Herniated Disc Compensation in New Jersey
When many people hear the term herniated disc, they immediately shudder in sympathy. After all, herniated discs can cause excruciating pain and long lasting consequences. In years past, people received significant awards for accident related injuries involving herniated discs. Has the law changed in New Jersey as far as compensation for herniated discs?
What is a Herniated Disc?
The human spine contains a number of cushioned discs between each level of the vertebrae. Think of them as shock absorbers. The spine itself consists of four basis levels. The C-spine/cervical area is in the neck and represents C1-C8. People with injuries in this area not only suffer neck discomfort, but may also complain of pain that radiates down their arms. The thoracic spine is immediately below the cervical spine and is labeled T1-T12. Next comes, the lumbar spine. People who claim of lower back pain often have injuries to the lumbar spine, which consists of L1-L5. They may experience episodes of shooting pains down their legs. Directly below the lumbar spine is the sacral spine, labeled from S1-S5.
A herniated disc is sometimes referred to as a slipped disc. Sometimes an impact can cause the harder exterior to break though, causing the cushioned pad to leak a jelly like substance. This can be put substantial pressure of the spinal nerves, causing severe pain. Not all herniated discs ailments are accident related. Some may be due to the aging process, often referred to as degenerative disc disease.
Can You Receive Compensation for a Herniated Disc?
In years past, individuals received large awards for even minor herniated discs in all types of accident cases. Although you may receive some money, the New Jersey courts have changed their perspective on this type of injury. Like every personal injury case, a great deal will depend on the severity of your condition, your medical bills, and the long-term effects of your injury.
Clearly, it is also important to determine the impact that the injury has on your life. Has it affected your livelihood? Did you require surgery? How has it changed your daily living? You should be prepared to present your attorney with answers to all of these questions.
How Can You Pursue a Case for Herniated Disc Compensation?
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, it is important to seek legal counsel. The same is true if your accident occurred at work. Go with a specialist. The law office of Beninato & Matrafajlo has decades of experience in herniated disc cases. Contact us for a free consultation.
Dan T. Matrafajlo, Esq. is the Managing Member and Lead Partner at Beninato & Matrafajlo, Attorneys at Law, LLC, a New Jersey-based personal injury law firm with offices in Elizabeth and East Brunswick. With over two decades of experience representing clients in complex matters—including motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death cases—he has recovered over $100 million on behalf of his clients and is known for securing significant results. He has also helped shape New Jersey personal injury law through notable Appellate Division decisions such as Hardison v. King and Frenklakh v. Lojek, with his litigation work featured in the New Jersey Law Journal, underscoring his authority in the field.
Mr. Matrafajlo was recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Stars honoree from 2012 to 2017 and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor reserved for attorneys who have achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Combining deep legal expertise with a client-focused approach, he provides strategic, results-driven representation while guiding clients through every stage of the legal process. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York.
