Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Western Washington
A spinal cord injury is one of the most serious, painful personal injuries someone can sustain. Many times, spinal cord injuries are caused by accidents that likely could have been avoided if the negligent party had been more careful. At Kode Law Firm, PLLC, our skilled spinal cord injury attorneys act as your ally to get you the compensation you’re owed following such an accident.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, our law firm can help. Not only do we provide the litigation assistance victims need, but our bilingual staff is capable of assisting clients who speak English, Spanish, Hindi, and Punjabi. Contact our team to schedule a free initial consultation today!
Understanding Spinal Cord Injury Accidents in Western Washington
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can happen for a number of reasons. The following are just some of the most common causes of spinal cord injury accidents:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Sports & recreation
- Boating accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
Many times, spinal cord injuries happen as a result of negligent behavior by another party. Motorists, consumer product manufacturers, and property owners can all be held accountable if they are found to be at fault for the event that triggered your spinal cord injury. Consult with your Kode Law attorney to find out what legal options may be available to you.
Legal Basis for Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits
When establishing a spinal cord injury lawsuit, there are two common avenues that victims can take:
- Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Defective Products: Whether a faulty seatbelt, airbag, or other dangerous product caused your spinal cord injury, you may be able to sue the manufacturer. In order to achieve this, you’ll need to prove that the product was defective in some way, that you sustained a serious injury, and that the defect was the exact cause of your injury. You also must prove that you used the product in the manner in which it was intended for use in order to argue that the end result (your injury) was unavoidable.
- Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Negligence: In these cases, your injury may have been caused by negligent acts from another party. If this is the case with your spinal cord injury, you’ll need to prove that the third party behaved negligently and that their negligence was the direct cause of your injury. Keep in mind that Washington state follows the Pure Comparative Fault Rule, meaning that whatever percent of fault you are found to have in sustaining your injury, that percentage will be deducted from the total damages you’re able to recover.
Spinal Cord Injury Cases & Washington State
Washington state law stipulates that “general” damages shall not exceed 43% of the average annual wage in Washington multiplied by the remaining life expectancy of the victim at the time the accident occurred (minimum of 15 years). Additionally, Washington state prohibits victims from collecting punitive damages for spinal cord injury cases. Many other states, by contrast, allow victims to recover these damages.
While these limitations can make litigation difficult, Kode Law’s skilled spinal cord injury attorneys understand the complex nature of such cases and can help you recover the economic and non-economic damages you’re owed. Schedule your initial consultation by contacting our team today!
FAQs for Spinal Cord Injury Cases in Western Washington
What to do following a spinal cord injury?
If you or a loved one suffers a spinal cord injury, it’s important to remain calm. Stay at the scene of the accident and call for emergency services. Try to refrain from moving, and have a witness take pictures of the scene to add to your files later. File a police report (preferably while at the scene while details are still fresh in your mind), then seek medical attention once you are cleared to leave the scene. Consult with a Kode Law attorney to discuss your legal options and recover any damages you’re owed.
What financial implications do spinal cord injuries have for victims?
A spinal cord injury can have serious financial implications for victims. As a result of the injury, you may need home modifications to help you get around the house, mobility modifications such as wheelchairs, and additional services to aid in activities for daily life. All of these can be claimed as damages in your spinal cord injury lawsuit.
Kode Law: Western Washington’s Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
If you’ve been involved in a spinal cord injury accident, the attorneys at Kode Law are here to help. We’ve helped countless clients recover damages following their spinal cord injuries, acting as their ally while navigating the litigation process. Contact our team to get the personalized spinal cord injury litigation services you need today.