Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
A spinal cord injury can change your life forever. While no amount of money could ever make up for a serious spine injury, getting fair financial compensation by understanding the value of your claim can give you the financial means to move forward with more peace of mind during this difficult time.
Do I Have Grounds for a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
Not all spinal cord injury victims in California will qualify for financial compensation. There must be grounds to file a claim and hold someone liable, or legally and financially responsible, for the injury.
Most spinal cord injury cases are based on negligence, or the argument that someone failed to meet the required standard of care and this resulted in the injury. Examples are a distracted driver causing a car accident or a careless employer failing to protect workers.
You may have grounds to seek financial compensation for your spine injury if you have evidence that someone else owed you a duty of care, breached or violated this duty, and caused your spinal cord injury. You could also have a claim based on a doctrine other than negligence, such as a strict product liability case for a defective product.
Types of Compensation Available
If you or your spinal cord injury attorney in Los Angeles – which you have the right to hire to help you with your claim – can prove your case, you could receive financial compensation for various losses associated with your injury.
Damages available can include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Surgeries, therapies and rehabilitation
- Medical devices
- Disability accommodations
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional injuries
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
You may also be eligible for punitive damages if the at-fault party is guilty of gross negligence, malice or intent to harm. It can be helpful to work with a personal injury attorney in LA on your list of damages to make sure you don’t leave anything out when requesting financial compensation.
What Is the Average Settlement for Spinal Cord Injury Victims in California?
Spinal cord injuries can cost victims millions of dollars over their lifetimes. It is critical not to underestimate the value of your claim. Do not base your case on an average settlement amount that you find online, as each case is entirely unique.
Factors that can impact the value of a claim include:
- Spinal cord injury severity
- Total medical costs
- The victim’s age and projected lifespan
- The amount of physical pain and emotional suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- The type of claim (e.g., workers’ compensation vs. personal injury lawsuit)
- Insurance available
Some spinal cord injury victims may qualify for $50,000 or less while others may receive seven-figure settlements and jury verdicts, depending on the situation. The only accurate way to calculate the value of your spinal cord injury claim is by consulting with an attorney.
Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer to Maximize Your Settlement
An experienced spinal cord injury attorney can evaluate your claim and help you pursue maximum financial compensation using aggressive and personalized legal strategies. This includes bringing your case to court, if necessary. For more information about a specific case, contact the spinal cord injury attorneys at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP for a free consultation.