A spinal cord injury can change every aspect of your life. These devastating injuries usually result from accidents, often caused by other people. When an incident is someone else’s fault, they should pay for the tragedy they caused.
A Reading spinal cord injury lawyer will fight like hell for the compensation you need to move forward with your life. At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, our skilled attorneys have significant experience winning these cases. Managing Partner Rich Godshall and the rest of our winning team recently secured a $1.6 million settlement for a client who sustained severe lower spinal cord injuries in a crash caused by a drunk driver. Let us put our experience to work in your case.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a collection of nerves connecting the brain to the limbs and internal organs. The nerves send signals throughout the body that direct movement, breathing, and other bodily functions. If the cord is damaged or broken, the nerves cannot send signals anymore. People with spinal cord injuries usually lose movement and sensation below the injury site.
Spinal cord injuries usually occur in sudden accidents. Incidents that could lead to a spinal cord injury include:
Many accidents result from other people acting carelessly or recklessly. Your Reading spinal injury attorney will investigate the accident, find out who was responsible, and demand that they pay for your losses.
The Health Impact of Spinal Damage
Paralysis is one of the most severe outcomes of a spinal cord injury. However, a damaged spinal cord can lead to many other health problems. The higher the injury site, the more severe the symptoms may be.
Many people with spinal cord injuries cannot control their bladder or bowels, which can lead to infection. Spinal cord injuries can lead to blood pressure issues. Someone with a spinal cord injury could experience spasms in their limbs and numbness or pain. A person with a neck injury might have respiratory problems and need a machine to help them breathe.
Additionally, people with spinal cord injuries often experience anxiety and depression. They may be unable to work, leading to isolation and hopelessness. A Reading attorney will work to understand the full impact of a spinal cord injury on a person’s life to demand appropriate compensation.
Damages in a Spinal Cord Injury Case
The money you could receive from your legal claim is referred to as “damages.” Your damages will include compensation for your:
- Physical pain from the injury and necessary treatment
- Permanent disability resulting from paralysis
- Disfigurement
- Emotional anguish, including the mental health impacts of the injury
- Loss of life’s pleasures
In some cases, a spouse could seek damages for loss of companionship.
Damages will also reimburse your out-of-pocket losses. You will get money for your medical costs, wheelchair, home renovations, and similar expenses. Damages will cover your lost income and the money you cannot earn in the future due to your injury.
Time Limits on Seeking Compensation
You should contact a local attorney as soon as possible after a spinal cord injury. You have only two years to bring a lawsuit, according to 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §5524. When someone under 18 experiences a spinal cord injury, they have until they turn 20 to sue, regardless of how old they were when the accident happened. However, it is often more beneficial for a parent to sue on behalf of their child soon after the accident, before evidence is destroyed or memories fade. Consult your Reading spinal injury lawyer about the best strategy to take in your case.
Call a Reading Attorney to Pursue Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim
When another person’s carelessness leads to spinal damage, they must pay for the pain and suffering they cause. The consequences of spinal cord injuries are often devastating and may impact a victim for the rest of their life.
A Reading spinal cord injury lawyer will provide the representation you need to get the most out of your claim. At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, you will not owe us anything until we win compensation on your behalf. Call us today for a free consultation.
