When a spinal cord injury disrupts your life or the life of someone you love, the consequences are often devastating. These injuries can leave you grappling with immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we are committed to helping victims of spinal cord injuries in Richmond pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. As experienced Richmond injury lawyers, we understand these cases’ complexities and their impact on every aspect of your life. Let us help you focus on healing while we fight for your rights.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries a person can sustain. They often result in partial or total loss of motor function, sensation, or mobility below the injury site. These injuries are typically categorized as either complete or incomplete:
- Complete Injury: No sensation or function remains below the point of injury.
- Incomplete Injury: Some sensation or motor function is preserved.
Common causes of spinal cord injuries include car accidents, truck accidents, falls, workplace accidents, and acts of violence. These events can happen in an instant but result in lifelong consequences, ranging from paralysis to chronic pain and emotional trauma.
The Cost of a Spinal Cord Injury
The financial toll of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. The first-year costs for a person with high tetraplegia (paralysis from the neck down) can exceed $1.1 million, with annual costs averaging over $200,000. These figures do not account for indirect costs such as lost wages, loss of productivity, and emotional suffering.
Our team understands the immense burden these costs place on families. We fight tirelessly to ensure our clients receive compensation that covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, and the pain and suffering associated with these injuries.
Virginia Laws Protecting Spinal Cord Injury Victims
As Richmond spinal cord injury attorneys, we protect our clients by using Virginia’s personal injury laws. These cases often fall under negligence law, which means proving the at-fault party failed to exercise reasonable care, directly leading to the injury.
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury (Va. Code § 8.01-243). This time limit underscores the importance of acting quickly to preserve evidence and build a strong case.
Virginia also follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, which bars recovery if the injured party is found even slightly at fault. This is why having a skilled injury lawyer in Richmond is critical; we thoroughly investigate every case to counter any allegations of contributory negligence.
Building a Strong Case for Compensation
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we build every case with meticulous attention to detail. When you work with us, we will:
- Investigate the Incident: We gather evidence such as accident reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and witness statements to establish liability.
- Consult Experts: We collaborate with medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and economists to calculate the full extent of your damages.
- Handle Negotiations: Insurance companies often undervalue spinal cord injury claims. We negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement.
- Prepare for Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
The damages available in a spinal cord injury case aim to cover both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or home modifications
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Non-economic damages address the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish particularly egregious behavior by the at-fault party.
Why Choose The Johnson Injury Firm
Spinal cord injury cases require experience, resources, and dedication. As a top-rated injury attorney in Richmond, we have a proven track record of success in complex cases. Our team is known for:
- Personalized Attention: We treat every client like family, ensuring they feel supported throughout the legal process.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We do not back down in the face of powerful insurance companies or corporate defendants.
- Proven Results: Our history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts speaks to our commitment to justice.
When you choose us as your spinal cord injury attorney in Richmond, you gain a trusted ally who will fight for your best interests every step of the way.
The Role of Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies after a spinal cord injury can be frustrating and overwhelming. Insurers often prioritize their bottom line over the well-being of victims, offering lowball settlements or denying claims outright.
Our team has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and understands their tactics. We know how to resist unfair offers and ensure that you are treated with the respect and fairness you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, the steps you take immediately following the incident can impact your ability to recover compensation:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being come first. Obtain prompt medical care and follow all treatment recommendations.
- Document the Incident: Take photographs, gather contact information from witnesses, and obtain a copy of the accident report.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters: Anything you say to an insurer can be used against you. Direct all communication to your personal injury attorney.
- Contact Us: The sooner we build your case, the stronger it will be.
The Road to Recovery
While the road to recovery after a spinal cord injury is often long and difficult, you do not have to face it alone. At The Johnson Injury Firm, we are here to guide you through the legal process and provide the support you need to rebuild your life.
Whether your case involves a car accident, a slip and fall, or negligence, we are ready to fight for you. As a personal injury attorney near you, we are committed to securing justice for Richmond families affected by spinal cord injuries.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact The Johnson Injury Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Let us review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the first step toward a brighter future.
We proudly serve as Richmond’s trusted spinal cord injury lawyer, fighting for the justice and compensation our clients deserve. Contact us today, and let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.
