A spinal cord injury can instantly change a person’s life. Depending on the nature of the injury, extensive treatment can be required, and patients may be left with permanent physical limitations. If your spinal injury came from a car accident caused by a negligent driver you can pursue compensation for your damages. A Norcross spinal injury lawyer from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you by seeking a settlement offer or filing a personal injury lawsuit.
We offer a free consultation to all from our Norcross car accident lawyer.. To discuss your spinal injury case and your legal options with a member of our team, call us today. We handle many cases on a contingency-fee basis with no up-front payments required.
Working With a Lawyer on Your Car Accident Spinal Cord Injury Case
It can be challenging to coordinate the legal work and communications in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit while you are recovering from an accident or still receiving treatment.
A Norcross personal injury lawyer from Bader Scott can provide you with a wide range of services when we represent you. This may include:
- Helping you interpret your options, applicable laws, and the possible outcomes of your case
- Designing a legal strategy in your case
- Handling all communications, deadlines, and paperwork
- Collecting evidence of the responsible party’s liability
- Collecting evidence of the full extent of your damages
- Negotiating for a settlement offer from the responsible party’s insurance company
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
During this time, our lawyers and other team members will be accessible to answer your questions and update you on your case so that you can dedicate your energy and time to your family and your treatments.
To learn more about our services in a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Bader Scott today.
For a free legal consultation with a spinal injury lawyer serving Norcross, call (404) 888-8888
Elements of Negligence in a Car Accident Case Involving Spinal Cord Injuries
To recover compensation for a spinal cord injury caused by a car accident, you must prove that the at-fault party acted negligently. Negligence is the failure to act with reasonable care, and establishing it requires demonstrating the following elements:
Duty of Care
Every driver has a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle in a safe manner, following traffic laws and taking reasonable precautions to avoid harming others. This includes driving at a safe speed, staying attentive, and yielding the right of way when required.
Breach of Duty
A driver breaches their duty of care by acting recklessly or failing to follow safe driving practices. Common examples include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Speeding or ignoring traffic signals
- Using a mobile phone or other distractions while driving
- Engaging in aggressive or reckless driving behavior
- Drowsy driving or falling asleep while driving
- Distracted driving
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failure yield
- An illegal lane change or turn
- Speeding
For instance, if a driver was texting and failed to stop at a red light, resulting in a collision, this breach could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Causation
You must establish a direct link between the at-fault driver’s breach of duty and your spinal cord injury. This means showing that their negligent actions directly caused the car accident that resulted in your injury. Evidence such as crash reports, eyewitness testimony, and expert opinions can help prove causation.
Damages
Finally, you must demonstrate that the accident caused measurable harm. This includes economic damages as well as non-economic damages.
At Bader Scott, we understand how challenging it can be to gather and present this evidence while recovering from a spinal cord injury. Our Norcross spinal injury lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case, collect the necessary evidence, and build a strong claim to prove negligence.
Norcross Spinal Injury Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Parties That Could Be Liable for a Spinal Cord Injury in a Car Accident Case
Determining liability in a car accident that caused a spinal cord injury is a critical step in pursuing compensation. Several parties may bear responsibility, including:
- Negligent Drivers: Drivers who cause accidents by speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws.
- Vehicle Owners: In some cases, the owner of the vehicle (if different from the driver) could be liable, especially if they allowed an unfit or reckless driver to use their vehicle.
- Employers: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job, their employer might share liability under the principle of vicarious liability.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: Defective vehicle parts, such as faulty brakes, airbags, or tires, may contribute to an accident. Manufacturers or distributors of these parts could be held accountable.
- Mechanics or Repair Shops: Improper repairs or maintenance that contribute to the accident may place liability on the mechanic or repair shop.
- Government Entities: Poorly designed or maintained roads, such as those with inadequate signage, dangerous potholes, or missing guardrails, could make a government agency responsible.
- Pedestrians or Cyclists: In rare cases, pedestrians or cyclists who behave negligently and contribute to the accident could share liability.
At Bader Scott, we conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties, ensuring that your claim reflects the full scope of responsibility. This approach helps maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
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Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Case
The damages in each car accident case may be dependent on many factors. In general, the following categories of damages may be recoverable:
Costs of Medical Care
Spinal cord injuries may be permanent, and treatment may revolve around minimizing symptoms and giving the patient the most mobility and control possible. Depending on the nature of the injuries, treatments may include:
- Surgery
- Immobilization techniques
- Mobility assistance devices
- Medications to reduce pain
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
The costs of these spinal injury treatments can be substantial over time. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical and rehabilitative services. This may include any mobility devices or modifications to your home that your injuries require.
Lost Wages
A spinal cord injury often translates to lost wages. Even if you eventually return to your job, you may have to take several months off to recover. As such, you may be entitled to compensation for these lost wages. Furthermore, if your injury permanently reduces or eliminates your ability to earn a living, you may be able to receive funds to cover this reduction in earning capacity.
Noneconomic Damages
A spinal cord injury can prevent you from doing all of the things you once did with ease, such as participating in certain sports. They may force you to endure physical pain and mental anguish. Noneconomic damages that take into account accident impacts such as these may be available in your case.
If you are considering taking legal action for your injuries, keep in mind that, per O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, a general two-year statute of limitations pertains to personal injury lawsuits in Georgia. If you allow this deadline to pass before taking legal action, it could mean that a court dismisses your lawsuit.
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Spinal Cord Injury Complications and Effects
A spinal cord injury can occur during the impact of a car accident. According to Mayo Clinic, injuries to the spine frequently result in permanent changes in a person’s sensation and power in the areas of their body affected by the injury.
A spinal cord injury can have devastating, life-altering consequences for victims. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, complications may include paralysis, chronic pain, loss of sensation, and impaired organ function. These physical challenges often lead to secondary issues, such as respiratory problems, blood clots, or pressure sores.
Victims may face significant emotional and psychological struggles, including depression, anxiety, and loss of independence. Adjusting to these changes often requires extensive care and accommodation. For many, a spinal cord injury means a permanent change in their quality of life, ability to work, and engagement in activities they once enjoyed.
Call Bader Scott for a Free Case Review
A Norcross spinal injury lawyer from Bader Scott may be able to handle the legal work in your case. Our firm represents clients on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we do not collect compensation for our labor unless and until you recover a settlement offer or court award.
Call Bader Scott today for a free consultation.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form