The spinal cord is a critical component of our bodies—responsible for much of our strength, sensation, and mobility, an injury to the spinal cord may change your life forever. Spinal cord injuries are often the result of trauma, whether it be from an auto accident, a work-related accident, sports or a medical mistake. Regardless of how you sustained your spinal cord injury, it is critical to know whether you have a viable legal action against the person or entity that caused your injury. If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your monetary and personal losses.

The Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury, or the extent of the injury, may not be immediately apparent after the trauma that caused the injury. Though the initial injury is usually due to a sudden impact (consider: a fall, hit, slam, contact with an object, gunshot or knife wound, or other impact), certain diseases can also lead to spinal cord injuries and deterioration as well. Regardless of how the injury is sustained, its impact on the body can change over time. According to the Mayo Clinic , additional damage can occur after the impact as well, due to “bleeding, swelling, inflammation, and fluid accumulation in and around your spinal cord.”

Injuring the spinal cord usually results in damage and loss to the motor function below the site of the injury (paralysis) and can also cause loss of many bodily functions. In addition to losing muscle, skin, and bodily sensation, you may also lose control over your motor functions, bladder and bowel, and be in pain due to overuse of other muscles you retain function over.

Damages for a Spinal Cord Injury in New Hampshire
Losing the ability to use your body the way you did before can cause individuals to lose their pride and dignity, in addition to facing depression, financial burdens, and professional obstacles. Though no amount of money can regain these emotional components of your life, if your injuries were caused by another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Damages (monetary compensation awarded from a successful lawsuit) are generally classified into compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages cover actual damages, that is, damages that are quantifiable (to an extent at least) such as:

Time lost from work
Medical expenses incurred (or that will be incurred to a reasonable degree in the future)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress

Punitive damages are generally at issue when a corporation or entity is involved and are considered damages that are intended to “make an example,” so to speak, of the offending entity. These damages are intended to punish and deter similar future behavior from those specific and similarly situated entities in the future. The availability of punitive damages in your case depends on the individuals found responsible for your injuries.

New Hampshire Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
At Donahue Law, Charles A. Donahue will advocate for your spinal cord injury claim regardless of how you became injured. He has a track record of success against individuals, corporations, hospitals, and entities that caused harm to his clients and deserved to be held responsible in the form of monetary compensation to the victims. If you have been injured in any accident resulting in a spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced New Hampshire personal injury attorney today to learn more about your legal options.