Portsmouth Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

A spinal cord injury can be devastating, affecting not only your physical and emotional well-being but also your finances. After such a life-altering accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. I’m Ed Atkinson, and as a Portsmouth spinal cord injury lawyer, I can help you hold the at-fault party responsible.

When you need an experienced personal injury lawyer in Portsmouth, I am here for you. I can meet you in person for a free consultation, or we can connect over the phone or online. Contact Atkinson Law today to get started.

Negligence that Causes Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are severe and life-altering, often stemming from negligent or reckless actions. To be eligible for compensation, you or your personal injury attorney must demonstrate that the defendant had a duty to act reasonably but failed to do so.

Some examples of negligence leading to spinal cord injuries include:

• Distracted or irresponsible behavior while driving
• Neglecting to maintain safe premises
• Vehicle equipment malfunction, including seats

Regardless of where or how your accident happened, if your injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation from those at fault.

Compensation I Could Pursue as Your Portsmouth Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

I am dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve to lighten your burdens. Every case is unique, but here are some damages I could pursue in a spinal cord injury case:

• Medical expenses: Treating a spinal cord injury is costly. I will work to get compensation for your medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and any ongoing medical needs.
  
• Long-term care expenses: Many spinal cord injury victims require full or part-time care at home or in specialized facilities. I can help you seek compensation for these costs.
  
• Lost income: If your injury has left you unable to work or with reduced earning capacity, I will fight to recover the wages you’ve lost and the income you would have earned in the future.
  
• Pain and suffering: Spinal cord injuries often cause severe physical discomfort and emotional distress. I will pursue compensation for the pain, suffering, and emotional trauma you’ve experienced due to your accident.
  
• Home and vehicle modifications: You might require home or vehicle modifications, like wheelchair ramps or lifts. I will work to secure compensation to cover these expenses.
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life: A spinal cord injury can limit your ability to enjoy activities you once loved. I will seek compensation for this loss.
  
• Punitive damages: In certain cases, Virginia courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible person and discourage similar conduct. A prime example is when a drunk driver causes an accident.

Remember, every case is unique, and the compensation you receive will depend on the circumstances of your accident and how the injury has impacted your life. As your attorney, I will fight for the maximum compensation available in your case. 

Potential Punitive Damages in a Portsmouth Accident Case

As I mentioned, certain personal injury cases qualify for punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct knowingly disregards the safety of the victim. These damages serve to penalize the responsible party and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior.

If you were injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be eligible for punitive damages. This additional compensation is possible due to the Code of Virginia § 8.01-44.5.

Based on this statute, if the driver’s blood alcohol level was 0.15% or higher or they refused the breathalyzer test, your case will most likely qualify for punitive damages. If the at-fault driver’s BAC is lower than 0.15%, I can still seek “common law” punitive damages.

Virginia Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

After an extended hospital stay, you might wonder about the remaining time to take legal action against the responsible party. In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is typically two years from the injury date, as specified in the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243. It’s important to note that certain exceptions could shorten or extend this deadline.

Although two years sounds like a long time, I recommend reaching out to me as soon as possible. Starting the process now will provide my team with more time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case.

When you contact my office, I can let you know how much time you have left to file and answer any other questions you have.

Contact Atkinson Law for a Free Consultation

Securing fair compensation following a serious accident can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. As a spinal cord injury lawyer serving Portsmouth, I am here to advocate for your rights and pursue the settlement or court award you need to rebuild your life.

I can deal with the insurance company, help you file the necessary legal paperwork, and represent you in court if your case goes to trial. Because I handle cases on a contingency basis, you won’t pay anything until I get you compensation. I personally engage with new clients and maintain open communication throughout your case.

Contact my office today to schedule a free, zero-risk consultation.