Spinal injuries are one of the most severe types of trauma that occur. Victims of car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and recreational sports are the most common populations that suffer from spinal cord injuries. Unlike other soft-tissue traumas, an injury to the spinal cord can result in life-long challenges that could end up in death or paralysis, as well as a range of other physical symptoms. What do you do when you suffer a spinal injury? What type of compensation could you recover? While each case may vary due to particular circumstances, here are a few common ways victims recover compensation:
Medical Costs
Medical expenses for a spinal injury can easily reach hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars. That initial cost could be for the damage itself, not counting the lifetime of physical therapy, medication, and other interventions a victim may require. When you discuss your case with your attorney, talk about how to anticipate your medical needs in the future. You must demand enough compensation to cover existing and future medical costs.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
Unfortunately, many victims of spinal cord injuries cannot go back to working in the same capacity they once did. This is especially true for people who were previously employed in physically demanding careers. They may be only able to return part-time, forced to take a lower-paying job, or may not be able to work at all. You and your attorney will work together to assess your ability to work with vocational experts. Data collected from these consultants will be used to create projections and dollar value on the economic impact your spinal injury has caused you and your family.
Pain and Suffering
Spinal cord injuries can be immensely painful. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim may not be able to walk; they may suffer from impotence and may not be able to have intimate relations. The spine is also covered with sensitive nerves that can cause widespread pain throughout the body. Victims must be compensated appropriately for having to live with this pain for potentially the rest of their lives.
Emotional Distress & Mental Anguish
With severe injuries, physical pain is just one part of the painful symptoms a victim may experience. The emotional and psychological impact of a spinal injury should not be discounted. Victims often experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health impacts of their spinal cord injury. Discuss any effects on your mental health you have experienced with your attorney.
Loss of Companionship and Loss of Consortium
Spinal cord injuries don’t just impact the person who was injured; they affect the entire family, especially spouses. With their once healthy spouse now partially or wholly dependent on them, it is no wonder why the court deems it appropriate to compensate spouses for this loss. Your attorney can guide you on how your spouse can file for loss of companionship and consortium, connected to your personal injury case.
If you have suffered from a spinal injury in San Francisco, choosing the right attorney is vital. Gomerman | Bourn & Associates have assisted many victims of car accidents and motorcycle accidents get the compensation they need to move forward. Call (415) 545-8608 to schedule your FREE consultation today.
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