The spinal cord is among the most critical parts of the nervous system, facilitating movement and sensation throughout the entire body. Without a fully functioning spinal cord, an injured person may have partial paralysis, lack of feeling and sensation, or a host of other complications.
If you or someone in your life has suffered a spinal cord injury through no fault of their own, a Manchester spinal cord injury lawyer could help you recover financial compensation. A seasoned catastrophic injury attorney could help you hold the at-fault party accountable and move forward.
Monetary Damages for a Spinal Cord Injury
Astronomical medical bills and related treatment expenses are typical following a spinal cord injury. If an injured person is unable to continue working their previous job, they may also seek to recover for lost wages. Both medical bills and lost wages are examples of economic damages.
Non-economic damages are often harder to prove and usually reflect how a person’s life has changed following their injury. Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical disfigurement
A spinal cord injury lawyer in Manchester could sit down with a plaintiff to help document their economic and non-economic damages so that nothing is kept from the jury. Plaintiffs should be open and honest with their medical providers and therapists to ensure that the full extent of their life changes and any potential suffering are documented appropriately. Without such documentation from professionals, it may be difficult to prove noneconomic damages.
Plaintiff Liability Defense Tactics
When it is feasible, the legal counsel for the defense may use a defense tactic known as comparative negligence, in which they attempt to convince the jury that the plaintiff is at least somewhat liable for their own injuries. Common examples in spinal cord injury cases include a car accident victim who disobeyed a certain traffic law, or a slip-and-fall victim who did not have permission to enter a certain property.
Part of the jury’s job is to decide if the plaintiff was indeed liable, and if so, to what degree. If the plaintiff is found to be at fault, they will be assigned a percentage of liability along with the defendant in the case. Their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of liability, in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes § 52-572h.
For example, if the jury determines that the plaintiff is 25 percent liable for their own injury, their damages will be reduced to 75 percent of the true total. If the jury determines that the plaintiff is greater than 50 percent liable for their own damages, they may not recover damages at all. A skilled paralysis injury attorney in Manchester could explain the role of comparative negligence in a particular case.
Retain an Experienced Manchester Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Financial compensation could prove invaluable after a spinal cord injury. Medical bills, lost wages, and specialized equipment can add up to an immense cost, a cost which legal compensation may offset. Each case has its unique challenges and may the careful review and representation of an experienced attorney. Call a knowledgeable Manchester spinal cord injury lawyer to learn more.
