How Spinal Cord Injury Settlements Are Calculated

If you have experienced a spinal cord injury in a catastrophic automobile accident then you may be eligible to seek damages from the person or business that caused the accident. The value of spinal cord injury settlements varies on a case-by-case basis so it is impossible to know exactly how much you may be eligible to recover but here are some general guidelines.

Your spinal cord injury settlement will be based on compensable damages

Compensatory damages can be either economic (which refers to the money that you have spent on or will be unable to earn due to your injury) or non-economic (sometimes referred to as “general damages” which cover losses not related to money, such as pain and suffering).

Economic damages

These are calculated based on the severity of your injury. If your spinal cord injury results in total paralysis that renders you unable to walk then the cost of your lifelong care may be estimated in the millions of dollars. If you experienced a minor spinal sprain then the damages you collect will be much lower to reflect the lower cost of your medical bills. Lost wages will also be a factor so if your injury will prevent you from working you would receive a larger settlement than if you were only out of work for a few weeks.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages can cover a range of losses that are difficult to put a dollar amount to but nonetheless cause you real harm. Examples include pain and suffering and emotional distress. Loss of consortium is another possible damage that sufferers of spinal cord injuries are especially likely to be awarded as it is meant to compensate victims whose injuries are so severe that they can no longer experience a normal loving relationship. The extent and severity of your injuries will dictate the amount of your spinal cord injury settlement so it is important to speak with an experienced Baltimore spinal cord injury lawyer to discuss the specifics of your case.