A pre-existing condition does not exclude you from recovering damages for a personal injury claim. The Eggshell Injury Doctrine is a law that many states, including New Jersey, have incorporated in order to protect individuals suffering from pre-existing conditions. This law essentially states that individuals with pre-existing injuries have the right to compensation for their injuries, even given the circumstances that their current injuries wouldn’t have been quite as bad if it weren’t for their pre-existing condition. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident or illness if you have a pre-existing condition. We offer free consultations.

In New Jersey, you have rights to compensation or damages even if a car accident was partly your fault. Insurance companies look at several factors when determining fault and assign liability as a percentage. In New Jersey, if an accident was less than 50 percent your fault, you can still receive compensation for your damages. The amount or percentage of fault is determined on a case-by-case basis, and it all depends on the circumstances of the accident. In these types of complex cases, often involving more than two drivers or parties, consulting with an attorney can help you understand your options. We offer free consultations.

A release is a document that you sign in return for accepting the settlement funds. By signing the release, you are accepting the settlement and therefore releasing any other claims against the defendant and usually any other defendant related to the incident. In other words, once you settle you can never reopen the case or try to file a claim for additional compensation. If you are married, your spouse may be required to sign the release as well.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the first option to pay medical bills -- and the first that must be used -- is PIP insurance. After that fund is exhausted or for other types of claims, most people utilize their own health insurance to pay medical bills until a settlement is reached. If that’s not a possibility or if the insurance policy maximum has been reached, it’s also possible to formally ‘promise’ a healthcare provider that the bills will be paid once the settlement is reached. We can advise you of your options and negotiate with healthcare providers to ensure your treatment is not compromised.

Since the insurance for the at-fault party won't pay for your lost wages immediately after the accident, accident or illness, there are a few options to make up for lost wages and pay your bills while you wait for your settlement. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, PIP insurance can cover lost wages and must be exhausted first. There are other options for loans, lawsuit funding and even bankruptcy. We can advise you of your options and negotiate with healthcare providers to ensure your treatment is not compromised.