How Spinal Cord Injury Victims in New Orleans Can Protect Their Rights
If you or a loved one has suffered spinal cord damage in the New Orleans area, you are likely facing a long road to recovery filled with many challenges. One of the most important things you can do is to protect your legal rights by working with our experienced New Orleans spinal cord injury lawyers. Let’s cover cover what you need to know.
The Devastating Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can be one of the most devastating types of injuries one can experience. Depending on the severity and location of the damage to the spinal cord, a victim may suffer partial or total paralysis below the site of the injury. This can mean losing the ability to walk, loss of bladder and bowel control, loss of sexual function, chronic pain, and many other life-changing consequences.
In addition to the physical and emotional toll, spinal cord injuries also have an enormous financial impact. The lifetime costs of living with a spinal cord injury can easily reach into the millions of dollars. With so much at stake, it’s advised that spinal cord injury victims in New Orleans take steps to protect their rights and recover the full and fair compensation they will need.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
The first priority after any accident should be seeking proper medical care. With a suspected spinal cord injury, it’s especially important to be immobilized and transported to the hospital by trained emergency responders to prevent further damage.
At the hospital, doctors will conduct a thorough examination and order imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to determine the extent of the spinal cord damage. This will guide the treatment plan, which may include surgery, medication, and rehabilitation. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments.
Your medical records will also form important evidence in any legal case, as they document the severity of your injuries and the treatment required. Be sure to keep copies of all records, bills, and communications with healthcare providers.
Avoid Discussing Your Case
After a serious accident, you may be contacted by insurance companies, investigators, or other parties fishing for information. It’s best to avoid making any statements about what happened or the extent of your injuries. Anything you say can potentially be used against you later on to minimize or deny your claim.
Politely inform any callers that you are not comfortable discussing the matter at this time and direct them to speak with us instead. The only people you should be communicating with about your spinal cord injury are your doctors and your legal team.
Understand the Damages You May Be Entitled To
In a successful spinal cord injury lawsuit, you can recover damages for:
- All past and future medical expenses related to your injury
- Lost income and diminished future earning capacity if you cannot return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for your spouse
- Modifications required to your home and vehicle
- Assistive devices and equipment
- Long-term care costs
It’s important that any settlement or award account for future expenses, not just the bills you’ve already incurred. Accepting an inadequate settlement early on can leave you without the funds you need down the road.
The Role of Your Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Our New Orleans spinal cord injury lawyers will play a key role in building your case and advocating for your interests. Some of the main things our attorneys will do include:
Investigating the Accident
To determine liability, our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the incident that led to your spinal cord injury. This may involve:
- Visiting the accident scene
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Obtaining police reports, photos, and video footage
- Analyzing medical records
- Consulting with experts in fields like accident reconstruction, engineering, or medicine
Our attorneys will gather the evidence needed to establish the facts of your case and demonstrate how the other party’s negligence caused your injuries.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line. No matter how friendly the adjuster may seem, their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible.
Our lawyers will take over all communication with the insurance companies, so you don’t have to deal with their tactics. We will present evidence of liability and damages, negotiate for a fair settlement, and advise you on any offers.
If the insurance company refuses to make an acceptable offer, we will file a spinal cord injury lawsuit and prepare to argue your case in court.
Handling the Paperwork
Legal cases involve a mountain of paperwork, from court filings to medical records to insurance documentation. A single missed deadline or mistake can derail your entire case.
Our spinal cord injury attorneys will handle preparing and filing all of the necessary paperwork so you don’t have to stress about getting everything right. You can focus on your health and recovery while we take care of the red tape.
Consult with an Experienced New Orleans Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
As you face the physical, emotional, and financial fallout of your accident, the importance of protecting your legal rights cannot be overstated. The decisions you make in the aftermath of your injury can have consequences for the rest of your life.
By consulting with our experienced New Orleans spinal cord injury attorneys as soon as possible after the accident, you can rest assured that you have knowledgeable professionals in your corner looking out for your interests. With our lawyers handling the insurance companies, paperwork, and legal strategies, you can pour your energy into what matters most – healing and moving forward with your life.
If you or someone you love has sustained a spinal cord injury in the New Orleans area, contact the dedicated legal team at Egenberg Trial Lawyers today. We have a track record of success in handling difficult injury cases and fighting for the rights of the injured. Call (504) 229-5700 now for a free consultation with a top New Orleans spinal cord injury lawyer. Let us put our skills and experience to work, securing the recovery you deserve.