Victims of spinal cord injuries often face extensive injuries and long-term disabilities. Back injuries commonly require extensive medical treatment and potentially long-term care—treatment that can be extremely expensive.
If the careless or negligent actions of another person caused your accident, holding that individual responsible for their behavior is an essential step to your recovery.
To recover damages and receive fair compensation after a Florida spinal cord injury, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can build a strong case on your behalf and ensure the protection of your legal rights. Call today to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury injury team member in Naples.
What Causes Spinal Cord Injuries?
Car accidents are the most common cause of spinal injuries, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC). Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, side-impact accidents, and other car crashes are common precursors to spinal cord injuries in Naples.
Other causes of spinal injuries include semi-truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall accidents, boating accidents, swimming pool accidents, workplace accidents, assaults and other acts of violence, falling objects, and accidents involving construction equipment.
Unfortunately, the prognosis for victims of a back or spinal injury is poor. According to the NSCISC, a 20-year-old victim who suffers the mildest grade of spine injury loses almost seven years of their life expectancy. The more severe the injury, the shorter the victim’s life expectancy becomes.
Most spinal cord injuries cause significant damage, including partial to full paralysis, paraplegia, and tetraplegia. If the victim suffers neurological damage, their chances of a full recovery are less than one percent.
If your injury—or that of a loved one—occurred due to someone’s negligence, our attorneys will hold the at-fault party accountable for the harm they have caused to you and your family. We will accomplish this by first establishing liability for your injury.
How Can a Lawyer Prove Liability in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
We will use any relevant evidence to establish fault for your accident. Using the legal standard of negligence, we can hold that person liable for your damages.
To legally prove negligence, our attorneys will ask these four key questions.
Did the At-Fault Party Owe You a Duty of Care?
Motorists owe others on the road a duty of care, for example. This requires them to observe traffic and safety laws. Store owners owe the public a duty of care, requiring them to ensure their facility is free from hazards that could harm visitors.
Did the At-Fault Party Breach Their Duty of Care?
If the at-fault individual breached their duty of care by acting recklessly—or failing to act responsibly—we can hold them liable for your damages. If someone drives drunk, for example, they have breached their duty to others on the roadway.
Did That Breach of Duty Cause Your Spinal Cord Injury?
We will collect the proof we need to demonstrate the at-fault person’s breach of duty was directly responsible for your injuries. If a drunk driver caused the accident in which you suffered your spinal injury, they have liability for your damages.
Did Your Injuries Result in Provable Damages?
Finally, we must prove you suffered actual damages as a result. We accomplish this by providing proof of your medical bills, care costs, lost wages, and any other injury-related costs you now face.
In some cases, we may have the opportunity to prove gross negligence (if the breach of duty was particularly excessive or egregious).
What Is My Naples Spinal Cord Injury Claim Worth?
The costs related to any spine or back injury are significant. If your injury was severe, your costs could easily total millions of dollars over time. In fact, the NSCISC states that medical care costs for the first year after a severe spine or back injury often exceed $1 million. For a victim in their mid-20s, the lifetime cost of medical care may exceed $5 million.
In addition to medical care, a back or spine injury victim may require home care or relocation to a live-in care facility.
We will consider these costs when determining the value of your claim:
- Current medical bills and care costs;
- Lost wages to date;
- Future medical and care costs;
- Rehabilitation costs;
- Loss of future earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering; and,
- Loss of life’s enjoyment—or hedonic damages.
Using the total value of these and any other losses, we will file a personal injury claim with the at-fault person’s insurance company. Then, we will negotiate directly with them, requesting full and fair compensation for your injury. If the insurer refuses to offer you a fair settlement, we can take your case to court.
How Long do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Naples?
The at-fault party and their insurance provider are more likely to settle with you out of court rather than proceed with a trial. If we have to resolve your case with a lawsuit, however, the time you have to file a lawsuit depends on the cause of the injury.
In Naples, FL:
- The personal injury statute of limitations is generally four years from the time the injury occurred, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). This statute applies if you or someone you love was injured in a negligence-based accident.
- The medical malpractice statute of limitations is generally two years from the time the injury occurred or was discovered, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(b). This statute applies if the injury occurred as the result of a medical error or negligence.
- The nursing home abuse statute of limitations is also generally two years from the date the injury occurred, according to Florida Statutes § 400.0236. This statute occurs if an elderly loved one’s spinal cord injury was the result of abuse or neglect in their care facility.
The sooner you get our personal injury law firm involved in your case, the more time we have to file and investigate your case.
Why Should I Get Help from a Florida Injury Lawyer?
The most pressing reason to engage the services of a lawyer is to ensure that you can afford the necessary medical care to treat your back injury. Your chances of recovering from a back or spine injury decrease significantly if you do not receive appropriate treatment immediately after an accident.
You also need to make sure you can cover the costs of any treatment or caregiver assistance you will need in the future. If you are unable to return to work, you will need your living expenses covered.
If you have suffered a significant injury of any type, you need to focus on the healing process. Our attorneys have the experience and qualifications to chase down the evidence in your case. With medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other resources at our disposal, you can rest assured that we can build a strong case for your claim while you focus on your health and recovery.
Previous Clients Recommend Our Law Firm
When our previous clients share their feedback online, they share:
- Wilnet E.: They surpassed my expectation and made sure that I was compensated appropriately for my injuries that I sustained in a vehicle accident. At this point their number is saved in [my] phone and it will remain that way. They will always be the law firm I choose to represent me.
- Daniel R.: I had very high expectations for my injury compensation, and he exceeded them beyond belief. He really takes the time to make sure you get the best…. I am very grateful he was my attorney, and I would highly recommend him!
You can read these and other reviews on our Google page. We also host testimonials on our website.
What You Can Expect from Your Legal Team in Naples
It will not cost you anything upfront or out of your own pocket to secure our help. When we represent you, we take your case on a contingency-fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless and until we win compensation for you. We cover all case-related expenses, as well.
In addition, we will:
- Provide compassionate, responsive legal support
- Make sure you have your lawyer’s contact information
- Provide frequent and ongoing updates on your case
- Answer your questions and address your concerns
- Reply promptly to all your phone calls and emails
Our goal is to recover compensation so you can start putting your life back together. Outstanding client service is our hallmark, and we never stop fighting for the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Choosing a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Naples
For the best chance at a positive outcome, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at the earliest possible time. We can explain your legal rights, help you explore your options, and ensure you receive the appropriate medical treatment and care.
Of course, no settlement will ever truly make up for the devastation of a serious spinal cord injury. What it will do is cover your future care needs, while sending a strong message to the negligent party.
We offer complimentary case reviews and consultations. If you would like to learn more about your options, contact us today to speak directly to a spinal cord injury team member in Naples.
We Can Help.
