What Is a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit Worth?
There are a number of factors that go into determining how much compensation an accident victim receives in a spinal cord injury lawsuit. For 45 years, the spinal cord injury attorneys at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd have helped accident victims in Providence pursue the justice and compensation they deserve for these devastating injuries. We have built a reputation for excellence in Rhode Island and we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for their reckless and careless behavior.
Factors That Contribute to the Outcome of Your Case
When determining the value of your spinal cord injury claim, our attorneys will consider a number of factors, including those listed below.
1. The Extent of Your Injuries
While spinal cord injuries can be devastating, they can vary in severity and impact. The injury may prevent or inhibit the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body temporarily or permanently. Long-term consequences of these injuries include:
- Paraplegia: These injuries are characterized by below-the-waist impairment, while the ability to move the upper extremities is generally unaffected.
- Quadriplegia: This type of spinal injury involves more extensive paralysis. People who experience quadriplegia lose the ability to move or feel from the neck down. Sufferers require a lifetime of assisted care for everyday activities; they can have difficulty breathing independently and need help with bowel and bladder function.
Due to the time and care involved in recovery and the cost of treatments, spinal cord injuries generally account for the highest settlements of all car accident injuries. Spinal cord damage can cause permanent disability, necessitate extensive rehabilitation, lead to a loss of earning potential, and result in long-term emotional and mental health issues.
2. The Cost of Your Medical Expenses
It may not be possible for an accident victim to ever fully recover from a complete spinal cord injury. He or she may require rehabilitation to teach them how to use adaptive technologies and live with the permanent loss of feeling and function. Throughout the duration of their recovery and rehabilitation, which may last for years or even a lifetime, spinal cord injury victims will rely on a team of medical experts such as:
- Doctors
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Pain specialists
- Psychologists
Spinal cord injuries are among the most expensive injuries to suffer. In the first year alone, bills for medical treatment can reach into the hundreds of thousands, and millions, of dollars. Depending on the age of the victim, expenses can reach millions of dollars over the course of a lifetime.
3. Reduced Earning Capacity And Loss of Wages
When calculating compensation after an accident, your spinal cord injury attorney will assess the amount of work you had to miss due to your injury. This includes work you may have already missed as well as any work you will miss in the future. Even if you are able to work in some capacity again, it may not be in the same position, for the same hours and wages that you once worked. This reduction in earning capacity must be factored into your damages.
4. The Emotional Impact of Your Injuries
Determining the way an injury has impacted your life involves more than your physical and financial losses. The mental and emotional toll your injuries have inflicted must also be taken into consideration. These are known as non-economic damages, and can include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Emotional distress, such as grief, depression, and anxiety
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
Your attorney will consider a number of factors when placing a value on your non-economic losses, such as:
- The psychological impacts of your injury
- The severity of the injuries
- The physical impacts of your injury
- Your overall health and employment status
- Your age
- How long you will likely experience these impacts
- Other ways that your injury affected your ability to participate in the daily activities of living
How an Attorney Can Help Your Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit
After suffering a serious spinal cord injury, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You shouldn’t have to face your injuries and challenges alone.
A seasoned personal injury attorney at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd can answer your questions, explain your legal rights, and take steps on your behalf to facilitate your recovery and protect your best interests. Depending on the details of your case, a lawyer can:
- Investigate the facts surrounding your accident
- Identify the party or parties who may be held liable for your injuries
- Determine the value of your spinal cord injury lawsuit
- Communicate with the insurance company
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company
- Ensure all of the deadlines and other steps in the legal process are handled correctly
- Take your case to trial
Call a Providence Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd have served the Providence community for 45 years. Our accomplished attorneys have achieved landmark decisions in a wide range of personal injury matters. In addition to helping our clients rebuild their lives after catastrophic injuries.
We know the difficulties you may be facing. Our legal team is dedicated to seeking the maximum compensation you need for your current and future damages.
Contact Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd today online or at (401) 273-8330 to speak with a knowledgeable spinal cord injury lawyer for free.
