In the state of New Jersey, there are more than 200,000 car accidents each year. Many are minor and result in minimal injuries or none at all. However, there are instances where an accident is severe, and thus, result in serious injuries. Sometimes, the victim is left with a permanent disability.
When an accident victim is left with a lifelong impairment due to another driver's negligence, they are entitled to compensation. One of the most important questions here is: Will the money received from a settlement or jury verdict be sufficient for a victim with a permanent disability?
We answer this question below, as well as offer further insight into car accident claims and permanent disability below.
In New Jersey, Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is one of the top law firms for car accidents and other types of personal injury. Our NJ car accident lawyers are ready to help you.
Common Permanent Disability Injuries
A car accident can cause a variety of injuries that can end in a lifelong disability. Following a collision, some of the most common injuries that cause people to become permanently disabled include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crush injuries or amputation
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal organ damage
- PTSD
This is a handful of the long-term injuries that car accidents may cause. Any injury that prevents a person from engaging in regular activities or job duties they were performing prior to the vehicle accident would be considered a permanent impairment. A person with a permanent disability, which might vary in severity, will be affected for the remainder of their life.
Getting Enough Compensation For Your Permanent Disability
Getting enough money to support someone who is adjusting to their new, altered way of life after suffering a permanent disability in a car accident is important. Those who suffer a permanent disability don't have to give up on life, but they must ensure they get enough money from the at-fault party.
Liability is established after a thorough investigation, much like in any car accident. When successful, compensation can be won through a settlement with the at-fault driver's insurance company or a judgment in a personal injury lawsuit against the motorist and their insurance company. The fact that a victim is seeking long-term compensation could complicate these claims.
The future costs of anticipated care must be taken into account for those who suffer a permanent disability in a NJ car accident. Primary expenses to take into account are:
- Future medical costs
- Modifications to home or car
- In-home care costs
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- Loss of future income
Disability Types
A multitude of programs may be offered for "disability". These include:
Workers Compensation
Workers comp may be available to injured employees, including those hurt in auto accidents. These benefits may include temporary or permanent disability. Any employee who is injured at work and misses more than seven days of work may begin to earn workers compensation benefits under the workers compensation program. The workers compensation program may provide disability benefits to injured workers after a certain amount of time and based on the type of injury.
Private Employer Disability
After a car accident, if you are lucky enough to have an employer with a short- or long-term disability plan, you may be eligible for disability benefits under that plan. Usually, the disability benefits represent a portion of your pre-injury income.
Social Security Disability
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two disability programs offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If a person has worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, SSDI provides compensation to disabled workers and certain family members. Benefits under SSI are awarded to those who meet both the financial need and the disability requirements. The SSA does not offer a program for temporary disabilities. Your medical condition and handicap must be persistent or anticipated to last more than a year in order for you to be eligible.
Our Attorneys Can Help You If You've Suffered a Permanent Injury
You are entitled to financial compensation for your losses if another person's negligence caused you to suffer severe injuries in an auto accident. If you are permanently disabled, you need compensation to last you a lifetime and we can help you get it.
Our skilled team of NJ car accident lawyers will fight for just compensation. You don't pay anything up front when you work with Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. We only collect a fee if we win.
For a free consultation, get in touch with Brandon J. Broderick today.