Columbia Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Spinal cord injuries are one of the most, if not the most, traumatic type of injury a person can sustain. If the spinal cord is fully lacerated, the victim will have total loss of function, feeling, and mobility of their body beneath the point of injury. Depending on the area of injury, victims of spinal cord damage may require life-long assistance with eating, bathing, clothing, transportation, and other daily functions. To help mitigate these costs, as well as compensate for your pain and suffering, loss of joy of life, reduced ability to earn an income, and other damages, it is highly recommended that you seek maximum compensation by working with an experienced Columbia spinal cord injury lawyers at Simmons Law Firm.
Damages in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim
Depending on the severity and location of your spinal cord injury, your medical and caretaking expenses alone can easily exceed $1 million in the first year. In fact, according to the Christopher Reeves Foundation, the following costs of living (based on 2010 dollars) can be expected based on the injury and the age of the victim:
- High Tetraplegia (C1-C4)
- 25-year-old: $4,724,181
- 50-year-old: $2,596,329
- Low Tetraplegia (C5-C8)
- 25-year-old: $3,451,781
- 50-year-old: $2,123,154
- Paraplegia
- 25-year-old: $2,310,104
- 50-year-old: $1,516,052
- Incomplete motor function (any level)
- 25-year-old: $1,578,274
- 50-year-old: $1,113,990
These costs do not take in the full value of a personal injury claim, which also includes pain and suffering and lost wages. Your personal injury claim will likely include the following damages:
- Medical costs;
- Estimated lifetime medical costs;
- Pain and suffering;
- Lost wages;
- Lost earning capacity;
- Loss of joy of life;
- Caretaking/assistance costs;
- Costs for home and vehicle modifications, such as a wheelchair ramp; and
- More.
Types of Spinal Cord Injury Claims
- Traffic collision;
- Workplace incident;
- Product liability;
- Slip and fall; and
- Premises liability.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the Mayo Clinic, an incomplete spinal cord injury means that the spinal cord was not fully severed, and therefore there is still some motor or sensory function below the affected area. The victim may recover more sensation, strength, and mobility with time.
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
To date, there is no treatment available for a complete spinal cord injury, which leaves the victim without any feeling, sensation, or mobility below the point of injury. As such, complete spinal cord injuries are generally much more costly in terms of lifetime expenses, lost earning ability, and pain and suffering.
Call a Columbia Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have suffered a tragic injury to the spinal cord, we urge you to reach out for help today by calling one of our Columbia spinal cord injury lawyers at The Simmons Law Firm. We will hold the negligent party responsible for your damages, and do everything in our power to recover as much financial compensation for your grave injuries as possible. Call us today at 803-779-4600 to schedule a free consultation.
