8 June, 2021
Spinal cord injuries are among some of the most complicated injuries one can sustain. They can require extensive and ongoing rehabilitation, and it’s not always clear whether they will be short-term or permanent.
If your client has been involved in a car accident, slip and fall incident, or medical complication that has resulted in a spinal cord injury, here’s what you may need to factor into your compensation figure.
The Extent of the Injuries
When your client decides to get legal representation after a vehicle accident, you will likely discuss the extent of their injuries and what they could mean for compensation in a lawsuit.
Their injuries may sit at the lower end of the scale, middle, or high end. At the lower end, they may be experiencing soft-tissue injuries that heal over time.
Typically, how much your client stands to receive from the person who is liable following an accident can depend on their pain level, any loss of function, and the legal resources you have at your disposal.
If they anticipate months or years of chronic pain and multiple surgeries on their back or neck, their settlement figure may be a little higher. However, spinal cord injuries that lead to life-long disability, physical, mental, and emotional health issues, and ongoing rehabilitation may see the compensation figure in the millions.
Medical Expenses
Your job is to help your client receive compensation from a guilty party. One of the main components of it is medical costs. At a minimum, your client may expect the guilty party to pay for all costs associated with their medical care now and calculated for the future.
After experiencing a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, this care can come with a price tag of millions of dollars over their lifetime. Diagnostic tests, emergency treatment, medication, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and daily assistance, can all contribute to the figure.
Any Permanent Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be complicated. They can lead to a variety of permanent issues, such as not being able to sweat to regulate body temperature and not being able to cough if they have tetraplegia.
If the spinal cord injury has led to any permanent injuries, no matter how small, the compensation figure may increase. Typically, this is calculated by considering pain severity, invasiveness of treatment, recovery timeframe, and the effect of the injuries on your client’s life.
Non-Economic Damages
While injury and healthcare costs make up a significant part of any compensation figure, non-economic damages may also be considered. These are losses that aren’t easy to put into dollar form but are relevant all the same.
You may push for compensation for:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- The spouse’s loss of consortium
- Humiliation
If someone’s ill intentions or negligence caused an accident or incident that turned your client’s life upside down, these compensation requests could be extremely important.
No matter how minor or severe, a spinal cord injury can be life-changing. Fortunately, with the right legal resources and evidence, you can seek compensation to cover the costs associated with your client’s tragic situation. You may be surprised at the compensation types available to you
