Spinal Cord Injury Claims and Compensation: Legal Issues Involved

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most debilitating injuries one can suffer. Throughout the United States, nearly 250, 000 people suffer from this injury, due to various causes.

Any injury to the spinal cord is considered a serious injury, if not a fatal one. Since the spine enables a person to walk, run, move and make use of his hands and fingers, any injury to the spinal cord can have tremendous effect on one’s life. An injury to the spine or even a small section of the spine is enough to make one incapacitated for the rest of his life. spinal cord injuries can lead to brain damage, paralysis, and quadriplegia.

Types of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are categorized into three types depending on the location of the injury.

1. Cervical Spine (C-spine) injury – refers to injuries in the neck area or the upper section of the spine
2. Thoracic Spine (T-spine) injury – injuries sustained in the shoulder blades or mid back
3. Lumbar spine (L-spine) injury – refers to injuries in the lower back, tail bone or the lumbar spine

Serious injuries to the spinal cord may be caused by several factors resulting from the following incidents:

• Vehicle accidents – Injuries suffered from automobile crashes and collisions can damage the spine and may lead to other serious injuries
• Slip and fall accidents
• Construction/ workplace accidents
• Sporting accidents
• Medical malpractice/ surgical errors
• Physical attacks/ assaults

Claims and Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury

If you have suffered from a spinal cord injury due to negligence or recklessness of another person, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. The amount of compensation will depend on the nature and circumstances of your case and the state laws.

To determine whether you can pursue a claim or not, it is best to consult with an attorney experienced in spinal injury cases.

Elements of an Injury Lawsuit

To prove your right to compensation, you must be able to establish the following facts:

• That you were injured
• That the SCI occurred as a result of another person’s recklessness or negligence
• That your injury was caused by the accident and not due to any pre-existing condition
• That you suffered from compensable damages
• That the SCI occurred due to reckless or negligent disregard for your safety by another

Damages and Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury

As a victim of negligence suffering from spinal cord injury, you are entitled to receive compensation for the following damages:

• Lost wages or income
• Medical expenses which include health care, hospital bills, ambulance bills, and charges for medical, surgical or chiropractic care
• Future medical expenses may include the cost for rehabilitation, equipment such as wheelchairs, transportation and attendant care
• Lost of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering which include payment for disfigurement, disability, and loss of life’s pleasures
• Repair and replacement for property damage

Pursuing a spinal injury claim and receiving spinal injury compensation for one’s spinal cord injury may require the skills and experience of someone knowledgeable in this area of law. To increase your chances of obtaining the rightful claim that you deserve, it is essential to seek the services of knowledgeable spinal cord injury attorneys.

• This article is provided for informational purposes only. If you need help with an Injury Law question, click here to consult with Rodney Mesriani or a Spinal Injury Lawyer in your area.

Have a Personal Injury Case?

Get Your Case Reviewed. Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Now

Want to Learn More?

Check out Nolo's Do-It-Yourself Resources

How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim

Win Your Lawsuit

Represent Yourself in Court

eBook - $32.99 | Book & eBook - $34.99

eBook - $37.99 | Book & eBook - $39.99

eBook - $37.99 | Book & eBook - $39.99