While car accidents are the leading cause of spinal injuries in the United States, people are injured in various ways, ranging from defective products to slip and falls. When another party is responsible for your injury, you have the right to compensation. An attorney can help you obtain money damages to pay for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. There are a few different factors in spinal injury lawsuits that can impact the amount of money you may receive. While no attorney can ever predict precisely how much you will obtain in a settlement, it is essential to understand how the different circumstances in your case can impact the overall amount.
Factors That Impact Compensation
Most spinal cord injury victims will experience some degree of health challenges in the future, including mobility issues, pain, loss of sensory function, and emotional distress. The severity of your injury will be the first main factor that dictates compensation. Those with high tetraplegia often require long-term medical assistance and therapy, leading to extensive medical costs.
Other factors include:
Existing medical costs
Prognosis of your condition
Your age
Your health before the accident
Your work, career, & livelihood
Your emotional condition
*Other factors may not be listed. Speak with your attorney about your specific injuries.
Different Types of Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
Your attorney will discuss with you the different types of compensation they will request special and general damages, even punitive damages if the circumstances warrant it. General damages are the type that cannot be given a calculated value, like your emotional distress or pain and suffering. Special damages include items that are easily counted and were incurred due to your injury, like medical bills, lost income, any “out of pocket” expenses. We have written a blog on the differences between general and special damages if you would like to read more about the two.
If you are suffering from a spinal cord injury, don’t wait. Talk to an attorney today. Call Gomerman | Bourn & Associates at 415-545-8608 to schedule your free consultation.
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