Senior Partner
Suffering a spinal cord injury could be a life-altering experience. The victim may be partially or totally paralyzed, leading not only to a decreased quality of life but potentially making it difficult to provide for one’s family. If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury that was someone else’s fault, you have the right to hold that party liable for your injuries. What are some of the damages you could recover? The personal injury lawyers of Miller, Montiel, & Strano, P.C. take a look.
Different types of spinal cord injuries
The type and amount of damages for which you may qualify will depend largely on the nature of your spinal cord injury. Most injuries fall into one of two categories:
Incomplete: This means the spinal cord is still capable of transmitting some messages to or from the brain. The accident victim, therefore, retains some sensory perception and may even have the power to control muscles located below the level of the injury.
Complete: A complete spinal cord injury means there is no nerve communication. All feeling and ability to control movement below the level of the injury are lost.
The victim may be paralyzed either in all four limbs and most of the body (quadriplegia) or in the legs and lower body (paraplegia). A spinal cord injury in the neck area is more likely to cause quadriplegia.
Damages the victim can seek
Recovering damages for your spinal cord injury is serious because you will only have one chance to either settle your case for a fair sum of money or take it to trial to seek a verdict in your favor. Expert witnesses could prove vital to making reasonable estimates of your future damages. Our firm’s trusted expert witnesses can explain to a jury the value of your case and the damages you deserve. Those damages may include:
Medical bills. Unsurprisingly, this category of damages is one of the most significant for the spinal cord injury victim. There may be medical bills for immediate treatment of the injury, plus long-term costs like physical therapy, rehabilitation, adaptive medical treatment, nursing care, and more.
Lost wages. You will miss work and lose money while being treated for whatever accident caused your spinal cord injury. The same is true for follow-up medical appointments, court hearings, and related matters.
Lost future income. A spinal cord injury could cut short or alter a once-promising career, making it difficult to earn a living. This is especially true for spinal cord injury victims who rely on physical labor to support themselves and their families. However, lost future income can affect anyone in any profession who has suffered one of these injuries.
Decreased quality of life. Your life may dramatically change as a result of your spinal cord injury. Perhaps you spent a good deal of time outdoors or enjoyed recreational activities before your accident. The realization that your mobility is limited and daily activities are now a chore can be difficult to adjust to, causing you to experience a reduced quality of life.
Pain and suffering. You may have a painful recovery ahead of you and have to deal with tremendous physical suffering because of your spinal cord injury. Many victims experience chronic pain that aggravates their decreased quality of life and can lead to depression and other secondary issues.
We’re Here To Win You Justice
The good news is that you do not have to take on the powerful insurance companies and lawyers defending the at-fault party alone. The attorneys of Miller, Montiel, & Strano, P.C. go to work every day winning the compensation that spinal cord injury victims deserve. To find out more about how we can help, call us today.
