Spinal cord injuries are life-altering events that can leave victims with permanent disabilities, loss of motor function, and a lifetime of medical expenses. It is essential to have a skilled and experienced DeSoto spinal cord injury attorney by your side to help navigate the complex legal process and seek compensation for the damages caused by someone else’s negligence. This article will discuss the importance of hiring a qualified lawyer, the types of spinal cord injuries, and the legal process involved in pursuing a claim.
The Importance of Hiring a DeSoto Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Spinal cord injuries are complex and often involve long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and a significant impact on the victim’s quality of life. A skilled DeSoto spinal cord injury lawyer is essential in helping victims navigate the legal process and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. A few reasons why hiring a spinal cord injury attorney is crucial include:
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Understanding the complex medical issues: Spinal cord injuries involve a complex interplay of medical and legal issues. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to understand the medical terminology and work with medical experts to build a strong case.
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Estimating future medical expenses: A spinal cord injury can result in ongoing medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. An experienced attorney will be able to accurately estimate the cost of future medical care and ensure that the victim is compensated for these expenses.
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Navigating the legal process: The legal process involved in pursuing a spinal cord injury claim is complicated and involves many steps, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and potentially going to trial. Hiring a skilled attorney can help streamline this process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
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Maximizing compensation: A spinal cord injury attorney will be able to identify all potential sources of compensation, including insurance policies, negligent parties, and potential third-party defendants. By doing so, they can help maximize the amount of compensation the victim receives.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be classified into two main categories: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of motor function and sensation below the level of injury, while an incomplete spinal cord injury results in partial loss of function and sensation.
The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location of the injury along the spinal cord. Injuries higher up on the spinal cord tend to be more severe and result in greater loss of function. Some common types of spinal cord injuries include:
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Cervical spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the cervical spine, or the neck area, are the most severe and can result in quadriplegia, or paralysis of all four limbs.
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Thoracic spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the thoracic spine, or the upper back, can result in paraplegia, or paralysis of the lower limbs.
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Lumbar spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the lumbar spine, or the lower back, can also result in paraplegia but may be less severe than thoracic injuries.
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Sacral spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the sacral spine, or the bottom of the spinal cord, tend to be less severe and may result in partial loss of function in the hips and legs.
The Legal Process Involved in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim
The legal process involved in pursuing a spinal cord injury claim can be complex and involves several steps. A DeSoto spinal cord injury lawyer can help guide victims through this process, which may include:
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Initial consultation: The first step in pursuing a spinal cord injury claim is to meet with an attorney for an initial consultation. During this meeting, the attorney will evaluate the case, discuss the victim’s legal rights, and determine whether there is a viable claim.
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Investigation: If the attorney decides to take on the case, they will begin an investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case. This may involve reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and working with experts in spinal cord injuries.
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Filing a lawsuit: Once the attorney has gathered sufficient evidence, they will file a lawsuit on the victim’s behalf. This initiates the legal process and notifies the defendant(s) of the pending claim.
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Discovery: During the discovery phase, both sides will exchange information and evidence related to the case. This may involve submitting written questions, known as interrogatories, and taking depositions, or sworn testimony, from witnesses and experts.
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Negotiations and settlement: Often, spinal cord injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations between the victim’s attorney and the defendant’s insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial.
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Trial: If the case goes to trial, both sides will present their evidence and arguments to a jury, who will then decide the outcome of the case. If the victim is successful, the jury will award damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Conclusion
Spinal cord injuries are life-altering events that can leave victims facing significant challenges and expenses. Hiring a skilled DeSoto spinal cord injury attorney is crucial in navigating the complex legal process and securing the compensation victims deserve. The team at Joe I. Zaid & Associates is committed to helping spinal cord injury victims in DeSoto and the surrounding areas. With their experience and dedication, they can help ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve. Contact them at (346) 756-9243 or visit their office at 4710 Vista Rd. Suite E Pasadena, TX 77505 for a consultation.
