A New Jersey native who relatively recently moved to another state and still has lots of family in New Jersey has started a tradition of spreading his blessings but helping families who cannot pay their medical expenses. He raises money with annual Christmas tree sale, and he is now able to help two families each year.
It wasn’t too long ago when this man himself may have needed support and financial help for his medical condition. While playing baseball, he suffered a serious spinal cord injury when he slid in to third base, breaking his neck and compressing his spine in the process. Despite intensive rehabilitation efforts, he was not able to recover from the ensuing paralysis. As a result of his seemingly permanent disability, he must use a wheelchair.
People who choose to play sports oftentimes assume the risk of any injuries that may result. For example, a person who chooses to engage in boxing will not be able to recover compensation for a broken nose or other injury associated with being hit.
However, assumption of risk is not absolute. While it might be foreseeable that a football player may suffer paralysis, devastating spinal cord injuries are in all likelihood much less common in baseball. If someone else’s negligence contributed to this man’s injury, he may be able to get compensation in a personal injury lawsuit for his medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.
This man seems to have been able to maintain a positive outlook on life and therefore share his blessings with others during this holiday season. Regrettably, for others it is not so easy, and a lawsuit may be the only way to get the compensate that person will need for his or her future needs.
Source: NJ.com, “Paralyzed man’s Christmas tree sale benefits children with medical needs,” Walter O’Brien, Dec. 12, 2012
