December 14, 2007
The plaintiff was injured in an automobile accident when another vehicle struck his car while he was proceeding up the Route 287 South exit ramp after exiting Route 22 East in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The defendant was in the left lane on the entrance ramp to Route 287 South when he realized that he had improperly exited Route 22. Without looking to his right, the defendant made a sudden lane change into the driver's side of the plaintiff's vehicle in an attempt to re-enter Route 22.
After two years of conservative care failed to alleviate the plaintiff's lower back injuries, he underwent lumbar spine surgery on August 14, 2002. Postoperatively, he developed several blood clots, which in turn resulted in post-phlebitic syndrome. After minimal relief, the spinal surgery itself failed. The plaintiff's condition continued to deteriorate, and in February of 2005, he could no longer report to work. He was declared disabled by Social Security.
The Underinsured Motorist claim resolved during a voluntary mediation. The plaintiff was represented by lawyer John Ratkowitz during the initial litigation and throughout the arbitration process.
