A spinal cord injury is a life-altering event. People who suffer spinal cord injuries due to another person’s negligent actions may be entitled to significant financial compensation. This is because the financial costs for the medical treatment associated with a spinal cord injury are staggering, often exceeding healthcare coverage caps in only a few treatment sessions or less.
A Richmond, Virginia spinal cord injury attorney can help you rebuild your life. The attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. can fight to obtain justice and financial compensation for your injuries.
For a free consultation, call us at or use an online contact form.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often result from catastrophic accidents or traumatic incidents.
Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Truck collisions
- Bicycle collisions
- Industrial accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Athletic activities
- Falls from great heights
Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is the body part that connects the brain to the rest of their body. It is the core network of nerves that regulate organ functions as well as conscious control of the limbs.
Severe spinal cord injuries can cause the following issues and more:
- Full or partial paralysis
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of control over bodily functions
- Chronic pain
- Permanent immobility
Due to the life-changing nature of spinal cord injuries, many victims are unable to resume their prior lives. The financial effects of a spinal cord injury are devastating for victims and their families. This is because spinal cord injury victims are often unable to work, which can severely reduce their future earning capacity. The financial cost associated with medical treatment is devastating for spinal cord injury victims, too, compounding the problems.
Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
Most spinal cord injuries arise from catastrophic accidents. Spinal cord injury victims often require emergency medical care and surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation to recover as much as possible. They still might not be able to recover fully, though.
Depending on the type of injury and its severity, function and mobility may be restored or left limited. The financial cost of this medical treatment and future care can rise into the millions.
Negligence & Evidential Burdens
Due to the physical and financial effects of spinal cord injuries, insurance companies spend vast amounts of money to defend spinal cord injury lawsuits. They will use aggressive defense attorneys to avoid paying proper compensation to a spinal cord injury victim. It is also highly likely that the insurance company will try to blame the victim by using the legal defense of contributory negligence. If it can be proven that the plaintiff was 1% liable or more for their spinal cord injury, then they will be blocked from getting any compensation at all.
The plaintiff must also provide a preponderance of evidence that shows the defendant was liable with at least a 51% certain. If the judge or jury members are not convinced that the evidence adds up to this level of certainty, then the case can unravel quickly.
How Our Richmond Spine Injury Lawyers Can Help
Many attorneys are reluctant to represent spinal cord injury victims due to the fierce defenses used by insurance companies. If you suffered a spinal cord injury, our attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. are not afraid to fight for you. Insurance companies know our reputation inside and outside the courtroom.
All personal injury representation is performed on a contingency fee basis. You will not owe us any attorney fees unless we end your case with a successful claim or verdict. Our staff speaks English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, and Korean for your convenience, too.
