If you or your loved one suffered a spinal cord injury as the result of a car accident, a fall, or another incident that was the result of someone else’s careless, reckless, or even intentional actions, a spinal cord injury attorney in Montgomery can help you understand the legal process of obtaining compensation for the expenses and quality-of-life impacts you incurred as a result.
The Importance of Seeking Compensation After a Spinal Cord Injury
The costs associated with spinal cord injuries are often significant, particularly since the sufferer will likely require additional medical treatment to address complications from the injury throughout the remainder of their lives. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, individuals who have incurred a spinal cord injury can expect the following costs:
- For those suffering high tetraplegia, which is paralysis from the neck down, the first year of treatment will likely be more than $1 million, while each subsequent year will result in around $185,000.
- For those suffering low tetraplegia, which also involves paralysis below the neck but allows some function such as the ability to breathe independently, the first-year costs will likely exceed $769,000 while medical costs for each subsequent year of life will be more than $113,000.
It is important to note that any level of incomplete motor function experienced as a result of a spinal cord injury will produce more than $1.13 million in medical costs for treatment throughout life.
An Injury with Extraordinary Impacts
Not only are the medical costs associated with this type of injury higher than what is experienced with many other types of injuries, but damage to the spinal cord produces a number of other extraordinary impacts, including:
- Loss of independence
- Inability to work or to earn in the same capacity as before the injury
- The need to hire someone to assist with personal care tasks
- The loss of physical intimacy and companionship experienced by the sufferer and their spouse
- The need for assistive features at home, in the workplace, or in the sufferer’s vehicle
- Emotional distress over the all-consuming nature of the injury and its impacts
The compensation you can receive for the quality-of-life impacts of your injury is known as non-economic damages. While some states place caps on the amount of non-economic damages that can be received through a personal injury lawsuit, Mississippi has no limits on the amount of compensation you can seek.
For a free legal consultation with a Spinal Cord Injury lawyer serving Montgomery, call (334) 523-0664
How Can a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Montgomery Help with Your Claim?
A Montgomery spinal cord injury attorney from Morris Bart can provide a number of services to assist you with your claim, including the following.
A Free Case Evaluation
This is an obligation-free, no-cost meeting with an attorney where you can obtain answers to your questions and learn more about the personal injury claims process.
Establishing a Value to Your Claim
Because spinal cord injuries very often result in permanent disabilities that will impact the sufferer’s ability to earn an income, it is important to ensure that the amount of compensation you are seeking is enough to last through a lifetime of medical and emotional costs. The value of your claim is based on the expenses and impacts you have already incurred in addition to those you will likely face in the future.
Determining All Sources of Liability and Associated Insurance Resources
Insurance is the means by which the majority of personal injury settlements and awards are paid. However, many insurance policies have limits. There can be more than one liable party in your claim and your attorney will uncover all the insurance resources that can be potentially accessed in order to compensate you.
Settlement Negotiations
Most personal injury cases, including spinal cord injury cases, are resolved through settlement agreements. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf with the at-fault party’s insurance provider in order to garner a fair settlement offer.
The Filing of Your Personal Injury Lawsuit in Civil Court
In lieu of a fair settlement offer, you can also seek a resolution to your claim through the civil courts in the form of a personal injury lawsuit. Your lawsuit must be filed within the 3-year statute of limitations placed on personal injury claims in Mississippi.
Litigation Services
While most personal injury claims are resolved outside the courtroom, litigation is a possibility with every claim. It is important when hiring an attorney that you choose one that is as comfortable with ensuring fair compensation for your injury in the courtroom as they are at the negotiation table. Some of the litigation services your attorney can provide include presenting evidence, examining witnesses, and delivering opening and closing arguments.
A Client-Friendly Contingent-Fee Billing Method
Contingent-fee billing allows you to wait to pay for your attorney’s services until there has been a positive outcome to your claim. At the same time, it allows our legal team to begin working on your case without having to wait for an upfront investment from you.
Assistance Collecting Your Settlement or Award
Your compensation will be sent to your attorney, who will deduct their fees from the amount along with paying any expenses that were included in your contingent-fee agreement and will forward the remainder of the funds to you.
If You’ve Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury in Montgomery, Morris Bart Can Help
Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious and life-altering injuries an individual can experience. An experienced Montgomery spinal cord injury lawyer from Morris Bart not only understands the significant expenses you’re faced with but the equally significant impacts of your injury. For your free case evaluation, contact us online.
Questions?Call (334) 523-0664
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
