Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating consequences of car accidents, often leading to life-altering changes for victims and their families. At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the profound impact these injuries can have on every aspect of a person’s life.
Our spinal cord injury lawyers represent victims of car accidents, truck collisions, and motorcycle crashes across North Carolina, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation and justice our clients deserve. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming, and having experienced legal representation is crucial in personal injury claims.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation!
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
In North Carolina, as in the rest of the United States, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Auto and motorcycle accidents account for almost half of new spinal cord injuries each year. The sudden impact and force exerted on the body during a collision can cause severe trauma to the spine, resulting in damage to the vertebrae, ligaments, disks, or the spinal cord itself.
While car accidents are the primary culprit, other common causes of spinal cord injuries include falls, acts of violence (such as gunshot wounds), and sports-related injuries. For individuals over 65, falls become the most frequent cause of spinal cord injuries, highlighting the increased vulnerability of older adults to such trauma.
Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
Recognizing the symptoms of a spinal cord injury is crucial for prompt medical intervention and potentially mitigating long-term damage. The symptoms can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury along the spinal cord.
Immediate symptoms following a spinal cord injury may include severe pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back, weakness or paralysis in any part of the body, numbness or tingling in the extremities, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty breathing, and altered sensation. In some cases, the full extent of the injury may not be immediately apparent, which is why it’s essential to seek medical attention following a head, neck, or back injury.
Long-term symptoms and complications of spinal cord injuries can be extensive and life-changing. These may include partial or complete paralysis below the level of injury, chronic pain, spasticity, sexual dysfunction, and difficulties with temperature regulation. Additionally, individuals with spinal cord injuries often face an increased risk of secondary health issues such as respiratory problems, urinary tract infections, and pressure sores.
The location of the injury along the spinal cord largely determines the extent and nature of the symptoms. Injuries to the cervical spine (neck area) can result in quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs and potentially impacts breathing. Injuries to the thoracic or lumbar regions may lead to paraplegia, which affects the lower body.
Compensation in Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Victims of spinal cord injuries resulting from car accidents in North Carolina may be eligible for various types of compensation. These compensatory damages aim to make the victim “whole” again, as much as possible. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the life-altering effects of a spinal cord injury, financial recovery can help alleviate the enormous burdens placed on victims and their families.
Medical Bills
One of the primary forms of compensation is coverage for medical expenses. This includes immediate emergency care and hospitalization, ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and necessary medical equipment like wheelchairs.
Given the often lifelong nature of spinal cord injuries, future medical expenses are also considered in the compensation calculation.
Lost Income and Lost Earning Capacity
Spinal cord injuries frequently result in significant time away from work. A spinal injury victim may be unable to return to their previous occupation, especially if they had a physically demanding job before becoming paralyzed. Compensation can cover lost wages during recovery and the loss of future earning capacity.
Home Modifications for Disability
People who suffer spinal cord injuries are often permanently disabled and need to renovate their homes to make them wheelchair accessible. Accident victims can seek compensation for these renovations in a personal injury claim.
Caregiving Expenses
People with spinal injuries may need assistance with daily tasks or in-home nursing care, especially in severe cases. This can place a heavy financial burden on accident victims and their families. Compensation can help cover the cost of professional caregiving services or lost income for family members who take on caregiving responsibilities.
Pain and Suffering
Victims can also recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. These damages aim to compensate for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the injury. While more challenging to quantify than economic damages, pain and suffering compensation can be a significant portion of a spinal cord injury settlement.
Loss of Consortium
Compensation for loss of consortium addresses the impact on the victim’s ability to provide companionship, affection, and support to family members. It can also include compensation for loss of physical intimacy with a spouse.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or demonstrated a reckless disregard for safety, North Carolina courts may award punitive damages. Victims may receive up to three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000 in punitive damages, whichever is higher. Intoxicated driving is an exception to the normal limitation on punitive damages in North Carolina.
Average Spinal Cord Injury Settlement in North Carolina
Determining an average settlement amount for spinal cord injuries in North Carolina is challenging due to the highly individualized nature of each case. Settlements can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on various factors. These factors include the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life and earning capacity, the strength of the evidence, and the specific circumstances of the accident.
In cases of complete paralysis or other catastrophic outcomes, settlements or verdicts can reach into the millions. These higher amounts reflect the lifelong care needs, loss of earning capacity, and profound impact on quality of life associated with severe spinal cord injuries.
How a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help
Navigating a spinal cord injury claim in North Carolina can be complex and overwhelming, especially while dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of such a serious injury. An experienced car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the legal process.
Gathering Evidence
A skilled attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, collecting crucial evidence to support your claim. This may include obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, analyzing medical records, and potentially working with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
Settlement Negotiation
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, especially in high-value cases like spinal cord injuries. An experienced lawyer can skillfully negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring that all aspects of your injury and its impact on your life are properly valued. They can push back against lowball offers and work towards a fair settlement that truly reflects the extent of your damages.
Representation in Lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court. They will handle all aspects of the litigation process, from filing the initial complaint to presenting your case before a judge or jury. Having a knowledgeable advocate can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Deadline for Car Accident Lawsuits in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including those involving spinal cord injuries from car accidents, is three years from the date of the injury. This means that you have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
It’s crucial to be aware of this deadline, as failing to file within the three-year window could result in losing your right to seek compensation through the court system. While three years may seem like a long time, building a strong case for a spinal cord injury often requires extensive investigation and preparation.
You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure your rights are protected and your claim is filed by the deadline.
How Much Does a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Cost?
At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and our law firm only gets paid if we win compensation for you. Your spinal cord injury lawyer receives a percentage of the final settlement or lawsuit payout.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident in North Carolina, seeking experienced legal representation is crucial. At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for the rights of spinal cord injury victims, working tirelessly to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Our team understands the complexities of these cases and their profound impact on victims’ lives. We stand ready to guide you through every step of the legal process, from investigation to settlement negotiation or trial representation, ensuring that your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation!
