Mistakes to Avoid After a Spinal Cord Injury That Can Hurt Your Claim

According to The Miami Project, roughly 18,000 new traumatic spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States. Spinal cord injuries are common in sports, car accidents, acts of violence, and falls. In some of these cases, the injury is due to someone else’s negligence.

When someone’s negligence causes an accident with injuries, the injured party may be entitled to compensation. Many people with spinal cord injuries make mistakes that can hurt their claims, however. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in Tennessee, contact the team at Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers to request a free consultation.

Here are some common mistakes that may hurt a case.

Not seeking medical care

Seeking medical care immediately after an accident is essential not only for a person’s health but also for a future legal claim. Spinal cord injuries may be permanent. Initial treatment can have a significant impact on the person’s well-being.

To avoid this mistake, injured parties should seek medical evaluation immediately after an accident. Medical professionals will complete a thorough evaluation, including imaging, to determine the injury and severity.

Not completing medical treatment

Treatment plans and follow-up appointments are necessary. Sometimes people act as if these are options, but they can negatively impact future claims. When submitting a personal injury claim, medical records are an important piece of evidence. If records show that treatments weren’t followed or refused, it could cause issues.

Not collecting evidence

It’s recommended to document all interactions, medical appointments, and conversations. Pictures of the accident scene and visible injuries are also encouraged. An experienced attorney knows what evidence is needed. They help their clients to collect the evidence needed to build a strong case.

Accepting the insurance company’s first offer

In an effort to minimize the financial impact, many insurance companies send a low first offer. It’s a common mistake for people to accept this. Many don’t realize they may be able to get a lot more compensation. An attorney can help their clients understand the full value of the claim, including future impact.

Speaking to the insurance representative alone

Insurance representatives work for the insurance company and are looking to save them as much money as possible. Because of this, sometimes they may use things that an injured party said against them. They can record conversations to try to identify gaps or inconsistencies. Injured parties can benefit from having an attorney by their side to avoid these kinds of mistakes.

Posting about the accident on social media

Posts may be used against the injured party after an accident claim. It’s a good idea not to post about the injury at all while there is an unresolved claim. In fact, most injured parties are encouraged to avoid any social media posts. This is so insurance companies can’t use them as “proof” that the person isn’t seriously injured.

When in doubt, it’s recommended to speak to a knowledgeable attorney. They can help clients understand the best way to proceed.

Delaying hiring a spinal cord injury attorney

Personal injury attorneys deal with claims every day. They have the knowledge injured parties need to avoid serious mistakes that could damage their spinal cord injury claims. Not to mention, an attorney helps clients focus on their recovery and adaptation to their new reality.

A spinal cord injury can be life-changing for the injured party and those around them. It’s easy to make mistakes when everything is challenging and uncertain. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so people can determine if hiring them is the right choice.

Contact Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers to request a free consultation.

Spinal cord injury FAQs

Oftentimes, people have similar questions regarding spinal cord injuries. We’ve answered some of the top ones below:

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury is any damage to the spinal cord. The spinal cord sends and receives signals from the brain. These injuries can be short-term or permanent. Some people may lose feeling or function below the site of injury. Others may lose all feeling and function. Symptoms associated with these types of injuries include:

• Numbness
• Paralysis
• Pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Bladder issues
• Weakness throughout the body

Spinal cord injuries vary from person to person. Treatment options depend on the placement and severity of the injury.

How much is a spinal cord injury claim worth?

It’s impossible to determine the possible value of a spinal cord injury claim without speaking to the injured party and knowing the details of the case. In general, however, lawyers fight for the following types of compensation:

• Lost wages
• Current and future medical expenses
• Future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish

Tennessee law may cap noneconomic damages, including pain and suffering, though a higher cap may apply to certain catastrophic injuries.

Each case is unique. To understand more about the potential compensation options for your case, we encourage you to speak to an attorney. A knowledgeable spinal cord injury lawyer can offer personalized insight.

How can a spinal cord injury lawyer help?

Spinal cord injury attorneys help clients in a lot of ways. These may include:

• Investigating cases and gathering evidence
• Collecting witness statements and expert testimony
• Advocating for their clients with insurance or legal representatives
• Providing compassionate, sound legal insight
• Representing their clients in court

Spinal cord injury attorneys have the knowledge needed to build strong spinal cord injury claims. They fight for their clients’ rights. An experienced personal injury attorney not only provides legal support but also offers peace of mind for their clients.

Contact Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers today

It’s easy to make a mistake after a spinal cord injury. Trying to navigate the legal process while healing or dealing with a new reality can be daunting. Anyone suffering from one of these injuries doesn’t have to go through the process alone. An experienced personal injury attorney helps clients avoid mistakes and fight for the compensation they deserve.

At Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the legal process and nuances involved. We work closely with our clients, offering compassionate legal guidance. Contact us today to request your free consultation. This will allow us to hear your unique details and offer legal guidance. We look forward to speaking with you soon!