The spinal cord is a collection of nerves that transmits messages from the brain and the body, giving commands to muscles, limbs, and organ function. When the spinal cord suffers a significant blow or traumatic force, the damage could be devastating enough to never regain normal use of your body again.
If you have been in an accident that resulted in a serious spinal cord injury, our personal injury attorneys are ready to help you recover restitution. Our Atlanta spinal cord injury lawyers have a thorough understanding of the Georgia legal system and court proceedings and can navigate through any possible complications regarding your case.
Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers have won millions in compensation for victims. Call 770-HELP-NOW today for a free consultation!
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The spinal cord is completely vulnerable to injury. Compared to other parts of the body, the spinal cord isn’t capable of repairing itself once damage occurs.
An injury to the upper part of the spinal cord in the neck can result in quadriplegia (loss of function in both arms and legs). If the spinal cord injury occurs lower in the back, it can result in paraplegia (both legs only).
Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:
- Loss of movement or sensation
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain or stiffness.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Our Atlanta spinal cord injury attorneys have helped victims injured in many different types of accidents. Some of the common causes of spinal cord injuries include the following.
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bike accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Falls
- Acts of violence
- Sports and recreational injuries
In general, you can file a spinal cord injury lawsuit if the injury was caused by the negligence or intentional misconduct of another person or entity. For example, if a reckless driver causes an accident that results in a spinal cord injury or if you fall down stairs because a business didn’t fix a dangerous condition on the property.
The Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury
The cost of a spinal cord injury can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s unique circumstances.
Initial medical costs can be very high, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation. In the United States, the average cost of hospitalization for a spinal cord injury is around $140,000, and the cost of initial rehabilitation can range from $30,000 to $100,000 or more.
In addition to medical expenses, there may be ongoing costs such as home modifications, medical equipment, medication, and personal care services. These costs can add up over time and may be difficult to predict, as they can vary depending on the individual’s level of function and need for assistance.
There may also be indirect costs associated with a spinal cord injury, such as lost income and decreased quality of life. The lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury can be significant, with estimates ranging from $1 million to over $5 million.
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s vital that you work with an Atlanta spinal cord injury lawyer to recover the full compensation that you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover in an Atlanta Spinal Cord Injury Case?
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury that has resulted from the carelessness or negligence of another party, you are entitled to pursue compensation.
The specific types of compensation available and the amount of damages that may be recoverable can vary widely depending on the facts of the case. Some types of compensation that are commonly sought in these cases include the following.
Medical Expenses
This includes the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, including hospitalization, surgery, medications, medical equipment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any other necessary medical expenses.
Victims can seek reimbursement for past medical expenses as well as estimated future medical expenses related to the spinal cord injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
A spinal cord injury may limit the victim’s ability to work, either temporarily or permanently. Compensation can include lost wages and income as well as any future loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain and suffering can include pain and discomfort from surgery, ongoing pain from nerve damage or chronic conditions resulting from the injury, and limitations on mobility and physical activity.
Emotional pain and suffering can include depression, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological effects caused by the injury.
Compensation for pain and suffering is typically calculated based on the severity and duration of the pain and suffering. Factors such as the type of injury, the victim’s age and overall health, and the impact of the injury on the victim’s life can all be considered when determining an appropriate award.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
This includes the loss of ability to participate in activities the victim enjoyed prior to the injury, such as hobbies, sports, and social activities.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium includes the loss of companionship and support from a spouse or partner as a result of the injury. This can also include the loss of sexual intimacy and the inability to engage in sexual activity. It’s common for a spinal cord injury to impact sexual function.
Home Modifications and Assistive Devices
If the victim requires modifications to their home or assistive devices such as wheelchairs, etc., compensation for these expenses may be recoverable.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Is Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury Calculated?
Compensation in a spinal cord injury case typically includes economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are intended to compensate the victim for financial losses they have suffered as a result of their injury, while non-economic damages are intended to compensate the victim for non-financial losses, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
Calculating compensation in a spinal cord injury case can be complex, and may require expert testimony from medical and financial professionals.
Testimony from medical professionals, vocational experts, and other specialists can be critical in establishing the extent of the injury, the victim’s ongoing care needs, and the impact on the victim’s future earning potential.
Here are some other types of evidence your Atlanta spinal cord injury attorney may use when building a strong case for compensation.
- Medical records
- Financial records such as medical bills and receipts for other expenses
- Employment records
Why Do You Need an Atlanta Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
A spinal cord injury lawyer in Atlanta can provide valuable assistance and support. Here are some of the ways that a spinal cord injury lawyer can help.
- Legal advice and guidance: A spinal cord injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and provide guidance on how to proceed with a personal injury case.
- Investigation: A spinal cord injury lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to build a strong case.
- Negotiation: A spinal cord injury lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies and other responsible parties to seek fair compensation for your injuries.
- Representation in court: If necessary, a spinal cord injury lawyer can represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguing on the victim’s behalf to seek a favorable outcome.
- Expertise in personal injury law: A spinal cord injury lawyer is familiar with the relevant laws and will help you navigate the complex legal process.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Georgia?
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury or accident. This means that you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the injury or accident, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Important evidence may be lost and witnesses’ memories may fade with each passing moment. That’s why it’s crucial to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
How Much Will an Atlanta Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Charge?
Our Atlanta spinal cord injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid if you receive a settlement or award. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award.
If we don’t win, you don’t pay. We offer a no-cost, no-obligation case review and consultation. Call us today at 770-HELP-NOW to learn how we can help you.
Call Us Today for a Free Case Review!
If you have been in an accident that resulted in a serious spinal cord injury, you need a proven Atlanta personal injury law firm on your side. Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of the legal system and court proceedings and can navigate through any possible complications regarding your spinal cord injury case.
Our team at The Weinstein Firm has a proven track record of obtaining millions of dollars in compensation and settlements. Call us today at 770-HELP-NOW for a free case review and consultation!
