September 2009
Plaintiff, a 37 year old resident of Sussex County, New Jersey was waiting to make a left hand turn when she was struck from behind by another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The plaintiff suffered injuries to her lumbar spine and underwent extensive medical care for her injuries, which included chiropractic therapy, physical therapy as well as 3 epidural steroid injection. She then underwent an Intradiscal Electrothermy (IDET) surgical procedure, which was unsuccessful in relieving her pain. Ultimately, she underwent Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery on one of her discs, which included bone grafting and pedicle screw instrumentation.
As a result of the injuries, plaintiff’s activities of daily living were severely affected. Additionally, the surgery resulted in an approximate 6 inch scar to her lower back.
Mr. Rizika was able to effectuate the settlement of her claim for $290,000 prior to trial after a Mediation with retired Judge Marguerite Simon. The Plaintiff’s husband also received a settlement of $10,000 for his loss of consortium claim.
Starr, Gern resolves motor vehicle accident claim for $250,000 on behalf of 20 year old woman.
Jeffrey A. Rizika successfully resolved a claim prior to trial for $250,000 on behalf of a 20-year-old Essex County woman who underwent Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Releases and an Endoscopic Laser Assisted Discectomy and Annuloplasty as well as Discogram at the L4- L5 and L5-S1 levels of the spine.
The plaintiff was in Millburn Township, New Jersey traveling eastbound on Morris Turnpike when another vehicle ran through a stop sign at Cleveland Place causing the vehicles to collide. She suffered numerous injuries to her neck, back, wrists, jaw. She also sustained a closed head injury with psychological deficits as a result of the collision, which required an extensive amount of psychiatric care. As a result of her physical injuries, the plaintiff underwent surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in her right wrist, a second surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in her left wrist. She also underwent numerous pain management procedures on her neck and back as well as chiropractic therapy, physical therapy and acupuncture. Ultimately, the conservative care and pain management was unsuccessful, resulting in the necessity of Endoscopic Laser assisted Discectomy and Annuloplasty surgery on two discs in her lower back.
As a result of her injuries, plaintiff was unable to return to school to complete her degree in cosmetology. due to her inability to perform strenuous activities, she experienced an excessive weight gain, which also contributed to her psychological deficits.
Due to the extensive nature of plaintiff’s injuries and her young age, Mr. Rizika was able to settle the case for $250,000 shortly before trial.
**Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances**