The spinal cord plays a central role in running the human body. Even a seemingly small amount of spinal cord trauma is a catastrophic injury. If you or your family member suffered spinal cord damage in an accident, it is imperative that you take immediate action. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we have extensive experience fighting for the rights of injured victims and their families. Here, our Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyer provides a comprehensive guide to spinal cord injury claims in Georgia.
Spinal Cord Trauma Can Occur in Many Types of Accidents
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of the back and transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Broadly defined, a spinal cord injury involves any damage to the spinal cord. It is a catastrophic injury that can result in a partial or complete loss of sensory function or motor control of the arms, legs, and entire body. Notably, the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) estimates that nearly 200,000 people are currently living with a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord damage can happen in many types of accident, including:
- Medical malpractice;
- Car crashes;
- Semi-truck collisions;
- Motorcycle wrecks;
- Pedestrian accidents;
- Fall accidents; and
- Workplace injuries.
An Overview of Spinal Cord Injuries
While there is no such thing as minor spinal cord damage, the severity of spinal cord trauma will vary based on the specific nature of the impact. Spinal cord injuries are split into two categories:
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A complete spinal injury results in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the injury. A person with complete spinal cord injuries cannot transmit signals below the affected area.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In contrast, with an incomplete spinal cord injury, some function or sensation remains below the level of the injury. The degree of function and sensation that remains can vary widely from victim to victim.
Every Catastrophic Accident Requires a Thorough Investigation
Every catastrophic accident demands a comprehensive investigation to uncover exactly what went wrong and why it went wrong. As the victim, you cannot rely on law enforcement or any insurance company to conduct a proper (impartial) investigation. Your catastrophic accident should be investigated by an experienced Atlanta spinal cord injury attorney.
Notably, Georgia is a fault-based personal injury state, including for catastrophic injuries. The party who is responsible for an accident—such as a driver who ran a red light and collided with a pedestrian—can be held liable for a victim’s spinal cord damage. No matter the circumstances of your case, a lawyer can gather the evidence needed to prove fault and establish liability.
A Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Most Spinal Cord Injury Cases in Georgia
You have a limited amount of time to bring a spinal cord injury claim in Georgia. Under state law, most personal injury cases are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. Catastrophic injury claims are no exception. For example, if you suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury in a car crash in Atlanta, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Only very limited exceptions to the deadline apply in spinal cord injury claims. Do miss out on your chance to pursue justice. Consult with an Atlanta spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible.
We Help Injured Victims Fight for the Maximum Compensation
Did you or your loved one suffer spinal cord trauma in an accident in Atlanta? It is imperative that you are able to secure the absolute maximum financial support. Georgia law allows catastrophically injured victims to seek compensation for the full value of their economic losses and non-economic damages. Unfortunately, big corporations and large insurance companies often try to undervalue a victim’s settlement in catastrophic injury claims, including spinal cord damage cases. A top-tier Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyer can help. You may be entitled to recovery compensation for:
- Property loss, such as vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Visits to medical specialists;
- Medications and medical equipment;
- Physical therapy and mental health support;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Long-term disability; and
- Loss of quality of life.
Two Key Considerations in Spinal Cord Injury Claims
How much is a spinal cord injury claim worth? It depends on many different case-driven factors, including liability, damages, and insurance coverage. Notably, in catastrophic injury claims, special attention to future medical needs and intangible damages. Any person with spinal cord trauma should work with an attorney who can help them fight for financial compensation for:
- Future Medical Needs: Spinal cord injuries often result in lifelong medical requirements that can be incredibly costly. Immediate expenses such as surgery, hospital stays, and rehabilitation are just the beginning. Over time, the victim may need ongoing physical therapy, medications, and periodic updates to medical equipment such as wheelchairs or special vehicles. Beyond that, modifications to the home to accommodate mobility limitations, such as ramps, widened doorways, and adapted bathrooms may be required.
- Non-Economic Damages: Beyond the tangible costs lie the non-economic damages, which are often more difficult to quantify but are equally impactful. These damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. Spinal cord injuries can be particularly devastating, leading to significant changes in lifestyle and mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety. Non-economic damages must be properly accounted for in a spinal cord injury claim.
Contact Our Georgia Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Georgia catastrophic injury attorney has the skills and experience to handle all types of cases, including spinal cord injury claims. If you or your loved one suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury in an accident, we are here to help. Contact us now for your no fee, no obligation initial case review. We handle spinal cord injury claims in Atlanta and throughout the entire region in Georgia.