Spinal cord injury, also known as SCI, is a physical impairment that can happen after an accident. It often causes paralysis or problems with sensation below the level of the injury. The severity and location of the injury determine how much function you’ll lose – and how quickly it will return, if it does at all.
A spinal cord injury can affect your life in many ways: from limited mobility to lost income because you can’t work anymore; from increased financial stress to family strain caused by having someone who needs care 24/7. That’s why it pays to know what rights you have and what resources are available when you need them most – so let’s get started!
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Seek Medical Attention
The first step is to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. This is not only for your health and well-being, but also to document the injury and begin treatment. The faster you start treatment, the better your chances of recovery.
The recovery process for those who have suffered a spinal cord injury can be long and difficult. You will likely have to go through extensive rehabilitation in order to regain as much function as possible. This can be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to seek out help from all the available sources.
There are many organizations that provide assistance to those with spinal cord injuries. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) is one such group. They offer a variety of programs and services, including education, advocacy, and support groups.
Another great resource is the internet. There are many websites and forums devoted to helping those with SCI live their best life possible. These websites often have information on funding sources, such as grants and scholarships.
Contact An Attorney
After you’ve seen a doctor, it’s time to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the process of filing a claim and getting the compensation you deserve. A good lawyer will understand the ins and outs of insurance claims and, in the case of someone who’s suffered a spinal cord injury, can work to get you the best possible settlement. Additionally, they can help you with the other aspects of your case, such as finding expert witnesses and investigating the accident.
Gather Evidence
Once you have an attorney, it’s time to start gathering evidence. This includes things like medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene. All of this will be used to support your claim and get you the compensation you deserve.
For example, if you were in a car accident, you’ll want to get a copy of the police report. This will document the details of the accident and can be used as evidence in your case. You should also get the contact information for any witnesses who saw what happened. These witnesses can provide valuable testimony to support your claim.
You should also take photos of the accident scene, if possible. These photos can be used as evidence to show how the accident happened and who was at fault.
File A Claim
Once you have all the evidence you need, it’s time to file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. In most cases, this will be the other driver’s insurance company. However, if the accident was caused by a defective product, you may need to file a claim with the manufacturer’s insurance company.
Your attorney will help you determine who is responsible for the accident and which insurance company you need to file a claim with. They will also help you gather all the necessary evidence and paperwork.
Negotiate A Settlement
After you’ve filed your claim, the insurance company will investigate the accident and determine how much they are willing to pay to settle the case. This is where having an experienced lawyer can be extremely helpful. They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement.
Take Legal Action
If the insurance company isn’t willing to give you a fair settlement, you may need to take legal action. This means filing a lawsuit against the responsible party. Your attorney will handle all the legal aspects of your case and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
No one ever wants to be in an accident and suffer a spinal cord injury. However, if it does happen, it’s important to know how to file a claim so you can get the treatment and compensation you need. Follow the steps above and contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you through the process.
