Spinal Cord Injury Attorney In Hattiesburg
A spinal cord injury is one of the most serious injuries a person can encounter. It affects more than a person’s back. It can also have lasting repercussions on the rest of their bodies, affecting their future mobility and freedom. Some of these limitations are permanent, requiring extensive medical care. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury at the hands of another party, a Hattiesburg spinal cord injury lawyer can help you fight for compensation.
About WaideLaw
WaideLaw’s practice is grounded in the values of hard work, responsibility, and honoring your word. Following Isaiah 1:17’s call to seek justice and defend the vulnerable, the firm is dedicated to standing up for individuals and families when it counts.
This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through active local community involvement, including supporting youth sports leagues that build character, discipline, and teamwork in the next generation.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Your spinal cord is an important bundle of nerves that carries messages between your brain and the rest of your body. If your spinal cord is injured, some or all of these messages won’t be able to get through. Depending on the level of your injury, you may experience partial or complete paralysis, numbness, loss of sensation, and loss of organ function.
Injuries to the spinal cord can be complete or incomplete. A complete injury will usually result in a total loss of movement and feeling below the level of injury. An incomplete injury may allow some feeling or movement, but it is still a serious and permanent disability. Many spinal cord injuries require a lifetime of medical care and support.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries are:
- Motor vehicle accidents account for 37.3% of injuries
- Falls, accounting for 32%
- Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds, account for 15.5%
- Sports injuries, accounting for 7.7%
Additionally, spinal cord injuries typically happen when someone does not follow proper safety protocols or ignores hazards. One of the main parts of filing a personal injury claim is knowing why the injury happened in the first place. Additionally, when you file a spinal injury claim, you typically have three years to file the claim. Doing so outside of this timeframe will likely result in being unable to proceed with your claim.
Mississippi Spinal Cord Injury Laws
Mississippi law allows an injured victim of negligence to recover compensation from the party responsible. To have a successful claim for spinal cord injury, the injured person will need to show that another person or entity owed a duty of care that was breached, resulting in the injury. The parties most frequently named as defendants in these cases include negligent drivers and property owners, as well as employers and manufacturers.
Mississippi has a contributory negligence fault statute, so recovery may be decreased if the injured party is at fault in part for causing the accident. Another important factor to be aware of when filing a spinal cord injury claim in Mississippi is the deadlines to file these cases. If the action is not started in a timely manner, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Injury cases are generally seen at the Forrest County Courthouse on N. Main Street in Hattiesburg.
Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Insurance companies and big defendants usually defend spinal cord injury claims aggressively. They often try to place blame on others, downplay the severity of the injury, or argue that there will be no future medical needs. A Hattiesburg spinal cord injury lawyer can help ensure that evidence is preserved, professionals are identified and consulted, and that all damages are documented.
When you hire a spinal cord injury lawyer, this also allows the injured person and his or her family to focus on recovery and rehabilitation while their case is being handled by a professional. This includes everything from negotiation with insurance companies to trial preparation and advocacy in the courtroom, all with the goal of protecting the rights of the injured person.
FAQs
How Much Is a Settlement for a Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal cord injury settlements can range from a few thousand to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the injury, life-long medical care, and how it impairs an individual’s ability to live independently and earn a living.
Claims that result in permanent paralysis or life-long care needs usually settle for more compensation. Some of the factors involved in determining the value include medical bills, rehabilitative treatment, loss of income, pain and suffering, and future costs of care.
What Is Considered a Severe Spinal Cord Injury?
A severe spinal cord injury often results in partial or complete loss of movement or sensation below the level of injury. Severe spinal cord injuries usually result in some form of paralysis, lack of organ function, and long-term medical care needs. A severe injury usually involves continuing treatment, rehabilitation, and help with everyday activities. The injury causes long-lasting damage that prevents a person from maintaining independent work and living status.
What Is the Average Life Span of a Person With a Spinal Cord Injury?
Life expectancy after spinal cord injury depends on the severity of the damage and the general health of the individual. Quality medical care plays an important role in a person’s life span, as well. With the proper treatment and management, many people with spinal cord injuries live long and fulfilling lives. However, more severe injuries carry the risk of secondary health complications. Continued access to medical care, lifestyle factors, and rehabilitation play a significant role in long-term outcomes.
What Is a Stage 4 Spinal Cord Injury?
A stage four spinal cord injury is typically the highest level of injury. This level indicates that the injury is quite severe, with little to no function below the site of the injury. This level of injury often results in complete paralysis and significant loss of sensation. Patients suffering from this injury type need lifelong medical support along with assistive devices and daily assistance.
Contact WaideLaw Today
If you or someone you know has suffered a spinal cord injury at the hands of another party’s negligence or intentional acts, you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney at WaideLaw can help you. Contact us today for more information.
