The Long-Term Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries and How Courts Assess Damages
Spinal cord injuries are physically traumatic events that can sometimes lead to life-changing consequences. Victims may find themselves facing profound challenges, from severe physical limitations to devastating emotional and financial burdens.
If you've experienced a spinal cord injury or are caring for someone who has been injured, it's common to have questions about how to move forward and what options exist for pursuing justice or compensation.
Located in San Antonio, Texas, the team at Brett Reynolds & Associates, P.C. understands the toll these injuries can take and is committed to advocating for your rights and pursuing the compensation you need. Additionally, Attorney Reynolds is committed to helping you learn more about spinal cord injuries and make informed decisions for your recovery.
The Long-Term Impacts of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe types of personal injuries and are most commonly caused by car accidents, workplace incidents, falls, or acts of violence. That is, events that are typically sudden or unexpected. Depending on the severity, these injuries often result in lifelong medical complications that include but are not limited to:
Partial paralysis
Complete paralysis
Limited mobility
Chronic pain
Emotional distress
For some, a spinal cord injury may result in paraplegia, which affects the lower half of the body, while others may experience quadriplegia, which can drastically alter their ability to perform even the most basic daily tasks.
In many cases, recovery and rehabilitation can take months or even years. In some cases, a full recovery may not be possible. For many victims, this requires them to completely redefine their relationships, daily routines, and career prospects.
The Financial Cost of a Spinal Cord Injury
While a spinal cord injury often results in visible physical effects, there is also a financial cost to these injuries, which can often place a significant financial burden on the victim and their family or caregivers. Some common expenses that result from spinal cord injuries include the following.
Medical expenses: The costs of ongoing treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation programs, and specialized medical equipment such as wheelchairs or mobility aids can quickly add up. These costs can also increase if the victim develops secondary conditions such as pressure sores or infections, which are common among those with spinal cord injuries.
Loss of income: Many spinal cord injury victims are unable to return to work or may need to change careers entirely. This loss of earning potential can place significant strain on the victim and their dependents.
Home modifications and caregiving costs: Following a spinal cord injury, you may need to make modifications to your home for accessibility or hire a caregiver for daily assistance. These expenses can quickly accumulate, leading to significant financial burdens.
Mental and emotional strain: The aftermath of a spinal cord injury is often accompanied by psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and loss of independence. Emotional strain may also extend to the victim's family members and caregivers, who may need to adjust to a new way of life.
How the Courts Assess Damages for Spinal Cord Injuries
When seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury, the court typically categorizes damages into two main types: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent the quantifiable financial losses that result from the injury. To determine these damages, the courts will carefully evaluate the following factors:
Medical costs: Any costs paid for medical care, including bills for past treatments as well as the estimated costs of future healthcare needs, such as long-term rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices.
Lost wages and future earnings: You may be eligible to receive compensation for immediate lost income as well as future earning capacity, particularly if the injury resulted in permanent disability or prevented you from continuing in the same profession.
Property damage: If the injury was caused by a vehicle accident or similar event, the courts may account for the cost of property damage.
Out-of-pocket expenses: The courts will typically include any additional costs, such as transportation to medical appointments or home modifications, in damage calculations.
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages encompass the intangible, yet equally significant, losses suffered by the victim. These damages typically include non-physical related damages, including but not limited to the following:
Pain and suffering: The courts will assess the physical pain endured by the victim, as well as the emotional suffering caused by the injury.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Spinal cord injury victims may be able to receive compensation if they are unable to participate in hobbies, activities, or pursuits they once enjoyed.
Loss of consortium: Your spouse and family members may also be compensated for any loss of companionship and support caused by the injury.
In cases involving deliberate harm or gross negligence, the courts may also award punitive damages. These are not designed to compensate the victim, but to punish the at-fault party and deter similar actions in the future.
How Can an Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Help?
Insurance companies often aim to minimize their financial liability. Without strong legal representation, you could be vulnerable to accepting a low settlement that does not address your long-term needs.
Brett Reynolds & Associates, P.C. recognizes the challenges our clients face in the aftermath of a spinal cord injury. Based in San Antonio, Texas, Attorney Reynolds serves individuals and families throughout South and Central Texas. A Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, he has extensive experience and an unwavering commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for his clients.
Pursue Justice for Your Injuries Today
Unfortunately, you can't prepare for a spinal cord injury. But when one happens, you don’t have to face it alone. With the right legal representation, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the financial resources you need for your recovery.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Brett Reynolds & Associates, P.C. offers free consultations to help you understand your legal rights and explore your options.
