A spinal cord injury is a serious condition that can change your life in many ways. It can affect your movement, cause long-term pain, and even lead to permanent disability.
If your injury was caused by an accident or someone else’s actions, you may be able to get compensation.
Philadelphia is a large city in Pennsylvania known for its medical centers and legal services. Many people who suffer spinal cord injuries in this city turn to professionals for help.
A Philadelphia spinal cord injury lawyer can guide you through your claim and help you seek justice.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries happen when the spine is damaged due to trauma, such as a fall, car crash, or sports accident. These injuries can be complete (total loss of function) or incomplete (partial loss of function). Some common causes include:
- Car accidents
- Falls from heights
- Workplace accidents
- Sports injuries
- Acts of violence
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are about 18,000 new spinal cord injuries in the U.S. each year. Most of these are caused by vehicle accidents and falls. The recovery process is often long and expensive, which is why knowing your legal options is important.
Legal Options for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
After a spinal cord injury, you may be wondering how to handle the medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The law provides several paths to get financial help, depending on how your injury happened.
Filing a Lawsuit
If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, you may file a personal injury lawsuit. This could be a reckless driver, a property owner who ignored safety, or a company that sold a faulty product. If a defective product caused your injury, a product liability lawsuit may be possible.
Negotiate a Settlement
Many spinal cord injury cases are settled outside of court. A lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company or the other party. This can save time and reduce stress.
Workers’ Compensation
If your injury happened at work, you might qualify for workers’ compensation. This system provides medical care and wage replacement without needing to prove fault. However, you may have limits on suing your employer.
Social Security Disability
If your injury prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These benefits can help you cover your daily expenses when you can no longer earn an income.
Potential Damages to Recover
If your case is successful, you may be able to recover several types of compensation:
- Medical Costs: Includes hospital stays, surgery, medication, and therapy.
- Lost Wages: Money you lost from missing work, as well as future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain and emotional stress caused by the injury.
- Home and Life Modifications: Cost of changes to your home, such as ramps or wheelchairs.
Conclusion
A spinal cord injury can affect every part of your life. But with the right legal help, you can get the support and compensation you need. If you or a loved one suffered such an injury in Philadelphia, reach out to a spinal cord injury lawyer today. They can help you understand your rights and take the next step toward recovery and justice.