The spinal cord – a nerve group which is present in the backbone – functions by transmitting messages between an individual’s body and their brain. When these nerves sustain damage in an accident, victims can be left with a permanent loss of sensation or movement. The most serious spinal cord injuries involve full or partial paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries are unique in that they can require long-term treatment and rehabilitative medical care. In many instances, the injuries are permanent, and an accident victim’s life is never the same.
If you or someone you love has experienced a spinal cord injury due to another person’s actions or negligence, you may be able to recover compensation with help from a dedicated personal injury attorney. Call a Marksville spinal cord injury lawyer today to discuss your legal options.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often come with long-term and painful symptoms, including:
- Numbness
- Paralysis
- Tingling
- Emotional trauma
- Poor coordination
- Weakness
- Loss of bladder control
When someone incurs a serious spinal cord injury in an accident, these symptoms do not always become evident right away. Moreover, if a spinal cord injury goes untreated for a long period of time, it can become worse and result in more serious complications in the future.
Get The HelpYou Need(318) 310-8922To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
Who is Eligible to File a Claim?
Individuals can suffer spinal cord injuries in a variety of different situations. If another person causes the accident, the injured accident victim could file a claim or lawsuit seeking monetary damages for their injuries.
For example, an injured motorcyclist may be able to file a personal injury claim against another driver who hit them. Similarly, if an accident victim suffered their injury on another person’s property, and the landowner knew about the hazard ahead of time, the victim could assert a claim against the owner or their insurer.
Spinal cord injury victims in Marksville only have one year from the date of their accident to file a personal injury claim. If they fail to act quickly, they may be ineligible to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. A spinal cord injury lawyer in Marksville could gather evidence and file a claim in a timely manner.
Get The HelpYou Need(318) 310-8922To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
Compensable Damages in a Back Injury Case
Spinal cord injuries have the potential to derail a person’s life for the foreseeable future, but compensation from a personal injury lawsuit could relieve some of the financial burden. In addition to recovering damages for medical expenses, accident victims could also recover compensation for both their past and potential lost earnings. Spinal cord injury victims might also pursue recovery for their pain and suffering, inconvenience, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Get The HelpYou Need(318) 310-8922To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
Avoyelles Parish Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Know the Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injuries
There is only a limited timeframe in which a plaintiff can file a personal injury lawsuit. Under Louisiana Civil Code §3492, victims generally have just one year from the date of the accident in which to pursue compensation for their losses.
If the prospective plaintiff does not meet this strict deadline, they forfeit their right to seek compensation through the courts. Considering that spinal cord injuries are typically expensive injuries lasting a lifetime, failing to file a case on time could have a devastating financial impact. Pursuing a personal injury claim effectively requires time to gather and compile supporting documentation, so victims should consider retaining legal counsel as quickly as possible.
Avoyelles Parish Spinal Cord Injury Damages
Filing a lawsuit allows victims to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses, known as damages. While not all damages can easily be assigned a dollar value, all compensation in a personal injury claim will be monetary. A knowledgeable spinal cord injury lawyer in Avoyelles Parish could help a victim determine which damages apply in their specific case and how much compensation is fair.
Potential damages in a spinal cord injury case include:
- Loss of earning capacity
- Lifecare costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Medical bills
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
Settlements for Spinal Cord Injuries
It is quite common for personal injury plaintiffs and the defendants in the case, along with their attorneys, to try to settle outside of court. In many cases, a settlement can provide fair compensation without the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. The plaintiff’s damages, the actions of the defendant, and other factors are weighed when reaching a settlement agreement.
With a settlement, the defendant does not admit wrongdoing but simply agrees to pay an amount to the plaintiff to dismiss the claim. When receiving their settlement, the plaintiff is required to sign an agreement stating that they will not file the same claim against the defendant again.
Get The HelpYou Need(318) 310-8922To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
Call a Marksville Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
Spinal cord injuries can be debilitating and have permanent effects. An accident victim may need medical treatment and rehabilitation well into the future or even require around-the-clock care.
If you or a family member is the victim of a spinal cord injury, call a Marksville spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Get The HelpYou Need(318) 310-8922To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
