St. Mary Parish Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Any degree of damage to the spine can cause a multitude of immediate and long-term injuries. Everything from loss of mobility to impaired breathing can occur because of spinal damage. If you believe another person was responsible for causing damage to your spine, you should speak with a St. Mary Parish spinal cord injury lawyer.

With the help of a practiced catastrophic injury attorney, you can understand your legal rights, and a possible means to pursue damages. Additionally, a legal professional can advocate for your best interests during trial and settlement negotiations.

What Are the Signs of Spinal Injury?

Because the spinal cord is responsible for carrying signals from the brain to the rest of the body, there can be various signs of injury to that area. Some common signs may include:

  • Loss of movement
  • Difficulty balancing or walking
  • An oddly positioned or twisted neck or back
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Labored breathing
  • Pain, stinging, numbness, or tingling in the nerves of your fingers, feet or toes
  • Weakness, lack of coordination, or paralysis in a part of your body

If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms following a serious accident, it is vital to seek the help of medical professionals and a seasoned St. Mary Parish spinal cord injury attorney.

What are the Laws Surrounding Spinal Injury Claims?

While a spinal cord injury can potentially cause severe physical harm, a claim for these damages still falls under Louisiana’s general personal injury statute of limitations. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492, a plaintiff generally can bring a lawsuit for up to one year following the day of their accident.

A court may dismiss any lawsuit brought after the statutory period expires, and as a result, a plaintiff may lose their opportunity to recover damages. Because one year is a relatively short amount of time, the sooner a plaintiff brings their spinal cord injury claim to a St. Mary Parish attorney, the easier it may be for a legal professional to build a case and meet this deadline.

Comparative Fault in Spinal Cord Injury Cases

When a plaintiff brings a lawsuit for their injuries, they are claiming, under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315, that the defendant caused them to suffer damages, and they should, therefore, be obligated to repay the plaintiff. However, in some cases, the defendant may try to argue that they are not entirely responsible for the accident in question.

While a defendant generally may argue this point, this does not completely bar financial recovery for the plaintiff. Under state law, the court may place a percentage of fault on each party involved in the case and decrease a claimant’s compensatory award by their portion. For instance, if a claimant with spinal cord damage was 20 percent at fault for their injury, they would only be able to recover 80 percent of their total losses. A St. Mary Parish spine injury attorney can help a claimant work through these legal complexities.

Speak to a St. Mary Parish Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today

After a spinal cord injury, you may experience physical and psychological trauma that continues to linger for years to come. These damages can cost you significant money, time, and mental energy. A St. Mary Parish spinal cord injury lawyer can help you pursue damages for these losses as well as others. Contact a local attorney today and see how legal support can help you.