Spinal cord injuries can be life-changing, creating uncertainty related to your future. Living life with complete or partial paralysis is expensive. For many people, working after they have experienced a serious spinal cord injury is not an option. Paying bills can become a struggle and a financial hardship for the injured individual and his or her family members. When another person or company’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to compensation that will help you pay for your medical expenses and achieve a better quality of life. We will discuss the process of submitting a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Missouri below.
1. Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
In Missouri, personal injury plaintiffs only have five years to file a lawsuit before they lose the right to bring a legal claim. The first thing you should do after receiving medical treatment is to contact an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer. At Griggs Injury Law, we have a proven track record of recovering compensation for victims of spinal cord injuries in Missouri and Kansas. We have the necessary experience and tools to advocate effectively on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
2. Case Research
Once you have hired a spinal cord injury lawyer, you will discuss your case with your lawyer. Your lawyer will ask you lots of questions to determine what type of case you have and what research you will need to do in the future. Your lawyer will be able to calculate the value of your claim and ensure you do not accept a settlement amount that is too low to account for all of your future needs. After the initial meeting, your lawyer will begin gathering evidence and researching your claim to determine who is at fault for your spinal cord injury.
3. Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Many spinal cord injury cases involve an insurance policy that could cover your damages. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, you may be able to file a claim with the outfit all drivers insurance company. If you were injured in a commercial property, you may be able to bring a claim against the owner’s commercial insurance policy. Insurance policies are notorious for offering settlements that are too low or denying claims unfairly. Your lawyer will assertively negotiate with the insurance company. If the insurance company acts in bad faith, your lawyer can bring a lawsuit against an insurance company for damages.
4. Decide to Settle or Go to Trial
One of the biggest decisions the plaintiff makes during a spinal cord injury lawsuit is whether to settle the case or take the case to trial. There are benefits and disadvantages to each scenario. You may be able to recover more money at trial, but you also risk not recovering anything. Your lawyer will be able to analyze your settlement offers and help you decide which path is the most beneficial to you and your family.
We Can Help
If you have received a spine injury due to some else’s negligence, you have a long road ahead of you. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Griggs Injury Law can help you and your family seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.