would recommend Barry Cohen and the firm to anyone who needs a great personal injury lawyer!

DIANE T.

During a time of my life after a car accident, I was really so naive about just how physically hurt I really was. I was the kind who avoided doctors. I wanted to believe the well meaning medical professionals who persisted to tell me “You’ll get better”. Day by day, my pain got worse, and worse.

Strong denial set in. This could not really be happening to me. Sleep deprivation, nights of pacing the floor, tears of despair. I reluctantly yielded to a host of doctors and medications. My left arm was going numb. I had my very first surgery (in my life) on my neck. The pain persisted….

At some point during my ordeal, my friend said to me, “Why don’t you call my lawyer?”

Susan Petro became a beacon of light at the end of my arduous tunnel. Susan carefully accessed my particular situation. Susan Listened.

Lots of people hear. Susan really listened. I felt she was on my side, and to a great degree, understood what I was going through. The staff was always courteous. I always felt welcome to call. The staff was always professional, polite, and I never felt as though I were an inconvenience. Phone contact with Susan through the legal process (which I was unfamiliar with) gave me a clear picture of where we were headed. She was like a guide. I received written copies of all her legal correspondence.

I was not left in the dark. At a time when I did not understand why this happened, or how I would come through, I understood what Susan was doing for me. I knew she was working hard and in my corner. No nonsense here. She always answered my questions clearly.

My calls were always returned in a timely way. Comfort in my time of sorrow. When my body was going haywire, and my recovery was slower than I had ever imagined, I never had to wait and wonder what was happening legally. Shelter from the medical storm I was walking through. Doctors did not have all the answers and did not always return calls. Susan and her staff ALWAYS returned my calls. I could count on it. I knew she was there for me.

I was totally pleased with the results. To this day, I am thankful for Susan’s good work.

I would recommend anyone seriously injured to meet with Susan to talk it over.