530+ Google Reviews
A spinal cord injury can change an accident victim’s life in an instant. Whether you or a loved one has been injured, the decisions made in the days and weeks that follow are critical. Some mistakes can affect long-term health and recovery, while others may limit your legal options for pursuing compensation.
We want to help you avoid the most common mistakes. Below, our spinal cord injury lawyers explain eight mistakes to avoid after an accident so that you can protect both your well-being and your future.
Mistake 1: Not Seeking Immediate Medical Care
After an accident, it may be tempting to wait and see if symptoms improve. That choice can be dangerous. Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage often worsen without prompt treatment. Getting immediate medical attention helps:
- Reduce medical complications
- Create documentation of your injury
- Establish a connection between the accident and your condition
If emergency responders are on the scene, allow them to evaluate you. Even if you are able to move, insist on a full medical examination. From a legal perspective, any delay can give insurance companies the opportunity to argue that the injury did not result from the accident.
Mistake 2: Failing to Follow Medical Advice
Recovery from a spinal cord injury requires ongoing care. You should:
- Completely follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Attend all therapy sessions.
- Take all prescribed medications.
- Discuss new symptoms, pain levels, and limitations with your doctors.
Skipping appointments or stopping treatment early can harm both your health and your legal case. However, following your doctors’ orders not only ensures you get the care you need but also creates accurate medical records that demonstrate the full impact of your injury.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (828) 286-3866
Mistake 3: Overlooking Emotional and Mental Health Support
A spinal cord injury affects more than the body. The emotional toll can be overwhelming for both the injured person and their loved ones. Ignoring mental health needs may slow recovery and add unnecessary stress.
We encourage victims and families to seek counseling, join support groups, or talk to a mental health professional. These resources provide coping strategies and emotional support during a difficult time. Addressing mental health needs also shows the long-term impact of the injury, which may be important in your legal claim.
Mistake 4: Not Documenting the Accident, Your Injury, and Its Impact
Accurate documentation strengthens both medical care and legal claims. Unfortunately, many victims are unable to gather evidence at the accident scene. In these cases, a witness, family member, or friend can step in.
Whether it is you or another person, important actions following the accident include:
- Making sure police and emergency medical services are contacted immediately.
- Collecting names and contact information from witnesses.
- Preserving photographs of the accident scene and visible injuries when possible.
- Keeping copies of medical bills, therapy costs, and receipts related to the injury.
- Maintaining a journal that tracks pain levels, mobility challenges, and emotional struggles.
These records create a clear picture of how the accident occurred and how the injury continues to affect daily life.
Mistake 5: Attempting to Handle the Case Without Legal Guidance
Personal injury cases involving spinal cord injuries are complex. There are deadlines, procedural rules, and negotiations with insurance companies that can be overwhelming for families already dealing with medical challenges.
Without legal guidance from a personal injury lawyer, it is easy to overlook important evidence or miss critical deadlines. Having legal representation ensures that your rights are protected and that the full extent of your damages is pursued.
Mistake 6: Accepting a Settlement Too Quickly
The financial pressure after a spinal cord injury can be intense. Medical bills start coming in right away, and many families face lost income at the same time. Insurance companies know this and often try to take advantage of the situation by offering a fast settlement. While the offer may feel like relief in the moment, it usually falls far short of what you truly need for long-term care.
A settlement should cover the full scope of damages, not just immediate bills. Before considering any offer, make sure it accounts for:
- Medical treatment costs: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription medications can last for years after the initial injury.
- Ongoing care needs: Some spinal cord injury victims may require in-home nursing assistance, mobility equipment, or domestic services.
- Lost wages and future earning capacity: If you are unable to return to work or must switch to a lower-paying role, the settlement should reflect that loss.
- Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional impact of a spinal cord injury is significant, and compensation should reflect that.
- Home and vehicle modifications: Ramps, lifts, widened doorways, and adapted vehicles may be necessary to regain independence.
- Family support costs: Loved ones may need to reduce work hours or hire help to provide ongoing assistance.
Once you accept a settlement, you cannot reopen your case later. That is why it is critical to understand the long-term costs of the injury before making any decision.
Mistake 7: Waiting Too Long to Take Legal Action
Every state has laws called statutes of limitations that set strict deadlines for filing a personal injury claim. Both North Carolina and South Carolina have a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. Waiting too long to file can mean losing your right to seek compensation altogether.
Starting the legal process early also makes it easier to gather evidence and build a strong case. Witness memories fade, documents get lost, and medical details may become harder to prove with time. Acting promptly preserves your options and puts you in the best position to recover damages.
Mistake 8: Talking About the Accident on Social Media
In today’s world, it is natural to share updates online. However, posting about the accident or your recovery can hurt your case. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys often search social media for information that could be used against you.
A simple photo, comment, or update may be taken out of context and used to argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed. The safest approach is to avoid discussing the accident or your medical condition on social media until your case is resolved.
Speak With Our Spinal Cord Injury Legal Team Today
A spinal cord injury is one of the most challenging events anyone can face. By avoiding these eight mistakes, you can protect your health, preserve your legal rights, and improve your chances of securing the resources needed for the future.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, we encourage you to reach out for help. Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today for a free consultation to learn about your legal options and how our spinal cord injury attorneys can guide you through the next steps.
