The human spine contains 33 vertebrae protecting delicate nerve tissue that controls movement, sensation, and basic bodily functions.
When trauma damages this vital system, victims face life-altering challenges that extend far beyond the initial injury. Georgia residents dealing with spinal cord damage need skilled legal representation to secure the compensation necessary for ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and financial stability.
At The Persons Firm, our Marietta spinal cord injury lawyer works tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable while helping clients access the resources they need for recovery. We have seen how these catastrophic injuries impact entire families, and we are committed to fighting for maximum compensation. Contact our experienced Marietta spinal cord injury lawyers today.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries We Handle
Spinal cord damage varies significantly in severity and location, with each type presenting unique challenges for victims and their families. Medical professionals classify these injuries based on whether the spinal cord suffers complete or incomplete damage, as well as the specific vertebrae affected.
Complete spinal cord injuries result in total loss of sensation and voluntary movement below the injury site. These injuries typically require extensive medical intervention and lifelong care.
Incomplete injuries allow nerve signals to pass through the damaged area, potentially preserving limited function or sensation below the injury level.
Our legal team regularly represents clients with various spinal cord injuries, including:
- Cervical spine injuries affecting the neck region and potentially causing quadriplegia
- Thoracic spine damage impacting the upper back and chest area
- Lumbar spine injuries affecting the lower back and potentially causing paraplegia
- Sacral spine trauma impacting the tailbone region and pelvic functions
The location of spinal damage directly influences the extent of paralysis and functional loss. Higher injuries typically result in more extensive impairment, while lower injuries may preserve upper body function.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Trauma in Georgia
Motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries throughout Georgia. The force generated during high-speed collisions can fracture vertebrae, dislocate joints, or compress spinal tissue beyond repair.
Falls represent another significant source of spinal trauma, particularly among older adults and construction workers. Slip and fall accidents on wet surfaces, inadequate lighting, or poorly maintained premises can result in serious back injuries. Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or elevated work platforms frequently cause severe spinal damage.
Sports-related activities contribute to spinal cord injuries through contact sports, diving accidents, and recreational activities. Football, wrestling, and gymnastics pose particular risks for cervical spine injuries. Diving into shallow water or striking underwater obstacles can cause devastating neck injuries.
Violence, including gunshot wounds and physical assaults, accounts for a notable percentage of spinal cord injuries. These intentional acts often result in complete spinal cord damage and permanent disability.
Legal Framework Under Georgia Law
Georgia allows injured parties to recover damages even when partially at fault for their injuries. However, if the plaintiff bears 50% or more responsibility for the accident, they cannot recover any compensation.
Georgia law recognizes several categories of damages available to spinal cord injury victims. Economic damages include lost wages, medical expenses, and future care costs. Non-economic damages cover loss of life enjoyment, pain, and suffering.
Note that time is critical following any spinal cord injury, both for medical treatment and legal protection. Seeking immediate medical attention remains the top priority, even if the full extent of injuries is not immediately apparent. Some spinal damage may not manifest symptoms until hours or days after the initial trauma.
Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often require millions of dollars in medical treatment and ongoing care throughout a victim’s lifetime. Compensation calculations must account for immediate medical expenses, as well as long-term care needs, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
Medical costs form the largest component of spinal cord injury settlements. Emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care create substantial expenses. Victims may require specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, breathing apparatus, or home medical devices.
Lost earning capacity represents another major element of compensation. Many spinal cord injury victims cannot return to their previous employment or must accept reduced earning potential. Vocational rehabilitation may be necessary to develop new job skills suited to their physical limitations.
The following damages are typically available in spinal cord injury cases:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity due to permanent disability
- Pain and suffering compensation for physical discomfort and emotional trauma
- Home modifications and adaptive equipment costs for accessibility needs
The Role of Expert Medical Testimony
Successful spinal cord injury cases require comprehensive medical documentation and expert witness testimony to establish the full extent of damages. Neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists provide crucial evidence about injury severity, treatment requirements, and long-term prognosis.
Life care planners play an essential role in calculating future medical needs and associated costs. These professionals evaluate the victim’s condition and create detailed plans outlining necessary medical care, equipment, and support services over their expected lifespan.
Vocational experts assess how spinal injuries impact earning capacity and employment opportunities. Their testimony helps establish lost wage claims and determine appropriate compensation for reduced earning potential.
Areas We Serve in Marietta and Surrounding Communities
The Persons Firm proudly serves clients throughout the Greater Marietta area and surrounding communities affected by spinal cord injuries. Our legal team has extensive experience handling complex injury cases throughout Cobb County and the broader Atlanta metropolitan region.
We serve clients in the following zip codes and communities:
- Marietta (30060, 30061, 30062, 30063, 30064, 30065, 30066, 30067, 30068, 30069)
- Kennesaw (30144, 30152)
- Acworth (30101, 30102)
- Powder Springs (30127)
Our office location allows us to serve clients throughout Northwest Georgia while maintaining close relationships with medical providers, expert witnesses, and other legal professionals essential to spinal cord injury cases.
Contact Us Today
Spinal cord injuries create profound challenges that extend far beyond initial medical treatment. Victims and their families deserve experienced legal representation to secure the compensation necessary for rebuilding their lives. Our Marietta spinal cord injury lawyer has the knowledge and resources to handle these complex cases effectively. Contact The Persons Firm today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and secure your future.