Georgia Spine Injury Attorney

Recovering After a Spinal Injury With Legal Assistance

Did you suffer an injury at the hands of someone else or at their negligence? If you have, then you are probably considering a personal injury lawsuit. When you have been injured in an accident, and you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be struggling emotionally and physically, while also trying to cope with medical bills and the inability to work. If negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you may be able to file lawsuit and seek compensation for your damages.

Our Georgia spine injury attorney has experience helping accident victims. We understand how spinal cord damage has changed your life and the stigma you may be facing with insurance companies. From motorcycle accident cases to slip and falls, Attorney Andrew is one of Georgia’s top personal injury attorneys and he has the knowledge and experience to get a good outcome for your claim.

To see how our attorney can help you pursue your Georgia spinal injury lawsuit after an accident caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent actions, please contact our team at Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. now.

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How Our Spine Injury Lawyer Can Help You

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, our firm can provide the legal support you need. Our experienced accident injury attorneys will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the injury
• Identify all liable parties
• Gather and present compelling evidence to support your claim
• Advocate for your rights in negotiations and court proceedings
• Help you obtain the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages

Spinal cord injuries can have a profound impact on your life. Our legal team is committed to helping you manage the legal challenges and secure the resources needed for your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Determining Fault and Recovering Damages

When you want to recover damages for your injuries by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, it is important to determine who was at fault. For example, if you were in a store where a dangerous, wet area was clearly marked but you failed to see it because you were not paying attention, you may not be able to get the compensation needed for your medical bills. On the other hand, if there was a large, wet area in the middle of the store that no one had bothered to clean up and you slipped and fell, you should report it to the store manager as soon as possible and seek medical attention for your back injury. Our lawyer can help you understand more about negligence and its impact on your case.

Types of Expenses In a Georgia Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit

If you are not familiar with personal injury law, then you may not know the amount of money that you can ask for, or what expenses you are allowed to include. The following is a general overview of the different types of compensation that you may be able to ask for based on how your life was impacted after a serious injury. If you would like to know more about the value your claim, consult our skilled personal injury attorney at no cost.

Economic Costs

Economic damages are the costs that are directly related to your injury. Our spinal cord injury lawyer can determine the value of loss in your personal injury case through an extensive review of your bills and receipts.  These are the actual costs of your injury and might include:

• Medical bills
• Car rentals
• Lost income

You may also add up any out-of-pocket expenses that you would not have had if you were not injured. For instance, if you have to drive to your appointments, you may be able to add the cost of gasoline to get you to and from your appointments. If you have lost income, you usually need to have a letter from your employer that details your normal pay rate and the hours that you lost because of your injury. You may even be able to claim lost overtime.

General Damages

General damages are your non-economic losses. These damages may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium
• Emotional distress

These damages are difficult to put a dollar value on. Depending on the severity of your injury and on the type of spinal cord injury claim you are pursuing, you may be eligible for general damages. Pain and suffering includes the pain and discomfort that you faced during the accident and after the accident. The factors that affect pain and suffering include present and future surgeries.

Emotional distress is the psychological and emotional disturbance that you experienced at the time of the injury. In addition, it may include anxiety, depression, nightmares, insomnia, or any other emotional conditions caused by the accident.

Loss of consortium involves the loss of intimacy or companionship. Generally, this refers to the loss of a spouse or a significant other. This does not necessarily mean through death. It could be due to a debilitating injury to your partner.

Claims for a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Georgia may include a variety of expenses. The type of injury and suit you are filing determines the expenses that you can ask for. If you are considering a civil lawsuit, consult with our personal injury lawyer to review your options.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. is dedicated to providing high-level legal assistance to individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be life-altering, resulting in long-term or permanent disability. Understanding the common causes of spinal cord injuries is crucial for prevention and for pursuing legal action when these injuries occur due to another’s negligence.

• Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle and car accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. Collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles can result in severe trauma to the spinal column. High-speed impacts, rollovers, and head-on collisions are particularly dangerous and often lead to significant spinal damage.

• Falls

Falls are a common cause of spinal cord injuries, especially among older adults. Slips and trips on wet or uneven surfaces, falls from heights such as ladders or scaffolding, and falls in homes or workplaces can all result in serious spinal injuries. These incidents often occur due to unsafe conditions or negligence on the part of property owners or employers.

It is important to first note that you may not even realize you have been hurt. While a back injury typically presents with pain as well as other symptoms, it could be a slow-growing pain or you may not even feel it until the shock of the accident has worn off. When you slip and fall, you do not always have time to brace yourself with your arms, hips, or legs and you may fall flat on your back. Your trauma could present as several different injuries such as include broken and fractured bones, twisting of the spine, cutting or severing of the spine, damage to the nerves, whiplash, and more.

• Sports and Recreational Activities

Engaging in certain sports and recreational activities can also lead to spinal cord injuries. Contact sports like football, rugby, and wrestling pose a high risk, as do activities such as diving into shallow water, skiing, snowboarding, and horseback riding. In many cases, proper safety measures and equipment can reduce the risk of injury.

• Acts of Violence

Acts of violence, including gunshot wounds, stabbings, and physical assaults, are significant contributors to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can occur during criminal activities or domestic disputes. In such cases, the perpetrator can be held legally responsible for the victim’s injuries.

• Medical and Surgical Errors

Medical and surgical errors, though less common, can also result in spinal cord injuries. Mistakes during procedures involving the spine, anesthesia errors, or misdiagnoses can lead to severe and permanent damage. Victims of medical malpractice may have grounds for a legal claim against healthcare providers.

• Work-Related Accidents

Certain occupations pose a higher risk of spinal cord injuries due to the nature of the work involved. Construction workers, factory workers, and those in physically demanding jobs are more susceptible to these injuries. Accidents involving heavy machinery, falls from heights, and other workplace hazards can lead to significant spinal damage. We can help you understand the guidelines for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

• Recreational Accidents

Recreational activities such as biking accidents, hiking, and swimming can sometimes result in spinal cord injuries, especially when safety precautions are not followed. Diving into shallow water, for instance, can cause serious spinal injuries.

Georgia Spine Injury Infographic

Georgia Spine Injury Statistics

According to national statistics, there are approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injuries (SCIs) that occur each year. About 80 percent of those new cases are male victims.

If you have suffered a spine injury in an accident caused by another party, call our office to find out what type of legal recourse you may have for the losses you have suffered. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our Georgia spine injury attorney.

Georgia Spine Injury FAQs

If you sustained a spine injury, contact our spine injury lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about spine injury claims and how to know when retaining legal counsel could benefit your case.

What Is A Spine Injury Attorney?

Our spine injury lawyer is a legal professional specializing in cases related to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result from various accidents, such as car crashes, workplace incidents, or slip and fall accidents. Our spine personal injury attorneys are adept at handling the legal challenges associated with these cases to help victims seek compensation for their injuries.

When Should I Consult A Spine Injury Attorney?

It is advisable to consult our spine injury lawyer as soon as possible after sustaining a spinal cord injury. We will inform you of the steps to take to start your personal injury case. Time is an important factor in gathering evidence and building a strong case. Early consultation allows our attorney to assess the circumstances surrounding the injury, determine liability, and initiate the legal process promptly. We will also help you avoid common mistakes in personal injury cases so you get the best outcome possible for your claim.

What Types Of Accidents Can Lead To Spine Injuries?

Spine injuries can result from various accidents, including but not limited to car accidents, motorcycle collisions, falls, workplace accidents, sports injuries, and acts of violence. Regardless of the cause, if negligence or misconduct contributed to the injury, our attorney can help you pursue compensation.

How Do Spine Injury Attorneys Determine Liability?

Our spine injury lawyers employ a thorough investigative process to determine liability. We review accident reports, gather medical records, interview witnesses, and collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction or medical fields. This comprehensive approach helps establish a clear understanding of how the injury occurred and who may be held responsible.

What Compensation Can I Seek With The Help Of A Spine Injury Attorney?

Victims of spine injuries may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care expenses. Our legal team will assess the specific circumstances of the case and strive to secure the maximum compensation available. We will negotiate with the insurance company and if the insurer refuses to settle, our team will pursue litigation.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Spine Injury Attorney?

Many spine injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win the case. The fee is typically a percentage of the compensation awarded to the client. This arrangement allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to access legal representation without upfront costs, making justice more accessible. The low out-of-pocket expense is one of several reasons to hire our personal injury attorney to represent your case.

What Sets A Good Spine Injury Attorney Apart?

A competent attorney possesses experience, expertise, and a track record of successful case outcomes. Look for an attorney with a focus on personal injury law, specifically spinal cord injuries. Effective communication skills, empathy, and dedication to the client’s best interests are also essential qualities.

How Long Does It Take To Resolve A Spine Injury Case?

The duration of a spine injury case can vary based on factors such as the unique circumstances surrounding the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the legal processes involved. Some cases may be resolved through negotiations, while others may proceed to trial. Our skilled personal injury attorney will work diligently to expedite the process while ensuring a fair and just outcome.

Georgia Spine Injury Glossary

When pursuing a personal injury claim after a spinal cord injury, it’s important to understand the legal terminology that may come up during your case. At Andrew R. Lynch, P.C., our Georgia spine injury attorney is committed to guiding you through each step of the legal process with clarity and care.

Permanent Impairment Rating

A permanent impairment rating is a medical assessment used to determine the extent of lasting physical limitations caused by a spinal cord injury. Physicians assign this rating based on standardized guidelines to indicate how much your physical function has been reduced due to the injury. This rating can directly influence the amount of compensation you may be eligible to pursue in a legal claim, as it reflects the long-term impact on your ability to work and carry out daily tasks. It also helps quantify the long-term challenges you may face in both employment and personal life, forming a critical part of your injury documentation in legal proceedings.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Vocational rehabilitation services refer to programs designed to help individuals return to the workforce after suffering an injury that limits their physical abilities. After a spinal cord injury, these services might include career counseling, job retraining, and workplace modification support. In the context of a personal injury claim, the need for vocational rehabilitation can be used to demonstrate how the injury has disrupted your employment opportunities and career path. These services may also include resume development, skills testing, and direct placement assistance, which reflect the broader economic impact your injury has had on your future employment outlook.

Functional Capacity Evaluation

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a detailed series of tests performed by medical professionals to assess your physical abilities and limitations after a spine injury. This evaluation helps determine whether you can perform specific tasks, such as lifting, standing, or sitting for extended periods. In legal claims, an FCE provides objective evidence of your physical restrictions, which can be crucial in calculating compensation for lost earning potential and support services. It often includes an assessment of your stamina, flexibility, and physical endurance, offering a comprehensive view of how your injury affects daily activities and work capabilities.

Spinal Fusion Procedure

A spinal fusion procedure is a surgical treatment often used to stabilize damaged areas of the spine. This procedure involves connecting two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion between them and reduce pain. If your spinal injury required spinal fusion surgery, that medical procedure becomes a significant part of your injury claim. It shows the severity of your injury and helps quantify your recovery period, rehabilitation needs, and future medical expenses. The procedure often leads to reduced spinal mobility, and recovery may involve months of physical therapy, making it a key factor in calculating both immediate and future medical costs.

Loss Of Earning Capacity

Loss of earning capacity refers to the reduction in your ability to earn income in the future due to your spinal injury. Unlike lost wages, which are based on actual income missed during recovery, loss of earning capacity takes into account your long-term potential to work. This may include changes to your career trajectory, inability to return to your previous job, or the need for lower-paying work due to physical limitations. This calculation often involves professional analysis of your previous earnings, education level, age, and the projected future impact of your injury on career development and income opportunities.

Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. – Georgia Spine Injury Lawyer

125 Clairemont Ave Suite 470, Decatur, GA 30030

Contact Our Georgia Spine Injury Attorney Today

Don’t make assumptions about what your future might look like once you recover. You have no time to lose.

Our Georgia spine injury attorney at Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. is a skilled professional who has worked with countless accident victims. We understand what kind of compensation we can secure for you. We know the long road you’re facing ahead and you don’t have to go it alone. Attorney Andrew has recovered over $90 million in dollars in judgments and settlements for his clients. Let our team help you today, starting with a free consultation. Call (470) 279-4331 to schedule a complimentary case review and learn what your options are for pursing compensation following a spinal cord injury.