Morris County Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Fights for Victims’ Compensation
New Jersey firm provides effective counsel in pursuing legal rights
Damage to the spinal cord caused by a car accident or other type of impact can be catastrophic, affecting the victim’s life for years to come. If you suffered severe back injuries due to the careless actions of another person, a Morris County spinal cord injury lawyer at the firm of Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq. will fight for your right to compensation. Based in Succasunna, I have more than three decades of experience helping New Jersey clients prevail in personal injury claims.
Common causes of spinal cord injuries
The spinal cord is a bundle of cells and nerves extending from the brain through the lower back. It is the nerve center of the body, conveying signals to the brain from the rest of the body and vice versa. When the vertebrae surrounding the spinal cord undergo a traumatic impact, they can in turn damage the spinal cord — in some cases crushing or even severing it. Some common causes of such impacts are:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Construction accidents
- Sports accidents
- Medical malpractice
Spinal injuries can cause temporary or permanent pain in the neck, back or head; nerve damage and numbness; difficulty moving limbs; and partial or complete paralysis.
Complications of spinal cord injuries
There are two basic categories of spinal cord injuries: complete and partial. A complete injury is one in which all feeling and ability to control movement below the impacted area are lost. A partial injury is one in which some sensory and motor function is retained. People with spinal cord injuries may never walk again. They may experience depression and anxiety and their relationships with family and friends may suffer. Ongoing and expensive medical treatment and nursing care is often necessary. Depending on the extent of paralysis, there may have to be home alterations made to accommodate the victim’s disability.
Understanding liability for NJ spinal cord injuries
People have a legal duty to exercise ordinary care, which means conducting themselves so as to avoid injuring others. Failure to adhere to that duty is called negligence. When negligence causes another person harm, the at-fault party can be held liable to pay monetary damages.
Proving fault in spinal cord injury cases
New Jersey is a no-fault car insurance state, so if you were hurt in a car accident, you must first look to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to pay for your medical costs and other out-of-pocket expenses. However, if you have a serious injury — such as spinal cord damage — you can bring a lawsuit against the driver or other party who was at fault.
If you bring a lawsuit, you and your Morris County personal injury lawyer must gather appropriate evidence to show how your injury accident happened and who was to blame. Such evidence could include:
- Eyewitness statements
- Accident reports
- Medical reports
- Expert witness testimony
New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits, so it is a good idea not to wait to pursue a claim.
Morris County spinal cord injury lawyer seeks compensation for victims
The damages that may be sought in a spinal cord injury case can include payment for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Ongoing nursing care
- Long-term assistance with tasks of daily living
- Loss of wages and of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
How much compensation you can get is based on the severity of your injuries and the extent to which they will affect your life.
Contact a skillful Morris County spinal cord injury lawyer for help
The law firm of Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq. in Succasunna, New Jersey vigorously advocates to win financial compensation for personal injury victims. Call my office at 862-354-8931 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation.