Any type of accident can result in a spinal cord injury, whether it is a slip and fall, a car crash, or a scooter accident. The spinal cord plays a vital role in the body, as it sends signals from the brain to the rest of the body. However, the spinal cord is also one of the most fragile parts of the body.
There really is no such thing as a minor spinal cord injury but when these injuries are very serious, they can result in permanent disability, paralysis, and other serious impacts. Sometimes, accident victims succumb to these injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt by the careless actions of another person, a Lake City spinal cord injury attorney can help you claim the damages necessary for your recovery.
Obtaining PIP Benefits After a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are often caused by motor vehicle accidents, such as those that involve a motorcycle, truck, or pedestrian. Florida is a no-fault state and as such, after this type of accident, you may be able to file a claim for personal injury protection (PIP) if you carry the required auto insurance minimums outlined by state law.
All drivers in Florida are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. If you carry this type of coverage and are injured, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to claim your full medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. Unfortunately, most people do not purchase more than the minimum amounts, so they can save money on insurance premiums. A spinal cord injury, however, can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat, and that is in the first year only.
Even when claiming benefits from your own insurer, the insurance company will likely prioritize their own profits over your well-being. As such, it is important to work with a Lake City spinal cord injury lawyer that can negotiate with them on your behalf. If you exhaust your policy limits, a lawyer can also help you file a claim against the negligent driver that caused the crash.
Obtaining Damages from Other Parties After a Spinal Cord Injury
Car accidents are common causes of spinal cord injuries, but there are others, as well. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall, by a defective product, or through some other act of negligence, you may have to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you are successful with this claim, you can recover more than just medical expenses and lost income. You can also claim:
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of household services
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
A Lake City spinal cord injury lawyer can advise on the full damages you are entitled to.
Call Our Lake City Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
Spinal cord injuries are some of the worst a person can sustain during an accident. At Meldon Law, our Lake City personal injury lawyer knows the devastating impacts it will have on your life, and can provide the experienced legal representation you need. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Lake City Spinal Cord Injury FAQs
What should I do after suffering a spinal cord injury in an accident in Lake City?
Treat it as a medical emergency. Immediate treatment and stabilization can reduce long-term harm, so follow emergency and spine specialists’ instructions, keep every hospital and rehab record, and do not downplay numbness, weakness, or loss of function. A Lake City spinal cord injury lawyer can then build the case around your actual diagnosis, long-term limitations, and future care needs.
What types of accidents commonly cause spinal cord injuries in Lake City?
Motor vehicle crashes are a common cause, but they are not the only one. Serious falls, defective products, and other negligent incidents can also cause spinal cord damage, which is why a spinal cord injury attorney should investigate how the injury happened as closely as the medical records themselves.
What damages can I pursue in Lake City if a spinal cord injury leaves me unable to work or live independently?
You may be able to pursue medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earning capacity, loss of household services, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Because spinal cord injuries can permanently alter work, mobility, and daily life, a Lake City spinal cord injury lawyer should also assess future care and long-term financial loss, not just today’s bills.
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Lake City?
Generally, Florida negligence claims must be filed within two years. A spinal cord injury attorney should be involved much sooner, though, because catastrophic injury cases take time to document future care needs, disability, and reduced earning capacity.
Meldon Law
Address: 2941 W US Hwy 90 Suite 117, Lake City, FL 32055, United States
Phone: 352-373-8000
Opening Hours: Call Us 24/7 For Legal Help