Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Colorado Springs, CO

Spinal cord injuries are almost always catastrophic. They often cause intense pain and loss of strength and affect bodily functions ranging from bladder control and sexual function to breathing, heart rate, and muscle movement. Complications can be lifelong and include chronic pain, loss of sensation, and paralysis. While a spinal cord injury attorney can’t make your body whole, they can help you pursue financial recovery for your pain and suffering and related expenses.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

Any accident can lead to an injury or blow to the spine. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Motor vehicle accidents (42.1%)
• Falls (26.7%)
• Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds (15.1%)
• Recreational sports (7.6%)

If you’ve suffered an injury to your spinal cord and want to explore your legal options, call (719) 757-1182 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with The Foley Law Firm.

Determining Fault and Proving Negligence in a Colorado Springs Spinal Cord Injury Case

To qualify for compensation, you must usually prove that someone else’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury.

Negligence, in legal terms, is a failure to exercise reasonable care in the circumstances. For example, a driver who runs a red light or a physician who makes an avoidable mistake while performing a surgery likely fall below the expected standard of care.

Proving fault is essential because Colorado has a fault-based legal system. In fault-based states, the party at fault (or their insurer) is responsible for covering your medical bills and other expenses and losses associated with your injury.

In no-fault states, you must turn to your own insurance first, regardless of who was at fault. Only then can you seek compensation from the other party for any outstanding expenses.

Assessing Recoverable Compensation Following a Spinal Cord Injury in Colorado Springs

If you are eligible, you can seek financial recovery by filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance or initiating a civil lawsuit. Depending on the nature and extent of your injury, you may claim compensation for the following losses (or “damages” in legal terms):

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future lost wages and other income
• Property damage, such as the cost to repair or replace your car
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of intimacy with your spouse or partner
• Physical disfigurement or impairment

Calculating economic losses such as lost income or medical bills is relatively straightforward, but putting a dollar value on intangible losses like pain and suffering can be complicated.

Without professional help, you risk severely undervaluing your claim. An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer will be able to pinpoint all your recoverable losses and calculate them correctly to ensure that you don’t leave thousands on the table.

Medical Care, Physical Therapy, and the Statute of Limitations for a Spinal Cord Injury in CO

Seeking medical care immediately after an accident is critical to correctly diagnosing and treating spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, even with timely and adequate treatment, these types of injuries often lead to chronic pain and lifelong complications. You may require ongoing physical therapy, rehabilitation, or a caregiver or assisted living service.

The costs of long-term treatment can be prohibitive for many accident survivors. You should consult a spinal injury attorney as soon as possible and file your claim within the legal deadline. Missing the deadline even by a day can jeopardize your eligibility for recovery.

The deadline, also known as the statute of limitations, for filing a civil lawsuit in Colorado is as follows:

• Auto accidents: Three years from the date of the accident
• General personal injury: Two years from the date of the accident
• Claims against government agencies: 180 days from the date of the accident

In cases involving minors, the statute of limitations begins on their 18th birthday.

Keep in mind that these deadlines only apply to filing a lawsuit. The timeframe to make an insurance claim is often much shorter. Insurance companies usually require that you file your claim or notify them of the accident “within a reasonable period” or “promptly,” which generally means within a few days of the accident.

Work with The Foley Law Firm — Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Colorado Springs, CO

Don’t let a spinal cord injury ruin your life. You may be eligible for financial recovery, but you must act fast.

Not sure where to turn? Our spinal cord injury lawyers can help. Call (719) 757-1182 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with our spinal cord injury attorneys at The Foley Law Firm. We serve clients in Colorado Springs and throughout the Pikes Peak region.