Helping Injury Victims Rebuild Lives and Recover Compensation For Catastrophic Back & Neck Claims
A damaged spinal cord can steal movement, sensation, and independence in seconds. The spinal cord injury team at the Law Offices of Craig A. Altman stands beside South Jersey families as they navigate emergency surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and lifelong expenses.
Roughly 1,600 spinal cord injuries occur in New Jersey each year, with motor vehicle accidents remaining the leading cause.*
Average lifetime care for a 25‑year‑old with tetraplegia exceeds $5.1 million according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.
Camden, Gloucester, and Atlantic Counties report the highest per‑capita SCI hospitalization rates in the state.*
*Data compiled from NJ Department of Health trauma registry and 2024 NSCISC factsheet.
If a crash, fall, or medical error left you facing paralysis or severe pain, our New Jersey spinal cord injury lawyers are ready to demand full accountability from every at‑fault party.
From our Vineland office, we fight for injured South Jersey residents across Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, and Salem Counties.
Why New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury Victims Choose The Law Offices of Craig A. Altman
Decades of handling complex catastrophic injury claims. We understand the differences between complete and incomplete injuries and how to document motor and sensory loss for settlement negotiations and trial purposes.
Rapid evidence preservation. Accident‑scene investigators secure diagnostic scans, medical records, dash‑cam footage, and witness statements before they disappear.
Multi‑policy recovery strategy. We layer personal auto, commercial, homeowners, umbrella, and excess coverage to recoup medical bills, lost wages, and future care costs.
No‑fee guarantee. Initial consultations are free, and you owe nothing unless we obtain compensation for you.
New Jersey Laws That Shape a Spinal Cord Injury Claim
Law / Rule | Impact on Your Case |
|---|---|
Two‑Year Statute of Limitations (N.J.S.A. 2A:14‑2) | File suit within 2 years of injury or lose your claim. |
Modified Comparative Negligence (N.J.S.A. 2A:15‑5.1–5.3) | Damages allowed if you are 50 % or less at fault; award reduced by your share. |
No Caps on Compensatory Damages | Economic & non‑economic damages are uncapped in NJ spinal cord cases. |
PIP & Lawsuit Threshold (N.J.S.A. 39:6A‑8) | Crash‑related SCIs must meet the “verbal threshold” unless the policyholder chose no limitation. |
Workers’ Compensation Coordination (N.J.S.A. 34:15‑8) | On‑the‑job spine injuries may yield both comp benefits and third‑party suits. |
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries We Litigate
Cause | Typical Scenario | Key Legal Considerations |
Motor Vehicle Accidents | Rear‑end collisions, rollovers, and distracted drivers | Black‑box data, cell‑phone records, multiple insurance layers |
Unsafe Conditions & Fall Accidents | Construction scaffolds, icy entrances, and poorly lit stairways | OSHA / building‑code violations pinpoint at‑fault parties |
Contact Sports & Recreational Injuries | Diving in shallow water, high‑impact football tackles | Duty of care by schools, municipalities, and facility owners |
Violence & Gunshot Wounds | Assaults in bars or parking lots | Negligent security and dram‑shop liability expand coverage |
Medical / Surgical Procedure Errors | Misplaced hardware, anesthesia mistakes | Expert review links nerve damage to substandard care |
Understanding Complete vs. Incomplete Injury
Classification | Motor Function | Sensory Function | Prognosis & Challenges Ahead |
Complete Injury | Total loss below the injury site | No sensation below the injury site | Permanent paralysis; needs long‑term attendant care, respiratory support |
Incomplete Injury | Partial motor or sensory preservation | Varies by cord segment | Outcomes range from walk‑with‑assistive device to wheelchair dependency; aggressive physical therapy is critical |
Early surgery and targeted rehab improve the odds of reaching maximum medical improvement after an incomplete injury.
Damages Our South Jersey Spinal Cord Lawyers Pursue
Economic | Non‑Economic | Future Needs |
Emergency surgeries & ongoing medical expenses | Pain, suffering, and loss of independence | Home modifications, adaptive vehicles |
Lost wages & diminished earning power | Emotional distress & loss of consortium | Wheelchairs, lifts, lifelong attendant care |
Vocational retraining & assistive technology |
| Replacement of equipment at the end‑of‑useful‑life |
Life-care planners and economists calculate costs across the entire life expectancy to capture the full extent of losses.
Protecting Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
Follow all treatment plans. Missed appointments give the insurance company ammunition.
Save every receipt and pay stub documenting medical care expenses and lost income.
Request your police or incident report to confirm facts and liable parties.
Avoid social media posts about activities that insurers might twist to downplay limitations.
Contact a New Jersey spinal cord attorney promptly to explore legal options and preserve evidence.
Spinal Cord Injury FAQ
How much compensation is typical for a spinal cord injury?
Severe SCI claims in New Jersey often reach higher figures reflecting surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and lifetime attendant care. Every result depends on the severity of the injury, liability, and the availability of insurance.
What is medical negligence in a spinal cord case?
Negligence occurs when healthcare providers deviate from accepted standards, such as misaligned rods or delayed diagnosis, directly causing additional spinal trauma.
How long does a spinal cord injury claim take to resolve?
It’s challenging to provide a specific timeframe, as each case is unique and can vary significantly. Rest assured, our team works diligently to advance every matter as quickly as possible.
What fees do spine injury attorneys charge in NJ?
Most spinal cord injury cases are work with contingency fees generally capped at a percentage at of the recovered settlement and decline on higher tiers under Court Rule 1:21‑7.
Can you sue for pain and suffering after an SCI?
Yes. Because New Jersey imposes no cap on compensatory damages, pain‑and‑suffering awards can be substantial when paralysis or chronic pain limits daily life.
Get a Free Consultation To Discuss The Legal Options For Your Spinal Injuries
If a spinal cord injury has changed your life, speak with our South Jersey team today. Contact the Law Offices of Craig A. Altman for a free consultation and learn how we pursue the resources you need to move forward.
$20 Million
Wrongful Death in New Jersey
$2 Million
Longshoreman Injury in New Jersey
$1.3 Million
Workplace Injury in New Jersey
$1 Million
Workplace Accident in New Jersey
$825,000
Workplace Injury in New Jersey
$750,000
Individual Harmed by an Exploding Thermos
$550,000
Neck & Back Injuries
$440,000
Workplace Injury in New Jersey
$400,000
Motor Vehicle Accident
$300,000
Minor with a Broken Leg
$300,000
Injuries Resulting From a Trip & Fall
$250,000
Pedestrian Accident
Injured? Tell Us Your Story. We’ll Handle the Rest.
Call To Speak To A Lawyer For A Free Case Evaluation.
Cases We Handle in New Jersey
Injured at work, in an accident, or in a slip-and-fall in New Jersey?
From comparative-fault rules to the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Altman Team knows New Jersey law inside out. Whether your claim arises in Mercer, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Cumberland, Salem, or Cape May County, we will protect your legal rights and help you get every dollar you deserve.
You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.