Severe trauma to the back or neck can have serious, life-long implications for the individual harmed. In especially devastating instances, a person may become paralyzed, which could prevent them from engaging in their hobbies or being able to perform their work duties.
Fortunately, if you suffered a spine injury due to another person’s reckless conduct, you could have grounds for legal recourse. A well-practiced injury attorney could review your case and determine if you are eligible for compensation. If so, a Maryland Heights spinal cord injury lawyer could provide reliable guidance as you pursue the restitution you are owed.
As an essential component of the central nervous system, the spinal cord conducts nerve impulses between the body and the brain. Damage to the spinal cord can result in loss of sensation, movement, and control of the part of the body below the injury.
Depending on where the damage occurred, spinal cord injuries could cause paralysis to a single limb or multiple extremities. When the damage is at the top of the spine, a person might require assistance to breathe and could be unable to swallow.
Other potential impacts of severe trauma to the spine include:
Unfortunately, due to the health issues that arise with spinal cord damage, these injuries could potentially lead to a decreased life expectancy. A seasoned spine injury lawyer in the area could help a family assess the injured person’s needs and craft a demand for damages that would allow them the fullest possible life.
Caring for a person with spinal cord injury is expensive, and many health insurance plans do not provide the full range of treatments and support that might assist the injured person and their family. An appropriate award of damages could make a significant difference for both the injured party and their family.
Damages could include reimbursement for medical expenses, home health care, rehabilitation, electric wheelchairs, necessary home renovations, mental health care, and other expenses associated with caring for the injured person and helping them adapt to the injury. If the injured person is unable to work, damages could cover lost wages and lost future earning capacity.
Damages also compensate for the loss of the injured person’s quality of life, and provide monetary damages for physical pain, humiliation, inability to enjoy hobbies, disfigurement, loss of companionship, and other intangible losses. If the injured person has a spouse, they could seek compensation for loss of companionship, loss of support, and loss of consortium.
Missouri Revised Statutes §516.120 allows injured people five years to bring a lawsuit seeking damage for personal injuries. This is a generous timeframe, but potential plaintiffs are wise to act sooner rather than later.
Building a negligence case could require subpoenaing documents, taking witness statements, securing physical evidence, and other time-sensitive activities. The sooner a capable spinal cord injury attorney in Maryland Heights may begin amassing evidence, the stronger the injured person’s position could be.
In the aftermath of a spinal cord injury, you and your family may be facing financial burdens and emotional anguish in addition to physical challenges. A competent and experienced advocate could help you and your family by handling the process of holding negligent parties accountable.
Contacting a Maryland Heights spinal cord injury lawyer for assistance could help you feel confident your case will be handled with the care it needs. Schedule a consultation today.
