In an inspiring story of recovery, a Skillman resident recently competed in the New York-New Jersey Ironman U.S. Championship five years after he was nearly killed by a hit-and-run driver. Few who suffer spinal cord injury, as he did, can hope to recover nearly as well, but his story will undoubtedly give hope to many.
The man, now 40, was standing by the side of a road one day in 2007 while waiting for a ride when a car ran into him and sped away. He suffered a fractured skull, brain and spinal injuries in the crash, and suffered excruciating pain for a long time afterward. But, after a long recovery and a series of other personal setbacks, he resolved to get back in shape. This month, he took part in the Ironman competition, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run.
Even a small back injury can change a person’s life. A spinal injury can cause chronic pain, muscle weakness and other uncomfortable sensations. In some cases, a back injury can cause permanent loss of mobility. All of these can lead to overwhelming medical expenses and other costs. A personal injury claim can help recover compensation for these damages. However, making a claim based on a spinal cord injury is a complicated process.
This story of a man who went from brain and spinal cord injury victim to super athlete is unique, to say the least. He is an inspiration to others who have been injured in car accidents.
Many who have suffered a spinal cord injury can start to get their lives back in order with the help of an experienced attorney. A personal injury attorney can focus on the legal intricacies of the case, while the victim can direct his or her attention on regaining their health.
Source: mycentraljersey.com, “Ironman participant’s long road back,” Joe Martino, Aug. 11, 2012
