Spinal cord injuries are devastating and can result in a long recovery that extends for years, sometimes even leaving one with a lifelong disability. Whether you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident, a slip and fall, or some other type of accident, you could qualify for compensation from those responsible for your injuries.
Getting compensation from the liable party is usually necessary to be able to pay your bills and retain some control of your life. Learn all about the process of a spinal cord injury legal claim, what types of injuries are common, and the role a spinal injury lawyer plays in spinal cord injury cases.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury occurs when the bundle of nerves that runs down the center of your back is damaged. This nerve cluster is responsible for all communication between your brain and body, and any disruption to this communication can lead to severe symptoms such as pain, paralysis, mood swings, psychological conditions, breathing difficulties, issues with bodily functions, and even sexual dysfunction.
Spinal cord injuries can result from various accidents, but they share one common factor: they can cause devastating physical, emotional, and financial damage.
These injuries may take the form of a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury. Incomplete, or partial spinal cord injuries occur when only a portion of the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in some loss of function or sensation near the injury site. Complete spinal cord injuries, on the other hand, involve the complete severing of the spinal cord, often resulting in total loss of function or paralysis.
Don’t neglect to be seen by a medical professional as they will be able to assist you in managing your symptoms and developing a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
Defenses You May Face
When you file a spinal cord injury claim, the defendants and their insurance companies may use a variety of tactics to avoid paying damages. Some of the most common defenses include:
- Claiming that you bear some or all of the responsibility for your injury
- Arguing that you assumed the risk of participation in an activity that carried a danger of injury
- Challenging the severity of your injury or its impact on your life
To overcome these defenses, you’ll need the help of an experienced spine injury lawyer who understands how to build a strong case on your behalf. Your legal ally can help gather medical documents, expert testimony, and witness statements that will strengthen the validity of your claim and tell your story.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
When you are hurt due to someone else’s actions, you could be eligible for a range of compensatory damages, including payment of lost wages and lost potential for future earnings, lost relationships and companionship, lost financial support, pain and suffering, and damages for emotional loss.
You will also likely be eligible for repayment of medical bills, including expenses for doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, therapy and rehabilitation, surgery, prescriptions, medical devices, and more.
A Maine injury lawyer with experience handling spinal cord injury cases can help you determine what types of damages you may be eligible for and how to go about pursuing them.
Working With a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
In the interest of protecting your rights and obtaining the compensation you deserve, it is highly recommended that you work with a spine injury lawyer who can:
- Help you understand the legal process and what to expect
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding your spine injury
- Gather evidence to support your case
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in court, if necessary
Lowry & Associates helps clients who have suffered spinal cord injuries in Portland and across the state of Maine. We understand how difficult this time can be for you and your family, and we’re committed to providing you with the compassionate and skilled legal representation you need to receive a fair financial settlement.
Remember, the statute of limitations limits the amount of time you have to file your claim. You don’t want to miss the chance to have your day in court, so be sure to get started as soon as you know about your injury.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward justice in your claim, please call us today at (207) 600-1526 or fill out our free case review form. We’re here 24/7 to help you.
