Port Orchard Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Help Win Compensation for Victims
Washington State attorney pursues damages from negligent parties
Spinal cord injuries are often catastrophic, resulting in severe and lasting disabilities. People who sustain them may have their lives changed forever, both physically and economically. At GSJones Law Group, P.S., our attorneys are dedicated to obtaining the maximum compensation possible for victims whose spinal cord injuries were due to another party’s negligent actions. Based in Port Orchard, we represent Kitsap County residents and individuals throughout Washington State.
Understanding spinal cord injuries
An injury to the spinal cord or its connecting nerves may cause the loss of motor control and/or bodily function. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, the victim could be left paraplegic (suffering paralysis to the legs) or quadriplegic (suffering paralysis of the legs and arms). A spinal cord injury might be complete or incomplete. With a complete injury, there is no feeling or control below the injury site. An incomplete injury means there is some feeling and control. The consequences of any spinal injury can be life-altering and financially costly.
Common causes of spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord damage can result from:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Workplace accidents
- Falls
- Sports and recreational activities
When negligence plays a role in causing injuries, the parties at fault can be made to pay damages. Examples are a distracted driver who causes a car accident and the owner of property where a hazardous condition results in a slip and fall. A personal injury attorney from our firm will advise you of your legal options if negligence contributed to your injury.
Long-term impacts and costs of spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries have long-term physical and financial impacts, which is why they often lead to high-value legal claims. Damages can account for both current and future economic and non-economic losses, including the following:
- Emergency treatment, surgeries, medical procedures, supportive care, ongoing rehabilitation and medications
- Long-term nursing care in a facility or at home
- Assistive equipment
- Home modifications to accommodate wheelchairs
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
When you entrust us with your case, we will assess your total losses to determine the amount of damages to pursue and will work vigorously to achieve the best possible settlement or jury award.
Personal injury claim process
A spinal cord injury case begins with investigating the underlying accident and your resulting physical condition. We gather all relevant evidence, such as accident reports, eyewitness statements and medical records. Once a lawsuit is filed, both parties engage in discovery, a court process that allows for acquiring evidence and testimony. This includes expert testimony regarding the extent of the injury and its immediate and long-term consequences.
We will endeavor to prove that the other party’s actions directly caused your injuries. Under Washington State’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages even if you are found to be partially to blame, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. We are often able to negotiate fair settlements, but we are ready to go to trial if an adequate offer is not forthcoming.
There is a three-year statute of limitations for bringing personal injury lawsuits under Washington State law. However, you should act as soon as possible after an accident, since evidence can be lost and witnesses’ memories can fade if you wait too long.
Contact an experienced Kitsap County probate attorney for assistance
The injury attorneys at GSJones Law Group, P.S. in Port Orchard, Washington forcefully advocate for fair compensation for people who suffer spinal cord injuries due to the negligent actions of other parties. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 360-876-9221 or contact us online.
