Tyler Truck Accident Lawyer Discusses 3 Types of Damages for a Spinal Injury

Spinal injuries can significantly diminish victims’ quality of life. They can affect relationships and careers while confining people to wheelchairs. Some patients require lifelong medical support.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, car accidents contribute to at least 36.5 percent of all reported spinal injuries. Most of these crashes are entirely preventable and result from driver error.

If you were injured by a negligent driver, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is an accident attorney in Tyler who can guide you through the claims process. He is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Gregg County Bar Association.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit www.USAttorneys.com to learn more about accident claims in Texas.

Here is a brief overview of three types of damages that you may be able to claim for a spinal injury:

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages include bills for medical treatment and loss of income during recovery. You may also be able to recover compensation for the loss of future earning capacity.

Lost Income

If your injury forces you to take time off work to recover, then you can make a claim for the income that you would have earned. This can be a substantial amount if you suffer a spinal cord injury. If you are unable to work again in the future, then your accident attorney may also claim loss of future earning capacity.

Medical Bills

Severe back injuries are expensive to treat. They can lead to overwhelming debt. Victims often pay more than $1,000 just for X-rays. Repairing a herniated disc can cost you $8,000. If you require physical therapy, then you will pay roughly $100 for each session.

2. Non-Economic Damages

People with severe spinal cord injuries have more than financial problems to endure. According to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, non-economic damages compensate victims for mental, emotional and physical suffering. These damages may include:

Loss of Consortium

A disability can affect the entire family. Everyone must adjust to their loved one’s struggle to lead a normal, natural life within his or her family role. Parents may be unable to play sports with their kids, and spousal relationships can suffer. These victims may be able to claim loss of consortium.

Pain and Suffering

Many victims of catastrophic spinal cord injuries have a justifiable claim for pain and suffering. However, these damages are often difficult to recover due to their subjectivity. An accident attorney can calculate your damages and aggressively fight for the maximum compensation.

3. Punitive Damages

Courts only award punitive damages to punish particularly reckless behavior. You may be able to recover punitive damages if the liable driver was so negligent that he or she deserved additional punishment.

For example, drunk driving involves knowingly endangering others, which makes it especially egregious. The same applies to drag racing because drivers know there is a high risk of injuring others.

If you suffered a spinal injury in a crash that another driver caused, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is a Tyler truck accident lawyer who can help you navigate the claims process. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.