Ringgold Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Spinal cord injuries are potentially some of the most damaging injuries a person could face. The effects may be devastating, and in some cases—such as those involving paralysis—might be permanent and life-altering. A person may require long-term and costly medical care.
Though monetary compensation may not be able to return you to your previously uninjured state, there is a chance that a personal injury attorney could help recover damages and relieve some of your pain and suffering through compensation. If you or a loved one sustained such an injury, our experienced Ringgold spinal cord injury lawyers may be able to work with you to alleviate stress. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney could help you achieve a positive outcome by getting you the compensation you deserve.
Injury Classifications
Spinal cord injuries occur when damage is inflicted upon the vertebrae, ligaments, or disks of the spinal column. The spinal cord is the major highway through which many of the body’s nerves travel and communicate, so any damage may have major effects.
The effects of spinal cord injuries could require intense medical intervention or lead to life-altering consequences that could affect mobility, financial security, and family dynamics. These injuries are broken into two distinct classifications based on the degree of damage done to the spinal cord.
Complete Injury
A complete injury occurs when nerve communication fully disconnects below the site of the injury. Anyone who has a suffered from complete injury to the spinal cord is likely to experience paralysis that could potentially be permanent, though surgery and a regime of therapies could eventually restore some function.
Incomplete Injury
An incomplete injury occurs when some nerve communication has been severed below the site of the injury. Those who suffer partial damage like this could experience a range of effects, including tingling, loss or altering of motor function, numbness, and even partial paralysis.
A Ringgold lawyer could be experienced with both types of spinal cord injury cases and may be able to help a plaintiff pursue the appropriate course of action for compensation.
Recoverable Damages
Damages from civil suits are split into two separate legal categories. Economic damages are ones that have a relatively objective value attached to them. Generally, plaintiffs of spinal cord injuries in Ringgold seek economic damages for losses such as medical bills, wages lost as a result of the injury, and the cost of special equipment—such as wheelchairs—required after injury.
Non-economic damages rarely have a clear monetary value. These harms may include the loss of enjoyment in life, pain and suffering, and negative changes in marital or familial relationships that could result from the injury. One of our Ringgold attorneys could help spinal cord injury plaintiffs gather evidence for economic damages and provide insight into fair value for non-economic damages. Assistance from knowledgeable legal counsel could result in higher overall awarded compensation.
When to File a Claim
Spinal cord injuries claims are considered a form of personal injury claim. This means filing must occur within the time limit set by a statute of limitations. Georgia law mandates that a claim must be filed within two years of the injury. Those who fail to file within this time frame may risk losing the ability to recover compensation from the responsible party.
There are exceptions to this rule. The statute of limitations could be suspended for people who are minors and will begin running on their 18th birthday. If the defendant departs Georgia, the statute of limitations for the plaintiff suing them may be paused for the length of time that they are out of state.
A dedicated spinal cord injury lawyer in Ringgold could provide greater insight into how the statute of limitations may apply to a specific situation. Contacting an attorney within a reasonable time following the incident could allow for additional evidence collection and provide the greatest chance of building a positive case prior to filing.
Speaking with a Ringgold Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
One of the most important steps to positively navigating the legal system is retaining the right legal counsel. One of our Ringgold injury lawyers could advocate on your behalf and could oversee evidence collection. A diligent attorney could work towards achieving a beneficial outcome to your case. If you experienced a spinal cord injury, reach out to a Ringgold spinal cord injury lawyer today to start exploring your options.
