During an accident, sustaining spinal cord injuries can be life-altering. Many times, a person gets a spinal cord injury that may go unnoticed at first, but later on, it can start to cause serious problems. Your spine is connected to your brain and is responsible for transmitting neural messages between the nervous system and the rest of your body. An injury can alter these functions and may lead to severe problems.
The movement patterns can be severely impacted and can even lead to paralysis. Accidents can be fatal, and victims can sustain severe injuries. Utah is no exception when it comes to accidents. Therefore, residents should be aware of their legal rights and be able to protect them.
Utah accident attorneys can help victims seek compensation for their injuries during the legal process. They can gather adequate evidence to support your claim and be there for you during the entire process. Determining fault can be a difficult task; attorneys specialize in this field. If you have to turn to someone for legal help, it should be them. Furthermore, they can also help negotiate with insurance companies to get the right coverage after an accident.
What are the critical elements of legal claims?
1. Determining the fault after the accident
An accident involves two parties, and while the one who hit first is usually seen as the person responsible, this does not always have to be the case. Various factors are considered when establishing the fault. The victim party will have to show evidence to support their claim. For instance, the other party breached the rules, and their negligent behavior led to the accident, etc. An attorney can be of significant help in collecting the evidence and presenting it in court.
2. Comparative negligence
It is a rule that is followed in Utah as well. If it is found that both parties are at fault, the compensation will be reduced.
3. Statute of limitations for filing the claim
It is a definite time period under which the victim can file a personal injury claim. In Utah, the statute of limitation is for four years. It means that the victim party can file the claim within four years from the date of the accident. However, after four years, the claim will not be considered, and no compensation will be given.
4. Damages sustained in the accident
There are two types of damages, namely economic and non-economic damages. The monetary damages are concerned with lost wages, expenses of seeking medical treatment, future financial assistance, etc. Noneconomic damages include pain from the injury, inability to function normally, emotional pain and distress, etc.
What is the impact of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) can cause complete or incomplete loss of different motor and sensory functions. In case of complete loss, you are likely to lose all the control below from where the injury took place. On the other hand, if a person still has some movements left from where the injury took place, then it is termed as incomplete. Note that the degree of movement can vary from person to person. Two types of paralysis can result from SCIs, namely:
- Quadriplegia
- Paraplegia
In quadriplegia, the organs in the pelvic region, neck, arms, and legs are affected by SCI. Paraplegia can affect all areas except for arms. Legs, pelvic region, and trunk all get affected by the injury.
Seek medical help right after the accident!
In order to prevent further complications and get better, medical attention is much needed. Reach out to the nearest hospital and get a proper checkup done. Timely intervention can save a person’s long-term illnesses. Seek compensation for your injuries to lessen the financial burden. Professionals can help protect your rights and provide you with the proper treatment for your injuries. The party at fault will pay for the damages and injuries, and the attorney will ensure that!