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Serious injuries to the spinal cord and back are often categorized as catastrophic injuries because they are so debilitating. Such injuries can result in paralysis, and like TBIs, they may require life-long medical treatment, skilled nursing care, and help with daily living. But if another party’s negligence caused your spinal injury, you have the right to seek compensation.
The Albuquerque spinal cord injury attorneys at Law Giant Injury Lawyers will listen carefully to understand what happened. Then, we’ll explain your legal options after a serious spine or back injury, such as filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
With over $1 Billion recovered for victims, New Mexico’s Law Giant is ready to stand up for you. Call (505) 900-0000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing upfront. We are only paid when you recover compensation.
The spine comprises vertebrae (bones), soft tissue, discs, joints, and the spinal cord, a column of nerves that carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can potentially cause paraplegia, which is paralysis of the lower body, or quadriplegia, which is paralysis from the neck down.
Typical spine and back injuries caused by accidents include herniated discs, compression injuries, nerve damage, and fractures.
There are two general types of spinal cord injuries: incomplete and complete. With incomplete injuries, there is still some feeling and movement below the injury site. When it comes to complete spinal injuries, there is no feeling or ability to move below the injury site.
The most common causes of spinal cord injuries include car accidents, truck wrecks, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian accidents. In addition to accidents involving motor vehicles, falls, and other premises liability accidents, nursing home abuse and other violent acts, medical malpractice, and sports accidents can cause spinal injuries.
Spinal injuries can also happen at work. Workers in the construction industry are particularly at risk of falling from heights or being crushed between equipment and sustaining back and spinal trauma.
There are important things to do after a fall or blow to the neck or back. You should do the following for your own health and to improve your chances of a positive outcome in your legal claim:
If you were not taken by ambulance to the hospital, see a doctor as soon as possible. Spinal damage may not be apparent right away, and you could worsen your condition if you don’t get medical help. Medical records will also be necessary for your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Report the accident to the relevant parties. For example, if you were in a car crash, you would file a report with the police and notify your insurance company. If you fell at a grocery store or other property, report the accident to the owner or operator of the property. If it happened at work, tell your supervisor or manager.
Gather as much evidence as possible, such as photographs/video of the accident site and eyewitness names and contact information. Preserve your medical bills and bills for any other expenses incurred because of your injuries. These could include help with meal preparation, housekeeping, or childcare, as a few examples.
Do not overlook speaking with an attorney after a spinal injury. Having legal help can make a difference in how much compensation you receive or whether you receive any at all. When you have been the victim of another party’s negligence, you have the right to be paid fairly for everything their carelessness has cost you.
As the victim, however, you are burdened with proving negligence and liability. Your attorney will take on that burden and help you navigate the claim process from start to finish. They will work to establish the liability of all at-fault parties. Your lawyer will negotiate with insurers, who often try to low-ball back injury claimants. And they will represent you in court if a fair insurance settlement cannot be reached.
*The outcome of any individual case depends on factors unique to that case. Past case results listed on this website do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.
Of course, you need the right legal representation for your claim. Look for a New Mexico law firm focusing on personal injury cases and extensive experience resolving complex injury claims.
At The Law Giant, we have successfully represented spinal injury victims. We have seen these injuries’ life-changing impacts on our clients and will fight hard toward achieving the outcome you need.
Damages you could claim in your spinal injury case may include payment for:
Your compensation will be based on these economic and non-economic damages and other factors. The number of at-fault parties, their insurance coverage, and the skill of your attorney in proving your physical and mental injuries will also figure into how much money you get.
Our paraplegia lawyer and quadriplegia lawyer in Albuquerque will engage doctors and other expert witnesses to testify as to the severity of your spinal injury and how it will impact your life far into the future.
There is currently no cure for spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis, according to medical experts. Adaptive equipment such as electric wheelchairs, electrical stimulation devices, and electronic aids can help people with spinal cord injuries lead more independent lives. Wheelchair ramps, doorway widening, and other home modifications may be needed. When living with paralysis and using a wheelchair, you may also need a van or other specialized vehicle to get around.
All these things cost money. We will advocate powerfully for your right to sufficient compensation. We don’t want you to suffer financial harm as well as the physical and emotional trauma you have already experienced.
Living with such an injury can be overwhelming. To learn about peer support groups and resources in your area, visit the New Mexico chapter of the United Spinal Association.
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Under New Mexico’s statute of limitations, you generally have three years to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit. If you do not file within this time frame, you could lose your chance to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions to this deadline, so always speak directly with an attorney to determine deadlines specific to your case.
If the other side claims that you helped cause the accident in which you were severely injured, we will work to disprove their claims. If it is found you are partially at fault, you can still receive compensation under New Mexico’s pure comparative negligence law. Your percentage of fault would reduce your compensation. If it were proven you were 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage.
Every case is different. How long your case takes depends on several things. The strength of the evidence supporting your claim, the severity of your injuries, and the number of at-fault parties are some of them.
The willingness of insurers to provide a fair settlement offer is another. If your case can be settled, it will typically be resolved more quickly—perhaps in just a few months. If we must pursue compensation in court, it could take a year or more.
If your family member died from a spinal injury caused by another party, you could recover compensation if you are an eligible survivor. Our wrongful death attorneys can advise you based on your circumstances.
When you have suffered a spinal or back injury, especially one that has caused paralysis, you need strong legal support. Spinal injuries are costly, and expenses can span a lifetime. Don’t risk losing out on what you need by accepting a low-ball offer.
At The Law Giant, our Albuquerque personal injury lawyers have helped many people with life-changing injuries get the compensation they need and deserve. We provide compassionate, personalized, aggressive representation and hold big insurance companies accountable.
Call (505) 900-0000 or contact us online for a free, no-risk consultation.