When it comes to personal injury accidents, few injuries are as life-altering and complex as those involving the cervical spine. Victims of such injuries, along with their families, often find themselves navigating a daunting maze of medical terms, treatment options, and legal considerations, all while dealing with the physical and emotional fallout. Understandably, victims and their families want to learn more about cervical spine injury settlement amounts and how much their cases might be worth.
It’s impossible to list average settlement amounts because every case differs. Permanent injury settlement amounts are likely significantly higher than those involving minor cervical sprains and strains. At Friedman Injury Law, we recognize the importance of understanding what your cervical injury is worth. Please read on to learn more about factors that impact potential cervical spine injury settlement amounts.
Understanding Cervical Spine Injuries
The cervical spine is the uppermost portion of the spinal column. It is pivotal in supporting the head and enabling a wide range of movements. Injuries to this vital area can occur for various reasons, including vehicular accidents, falls, sports injuries, etc. The consequences of a cervical spine injury can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-long disabilities, including paralysis.
Cervical spine injuries are categorized based on the nature and severity of the damage. Common types include:
- Whiplash, which affects soft tissue;
- Cervical fractures, which involve the vertebrae; and
- Cervical spinal cord injuries, which can lead to significant or complete loss of function below the site of injury.
The immediate and long-term impacts of these injuries on a victim’s life cannot be overstated. They can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, loss of independence, and, in severe cases, require lifelong medical care and assistance.
Factors Influencing Cervical Spine Injury Settlements
Pursuing a cervical spine injury claim involves understanding several vital factors significantly influencing settlement amounts. These elements are critical in determining the compensation an injured party is entitled to, reflecting the complexity and severity of your situation.
Type and Severity of the Cervical Spine Injury
The nature and gravity of the injury play a pivotal role in calculating settlement amounts. Injuries are assessed based on their immediate impact, the potential for long-term consequences, and the extent of medical intervention required. For instance, a complete spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis will invariably lead to a higher settlement amount compared to a cervical strain, with a full recovery expected.
Liability and Fault
Establishing who is at fault is foundational to any personal injury case. The more apparent it is that the other party is liable for the accident, the stronger the case for a favorable settlement. Comparative negligence—where both parties share fault—can also affect the settlement amount. In Nevada, the law is modified comparative negligence. Provided you are not more than 50% at fault for your injuries, you can still collect a portion of your compensation.
Consider two accidents with nearly identical injuries, and the victims have $30,000 in damages each. In one scenario, the victim is 20% liable. They would receive 80% of their damages, or $24,000. In the second scenario, the victim was 60% at fault. They would receive no compensation under Nevada’s negligence laws.
Damages Incurred
Damages in a cervical spine injury case encompass a wide range of economic and noneconomic losses. Economic damages include quantifiable financial losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and the need for future care. Victims can also include future economic damages, such as scheduled surgeries and lifelong medical care, loss of earning capacity, and more.
Noneconomic damages cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. The more substantial and well-documented these damages are, the higher the potential settlement amount.
Available Coverage
The insurance coverage available plays a significant role in settlement negotiations. Available insurance policy limits often limit the compensation a victim can receive. Understanding the insurance policies, including the victim’s underinsured motorist coverage, can offer insight into the maximum potential settlement amount.
Personal Injury Settlement Amount Examples
Exploring real-life case results can provide valuable insights into the complexities and outcomes of cervical spine injury cases. Friedman Injury Law has successfully represented clients in various scenarios, achieving significant settlements that reflect the firm’s dedication and expertise in personal injury law. These cases, ranging from car and truck accidents to other motor vehicle incidents, illustrate the firm’s ability to navigate disputed liabilities, insurance policy limits, and the challenges posed by low property damage claims, ensuring clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
Here are summaries of three cases involving cervical spine injuries from Friedman Injury Law. Please note that these victims also had back injuries, so these settlements are not exclusively for cervical spine damage.
- $300,000 car accident settlement. Despite disputes over liability, we achieved the maximum insurance policy limits for a client involved in an accident near Downtown Summerlin. The client suffered neck and back injuries when another driver collided with their vehicle.
- $150,000 truck accident settlement. We secured a client rear-ended on Interstate 80 in Reno, Nevada, leading to neck and back injuries. This settlement highlights the firm’s ability to advocate for clients in accidents involving larger vehicles.
- $75,000 motor vehicle accident settlement. We obtained the maximum insurance policy limits for a client with neck and back injuries after being rear-ended in Henderson, Nevada. The settlement was notable despite the low property damage involved.
You can see more case results for accidents involving cervical spine injuries by visiting our website.
Maximizing Your Cervical Spine Injury Settlement
To increase your potential settlement for a cervical spine injury, meticulously document your injuries, treatments, and how the injury impacts your daily life. Legal representation is also crucial. An experienced injury attorney can navigate the complexities of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary.
Contact Friedman Injury Law
If you or a loved one has suffered a cervical spine injury, contact Friedman Injury Law. Attorney Blake Friedman has years of experience negotiating cervical spine settlements for Las Vegas clients. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help.
Blake S. Friedman, Esq. is a personal injury lawyer helping those in Las Vegas, Nevada. Blake was born and raised right here in Las Vegas, Nevada. He grew up watching his father, a battle-hardened lawyer, fight for his clients’ justice in the Clark County court system.