Preventing Permanent Damage: Legal Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury in Georgia
A spinal cord injury can be life-altering in an instant. Whether caused by a car crash, fall, workplace accident, or act of violence, the consequences can include paralysis, chronic pain, loss of mobility, and mounting medical expenses. While immediate medical treatment is crucial for your physical recovery, taking the right legal steps is equally essential to protect your financial future and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Georgia, here’s what you need to know from our Atlanta Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys at The Spizman Firm.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first priority after any spinal injury is medical care. Prompt evaluation and treatment can reduce the risk of permanent damage. Even if symptoms seem minor at first, injuries to the spinal cord can worsen over time. Detailed medical records also serve as critical evidence in any future legal claim.
Step 2: Document Everything
Preserving evidence is essential. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, gather witness contact information, and retain any police or incident reports. Keep a journal documenting your symptoms, treatments, and the impact the injury is having on your daily life. These details can make a significant difference in demonstrating the severity of your injury and its effect on your quality of life.
Step 3: Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the incident. They may seem helpful, but their goal is to protect the company—not you. They might try to get you to settle quickly or make statements that could later be used against you. Before speaking with any insurance company, consult an attorney who understands spinal cord injury claims.
Step 4: Understand the Long-Term Costs
Spinal cord injuries often require long-term care, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment. Some victims are unable to return to work or require in-home care. A fair legal settlement or verdict should consider not just current medical bills, but future costs, lost income, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
Step 5: Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Spinal cord injury cases are medically and legally complex. We work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and life care planners to build a strong case on your behalf. We will fight to hold negligent parties accountable and seek the full compensation you are entitled to under Georgia law.
Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you must file your case within two years of the injury—or you may lose your right to compensation. Don’t wait to protect your rights.
Contact The Spizman Firm
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, The Spizman Firm is here to help you pursue justice and recover the resources you need to move forward. We proudly serve clients throughout Georgia, including Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us fight for your future.
