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Spinal cord injuries from car accidents often result in life-altering challenges that affect mobility, independence, and financial stability. The physical and emotional toll can be significant, and the financial strain from medical care and lost income can add to the burden. If you or a loved one is living with this kind of injury due to another party’s negligence, compensation may be available.
What Medical Expenses Can Be Recovered?
Compensation for medical expenses typically includes all treatment related to the spinal cord injury, such as hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and prescription medications. Future medical care, including long-term therapy and assistive equipment, may also be considered if ongoing treatment is expected.
Can I Claim Compensation for Lost Income?
If a spinal cord injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, you may pursue compensation for lost wages. This includes both “past income losses and potential future earnings” that you can no longer earn due to physical limitations caused by the injury.
What About Loss of Earning Capacity?
“Loss of earning capacity” refers to the reduction in your ability to work and earn income in the future. Even if you return to work in a different capacity, the law allows you to seek compensation for the difference between your previous income and your new, reduced earning potential.
Are Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs Covered?
Rehabilitation and therapy costs are typically recoverable in a personal injury claim involving spinal cord damage. These expenses can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and vocational rehabilitation aimed at restoring function and promoting independence.
Can I Recover Compensation for Pain and Suffering?
Yes. “Pain and suffering” compensation accounts for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the injury. This category of damages reflects the personal impact of the trauma beyond measurable financial losses.
Are Home Modifications and Adaptive Equipment Included?
If the injury requires modifications to your home or the purchase of adaptive equipment, these costs may be included in your claim. Expenses can cover wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, specialized vehicles, and other necessary adjustments to accommodate your condition.
Can Family Members Receive Compensation for Loss of Consortium?
Family members may pursue compensation for “loss of consortium,” which recognizes the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from a loved one’s severe spinal cord injury. This form of compensation acknowledges how the injury affects the injured person’s relationships.
What if I Require Lifelong Medical Care?
If the spinal cord injury causes permanent impairment requiring lifelong care, compensation may include the projected cost of future medical services. This can cover in-home nursing, attendant care, and ongoing rehabilitation needed to maintain your health and comfort.
What About Compensation for Reduced Quality of Life?
“Reduced quality of life” damages reflect “the loss of enjoyment from activities that the injured person can no longer perform.” Whether it involves hobbies, social interactions, or daily independence, this compensation recognizes the profound personal impact of spinal cord injuries.
Can Punitive Damages Be Awarded in These Cases?
In rare cases, “punitive damages” may be awarded if the driver responsible for the accident acted with extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct. These damages are not meant to compensate the injured person directly but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Does Comparative Negligence Affect Compensation?
In New Jersey, compensation can be reduced if the injured person is found “partially at fault” for the accident. However, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible, you may still recover damages proportional to the other driver’s degree of fault.
Our Experienced Newark Car Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP Help Injured Clients Pursue Fair Compensation
If you want to pursue compensation for spinal cord injuries caused by a motor vehicle crash, contact our Newark car accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP. For a free consultation, call today at 973-675-8277 or contact us online. Located in East Orange, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.
