A spinal cord injury is among the most serious and complex type of injury a person can endure. Both complete and incomplete paralysis resulting from a spinal cord injury are often permanent, and full recovery is impossible. When a spinal cord injury occurs, partial or total paralysis are very real possibilities, and the damage to the spine can sometimes result in death or a shortened life expectancy.

According to a study conducted by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, approximately 5.4 million people, or nearly 1 in 50, are living with paralysis. In fact, the second leading cause of paralysis is spinal cord injury (27.3%). Sadly, many spinal cord injuries are caused by preventable accidents with more than 1/3 of spinal cord injuries resulting from motor vehicle wrecks or falls.

Glass & Robson provides representation exclusively on behalf of spinal cord injury victims and their families who are harmed by someone else’s negligence. Our lawyers have successfully handled numerous cases in variety of legal areas on behalf of clients with complex spinal cord injuries. We have seen first-hand the difficulties involved in the recovery from a spinal cord injury and the lengths that insurance companies will go to defend these cases. While no amount of money can make up for the loss of mobility and independence that comes with a spinal cord injury, we will devote all our firm’s resources to providing you and your family with unparalleled legal assistance and attention. Our firm will do everything in our power to ensure you receive the compensation you and your family deserve so you can focus on your recovery and avoid the financial uncertainty that comes with a spinal cord injury.

WHEN CAN A VICTIM RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR A SPINAL CORD INJURY?

The victim of a spinal cord injury can pursue a claim against any person or company whose negligence is the direct cause of their spinal cord injury. Under Georgia law, everyone is required to exercise ordinary care for their own safety as well as the safety of others. When a person or business fails to exercise ordinary care and injures someone, the person may be liable to the other person for their injuries. Some of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Trucking accidents
• Car accidents
• Slip and fall and trip and fall
• Apartment shootings
• Workplace accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Defective and dangerous products
• Sports accidents

A spinal cord injury can be either incomplete or complete. An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is only partially severed resulting in only a partial loss of function. The degree of function depends on the severity of the injury to the spinal cord. With physical and rehabilitation therapy, a person may be able to regain function following an incomplete spinal cord injury. A complete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is fully severed, resulting in complete loss of function. However, due to advancements in medical technology and treatment, it may still be possible to restore some function to those suffering from a complete spinal cord injury. In either scenario, a person who suffers an incomplete or complete spinal cord injury may be entitled to compensation if the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.

WHAT COMPENSATION IS AVAILABLE IN SPINAL CORD INJURY CLAIMS?

For those suffering from a spinal cord injury, their best chance of recovery comes from immediate and extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy. Unfortunately, many people who suffer spinal cord injuries are unable to afford quality health insurance that provides the complex care they require, forcing them to rely instead on family and friends to serve as caregivers. When a person suffers a spinal cord injury caused by someone else’s negligence, they are entitled to recover all past and future medical expenses, including:

• Surgical costs
• Inpatient, outpatient, and home-based rehabilitation
• Durable medical equipment (hospital bed, mobility tools, respiratory equipment)
• Prescription drugs and medications
• Family and individual counseling
• Home modifications

Many victims of serious spinal cord injuries can no longer work, or their ability to earn a living is severely impacted by their spinal cord injury. A person suffering from a spinal cord injury may recover for lost wages from the time missed from work, both past and future. Many times, an economist will help calculate a person’s future lost wages, including loss of household services, and the costs associated with a life care plan.

In addition to the economic losses, a person who suffers a spinal cord injury is entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of their independence and mobility. Loss of bodily control can cause a profound decline in quality of life, and phantom pain can leave a spinal cord injury victim experiencing substantial discomfort despite the loss of sensation. The physical and emotional toll of such injuries can last a lifetime.

The spouse of a person suffering a spinal cord injury may also be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy, as well as increased physical and emotional stress caused by increased household and childcare duties. While money cannot undue the physical and emotional scars that come with a spinal cord injury, it can help the victim and their family cope with the mental anguish and provide financial security for the future.

HOW CAN AN ATLANTA SPINAL CORD INJURY LAWYER HELP?

Because of the substantial amounts of money necessary to compensate victims and their families, spinal cord injury cases can be very complex. Moreover, insurance companies will fight aggressively to defend such cases given the severity of the damages involved. Typically, expert witnesses are needed to prove damages and future medical needs and costs. Additional experts may also be necessary to prove negligence in disputed liability cases. As such, the financial cost associated with properly handling a spinal cord injury case can easily run in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Due to these costs, many law firms are simply not equipped financially to pursue spinal cord injury cases.

The lawyers in our firm have gone up against some of the biggest corporations and insurance companies in the country fighting for justice on behalf of our clients. We are ready to help you get the money you need to move forward after you or someone you love suffers a spinal cord injury. Please give us a call at (404) 751-4702 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.