A spinal cord injury can change your life in an instant, leaving you with chronic pain, mobility issues, and overwhelming medical expenses. If your injury was caused by a car accident, workplace hazard, or medical malpractice, you deserve justice. Your Woonsocket spinal cord injury lawyer with Gemma Law can help you pursue the financial support you need to move forward.
With 100+ years of combined trial experience, our firm has a proven track record of fighting for spinal cord injury victims and their families. We understand the long-term impact these injuries have on your health, finances, and quality of life. Contact a Woonsocket personal injury lawyer from our firm today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you recover.
Establishing Liability Is Our Top Priority
Determining fault in a spinal cord injury case is critical to securing fair compensation. Liability may rest on a negligent driver, a property owner who failed to address hazards or even a medical professional whose actions caused further harm. The results of a thorough investigation often determine the success of your claim and the damages you may be entitled to recover.
Proving liability requires collecting substantial evidence to support your case. This may include police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction analysis. By demonstrating how negligence led to your spinal cord injury, you increase your chances of obtaining results that cover medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
Holding the responsible party accountable can also help prevent similar injuries from happening to others. Whether your case involves reckless driving, workplace safety violations, or medical errors, legal action ensures that negligent parties face the consequences. The right legal strategy can help you achieve the results necessary for financial recovery and long-term stability.
For a free legal consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer serving WoonsocketCall 401.467.2300
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries in Woonsocket
What are the most common types of spinal cord injuries? Spinal cord injuries vary in severity and can have long-term effects on mobility and overall health. Depending on the location and extent of damage, these injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis.
Figuring out what qualifies for a spinal cord injury lawsuit can help your Woonsocket spinal cord injury attorney with Gemma Law determine what medical care and legal options are available.
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of sensation and movement below the affected area, meaning the brain can no longer communicate with the body.
These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and may lead to permanent disability. On the other hand, an incomplete spinal cord injury allows for some level of movement and sensation, with varying degrees of recovery depending on treatment and rehabilitation efforts.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)
Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, occurs when a spinal cord injury affects the cervical spine, leading to paralysis in both the arms and legs. Victims often experience difficulty breathing and require assistive devices such as ventilators. Long-term care may include physical therapy, home modifications, and ongoing medical support.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia results from spinal cord damage in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral region, affecting movement and sensation in the lower body. While individuals with paraplegia can often use their arms and upper body, they may require wheelchairs for mobility. Treatment focuses on improving independence and adapting to life with limited lower-body function.
Woonsocket Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Near Me 401.467.2300
Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Spinal cord injuries often result in significant financial burdens and lasting emotional distress. If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages to help you recover. Understanding the full scope of compensation available ensures you pursue the maximum recovery possible for your medical needs, lost income, and long-term suffering.
Economic Damages
Economic damages provide compensation for the measurable financial losses associated with spinal cord injuries. These damages cover both immediate and long-term expenses related to medical treatment, lost income, and necessary lifestyle adjustments. Below are key examples of economic damages specific to spinal cord injuries:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization costs
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Assistive devices
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Medication and medical supplies
- Personal care assistance
- Travel expenses for medical treatment
- Legal and court fees
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of a spinal cord injury. While these damages are harder to quantify, they play a critical role in ensuring full justice for the pain and suffering endured. Below are common non-economic damages available to spinal cord injury victims:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of independence
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Cognitive impairment
- Mental anguish
- Humiliation and embarrassment
- Fear of the future
Punitive Damages
Rhode Island also allows for punitive damages in certain cases where the defendant’s actions were reckless or intentional. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-7.1, punitive damages may be awarded to punish particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior. While not available in every case, proving gross negligence or intentional harm could increase the total compensation you may recover.
Ways to Maximize Your Payout After a Spinal Cord Injury
Securing full and fair compensation after a spinal cord injury requires strategic legal action and thorough documentation of your losses. The steps you take in the aftermath of your injury can significantly impact the settlement or verdict you receive. Below are some of the top legal strategies that may help maximize your financial recovery:
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
- Seeking compensation through an insurance settlement
- Consulting expert witnesses to support your claim
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Filing a claim against multiple liable parties
By being proactive and working with a reputable legal advocate, you can ensure you receive the maximum compensation available for your spinal cord injury. Insurance companies often undervalue claims, making it crucial to present strong evidence and leverage expert testimony when necessary. Fight for the financial support you need to manage long-term care, rehabilitation, and quality-of-life adjustments so you can rebuild your life.
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Speak with a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Woonsocket for Help Today
A spinal cord injury can alter the course of your life, leaving you with extensive medical expenses and long-term care needs. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to seek full compensation for your losses.
Contact a spinal cord injury lawyer in Woonsocket with Gemma Law today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Call or text 401.467.2300 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form