What Kinds of Damages Can a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Help Clients Seek?
The physical, emotional, and financial ramifications of a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be devastating. If you or someone you love sustained an SCI, you’re undoubtedly under a lot of stress. Thankfully, your family may be entitled to compensation for the associated damages.
While taking action against those liable for the accident that led to the injury won’t undo the SCI, it could at least yield the funds needed to maintain your quality of life in the wake of the incident. Let’s take a look at the kinds of damages your family may be able to seek with help from a spinal cord injury attorney:
1. Medical Bills
When it comes to legitimate personal injury claims, Florida allows for the recovery of all medical-related expenses that stem from the cause of action. In addition to hospitalization and prescription medication, this might include home care, ongoing rehabilitation, and reasonably necessary medical equipment.
2. Lost Income
It can take up to two years to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) after sustaining a spinal cord injury. In most cases, injured parties are unable to work during this time.
Thankfully, they may seek compensation for all the wages they lose while recovering. Additionally, those who are unable to return to the workforce even after reaching MMI may pursue funds for the income they would’ve earned between when they got hurt and when they would’ve eventually retired.
3. Non-Economic Damages
When it comes to catastrophic injuries that carry life-altering repercussions, the physical and emotional damages are every bit as real—and as devastating—as the economic losses. Since the state of Florida recognizes as much, personal injury claimants may seek compensation for their non-monetary damages, which might include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and emotional distress.
Additionally, the spouses of victims are usually entitled to funds for loss of consortium. This encompasses the loss of love, companionship, support, and services that they incur as a direct result of their husband or wife’s condition.
4. Punitive Damages
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident in which you were hurt, you may be entitled to a punitive award in addition to the compensatory damages listed above. Florida tort law allows for the recovery of punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct constituted gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing.
For cases founded on gross negligence, punitive awards are typically capped at $500,000 or three times the total compensatory damages. For cases founded on intentional harm, there is no cap. It’s worth noting, however, that punitive damages cannot be awarded against government entities.
Discuss Your Case with a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
At Emerson Straw PL, we understand the devastating toll an SCI can take on the whole family. If you or someone you love is now paralyzed because another party failed to act with reasonable care, we’ll help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call (727) 821-1500 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Florida.