How Spinal Cord Injuries Affect Compensation in Georgia Personal Injury Cases
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe and life-altering injuries a person can suffer in an accident. Whether caused by a car crash, slip and fall, workplace accident, or medical malpractice, spinal cord injuries often lead to long-term disabilities, chronic pain, and significant financial burdens. In Georgia, personal injury victims with spinal cord injuries may be entitled to substantial compensation, but the legal process can be complex.
Our Atlanta Spinal Cord Injuries Attorneys at The Spizman Firm can help victims and their families pursue the financial recovery they need for medical care, lost income, and future expenses.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Impact on Compensation
Spinal cord injuries vary in severity, and the extent of the damage significantly influences the amount of compensation a victim may receive. The two main types of spinal cord injuries are:
- Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury results in permanent loss of function below the site of the injury. Victims may suffer paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). These injuries often require:
- Lifetime medical care and rehabilitation
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Long-term assistance with daily activities
- Inability to work, leading to lost earning capacity
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
An incomplete spinal cord injury means that the victim retains some level of movement or sensation below the injury site. While recovery may be possible, it often involves extensive therapy, surgeries, and prolonged medical care, all of which contribute to high financial costs.
Damages Available in a Spinal Cord Injury Case
If a spinal cord injury results from someone else’s negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation, which typically falls into the following categories:
- Medical Expenses
Victims of spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including:
- Emergency surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Assistive devices (wheelchairs, braces, home modifications)
Compensation should cover both past and future medical costs, as these injuries often result in a lifetime of care.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Many spinal cord injury victims are unable to return to work, or they must find lower-paying jobs due to physical limitations. Compensation can include:
- Lost wages from time off work
- Future lost income if the victim can no longer perform their previous job
- Loss of earning capacity if the injury prevents career advancement
- Pain and Suffering
Spinal cord injuries cause immense physical pain and emotional trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for:
- Chronic pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Home and Vehicle Modifications
Quadriplegic and paraplegic victims often require modifications to their homes and vehicles, such as:
- Wheelchair ramps
- Stair lifts
- Hand-controlled vehicle systems
These costs should be factored into a personal injury claim.
- Punitive Damages
In cases where a spinal cord injury was caused by gross negligence or reckless behavior, such as a drunk driving accident, victims may be awarded punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter future misconduct.
Challenges in Securing Maximum Compensation
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in spinal cord injury cases. They may:
- Dispute the severity of the injury
- Claim the victim had pre-existing conditions
- Offer low settlements that do not cover long-term costs
To counter these tactics, victims need an experienced personal injury attorney who can:
- Gather medical records and expert testimony
- Calculate the full extent of damages, including future expenses
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Take the case to trial if necessary
Contact an Experienced Georgia Personal Injury Attorney
Spinal cord injuries have life-changing consequences, and victims deserve full and fair compensation for their losses. At The Spizman Firm, we fight for the rights of injury victims to ensure they receive the financial support they need.
Our firm serves clients throughout Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
