If you have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) in a Jacksonville car accident, the consequences are undoubtedly life-altering. Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent disability, including mobility issues, other medical complications, and the inability to work and earn a living.
From a legal perspective, a person who has been injured through someone else’s fault can initiate a personal injury claim. It is likely to be complicated by the fact that your injury is extremely serious, and its payment will represent a high cost to insurance companies. It is highly advisable to get help from an experienced car accident lawyer in Jackson.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries From a Medical Perspective
The spinal cord is a vital information highway that transmits messages between the brain and the body. When it is damaged, people may be partially or completely paralyzed, and their bodily functions may be impaired.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AAANS), car accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries (SCIs). About half of all SCIs are complete SCIs in which the accident victim loses sensory and motor function in parts of the body below the injury site. In incomplete SCIs, some sensation and function remain, often on one side of the body.
The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grades the severity of spinal cord injuries on a scale ranging from ASIA A through E, with A being the most severe form of spinal cord injury and E representing normal function for a person who has previously suffered an SCI. The degree of motor and sensory impairment is used as the basis for rating the severity of the injury.
A Legal Perspective on Spinal Cord Injury Caused By a Jackson Car Accident
Sustaining a spinal cord injury is deeply traumatic from the outset, and there is still a long and difficult journey ahead. Dealing with the consequences and adapting to what may be a completely changed lifestyle is not only challenging but costly. The law protects your rights, and you should not have to face an uncertain financial future just because someone else was negligent or reckless.
Finance Medical Costs Beyond Immediate Treatment
Your medical expenses are likely to be high and may include costs that extend beyond your immediate needs. For example, you may need ongoing at-home care, assistive devices, and home alterations to accommodate your needs. All these costs can be factored into your personal injury claim.
Receive Compensation for Lost Earnings
Despite your best efforts to make the most of your recovery and your abilities, you are likely to lose earnings. With household bills to pay, this can place your family in an extremely vulnerable situation. Your claim may help you and your family to retain financial stability.
Your Personal Losses
A spinal cord injury can result in deeply personal traumas and losses. Besides your initial trauma, pain, and suffering, you may no longer be able to live your life to the full. The anguish that comes with this loss is immeasurable. Nevertheless, legal precedents allow you to claim additional amounts to partially make up for the far-reaching harm you have suffered.
Legal Representation in Jackson Car Accident Cases Involving Spinal Cord Injuries is Important
Apart from dealing with liability questions, often a disputed feature in car accident cases, your lawyer will accurately value your case, deal with insurance companies that seek to reduce the value of your compensation, and prepare for litigation.
You have reached a legal and financial turning point in your life, and Hearn Law Firm takes pride in its ability to achieve justice for accident victims. As your spinal cord injury lawyers in Jackson, we will devote our skills and resources to the fight for your rights. Get our professional opinion on your case in a free consultation. Simply contact us to discover how we can help you.