Any accident that hurts your back could significantly impact your life. Severe spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis or long-term disability. Even if the injury does not seem too intense, it could keep you from returning to your life before the accident.

Thankfully, if another person’s negligence or carelessness caused the accident that led to your spinal cord injuries, the civil court system will aim to hold them financially accountable. The process of filing a claim can be long and complex, and a successful claim usually requires the experience of a catastrophic injury attorney. Fortunately, a Wausau spinal cord injury lawyer could provide the attention and dedication that your case deserves.

Recovering Financial Compensation After a Spinal Cord Injury

A severe spinal cord injury will often devastate an entire family, leaving them in financial distress and unsure how to best recover. However, a successful civil claim could result in financial compensation that repays a plaintiff for both economic and non-economic losses. Common examples of reimbursement in spine damage cases include reimbursement for:

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages, benefits, and reduced future earning potential
  • Necessary modifications to a home to account for the injury
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish, including anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Loss of companionship
  • Reduced enjoyment of daily life

While monetary damages can never fully account for how a spinal cord injury has impacted a person’s life, a fair settlement could help the claimant and their family get their lives back on track. A hard-working attorney in Wausau could help a family put together their spinal cord injury claim and maximize the chances of securing this settlement.

Are Spine Damage Claims Subject to a Statute of Limitations?

Unfortunately, the state establishes a time limit for a person to file a spinal cord injury claim against the negligent party. According to Wisconsin State Legislature 893.54, the plaintiff, with the help of their attorney, must submit their case within three years of getting hurt. If the claimant does not immediately recognize that they damaged their back, a court could grant an exception under the discovery rule.

How Does the Discovery Rule Work?

If a plaintiff does not immediately recognize that they are injured, and the statute of limitations runs out before they file their claim, a court will instruct a jury to consider a few important things. For instance, according to Wisconsin Civil Jury Instructions 950, a jury will determine whether the spinal cord damage claimant used reasonable diligence to discover their injuries before the statute of limitations expired.

A jury will also consider whether the defendant’s negligent actions caused the injuries, even if more than three years have passed. If they find the answer is yes, the plaintiff can likely still collect the financial compensation they need.

When considering the statute of limitations and the discovery rule, a knowledgeable Wausau lawyer could assess the situation to conclude whether a spinal cord injury case is subject to an extension.

Meet With a Wausau Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today

If you severely hurt your back in an accident, you are likely feeling traumatized and overwhelmed. These devastating injuries often require extended medical treatment and years of physical therapy. If the accident was caused by a defendant’s negligence or recklessness, they should be responsible for paying for your expenses and setbacks.

When you work with our team, you boost your chances of securing the monetary damages you need to deal with your pain, suffering, and financial complications. A Wausau spinal cord injury lawyer could fight for the fair settlement you need and deserve. Call today to get started on your case.

Contact a Wausau Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you are recovering from an injury, you need to focus on regaining your health. You should not have to negotiate with stubborn insurance companies or compromise with a defendant.

A Wausau personal injury lawyer could lessen the stress and complications associated with collecting compensation, allowing you to recover fully. Call today to learn more about your options.

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