A spinal cord injury can change your life. They often lead to permanent loss of function and the need to relearn familiar tasks. You may be forced to find a new way to earn a living or consider disability benefits. You might not be able to care for your family as you once did.
It is a heavy price to pay for one mistake, especially when the mistake wasn’t even yours. If you have been injured in an accident because of another person’s negligence, our Lehigh Acres spinal cord injury lawyers can help you fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
Our legal team at Viles & Beckman has recovered more than $100 million for injured Florida accident victims. We are the 5-Star Law Firm™. Call today to schedule your free consultation and talk to our Lehigh Acres personal injury lawyers about your spinal cord injury case.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can cause temporary issues that resolve with treatment, or they can mean the permanent loss of function in one or more limbs. Because the spinal cord controls movement, sensation, and organ function, any damage requires medical intervention.
An injury is a catastrophic injury if it causes permanent, life-altering damage and often results in long-term disability. Many spinal cord injuries fall into this category. If you have suffered such an injury, you may need not only medical and financial help today but ongoing support for the rest of your life.
No matter your health outlook, if another person caused your spinal cord injury, you should not be left paying the costs. Our Lehigh Acres spinal cord injury attorneys will investigate your accident or incident and discover every party who is liable for your injury.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
Catastrophic injuries like some spinal cord injuries often result in large settlements, sometimes in the millions of dollars. Insurance companies may do everything in their power to underpay your claim, which is why working with our legal team is so important.
We’ll protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need to make a positive impact on your quality of life. While every case is different, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Your economic damages account for the financial losses you have incurred due to your injury. For many spinal cord injury victims, these costs can be tremendous, both now and in the future.
They often include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical needs
- Lost wages
- Home modifications
- Adaptive medical equipment
- Job retraining
Non-Economic Damages
Your economic damages account for the intangible losses you have suffered because of your spinal cord injury. This includes things like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Like your economic damages, these can be significant.
In some situations, you could be eligible for punitive damages, which are awarded by a court when the defendant has behaved illegally or with extraordinary negligence. These are not intended as compensation for your hardships but instead to punish the defendant.
What to Do If You Suspect a Spinal Cord Injury
A serious spinal injury can happen almost any way imaginable. Car accidents, workplace incidents, and falls are common causes. Even minor incidents can cause serious injuries under some circumstances.
If you believe you may have suffered a spinal injury, treat it as a medical emergency and get immediate care. Signs that you have an issue include:
- Severe neck or back pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
- Loss of movement, bladder, or bowel control
Deadlines for Legal Action
In Florida, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of the injury, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 95.11. You must file a lawsuit within that time or lose your right to seek compensation.
In some cases, the deadline may not begin until the injury is discovered, if it was not immediately known. Some exceptions can pause or extend the time limit, such as when the injured person is a minor.
Connect with our team as soon as possible so you don’t risk losing your legal status. Our spinal cord injury lawyers in Lehigh Acres can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case.
How Our Lehigh Acres Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Can Help
A spinal cord injury can mean a major adjustment for you and your family, along with tremendous hardships. A strong support network can be a big help when recovering physically and mentally, but it doesn’t necessarily help you bounce back financially.
Let our Lehigh Acres spinal cord injury attorneys fight on your behalf when another party’s negligence has caused you so much turmoil. We will serve as your advocate and work to get the maximum compensation to cover your economic and non-economic damages.
For more than four decades, Viles & Beckman has been here to advocate for injured people who aren’t always able to fight for themselves. With our firm, you’ll get legal support that feels like family. Call now to schedule your free consultation and discuss your claim.