A spinal cord injury is a devastating event that can change every aspect of your life. These injuries often occur in vehicle crashes, falls, and sports accidents. Although nothing can take your physical pain away, seeking financial compensation from the parties whose negligence caused the injury could help you and your family move forward.
When you sustain an injury as severe as this, it is crucial to contact a dedicated catastrophic injury attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. A Racine spinal cord injury lawyer could explain your legal options and help you pursue damages against the negligent parties who caused your harm.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The spinal cord is a sheath of nerves connecting the brain to the rest of the body. These nerves are the body’s communication center. Victims of spinal cord damage often lose control of their body below the injury. Sadly, when the damage is low on the backbone, the person usually suffers paralysis in their legs. However, when the damage is higher up the spine, injured individuals may lose control of their arms and require mechanical assistance to breathe or swallow.
According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, most spinal cord injury victims experience issues with bodily functions, including bowel and bladder control loss and impaired sexual performance. These individuals are also at risk of deep vein thrombosis and may have trouble regulating their blood pressure. Often, mental health challenges are common among spinal cord injury patients, who frequently develop depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A seasoned attorney in Racine could help an injured person document how a spinal cord injury has affected their life and craft a demand for appropriate compensation.
Liability in Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Wisconsin Statutes §893.54 states that an adult seeking compensation for a spine injury must file a lawsuit within three years of an incident. However, if a person was under 18 years old when they sustained an injury, they have until two years after their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit, or their parent can file on their behalf. However, prompt action usually results in stronger case outcomes.
However, if a state or local government agency may be liable for a person’s damages following spinal cord damages, an injured people must provide the government with official notice of their claim within 120 days.
A government agency might be liable if a backbone injury resulted from one of the following:
- A fall on government property or municipal playground
- A car accident involving a government-owned vehicle like a school bus or garbage truck
- A vehicle accident caused by a public employee on the clock
- A diving accident in a city pool or injury in a municipal sports league
A legal representative could ensure the government agency receives the proper notice timely and preserve the injured person’s right to sue.
Speaking with a Racine lawyer after an accident that results in spinal cord damage is beneficial for many reasons. For example, legal deadlines govern injury claims that attorneys are familiar with and can ensure claims are filed promptly. In addition, working with legal representatives protects injured individuals from potentially accepting an unfair settlement.
Trust Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim to a Racine Attorney
When another party’s careless or reckless behavior causes you to suffer from a spinal injury, you could seek financial compensation for your expenses and the injury’s impact on your overall well-being. In addition, holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligence could help you afford the quality medical care you need and deserve.
A Racine spinal cord injury lawyer is a skilled negotiator with deep knowledge of the law who could ensure you get a settlement reflecting the severity of your injuries. Call today to discuss your situation with our capable legal professionals.
