Sweet James
Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
A spinal cord injury can change your life in an instant. If you suffered one that wasn’t your fault, a spinal cord injury lawyer can help you file a claim.
The attorneys at Sweet James have experience representing both insurance carriers and accident victims, which means we know how to put together a strong injury claim. If you sustained a spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, an Arizona spinal cord injury lawyer can help you pursue a fair settlement.
The Role of an Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
A spinal cord injury lawyer in Arizona focuses on building a case that reflects both the short-term and long-term costs of your injury. Here’s what that typically involves:
- Investigating the injury: We can gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to establish liability.
- Identifying all responsible parties: In some cases, more than one person or company may share responsibility. We can find out who is liable for your damages.
- Calculating your damages: We can calculate all of your damages, including future surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, and loss of earning capacity.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We can counter low settlement offers designed to minimize your settlement and push for a fair payout.
- Preparing for trial: We can take your case to court if a fair resolution cannot be reached.
What Types of Damages Can I Pursue?
Under Arizona law, injury victims may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
In rare cases involving extreme misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your situation and explain which damages you qualify for.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Arizona?
Per A.R.S. § 12-542, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Arizona is two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file within this period, you may lose your right to recover compensation.
A spinal cord injury attorney in Arizona can help you file on time.
Who Is Liable for a Spinal Cord Injury in Arizona?
Liability for a spinal cord injury depends on how the injury occurred and who had a legal duty to prevent the harm. In many cases, more than one party is responsible. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers: Motorists who cause crashes by speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence can be held liable.
- Employers or contractors: Companies that fail to maintain safe job sites or ignore workplace safety regulations can be held responsible.
- Property owners: Individuals or businesses that allow dangerous conditions to exist on their premises can be liable for your damages.
- Manufacturers: Companies that produce defective vehicles, equipment, or safety devices can be held responsible.
- Government entities: Agencies responsible for unsafe road design, maintenance failures, or hazardous public property conditions can be liable.
Under Arizona’s pure comparative negligence system, you can recover damages for a spinal cord injury if you are partially at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our team of Arizona personal injury lawyers at Sweet James will work to collect evidence showing that the other party’s degree of fault was greater.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Arizona
Spinal cord injuries often result from traumatic events. In Arizona, some of the most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck crashes
- Falls from heights
- Workplace accidents
- Sports and recreational injuries
- Acts of violence
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are typically divided into two categories:
- Complete spinal cord injuries: These involve a total loss of sensation and motor function below the point of injury. Individuals with complete injuries often experience permanent paralysis.
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries: These occur when some signals can still pass through the damaged area. Victims may retain limited movement or sensation.
Beyond paralysis, spinal cord injuries can cause chronic pain, respiratory issues, muscle spasms, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury in Arizona
If you or one of your loved ones suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to:
- Seek immediate medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations.
- Preserve evidence, including photos, accident reports, and witness contact information.
- Avoid discussing fault or details about the incident on social media.
- Decline all settlement offers until you have spoken to a lawyer.
- Consult an attorney to start putting together a claim.
Speak to a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Arizona
A spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating events a person can experience. If you suffered one due to negligence, an Arizona spinal cord injury attorney from Sweet James can gather evidence to strengthen your claim and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Book a free case evaluation to find out how you can get justice.
Sweet James Accident Attorneys
Phoenix Office Location
7310 N. 16th Street, Suite 250
Phoenix, AZ 85020
602-858-7768
