A spinal cord injury can not only be physically debilitating but also emotionally and financially draining. Navigating the aftermath of such an injury requires more than just medical knowledge; it demands seasoned legal guidance.
At Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC, we have a deep understanding of both the medical and legal complexities that accompany spinal cord injuries and stand ready to support you through this challenging time. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Laredo, it is vital to act swiftly. Contact our experienced legal team today at (956) 728-9191 to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. They often result in lasting changes in the victim’s strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury.
Spinal cord injuries can range from minor neck injuries to severe cases like herniated discs. A neck injury, while sometimes less severe, can still lead to significant pain and disability. A herniated disc, on the other hand, occurs when a disc in the spine ruptures or herniates, leading to nerve pain and potentially long-term physical challenges.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Laredo
Laredo’s fast-paced environment, like many urban settings, brings with it a range of scenarios that can lead to spinal cord injuries. Including but not limited to:
- Auto Accidents
- Workplace Accidents
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Sports Injuries
- Acts of Violence
- Medical Negligence
Each case is unique, and understanding the cause is crucial in framing a legal strategy to secure compensation. At Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC, we delve into the specifics of each incident, piecing together evidence to build a compelling case for our clients.
The Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact of a spinal cord injury can extend far beyond the initial trauma. These injuries can lead to profound changes and complications in every aspect of a person’s life.
- Physical Impact: Depending on the severity, a spinal cord injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Even in less severe cases, there may be chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a need for ongoing physical therapy.
- Emotional Toll: The sudden change in lifestyle and physical abilities can lead to emotional challenges, including depression and anxiety.
- Financial Burden: The costs associated with spinal cord injuries are significant. Medical bills, ongoing care, and loss of income can put immense pressure on victims and their families.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Adapting to life after a spinal cord injury often requires significant changes to one’s living environment, daily routines, and long-term plans.
At Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC, we work to secure our clients’ compensation for their immediate medical expenses, and for the ongoing physical, emotional, and financial challenges they face.
Your Legal Rights and Compensation After a Spinal Cord Injury
Navigating the legal landscape after a spinal cord injury in Laredo is critical for securing justice and compensation. Understanding your legal rights is the first step in this journey:
- Right to Compensation: Victims of spinal cord injuries caused by another’s negligence have the right to seek compensation. This can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Determining Compensation: The extent of the injury, its impact on your life, and the circumstances of the accident all play a role in determining the compensation you may receive.
- The Role of Negligence: Proving negligence is a cornerstone of spinal cord injury cases. It involves establishing that another party’s recklessness or failure to act reasonably led to the injury.
At Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC, our Laredo car accident attorney works diligently to calculate the full extent of your damages and build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can I Get for a Spinal Cord Injury in Texas?
Compensatory and punitive damages may be available for a spinal cord injury in Texas. Compensatory is the most common type. These damages are meant to make an injured victim whole again by replacing the losses suffered.
There are two types of compensatory damages:
- Economic damages: the monetary losses caused by the accident and injury, such as medical bills, disability accommodations, lost wages, lost future capacity to earn, property damage repairs and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Noneconomic damages: all other losses not monetary in nature, including physical pain and suffering, emotional damage, mental anguish, grief, loss of consortium, scarring or disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
An additional amount may be awarded in punitive (exemplary) damages if the defendant caused the injury through an especially egregious act of negligence or wrongdoing. In this case, the courts may require the defendant to pay additional compensation as punishment.
The value of your spinal cord injury claim depends on the circumstances. If your life has been forever changed by a serious spinal cord injury, you could be facing significant losses. It is critical in this situation to hire an attorney to help you seek maximum compensation. Otherwise, you may not recover enough to pay for your future foreseeable losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
It is important to realize that you do not have an unlimited amount of time to file a spinal cord injury claim in Laredo. Texas has a law called the statute of limitations, Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, that imposes a deadline on the right to bring a personal injury lawsuit. This law states:
Sec. 16.003. TWO-YEAR LIMITATIONS PERIOD. (a) Except as provided by Sections 16.010, 16.0031, and 16.0045, a person must bring suit for trespass for injury to the estate or to the property of another, conversion of personal property, taking or detaining the personal property of another, personal injury, forcible entry and detainer, and forcible detainer not later than two years after the day the cause of action accrues.
According to this law, any claim brought for an injury must be filed within at least two years of the date of the accident or reasonable discovery of injury, with some exceptions. If the defendant in your case is a government agency, you will have significantly less time to file. It is imperative to contact an attorney about a potential spinal cord injury lawsuit as soon as possible.
Will I Have to Go to Court for My Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
Whether or not your spinal cord injury lawsuit will end up in court depends on the unique facts and details of the case. The majority of personal injury cases in Texas are resolved outside of court through settlement negotiations with an insurance company. With an experienced negotiator by your side, the odds of having your injury case go to trial are relatively low.
However, there are circumstances where a court trial may be necessary for a spinal cord injury case in Laredo. You may have to go to court if the insurance company or at-fault party refuses to offer adequate or reasonable compensation for your losses, for example. In this scenario, a lawsuit may be the only way to achieve the case results that you need.
If there is a liability dispute, the case may also have to go to court for a judge or jury to determine who is responsible. Should an insurance company be guilty of acting in bad faith during a spinal cord injury claim, this is also a legal matter that requires a trial. Finally, if you wish to seek punitive damages, your case must be brought before a judge or jury.
How a Laredo Spinal Injury Lawyer Can Help
When facing the complexities of a spinal cord injury case in Laredo, having an experienced spinal injury cord lawyer by your side is invaluable. Here is how we at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC assist our clients:
- Legal Guidance: We will help navigate the often complex legal system, ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly, and timelines are met.
- Building Your Case: Our legal team will gather evidence, consult medical experts, and construct a solid case to prove negligence and the extent of your damages.
- Negotiation and Litigation: We will negotiate assertively with the insurance companies and, if necessary, represent your interests in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our goal is to alleviate the legal burden so that you can focus on your recovery. With our skills, experience, and resources, we will strive to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC. If you or someone you care about has suffered a spinal cord injury in Laredo, it is crucial to seek legal guidance promptly. Reach out to Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC today at (956) 728-9191 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.