The spinal cord is a vital structure and command system that sends motor, sensory, and autonomic signals throughout the body and back to the brain. Damaging any part of the spine or the surrounding tissues and nerves can have devastating consequences, including permanent loss of function to parts of the body called paralysis.
When you sustain a spinal cord injury through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation from those responsible. To explore your options and discuss your case with an experienced Mount Pleasant spinal cord injury lawyer, do not hesitate to contact our firm. A committed catastrophic injury attorney from Geel & Gentry, LLC is here to help.
The most common kinds of accidents that result in spinal cord damage include the following:
After such a traumatic accident, pursuing legal action may be the last thing on your mind. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, our Mount Pleasant attorneys can handle the legal aspects of your spinal cord injury case while you focus on recovering.
When spinal cord damage causes paralysis, the extent of disability falls within two classifications; complete and incomplete injuries. An incomplete injury means the spinal cord sustains damage but retains limited sensory function, muscle control, and sensations. When the trauma severs the spinal cord completely, the individual suffers from a complete injury. This results in a total loss of motor function and sensation below the site of the damage.
As our Mount Pleasant attorneys can further explain, whether a spinal cord injury is complete or incomplete will depend on the accident details, including the force of the blow and the area in which the trauma occurs. When a spinal cord injury leads to paralysis, the medical field classifies the damages by the effects on the individual.
Other symptoms include troubled breathing, poor bowel and bladder control, digestive problems, severe emotional wounds, and psychological trauma.
Personal injury civil lawsuits are complex, and one hurdle to overcome is determining the liable parties. Commonly, two or more people, including the plaintiff, may share fault for the accident. According to the South Carolina Code of Laws Annotated ยง 15-38-15, the court does not bar the plaintiff from recovery as long as they do not share most of the fault for the accident.
That means if the jury finds the claimant is 51 percent at-fault, they will lose eligibility to collect compensation from the defendant. If the court finds the petitioner is 10 percent liable for the damages, they will diminish the total award amount by that amount. If you have further questions about comparative negligence and how it may play a role in your spinal cord injury case, contact a Mount Pleasant attorney from Geel & Gentry, LLC today.
Spinal cord injuries are costly, and an award for damages can be substantial after proving liability. The settlement could cover the total cost of medical care, lost salary, benefits, future earning potential, psychological care, and pain and suffering.
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries a person can experience. Harm of this nature can leave you in severe pain, with significant financial losses, and unable to work for the foreseeable future.
If a person’s careless actions caused your injuries, you could have the legal right to hold them financially accountable. Call Geel & Gentry, LLC to discuss your claim with a compassionate Mount Pleasant spinal cord injury lawyer. We do not get paid unless your case is successful, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out today.
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