The settlement worth for the average spinal cord injury depends on the severity of the injury. Herniated discs, or other minor injuries, typically have lower settlements than those involving paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, a Fairfax spinal cord injury lawyer can help you pursue the maximum compensation you are eligible for.
What is the Average Spinal Cord Injury Settlement Value?
Spinal cord injuries often have far-reaching impacts on an injury victim’s life, which means that settlements often account for immediate and long-term expenses. Because of this, the average spinal cord injury settlement value can be quite high. In some cases, settlements may be for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Factors that affect a settlement include:
- Amount of medical expenses.
- Whether future medical care is expected or needed.
- Whether the ability to work was affected by the injury.
- If there was a permanent disability.
- If the quality of life went down due to the injury.
We’ll go through each of these factors below.
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How Do Medical Expenses Impact Your Spinal Cord Injury Settlement?
Medical expenses after a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. Fair compensation includes coverage for both the immediate medical bills you face, as well as the long-term care needs you have in your future. Some medical expenses that can be compensated include:
- Emergency room visits.
- Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and CT scans.
- Surgeries.
- Doctor appointments.
- Prescription medications.
- Physical rehabilitation.
- In-home care.
- Assisted living care.
- Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs.
Your settlement may also cover needed home or vehicle modifications to address a disability. Your Fairfax personal injury lawyer may consult with medical professionals to prove the extent of your injuries and the long-term medical costs due to them.
How Do Job-Related Losses Affect Your Spinal Cord Injury Settlement?
Whether you are facing a long recovery or a permanent disability, spinal cord injuries can have serious impacts on your career. Your settlement’s value should reflect this. Compensation may be able to recover losses like:
- Lost income: If you need to take time off work while in recovery.
- Lost job benefits: Such as the loss of PTO or sick days while in recovery or attending medical appointments.
- Diminished earning capacity: If you are unable to return to the same level at work or to the workforce at all.
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What Non-Economic Losses Affect Your Spinal Cord Injury Settlement?
Serious injuries impact more than your finances. When fighting for fair compensation, your lawyer will also advocate for recovering compensation for non–economic losses. These can include:
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, if you are no longer able to partake in sports or hobbies you once enjoyed.
- Loss of quality of life.
- Permanent disabilities.
- Loss of consortium.
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Is There a Deadline for Recovering Compensation After a Spinal Cord Injury?
Yes, in Virginia, the deadline for recovering compensation after a spinal injury is generally two years, according to Virginia Code § 8.01-243. However, there are exceptions to this time frame.
For example, if the injury victim is a minor, this deadline may be extended. On the other hand, if the liable party is a government entity, then the deadline may be shorter than two years.
Discuss the timeline for your case with your attorney. They will move forward with your case in a timely manner to ensure all legal deadlines are met.
Can a Lawyer Help You Recover Compensation After a Spinal Cord Injury?
Yes, having legal representation is extremely helpful in spinal cord injury cases. While you should be focusing on recovering, your lawyer can deal with the insurance companies. Your legal team will:
- Investigate to determine all liable parties, which is important for recovering maximum compensation.
- Gather evidence, including expert testimony, to strengthen your claim for compensation.
- Handle all communications with insurance adjusters.
- Negotiate on your behalf.
- Represent your case in court when necessary.
Your lawyer also offers guidance on any settlement offers you receive. This can be vital when insurance companies make lowball offers. During the course of your case, your attorney will also answer any questions you have and keep you updated on your case’s progress.
Your attorney may suggest taking your case to court if the insurer refuses to settle or does not offer a fair settlement. You are never required to accept a settlement from an insurance company.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for Spinal Cord Injury Cases?
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs. Instead, our fees are taken as a percentage of your final settlement. If no compensation is recovered, then you will owe your lawyer nothing.
Contact a Fairfax Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
What’s the average spinal cord injury settlement worth? Your lawyer can help you pursue the fair compensation you deserve. Spinal cord injuries have far-reaching effects on your life, beyond initial medical bills, and it’s important to have that accounted for in your settlement.
At BenGlassLaw, our attorneys fight for injury victims and their families. We’ve recovered over $100 million in claims and benefits for our clients. We pride ourselves on providing ongoing support and ensuring that clients always feel supported when going through the legal process.
Don’t try to take on aggressive insurance companies on your own. Contact us today and get started on your case with a free consultation.
Call (703) 591-9829 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form