How much is a spinal cord injury lawsuit worth?
Spinal cord injuries can vary in severity significantly. Personal injury law usually categorizes these types of injuries as catastrophic injuries. Every case is unique and there is no standard value for this type of injury. Unfortunately, severe spinal cord injuries can cause lifelong pain and disabilities, meaning that they can be worth a considerable amount. Over $1 million in some cases if you have an experienced attorney on your side. It will never replace the value of your health, but it can help give you peace of mind and manage your care needs after your injury.
A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility and/or feeling. Frequent causes of spinal cord injuries are trauma like a car accident, gunshot injury or falls.
Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that fractures (breaks) or dislocates your vertebrae. Any party whose negligence contributes to the spinal cord injury could be held responsible for damages, including for example a driver who drove under the influence and caused an injury to a pedestrian, another driver or a passenger in the same car. If you suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident and believe your injury was caused by another person’s action or failure to act, you may be able to recover damages. We understand the impact and pain of a serious personal injury and aim to help guide you through the recovery process.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injury Personal Injury Cases in Kentucky: The Magnitude of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries a person can experience, often resulting in lasting and profound impacts on one’s life. Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, necessitating lifelong care and dramatically altering the victim’s quality of life. When these injuries occur due to someone else’s negligence or intentional harm, victims may pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries Leading to Personal Injury Cases
- Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. High-speed collisions can easily result in severe damage to the spinal cord.
- Falls: Slips, trips, and falls, particularly among older adults, often result in spinal cord injuries. Falls from heights at construction sites are also a common cause.
- Acts of Violence: Gunshot and knife wounds can injure the spinal cord and may result in personal injury lawsuits.
- Sports and Recreation Injuries: High-impact sports and recreational activities, including diving into shallow water, can lead to spinal cord damage.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors during surgery, misdiagnoses, or improper treatment can lead to spinal cord injuries, giving rise to malpractice lawsuits.
Kentucky Law on Spinal Cord Injury Personal Injury Cases
Under Kentucky law, individuals who suffer spinal cord injuries due to another party’s negligence or intentional harm have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. This can include medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Kentucky follows a “pure comparative fault” rule, meaning that even if you are partially at fault for the incident that caused your injury, you can still seek damages. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including those involving spinal cord injuries, is one year from the date of the injury.
Resources for More Information
- Kentucky Revised Statutes – Title L. Kentucky Penal Code – Chapter 411.04: Outlines the comparative negligence rule in Kentucky. Link
- Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: Offers a wealth of resources for individuals with spinal cord injuries, including information about the latest research and a supportive online community. Link
- National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center: Provides reliable statistics and information on spinal cord injuries in the United States. Link
- American Spinal Injury Association: Offers resources for spinal cord injury prevention, education, and advocacy. Link
Please consult with an experienced personal injury attorney if you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence or intentional harm. A knowledgeable attorney can help guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice.