What Damages Can I Recover after a Spinal Cord Injury? New Orleans Accident Lawyer Explains

Back injuries are notoriously debilitating. In addition to the physical limitations and mental hardship, many victims face exorbitant medical bills. However, if you suffered a spinal cord injury due to another person’s negligence, then an accident lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation to pay for lost income, medical expenses and other damages.

If the incident happened in Louisiana, then a New Orleans brain injury attorney from the The Bowling Law Firm can evaluate your case to determine if filing a lawsuit would be in your best interests. Schedule a consultation today by calling (504) 586-5200.

Until then, read on to learn the types of damages that you may be able to pursue after a spinal cord injury:

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages refer specifically to the actual costs of your injury. There are two economic damages to consider:

Medical Expenses

Back injuries typically require extensive medical care. If you have a herniated disc, for example, then you will likely spend at least $8,000 for the surgery alone. It will cost you $1,000 to X-ray your spine, and a single physical therapy session can set you back $100. Your personal-injury attorney will include past and future medical expenses in the calculation.

Loss of Income

If you need to take time off work to recover, then you can include the money you would have earned in the damages. If you will not be able to return to work, then you can also pursue compensation for future loss of earnings. Be sure to account for sick leave, days missed, vacation times and salary history.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Victims who suffer traumatic back injuries face more than just financial hardship. Many have to adjust to limited lifestyles, which can be emotionally devastating. If this is the case, then your attorney may be able to pursue non-economic damages:

Pain and Suffering

The process of calculating damages for pain and suffering is complicated. However, you are entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering that result from your injury. Your lawyer will likely use a specific “pain multiplier” formula to determine the amount of damages.

Emotional Trauma

Winning damages for emotional trauma is often challenging, but back injury victims are prime candidates. A spinal cord injury lawyer can ensure that the other party includes the emotional consequences of your injury in the settlement offer.

Loss of Companionship

A back injury can diminish your quality of life to such an extent that it also affects your family. For example, a paralyzing back injury can deprive your family of a natural relationship with you. Your family can file a separate lawsuit for loss of companionship.

3. Punitive Damages

Punitive damages punish particularly reckless actions. While they do compensate the victim, their goal is to discourage others from participating in the same dangerous behavior. You will have to show how the defendant’s actions demonstrated “above-average” recklessness.

If you suffered a back injury in Louisiana, then contact the The Bowling Law Firm at (504) 586-5200 today. A New Orleans spinal cord injury lawyer can evaluate your claim and fight for the maximum compensation.