Hamilton County Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

A spinal cord injury has the potential prove to be a devastating loss for accident victims, often resulting in lifelong physical and economic challenges. A Hamilton County spinal cord injury lawyer may be well-positioned to help you fight for financial recovery if you were injured because of another’s negligence. With the aid of an experienced personal injury attorney, you could recover compensation for your past, current, and future financial damages.

Symptoms Associated with Serious Back Injuries

The symptoms of a spinal cord injury may vary depending on the individual patient and the location of the injury on the spinal column. With that being said, common spinal cord injury symptoms may include:

  • Disrupted movement
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Trouble breathing
  • Loss of bladder control or bowel function
  • Diminished physical sensation
  • Severe pain

Complete Versus Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries may generally be classified into two categories — complete and incomplete. Complete spinal cord injuries cause total impairment beneath the injury location, while incomplete spinal cord injuries occur when the victim retains some sensory or physical capabilities below the injured area.

Spinal Cord Injury Forms

The extent of the victim’s injury depends on which region of the spinal column is affected. The spinal column is separated into the sacral, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine. The forms of spinal cord injuries and associated impairment are outlined below:

  • Sacral spinal cord injuries — Paralysis in the lower extremities, impaired sexual abilities, and loss of control over bodily functions
  • Lumbar spinal cord injuries — Paraplegia, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and lack of sensation
  • Thoracic spinal cord injuries — Paraplegia, inability to control bodily functions, sexual impairment, and numbness
  • Cervical spinal cord injuries — Quadriplegia, breathing challenges, loss of bladder control, sexual impairment, loss of bowel control, and sensory loss

When a person’s negligent action or inaction cause another person to sustain a spinal cord injury, a Hamilton County attorney should be sought as soon as possible. A lawyer could construct the most effective legal arguments which could work in the victim’s favor and pursue the maximum compensation possible for his or her injuries and other losses.

Filing a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Hamilton County

To obtain any form of compensation, the victim must show that the defendant’s negligence was the direct cause of his or her harm. Under the legal theory of negligence, four criteria must be met to bring a valid claim. These criteria are as follows:

  • The defendant had a legal duty to the victim to use reasonable care
  • The defendant defaulted on his or her legal duty
  • Because of the defendant’s default, the victim was injured
  • The victim sustained damages

A Hamilton County spinal cord injury attorney could further explain the doctrine of negligence and how it impacts the victim’s damages claim.

Recovering Compensation

Spinal cord injury claimants could be entitled to a multitude of compensatory damages for the harms they have endured. These may include damages for the victim’s pain, suffering, emotional anguish, mental distress, lost wages, medical expenses, and therapy costs. In cases involving grievous negligence on the part of the defendant, punitive damages may also be attainable.

Deadline to Start a Lawsuit

Under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, a spinal cord injury lawsuit must be filed no later than one year from the date of the incident. In fact, the court could refuse to hear the victim’s claim at all if he or she attempts to file suit after the statutory deadline has passed.

Consult with a Hamilton County Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

To ensure your legal interests and right to compensation are well-protected, you should consult with a Hamilton spinal cord injury lawyer right away. An attorney could handle all facets of your claim from beginning to end, from the initial investigation of your claim to the time of a settlement or court award.

To get your questions answered and find out what civil remedy may be obtainable, call our offices to set up an initial case review.

Hamilton County Catastrophic Injury Lawyer