Calculating the Value of a Spinal Cord Injury Claim

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious injuries that can occur to the human body. Because of the permanent paralysis and emotional distress that can occur after a spinal cord injury, as well as overall disruption to your life, it is very possible that you will be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and win financial compensation to pay for the expenses and losses related to your injury.

Spinal cord injury lawsuits involve covering a person’s lifetime medical expenses, which means that SCI personal injury claims are incredibly important. You must hire an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer to ensure you receive the compensation you need. Your spinal cord injury lawyer will work closely with you and your family to ensure you win your case; your lawyer can also help give you all the information you need to live life with SCI to the fullest.

Causes & Effects of Paralysis

Trauma is the most common way the spinal cord is injured. According to the National Cord Injury Statistical Center, motor vehicle accidents, falls, acts of violence, and recreational sports activities are the most common ways people injure their spinal cords. Non-traumatic situations can also cause spinal cord injuries, such as mistakes during surgical procedures or illnesses like cancer.

The effects of paralysis are dependent on where the injury occurs on the spinal cord. Most people with SCI experience some kind of loss of bladder and bowel control. With decreased sensation in the skin, injuries and burns can also frequently occur. Additionally, because of the lesser mobility an SCI brings, the circulatory system doesn’t flow as well, which can lead to swelling. With this, blood clots become a higher possibility for people with spinal cord injuries. Paralyzed chest muscles also compromise the respiratory system, making breathing difficult for some.

Basis of Legal Compensation

Because spinal cord injury claims are so critical to the future of the injured person, it is important that every possible expense and loss is factored into the total amount of the claim. Here are the factors to consider when calculating the amount of your claim:

– How did the accident occur? Is anyone at fault?

– Medical expenses due to the injury

– Medication

– Rehabilitation

– Mobility equipment

– Lost wages due to missing work

– Physical and emotional distress/family member distress

Many spinal cord injuries happen due to somebody else’s negligence, so if you plan on filing a lawsuit, make sure you have all the proof needed to show that the party responsible for your injury is at fault. Also, personal injury claim amounts tend to be higher than the expenses and losses one has already incurred, since personal injury claims factor in lifelong costs. Make sure to contact an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer to help you begin the process of filing your spinal cord injury claim.