Savannah Spinal Injury Lawyers
Accidents and injuries can happen anywhere – even in historic seaside cities like Savannah. Whether you live in Savannah or are just visiting, there is always the risk that you may be involved in an accident and sustain a serious and life-changing injury. While no one wants to think about a sudden injury, it is important to know what to do in the hours, days, and weeks following an accident.
At Hasner Law, our experienced injury lawyers are here to provide the guidance you need in the wake of a severe injury. We know how to handle complicated cases involving catastrophic injuries and we do everything in our power to protect the rights of our injured clients. If you suffered a spinal cord injury in or around Savannah, please consult with our office for free today.
The Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
The spine is one of the most integral parts of the body given that it facilitates the functioning of numerous vital organs, as well as much of the movement of the body. When damage occurs to any part of the spine, it can disrupt the functioning that takes place below the point of injury. For this reason, spinal cord injuries are often deemed catastrophic and have the potential to completely alter the course of a victim’s life.
There are two main categories of spinal cord injuries – incomplete and complete. In the event of an incomplete injury, a victim may experience a partial or temporary loss of movement, sensation, and functioning in certain parts of the body. Often, extended hospitalization is required to prevent any further damage or complications. A victim may need rehabilitative therapy to recover their movement or feeling and may still suffer some effects of the injury for months or years to come.
A complete spinal cord injury happens when communication is completely cut off below the point of injury. This can result in permanent paralysis and loss of sensation in much of the body, as well as loss of bladder or sexual functioning. Injuries higher on the spinal cord can result in paralysis from the neck down, including loss of respiratory function. Needless to say, life will never be the same for victims of complete spinal cord injuries and their families.
Handling Complex Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Personal injury and workers’ compensation claims involving spinal cord injuries can be particularly complex for multiple reasons. Such reasons include:
Determining who was at fault – In order to hold a private party accountable for spinal cord injury losses, you must first determine whether your injury resulted from any type of negligence. Negligence occurs when a party owes you a specific duty of care and then breaches that duty, causing you harm. Some examples of negligence in spinal cord cases may involve:
- A drunk or distracted driver hits a pedestrian with their vehicle
- A coach allows high school football players to play rough, result in a dangerous tackle
- A company sells a defective ladder that malfunctions and causes a person to fall to the ground
Once we can determine who was negligent, we can identify the best course of action to hold that party liable for all of your losses.
If a spinal cord injury happens on the job, you do not have to prove that your employer was negligent in order to seek workers’ compensation benefits to cover your losses. Instead, you must only prove that your injury happened in the course of your employment. These cases can be more challenging than you may think, however, and it is important to have the right attorney on your side, especially given the severe nature of spinal injuries.
Calculating damages – In addition to determining who can be held liable for your injury, you must also establish the amount of losses – called “damages” – you incurred as a result of your injuries. You cannot simply guess at the value of your case, but it should instead be carefully evaluated by a skilled personal injury lawyer. Determining damages in a spinal cord injury case can require many resources, as losses can extend well into the future or even for the rest of your life. Some damages include:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, home health care, medical equipment, and more
- The estimated cost of any future medical treatment or assistance needed
- Lost income from work you have missed due to your injury
- Estimated future income you would have earned but now your injury prevents it
- Physical pain and suffering
- Permanent disabilities
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Many damages stemming from a spinal cord injury are not based on financial losses but instead on intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify. Our firm can consult with medical and economic experts who can assist with an accurate calculation of your past and future losses.
The value of spinal cord injury cases can vary widely, and it is essential to have an attorney who will carefully evaluate your circumstances on an individual basis. Our attorneys will take all necessary care to determine the potential value of your claim and seek the maximum amount you deserve. We never push our clients to settle for less than they deserve, and we will explore every avenue for full financial recovery.
Find Out How Our Savannah Spinal Injury Attorneys Can Help You
Recovering from a spinal cord injury is a long and complicated process and many people must adapt to a completely new way of life. At Hasner Law, we have seen how devastating this type of injury can be and bring all possible resources to the table to fight for the rights of our clients. Whether you need assistance with a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim, we have the ability to help.
The costs of a spinal cord injury are high, and many people fear they cannot afford the help of a lawyer. Our legal representation does not cost anything unless we successfully recover on your behalf. Please call 912-234-2334 or contact us online today to schedule your free initial consultation.
