The World Health Organization estimates that hundreds of thousands of people suffer spinal cord impairments every year. An injury to the spinal cord may be temporary or permanent, and either way victims of such a condition may need assistance from a qualified personal injury attorney to effectively pursue damages from the party responsible.
Spinal cord trauma can severely impact your life and the lives of those close to you. Fortunately, a Pinellas County spinal cord injury lawyer might be able to assist you if you are suffering because of damage to your spine that someone else caused.
Civil Lawsuits for Spinal Cord Injuries in Pinellas County
An accident victim who has suffered a spinal cord injury in Pinellas County might be able to succeed in a lawsuit for negligence. According to Florida Statutes §95.11, the time limit for filing a lawsuit for spinal cord trauma is generally four years from the date of the injury, although there are rare exceptions. A spinal cord injury attorney in Pinellas County may clarify the date by which a particular victim must file their suit.
In addition to legal claims for spinal cord injuries, Pinellas County plaintiffs may seek recovery for secondary harms connected with spinal cord damage. According to the World Health Organization, accompanying harms may include the following:
- Chronic pain
- Respiratory problems
- Pressure ulcers
- Deep vein thrombosis
Remedies in Spinal Cord Injury Suits
Because of the severity of a spinal cord injury and its impact on the entire family, a Pinellas County plaintiff may be able to receive both economic and noneconomic damages. Their children might also be awarded damages depending on how their parent’s injury has affected them.
Economic Remedies for Spinal Cord Damage
An accident that results in spinal cord damage may permanently impair a victim’s freedom of movement and their ability to work. During the initial stages of recovery following the accident, an injured person may accumulate bills for emergency care, home nursing, and specialized medical equipment.
Plaintiffs with spinal cord injuries may also be able to recover for lost wages, as well as missed future earnings. A spinal cord injury lawyer in Pinellas County may be helpful when itemizing economic damages.
Noneconomic Damages
Depending on the severity of the injury, a person with spinal cord damage may need to make major adjustments to their lifestyle. As such, they might be able to recover an award for more intangible injuries as well. Plaintiffs might consider suing for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
When a parent’s spinal cord is permanently damaged, their children may also recover for certain losses. Individuals or entities that cause a “significant permanent injury” to a Pinellas County mother or father may also be liable to their children for damages like loss of society, comfort, and companionship.
Call a Pinellas County Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
A dedicated legal professional might be able to help with claims for pain and suffering, permanent losses, and other damages related to spinal cord injuries. If you or a loved one is suffering from spinal cord damage, call a Pinellas County spinal cord injury lawyer to discuss your rights and get started on your claim.