Sustaining a spinal cord injury(SCI) can completely alter the rest of your life. It can leave you unable to work, complete basic tasks, or even unable to move entirely. Most people never fully recover from a serious spinal injury. You can find yourself facing a lifetime of huge medical bills without the necessary income to pay for them. Our legal team is here to make sure that the people responsible are the ones who shoulder that financial burden.
At Aeton Law in Connecticut, we specialize in helping clients who have experienced serious spinal injuries due to another party’s negligence. Our Connecticut spine injury lawyer has more than 50 years of experience handling cases very similar to yours. Our personal injury lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and you don’t have to pay a single penny unless you win.
Don’t let the perpetrators of a serious accident go unpunished while you lose income and are forced to pay hefty medical bills. You have a right to legal counsel and the right to pursue compensation for the damages that they caused. But it’s up to you to take the first step and contact a Connecticut spine injury lawyer. Call us at (860) 724-2160 today to begin your claim with a free consultation.
What Is The Value of My SCI Claim?
The value of your spinal cord injury claim will depend on the severity of the injury and the financial losses that it causes you. On average, severe injuries are worth anywhere between $200,000 and $400,000. The most extreme cases compensate for damages well beyond $1 million. There are several key factors used to calculate your total damages.
Medical Expenses
This includes all medical expenses related to the injury, both past and future. Anytime you need to visit the hospital, go to physical therapy, receive surgery, or pay for medication. All of these are considered economic losses and the burden of payment rests with the negligent party.
Lost Income
Only a small portion of patients are able to return to the same line of work following a spinal cord injury. Most people will miss work for several months and are then forced to work in a different field entirely with lower pay.
Non-Economic Losses
If you’re dealing with a disability because of your injury, then there is undoubtedly some serious emotional and mental damage as well. Loss of enjoyment of activities, a reduction in your quality of life, and emotional suffering are all forms of non-economic damages that you should be compensated for.
What Are the Most Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
These are the three most common outcomes for spinal cord injuries:
Paraplegia
Paralysis of the lower body. Most patients with paraplegia will never be able to walk without assistive devices.
Triplegia
An incomplete spinal cord injury causes paralysis of both legs and one arm. It can also cause paralysis of the torso.
Quadriplegia
Paralysis of both arms and both legs. Patients with quadriplegia require special assistive care for the rest of their lives.
Why Should You See a Doctor Right Away After a Back Injury?
A surprising amount of people don’t bother visiting a doctor after a back injury. Back injuries are notorious for seeming mild at first and growing more severe with time. That’s why it is essential that you visit a doctor immediately after experiencing an accident. A trained physician can spot the signs of serious back injury and begin treatment as early as possible. Symptoms of a potential spinal cord injury include:
- Numbness in the hands, feet, fingers, or toes
- Difficulty remaining balanced
- Difficulty moving
- Weakness or paralysis in the limbs
- Severe pain in the back or neck
What Are Some of the Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Here are the common causes of spine injuries that we see at Aeton Law:
Work Accidents
Slipping, falling off ladders, and repeated stress injuries are all common sources of spinal cord injuries at work. The process for seeking compensation is different when the injury happens at work. It is still in your best interest to speak with a professional personal injury attorney about your claim.
Automobile Accidents
A large majority of spinal cord injuries involve automobile accidents. A sudden impact in a fast-moving vehicle is very likely to cause damage to the back or neck. You should always seek medical attention following an automobile accident.
Falls
Slip-and-falls are another leading cause of spinal cord injuries. A fall can happen anywhere; whether you’re at work, in a public park, or walking in your own home. You should seek medical attention if you fall and begin to experience any of the symptoms of an SCI.
Sports
Even with proper training, an athlete is still at risk of suffering an SCI during an event. An untrained player is at an even greater risk. Getting proper exercise, training, and stretching before playing can help lower that risk.
Risk
A spinal cord injury can also be the result of violence. Gunshot wounds to the torso have a high likelihood of hitting the spine and causing irreversible damage.
Is an SCI Claim Different Than a Normal Personal Injury Claim?
The potential for severe, lifelong damage makes spinal cord injuries different from your average personal injury cases. A person who suffers from an SCI may never walk or move their limbs again. They may require physical therapy and expensive medications for the rest of their lives. That is why these cases are often bigger and more complex than other injury claims.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Connecticut?
The statute of limitations for a spinal cord injury claim in the state of Connecticut is 2 years from the date of injury. Your claim will be denied if you file after this deadline. It is recommended that you contact a lawyer and begin the claims process as soon as you are able.
Can I Be Compensated if the Injury Happened at Work?
If you suffered an injury at work, then the claims process will be covered by Workers’ Compensation regulations. You should report your injury to a supervisor immediately and seek medical attention. A doctor will confirm the type and cause of the injury and your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier will cover the medical expenses. If your claim is denied, then you should speak to a professional lawyer and begin the appeals process.
Get The Compensation You Deserve For Your Loss
A serious spinal cord injury isn’t something that goes away after a few weeks or months. Even minor injuries can cause chronic pain that lingers for the rest of your life. If someone else is responsible for your injury, then they should also be responsible for your financial losses and mental suffering. Let the professionals at Aeton Law in Connecticut get you the compensation that you deserve. Call (860) 724-2160 today to take the first step with a 100 percent free consultation.