Spinal injuries are among the most serious and life-altering accidents a person can experience. They can lead to substantial medical expenses, loss of income, and a significant decline in the quality of life. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury, you might be wondering about the potential compensation you could receive. This article will delve into the subject matter, providing up-to-date statistics on settlements to give you a clearer picture of what you might expect.
Average Settlements for Spinal Injuries
The amount of money a person can receive in compensation for a spinal injury depends heavily on the circumstances surrounding their case. Different types of accidents, such as car crashes and workplace incidents, have varying levels of potential compensation. In addition to this, the severity of the spinal injury also has an effect on the amount recovered.
For example, if someone is involved in a car accident and suffers from a herniated disk or whiplash, they may be eligible for less compensation than someone who experiences paralysis after the same incident.
According to recent statistics, the average settlement for spinal injury claims is anywhere between $52,000 to $1.4 million, depending on the individual case. The most common settlements tend to fall around $150,000 to $500,000.
Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts on Spinal Injuries
As mentioned above, the amount of money a person can receive in compensation for a spinal injury is determined by multiple factors. The most important include:
- Severity of the Injury: This includes any permanent impairments or disabilities resulting from the incident.
- Type of Accident: Different types of accidents have different levels of potential compensation.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: If the injured person had any pre-existing medical conditions related to their spine prior to the accident, this could affect the ultimate settlement amount.
- Legal Representation: Working with an experienced lawyer can help ensure that you receive full compensation for your spinal injury claim.
Factors Influencing Compensation for a Spinal Injury
There are several factors that could have an influence on the amount of compensation a person receives for their spinal injury claim. The most important factor is typically the severity of the injury and its long-term consequences. Other considerations include:
- How much income was lost due to the injury
- Medical expenses associated with the injury
- Pain and suffering caused by the injury
- The degree of negligence on behalf of the defendant
- Pre-existing conditions that complicated or exacerbated the spinal injury
- Longterm prognosis of the victim’s recovery.
All of these factors will be taken into consideration when calculating the amount of compensation to be awarded.
Spinal Injury Statistics From Accidents
- The estimated annual global incidence of spinal cord injury is 40 to 80 cases per million population
- The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center’s database has demographic and condition status data through 2018 for 33,406 people with spinal cord injuries
- Most spinal cord injuries happen as a result of a vehicle accident (39.3%), followed by falls (31.8%), and then violence (13.2%)
- Globally, between 250,000 and 500,000 patients each year suffer a spinal cord injury
- About 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injury occur each year in the U.S
- The breakdown of causes for spinal cord injuries are: Vehicular 39.3%, Falls 31.8%, Violence (primarily gunshot wounds) 13.5%, Sports/Recreation Activities 8.0%, Medical/Surgical 4.1%, Other
- The annual incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) is approximately 54 cases per one million people in the United States, or about 18,000 new SCI cases each year
- Approximately 18,000 new traumatic spinal cord injuries (tSCI) each year in the USA. Males account for about 79% of new tSCI cases since 2015
- 80% of spinal cord injuries occur in males, and 20% in females. The highest per capita rate of injury occurs between ages 16-30. The average age at injury is 42 year
Types of Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries can be broadly categorized into several types, each with varying degrees of severity and corresponding implications for the victim’s quality of life. Here is a list of some of the most common types of spinal injuries:
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: This is a type of injury where there is complete loss of function below the level of the injury, affecting both sides of the body.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Unlike complete spinal cord injuries, victims with incomplete spinal injuries may retain some function below the level of the injury.
- Paraplegia: This condition results from injuries to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord, typically causing impairment or loss of motor and sensory function in the lower extremities.
- Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): This is a severe form of spinal injury that results in partial or total loss of use of all limbs and torso.
- Central Cord Syndrome: This type of injury is characterized by the loss of function in the arms and hands, and it’s more common in older adults.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: This results in impaired temperature, touch, and pain sensations below the level of the injury, but some muscle power might be preserved.
- Brown-Sequard Syndrome: A condition typically resulting from gunshots or stab wounds, where one side of the spinal cord is damaged, causing a loss of motor function on the injured side and loss of temperature and pain sensation on the opposite side.
Each of these injuries can significantly impact a person’s lifestyle and require different forms of care and rehabilitation, which in turn can heavily influence the potential compensation.
The Long-Term Impact of Spinal Injuries
It’s also essential to consider the long-term economic impact of spinal injuries. According to a study by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), the average lifetime cost of treating spinal cord injury victims depends considerably on the level of injury and disability4.
Compensation isn’t just about covering immediate medical costs; it’s also about ensuring that victims can afford the ongoing care they may need. This can include physical therapy, modifications to the home, and loss of income if the victim is unable to return to work.
The Importance of Legal Representation
While these figures provide a broad overview of what compensation might look like, they are by no means definitive. Each case is unique, with varying factors influencing the potential settlement amount.
The Ganim Injury Law Firm has extensive experience in handling cases involving spinal injuries. Whether you’ve suffered a spinal injury due to a car accident, work-related incident, medical malpractice, or any other type of personal injury, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.
We understand that a spinal injury can be life-altering, causing not only physical pain but also emotional distress and financial hardship. Our firm tirelessly works to seek justice for our clients and ensures they receive the compensation they deserve.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Expertise in Spinal Injury Cases: Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in spinal injury cases. We know what it takes to build a strong case, from gathering evidence and consulting with medical experts to navigating the legal system.
- Comprehensive Legal Support: From the moment you engage us, we handle every aspect of your case. This includes everything from filing paperwork to representing you in court or negotiating with insurance companies.
- Pursuit of Maximum Compensation: We understand the long-term impact of a spinal injury on your quality of life and financial stability. Therefore, we aggressively pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- No Upfront Fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Compassionate Service: We treat each client with respect and empathy. We are here to alleviate your stress and provide the support you need during this challenging time.
At the Ganim Injury Law Firm, we’re not just your attorneys — we’re your advocates. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation.
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