There is no average settlement for spinal cord injury claims. Every case relating to a spinal cord injury (SCI) involves unique circumstances influencing how much each victim could recover.
SCIs can cause devastating effects, even in the best circumstances. After the injury, it may not be easy to walk, breathe, or perform basic activities. However, with the help of a personal injury attorney, you could recover compensation for your short- and long-term losses.
Average Settlement for Spinal Cord Injuries
Every spinal cord injury claim is different, so there is no average settlement for spinal cord injury cases. However, past settlements have ranged from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances. Other factors that come into play when determining a settlement amount include:
- The number of injured people
- Any property damage
- The cause of your injury
- Your age and health before your spinal cord injuries
- Pain and suffering, including mental and emotional state
- How well you present and argue your case
- The willingness of the defendant to negotiate in good faith
- Whether you qualify for compensation for loss of consortium
- Complications arising from the injury
- Liability and comparative fault considerations
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries refer to the damage caused to a bundle of nerves in the spinal column. The affected nerves can no longer transfer reliable information, hindering control over motor actions. Different types of spinal injuries include:
- Central cord syndrome:Weakness in arms more than legs
- Anterior cord syndrome:Paralysis from the injury and below
- Tetraplegia:Inability to move all limbs (also known as quadriplegia)
- Triplegia:Paralysis of three limbs
- Paraplegia:Paralysis of the legs and lower body
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Acts of violence, falls, recreational sports, and motor vehicle accidents are all significant causes of SCIs. While most of these causes might be accidental, some accidents result from another party’s negligence. For instance, some patients have suffered SCIs during surgical procedures where a doctor’s error played a part.
Eligibility to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim
Anyone who sustains a spinal cord injury and believes that another’s wrongful actions led to their suffering can file a claim. For victims younger than 18, parents or guardians can file these cases on their behalf or wait until they attain the legal age to file the lawsuits themselves.
If an SCI caused the victim’s death, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004allows a surviving spouse, child, parent, or the executor of the estate to file a wrongful death claim. In addition, it is essential to keep in mind the statutes of limitations that apply to your case.
Damages Included in a Claim
While we cannot provide an average settlement for spinal cord injuries, you can expect to recover awards for economic and noneconomic damages based on similar cases.
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost income while recovering from your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity
Noneconomic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
Why Hire a Lawyer to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
Most spinal cord injury victims who successfully recover compensation take this simple step: they hire a personal injury attorney. SCIs often cause life-threatening effects that stay with you for the rest of your life. However, a lawyer can help you recover compensation for the losses you endured.
An SCI can often leave victims and their families angry, especially if they feel another’s actions could have prevented their physical trauma. While it is valid to feel sad, angry, and demand justice, such emotions could impair your ability to recover compensation for your loved one.
Moreover, because the attorney has no emotional attachment to the victim, they have a better chance of doing what is right by the law. Finally, finding a lawyer for your spinal cord injury claim comes with other benefits, such as:
- Helping you find critical evidence (e.g., talking to eyewitnesses, gathering medical bills, and reviewing police reports) to build your case
- Representing you in negotiations and court if necessary
- Filing a spinal cord injury claim or lawsuit
- Updating you on your case’s progress
Contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today
We know that nothing can make you “whole” following your spinal cord injuries—especially if another’s negligence caused them. Therefore, if you believe your injuries resulted from someone’s negligent actions, it is only fair that you seek compensation for your damages.
The team at Loncar Lyon Jenkinswill help you achieve just that. Call us today to schedule a no-obligation case evaluation.
