According to Georgia’s Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission (BSITF), in 2018, there were 570 cases of spinal cord injuries treated in Georgia hospitals. Thankfully, if you have suffered a spinal cord injury in a negligent car accident, you may be entitled to compensation under Georgia law.
Our injury attorneys can help you seek justice after you were wrongfully forced into harm’s way. If you retain an Alpharetta spinal injury lawyer at our law firm, our attorneys can be there to help fight for your case at every stage, from our initial meeting to the final ruling.
Over the years, our law firm has represented countless spinal injury accident victims from all walks of life. We want you to know that you do not have to face your legal battle alone. Our attorneys are here to help address your unique questions, concerns, and needs. In the process, we hope our services can allow you to focus on what truly matters during a time like this.
To learn more about your legal options moving forward, contact a Bader Scott Injury Lawyers representative today at (404) 888-8888 to receive your free consultation.
Recoverable Damages for Victims of Spinal Injury Accidents
If another party is found liable in your case, they may be forced to compensate you for the damage they caused, including negative impacts on your livelihood, ambitions, relationships, mental health, and more.
Ultimately, compensatory damages may address multiple losses you have endured, including:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of ongoing treatments
- Accommodations for permanent disabilities
- Mental suffering, including a loss of companionship with loved ones and a loss of interest in your previous aspirations
- Physical pain from your injuries
- Property damage
- Loss of wages and benefits (during your initial recovery period and in the future)
Punitive Damages as Defined by Georgia Law
Given the traumatic impact of most spinal injuries, you may be eligible to receive punitive damages. As described under Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-5.1, punitive damages, also known as “exemplary damages” or “vindictive damages,” are solely awarded in exceptional circumstances to penalize, punish, or deter a defendant.
Accordingly, the court will only grant punitive damages if you can prove that the offender displayed malice, oppression, willful misconduct, fraud, wantonness, or a lack of concern for the consequences of their actions before causing your accident. Ultimately, these damages are seldom awarded to accident victims unless there is an overwhelming cause to do so.
For a free legal consultation with a spinal injury lawyer serving Alpharetta, call (404) 888-8888
Understanding the Cost of Injured Spinal Cords
Over the course of a lifetime, spinal cord injuries are among the most expensive injuries to seek treatment for – especially if the injuries resulted in paralysis. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims of paralysis may need specialized, ongoing treatment, sometimes involving round-the-clock care or frequent visits to medical specialists.
According to research from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center:
- The average first-year expenses for spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia was $537,271 in 2017.
- In cases of quadriplegia, the first-year expenses were $1,102,403.
- In the following years, the average yearly expenses were $71,172 for paraplegia patients and $191,436 for sufferers of quadriplegia.
Fortunately, if you decide to retain an Alpharetta spinal injury lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we can help calculate the cost of your long-term treatment while we work to assign a value to your case. Further, our attorneys can help estimate the financial burdens you will face from your inability to work, or the impacts of your diminished earning capacity.
If needed, our firm can even call upon third-party experts to help examine your unique circumstances. In doing so, our spinal injury attorneys can address your overall losses more accurately during any potential settlement negotiations.
For a free consultation, contact a member of our legal team today at (404) 888-8888.
Alpharetta Spinal Injury Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Common Complications from Spinal Injuries
According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Spinal Cord Injury Model System (UAB-SCIMS), spinal cord injuries frequently cause respiratory infections, bedsores, and difficulty urinating. On average, anywhere from 33% to 50% of patients with spinal cord injuries are readmitted to the hospital after suffering complications.
Other common complications from spinal cord injuries include:
- Lacking control over sexual organs
- Difficulty making bowel movements
- Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)
- Impaired mobility
- Problems with chewing or swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- And more
Additionally, spinal cord injuries can cause several types of paralysis, including:
- General paralysis: The inability to control muscle movements and other bodily functions.
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): This paralysis is caused by a cervical injury and it affects areas of the upper body and lower body at the same time. The paralyzed regions may include fingers, hands, arms, or shoulders, as well as the toes, feet, legs, or chest.
- Paraplegia: A form of lower-body paralysis caused by a thoracic, lumbar, or sacral injury. Paraplegia entails paralysis in the chest, legs, feet, or toes.
Ultimately, unique complications present unique challenges. Fortunately, if your spinal injuries were caused by a negligent party, you can seek compensation for your hardships. If you retain a spinal injury attorney, your attorney can help you document these damages and address them in a court of law.
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Contact the Office of a Spinal Injury Attorney in Alpharetta to Learn About Your Right to Compensation
Here at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, our attorneys want to help relieve some of the stress and confusion associated with our legal system. If you retain an Alpharetta spinal injury lawyer at our firm, we can offer countless legal services to help set your mind at ease, including:
- Gathering evidence and attempting to prove liability
- Negotiating settlements
- Assigning monetary values to your losses
- Handling proceedings with insurance companies
- Communicating with parties on your behalf
- Representing your case in civil court
Perhaps most importantly, our attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options. As such, you should know that O.C.G.A § 9-3-33 dictates a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Alpharetta. If you do not file a claim within two years of your personal injuries, your eligibility for compensation may expire.
To get started with your free consultation today, contact a member of our office at (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form