Damages from Spinal Cord Injury

There is no cure paralysis resulting from a spinal injury. No amount of money can make up for the loss of enjoyment of life, the emotional distress, and the psycho-social afflictions that often accompany a serious spinal cord injury. However, if the injury occurred because of another person’s negligent or deliberately wrongful actions, the injured party is entitled to financial damages. These damages may be used to pay for:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Future long term care
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages for pain and suffering

In preparing your case and establishing liability, a personal injury attorney may use testimony from any or all of the following experts:

Vocational Rehabilitation Expert

A psychologist or expert in the field of vocational rehabilitation can evaluate the extent of the spinal cord injury, and its effect on the plaintiff’s earning potential and employment opportunities. For example, a vocational rehabilitation expert may perform diagnostic tests which conclude that the plaintiff has such severe pain and suffering that their ability to find and maintain employment is substantially decreased. A jury can award damages based on this knowledge.

Economist

Your lawyer may ask an economist to testify during a trial to assess lost future monetary earnings of the injured person. The economist evaluates and explains to the jury and/or judge the financial loss that the spinal cord injury has caused the plaintiff. This information can establish a reference point for awarding damages.

Life Care Planner

If your attorney suggests contacting a life care planner, he or she can evaluate the extent of the disability and give insight into how to manage the disability and resources for rehabilitation.

Find a Nearby Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a member of your family has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else's negligence, an experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights and options. Find a personal injury lawyer in your area using LawyerShop’s directory of legal professionals.