Spinal cord injuries often happen because of trauma, and car accidents are among the most common causes. Damage to the back and spinal cord can cause loss of function, paralysis, and more. The symptoms can be temporary, or they might last forever.
If you or a loved one were injured in Valdosta, you might deserve financial compensation. Our Valdosta personal injury lawyers can help recover your financial and emotional losses. Each case is personal for us. We work tirelessly for fair settlements. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Happen
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Falls are a close second. Some spinal cord injuries happen because of external trauma, such as gunshot wounds.
The spinal cord is a tubelike structure of nerves. It runs from the bottom of the skull to the lower back. Trauma can leave the spinal cord bruised or torn. Symptoms of spinal cord injury can include:
- Partial or full paralysis
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of muscle movement or feeling
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
You can also have a back injury without spinal cord damage.
Back injuries come with their own sets of challenges, and they are common in car accidents. Symptoms might include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Tenderness or pain
- Muscle spasms in the back
- Pain when laughing, coughing, or sneezing
- Stiffness
- Trouble standing up straight
- Back that moves down one or both legs
Some symptoms won’t show up right away. As the adrenaline wears off and swelling begins, you might feel more pain or discomfort.
To get help as soon as possible, don’t wait to see a doctor. Your doctor can do an exam and run tests for back and spinal cord injuries. Prompt medical treatment can also help you know what future costs to expect. It also creates a record of treatment for your injury claim.
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Recovery from a Spinal Cord Injury
It’s often a long road to recovering from a spinal cord or back injury. Treatment might include:
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Prescription drugs
- Over-the-counter medications
- Rehabilitation
- Home health services
- Medical equipment, such as a wheelchair
- Braces or collars
Back and spinal cord injuries can affect all areas of life. Medical bills are often huge after this type of injury. You’ll need to keep track of all costs. If you were not at fault for the accident, you shouldn’t have to pay.
Quick treatment is crucial for spinal cord damage. After the accident, don’t wait to see a doctor. The sooner you can get medical attention, the better your recovery outlook can be.
Severe car accident injuries often require help from a lawyer. At John Foy & Associates, our Valdosta lawyers know how to build a strong case for financial recovery.
Start Fighting for What You Deserve
Time is crucial after a car accident. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33, victims typically have two years to bring a legal case. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering anything.
It’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. At the very least, you can learn your legal options and what you deserve in compensation. Our team can do the following:
- Investigate your accident
- Determine who is at fault
- Collect evidence of fault
- Interview witnesses
- Calculate your total damages
- Build a strong injury claim
Our lawyers can gather information while it’s still fresh. Keep in mind that evidence can become lost, and memories can fade with time. The sooner you can start, the better it can be for your rights.
We can study the police report, talk to witnesses, and gather relevant evidence immediately. We’ll make sure you stay on track and are fighting for the fullest recovery possible.
Damages You Can Recover
If someone else caused your accident, you have rights. You might deserve total financial recovery for what you’ve lost.
You can file a personal injury claim against the other driver’s insurance company. That claim should outline all of the costs of your accident and injuries.
Here are some of the most common personal injury damages after an accident.
Medical Costs
Back and spinal cord injuries tend to be very expensive. They often require long periods of treatment, which means many medical bills. But if you were not at fault, you shouldn’t have to pay.
Your injury claim can seek compensation for all of your treatment expenses, including:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Future medical costs
Remember to see a doctor immediately after your accident. If your symptoms change or worsen, schedule a follow up right away. Seeing your doctor will give you an idea of your future treatment costs.
Lost Wages
Car accident injuries may prevent you from working as you could before. Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis or loss of movement. For many people, that affects their work.
You can include any lost income in your claim. That includes lost future earning capacity if your injuries force you to make less.
Pain and Suffering
Back and spinal cord injuries can take a massive toll on daily life. Talk to your lawyer about recovering for the pain and suffering you experienced.
Of course, money cannot make up for what the accident has taken from you. But the law can only repay a victim through financial compensation. Money can help cover your expenses as you work to move on from what’s happened.
Talk to a Valdosta Back and Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer for Free
Don’t get stuck paying for the costs of an injury you didn’t cause. Call our team at John Foy & Associates to learn your options today — for free.
We always start with a free consultation, and there is no fee unless we win your case. With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win compensation.
Contact us or online to get started at no cost today.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
