Few types of injuries are more devastating or life-changing than those which result in damage to the spinal cord. While this vital bundle of nerves is protected by the vertebrae, it’s immensely susceptible to harm in the event of a direct, external impact. Any incident caused by someone else’s negligence that tears or fully severs the spinal cord can form the basis for an injury claim.
However, recovering all the damages associated with spinal trauma can be challenging without support from a seasoned catastrophic injury attorney. Once retained, a Bellevue spinal cord injury lawyer can work tirelessly on your behalf to document your recoverable losses and pursue restitution in and out of court.
Defining Different Types of Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries are characterized by the location of damage as well as how significant the ensuing loss of sensation is. In general, injuries to the lower half of the spine and/or those which involve only bruising or minor tearing of the spinal cord tend to have less severe consequences, whereas injuries to the upper portion of the spine and/or those which completely sever the vertebrae are almost always permanent and life-altering.
A complete spinal cord injury which results in permanent paralysis below the waist is known as paraplegia. Quadriplegia, on the other hand, is characterized by a permanent loss of function in all four limbs and the torso. Regardless of the specific outcome of a spinal cord injury, a Bellevue attorney can help you explore your options for filing a personal injury suit.
What Could Impact Civil Recovery for Vertebrae Damage in Bellevue?
Civil recovery for vertebrae damage can be very complicated due to the permanent nature of most spinal injuries. In addition to recovering for short-term losses like emergency medical bills and missed time from work, permanent spinal cord injuries would also warrant recovery for long-term damages like loss of personal opportunities, loss of enjoyment of life, and costs associated with home modifications and at-home care.
Before ensuring your spinal cord accident case includes every recoverable damage and loss, however, a lawyer at our firm can play a key role in protecting your right to file a civil claim in the first place. Nebraska Revised Statutes §25-21,185.11 states that any claimant who is found 50% or more at-fault for their own injuries cannot pursue compensation for a spinal injury, even if another person or party was partially at-fault.
Additionally, according to Neb. Rev. Stat. §25-207, failing to file a civil case within four years of the date of the injury may permanently bar a potential plaintiff from recovering any damages whatsoever. Seeking assistance from an experienced attorney can help you avoid these and other legal roadblock when pursing maximum compensation for vertebrae damage.
Learn More from a Bellevue Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Accidents that cause permanent damage to the spine often lead to complicated civil cases due to the unique severity of this kind of injury. Let Berry Law’s legal team lead your fight for financial recovery so you can focus on healing from your injury.
An experienced Bellevue spinal cord injury lawyer can fight for the personal injury compensation you deserve. Call Berry Law today to learn more about what an experienced Bellevue spinal cord injury lawyer can do in your case.