By Adam Smeltz

A Camden County judge has ordered the county government to pay $19.3 million to a 23-year-old car crash victim, tossing the county's request for a new trial in the liability case.

Superior Court Judge John Fratto issued the order June 12, but the crash victim, Atco resident Nicholas Anderson, has yet to see any of the money, his attorney John M. Dodig said Wednesday. He said Anderson still needs physical therapy, pain medication and vocational training but doesn't have enough funds.

"It's very difficult for (Anderson) because he does not have the funds to pay for continuing medical treatment or even to register to take college courses online," Dodig said. "His life is kind in a holding pattern."

Anderson was 18 when his car wrecked Dec. 23, 2004, on Raritan Avenue and struck a guardrail. The guardrail pierced his vehicle, causing the amputation of his left leg and other serious injuries. His attorneys said the guardrail wasn't crash-worthy, and a jury in October decided he should receive a multi-million-dollar payout.

Fratto denied a defense request for a new trial but did agree to reduce the award from the jury's decision - $31.3 million - to $19.3 million.

County attorney William M. Tambussi said county officials are still mulling whether to appeal the judge's June 12 order for a $19.3 million award. They have 45 days to make a decision.

For more details, read the Courier-Post on Thursday.

Reach Adam Smeltz at (856) 486-2919 or asmeltz@gannett.com.