Conyers Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

A spinal cord injury can have a major impact on your finances, physical health, and psychological well-being. This devastating injury can be caused by a number of events, from acts of violence to motor vehicle collisions. If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of someone else, you deserve justice. 

In these situations, the attorneys at Dan Chapman & Associates can help you hold the at-fault party accountable for your losses. Our Conyers spinal cord injury lawyers have over 100 years of combined legal experience. You can trust us to work diligently to secure the compensation that you deserve.

Why Choose Dan Chapman & Associates for Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim

• Our Conyers injury lawyers have represented thousands of people, including spinal cord injury victims. Whether you are pursuing a car accident claim or construction injury case, our attorneys will leverage their skills and experience to craft a compelling case in your favor.
• Our firm prioritizes consistent and open communication throughout your case. We will be available to answer your questions, respond to your concerns, and help you prepare for each stage.
• We understand how difficult a spinal cord injury can be. Our firm will handle all aspects of your case on your behalf so that you can focus on treatment and recovery. 

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

The spinal cord is a column of nerves that runs from the base of your skull down to your tailbone. It is protected by bones known as vertebrae, which are separated by soft, jellylike pads known as discs. The purpose of the spinal cord is to transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord becomes severed, compressed, or damaged in any way. This damage often results in temporary or permanent paralysis and a host of other complications.

Spinal cord injuries usually result in one or more of the following symptoms:

• Loss of movement
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Pain or stinging due to nerve damage
• Exaggerated reflexes and spasms
• An inability to feel touch, cold, or heat
• Difficulty breathing or coughing
• Changes in sexual function

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Damage

Spinal cord injuries can occur due to acts of violence, unexpected accidents, and medical conditions. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) collects data on spinal cord damage in the United States.

According to the NSCISC’s 2020 report, the following are among some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries:

• Vehicular accidents are responsible for 38.6% of spinal cord injury cases since 2015.
• Falls are responsible for 32.2% of spinal cord injury cases.
• 14% of spinal cord injuries were caused by acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds.
• 7.8% of spinal cord injuries occurred as a result of sports-related injuries.
• Medical and surgical causes led to 4.2% of spinal cord injury cases.

Can You File a Lawsuit after a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury can lead to permanent complications and have a significant impact on your quality of life. If you were injured by someone else and suffered a spinal cord injury as a result, you have the right to pursue legal action. 

In Georgia, victims of negligence can file a personal injury lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for their injuries, including spinal cord damage. Multiple parties could be liable, including drivers, doctors, property owners, and manufacturers.

To secure compensation in your lawsuit, you will need to prove four important elements: duty of care; breach of duty; causation; and damages.

• Duty: The at-fault party owed you a certain duty of care at the time of the accident. For example, motorists must drive safely and follow Georgia traffic laws. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises and warn visitors of hazards.
• Breach of Duty: The at-fault party breached his or her duty of care through a negligent act or failure to act. For example, a driver running a red light or a grocery store owner failing to clean a spill breach their respective duties of care.
• Causation: The at-fault party’s breach of duty caused your spinal cord injury. For example, if a driver runs a red light and collides into your vehicle, your injury would not have occurred if not for the driver’s negligence. 
• Damages: You sustained damages that you can collect in your lawsuit, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Your attorney can help you identify all possible damages and calculate your potential award.

How Much Is Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim Worth?

When filing a lawsuit, it is common to wonder how much compensation you could receive. Damages in spinal cord injury claims depend on your individual losses, so it is difficult to provide an estimate without speaking to an attorney.

However, there are several factors that could impact your case value:

• The severity and extent of your injuries
• Your ability to return to work
• The length of time you spent away from work
• Whether you require long-term care
• Whether the at-fault party acted with malice or willful misconduct

Because spinal cord damage often results in lifelong injuries, these settlements can easily total in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. To ensure that you recover sufficient compensation, speak to an attorney at Dan Chapman & Associates who can estimate your award.

How Long Do You Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?

You only have a limited time to file a spinal cord injury in Georgia civil court. According to the state’s statute of limitations rules, you must bring your case within two years from the date of your injury. If you do not file in time, your case will likely be dismissed. 

There are certain exceptions to this rule, but they do not apply to every case. To protect your right to recovery, speak to a Conyers spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible and identify your appropriate filing deadline.

Contact a Conyers Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today

If you were injured and suffered spinal cord damage, you may qualify for financial compensation. If it was during a car accident, the Conyers accident lawyers at Dan Chapman & Associates can represent your case and help you find your optimal path to recovery.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Conyers spinal cord injury attorney. Our firm can assess your situation and work with you to strategize your next steps.