Paralysis is a life-changing condition that can have an impact on not only the person paralyzed but his or her entire family as well. The associated loss of income, medical bills, and daily strain that can come from losing the ability to walk or move can be tremendously stressful to deal with alone.
You should not take on the complex legal challenges of filing suit after a paralyzing accident on your own. Instead, you should strongly consider consulting a Trenton paralysis injury lawyer to be an advocate for your case. A dedicated catastrophic injury attorney could work on your behalf to contest allegations of fault from insurance companies and civil defendants and help you pursue appropriate compensation.
How to File a Negligence Claim for a Paralysis Injury
The most likely cause of action an injured plaintiff could cite for a paralysis injury is negligence on the part of another person or entity. To prove legal negligence, a plaintiff must demonstrate the following elements in court:
- The defendant had a duty to act as a reasonable person would under the same or similar circumstances
- The defendant breached that duty of care by acting irresponsibly
- The breach directly caused the plaintiff’s spinal cord injury
- The plaintiff suffered compensable damages
To recover damages in Trenton, you must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence was a cause in fact and proximate cause of your injury. Cause in fact requires showing that the plaintiff would not have been injured but for the defendant’s actions—in other words, the defendant’s actions alone caused the plaintiff harm.
Showing proximate cause typically requires proving the injury was a foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions. Whether or not paralysis is a foreseeable injury that could occur is usually a hotly contested issue in a paralysis negligence case. Medical testimony and evidence could play a role in determining whether this harm is considered foreseeable.
What Could a Paralysis Victim Recover For?
A plaintiff may claim two types of injuries in a civil case: compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are the direct damages that the plaintiff has suffered, which may be economic or non-economic in nature.
In contrast, punitive damages are the damages the court may require the defendant to pay as punishment for particularly egregious or intentional actions. A Trenton paralysis injury attorney could help you determine which particular damages you may be eligible to recover in your case.
Insurance Laws That May Impact a Paralysis Injury Lawsuit
New Jersey is one of only a handful of states that operates under a no-fault system when it comes to civil compensation. Fault states allow an individual to directly bring a lawsuit against another party for his or her injury. In contrast, a no-fault state limits the ability of individuals to file a lawsuit until they have exhausted their options to file claims with their own insurance.
This system is most relevant for injury cases stemming from motor vehicle crashes, as New Jersey drivers are required to maintain insurance that would pay for medical treatment and other out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident. So, injured drivers generally must file a claim with their own insurance company first in order to receive compensation.
However, there are limited circumstances where a plaintiff may bring a lawsuit directly against a negligent driver or negligent driver’s insurance company if he or she suffered significant disfigurement, scarring, permanent injury, or other significant injuries. As a qualified Trenton lawyer could affirm, paralysis injuries often meet this requirement.
How an Experienced Trenton Paralysis Injury Attorney Could Help
The expertise and advocacy that a qualified attorney could provide may be able to level the playing field against insurance companies and liable parties looking to protect their own finances. An experienced Trenton paralysis injury lawyer could be the key to putting you in the best position to recover compensation.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in New Jersey generally only allows two years after an accident for you to file suit, so time is often critical when trying to recover civil damages. If you have suffered from paralysis due to someone else’s actions, call today to set up a consultation and discuss your case.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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