Spinal cord injuries occur through a traumatic blow somewhere within the spine, causing a fracture, dislocation, or compression of the vertebrae. The consequences are life-changing for most.
If you were involved in an accident and suffered an injury to your spine through the negligence of someone else, you likely can receive compensation for your suffering. You should consult with a personal injury lawyer who has dealt with many spinal cord injury cases. In Hattiesburg, consider one of the attorneys at Morris Bart.
When Should You Meet with a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Hattiesburg?
First, you need to take care of your injuries. Once you have been seen by a physician, diagnosed, and received initial treatment, you should contact a lawyer.
If you are in the hospital or recuperating at home and laid up in bed, don’t worry. We understand the hardships our clients endure with severe injuries and will happily come to you. Your initial consultation is free, allowing us a chance to review your accident and determine if you have a claim and how to proceed.
For a free legal consultation with a Spinal Cord Injury lawyer serving Hattiesburg, call (601) 602-8431
Determining Fault in an Accident Resulting in Spinal Cord Injuries
Accidents that result in injury to the spinal cord are not unlike other injury accidents which occur through negligence. Spinal cord injuries can be the result of a car accident, a slip and fall in a store or other business, or while at work and in a hazardous situation.
Those who may be held accountable include:
- Car, truck, or bus drivers
- Product manufacturers
- Business owners or managers
- Building owners or managers
- Employers and supervisors
In some cases, more than one individual or business may be held responsible. To receive compensation, you must be able to prove fault.
Mississippi’s Pure Comparative Negligence
Courts in Mississippi follow the state’s pure comparative negligence rule. Even if you are found partially at fault in an accident, you may still be able to receive some compensation. For example, if you are found 25% responsible for an accident, you still may win 75% of the damages you seek.
How does a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Hattiesburg Go about Proving Fault?
A trained and experienced spinal cord injury lawyer will want to hear your accounting of the accident. He or she will then want to:
- Review reports from the police and emergency medical technicians
- Interview witnesses
- Review photos and videos of and/or following the accident, including your injuries
- Review all medical reports related to your injuries after the accident, along with that of a physical examination you may have had before the incident
- Talk with experts related to the type of accident in which you were involved and medical experts in spinal cord injuries
This information will help your personal injury attorney build your case and prove fault to another party. He or she will try to poke holes in your case where seen, as that is what the defendant’s lawyer will do in the courtroom. Your attorney will work hard to develop as solid a case as possible.
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How Can You Help Your Own Case?
Your number one focus should be treating your injuries. Following your doctor’s orders is vital for your health and your case.
Spinal cord injuries are nothing to fool with. One misstep could affect the rest of your life if the accident hasn’t done so already. You could suffer permanent, debilitating injuries, including paralysis.
Recognizing the importance of following your treatment plan is easy to understand regarding your health, but how could not doing so affect your legal case?
If you miss therapy appointments, neglect follow-up doctor visits, or return to work before your doctor releases you to do so, it could look as though your injuries are not as bad as you claim them to be.
What Damages Can a Hattiesburg Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Help You Seek Following a Spinal Cord Injury?
If you have suffered from someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to recovery of economic damages and significant compensation for pain and suffering. Some damages may include:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, hospitalization, tests, surgery, treatment, and therapy
- Future medical expenses, such as additional surgery, therapy, and treatment
- Lost income and earning capacity while off work
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Loss of companionship and consortium with a spouse or other loved one
While economic damages come with a set value, the non-economic damages of pain and suffering, as well as emotional trauma, need careful evaluation by your attorney and expert witnesses who deal with spinal cord injury trauma to determine appropriate compensation.
Timing Is Important in a Spinal Cord Injury Case
Spinal cord injuries, by nature, can take a long time to heal. Before filing a claim, you will want to be sure all medical procedures and treatments are accounted for, including those that could occur after your settlement.
But you should also be acutely aware that Mississippi has a three-year statute of limitations to file a spinal cord injury, or any personal injury, lawsuit. While three years may sound like a long time, it isn’t to investigate an accident and prepare a lawsuit.
That is why it is so important for you to contact your personal injury attorney as soon as you can. You need to allow time for proper research and investigation into your case. While you are taking care of your health, your lawyer will be taking care of your lawsuit.
Contact a Hattiesburg Spinal Cord Injury Attorney for Legal Representation
The legal team at Morris Bart is familiar with state and local laws and governance. Let us deal with your legal case while you focus on your health. We will work hard to help you receive proper compensation for the injuries you have suffered.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident resulting in spinal cord injury, contact us for your free consultation today!
Questions?Call (601) 602-8431
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
