Jensen Beach Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Because of their catastrophic nature, spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are incredibly expensive to treat. And since they can cause permanent paralysis, living with their repercussions is costly, as well.

In addition to direct expenses like medical equipment, rehabilitation, and home care, those who sustain an SCI also have to contend with indirect costs like lost wages and benefits. They must learn to cope with the emotional devastation that accompanies their physical limitations, such loss of enjoyment of life, as well.

When you consider both the economic and non-economic damages that accident victims with SCIs incur, it becomes obvious why personal injury claims involving paralysis result in some of the highest payouts. It also becomes obvious just how much is at stake for claimants. Failing to include a single loss in the settlement negotiations could lead to a payout that does not cover all damages incurred, thereby threatening the injured party’s financial security for years to come.

If you or someone in your family sustained an SCI in a preventable accident, the spinal cord injury lawyers at Donaldson & Weston will ensure you consider all resulting losses when determining a fair settlement. We are passionate about getting our clients the compensation they deserve as quickly as possible. Call 772-266-5555 to schedule a free case evaluation with a paralysis lawyer in Jensen Beach.

How to Determine a Fair Settlement Amount in Paralysis Cases

There are two kinds of compensatory damages that accident victims can recover by filing a successful paralysis claim. Economic damages are those that have a corresponding monetary value, such as medical bills and lost income, while non-economic damages are intangible losses like pain and suffering.

Calculating economic damages is relatively straightforward, though you might need help from an economist or industry expert when it comes to determining future medical bills and loss of earning capacity. Otherwise, though, most economic damages come with a receipt, invoice, or record. Examples include:

  • Home care;

  • Medical equipment;

  • Accessible vehicles;

  • Lost benefits;

  • Property damage; and

  • Home modifications.


Calculating non-economic damages, on the other hand, is more complicated—unless you have a seasoned spinal cord injury attorney by your side. Your lawyer will consider various factors to arrive at a reasonable figure that covers all non-monetary losses including mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. An attorney will also refer to experts who are familiar with your prognosis and review successful claims that involved SCIs similar to yours to build the strongest case possible.