(203) 265-2035
free consultation
A spinal cord injury can be devastating. In an instant, your independence, career, and physical well-being may be thrown into uncertainty. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic neck or back injury, you need a Hamden spinal cord injury lawyer.
At Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., we provide the compassionate legal representation necessary to hold negligent parties accountable. We understand that a spinal cord injury claim is not just about a settlement, but about securing the resources you need to rebuild your life.
The spinal cord is the primary pathway for signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When this delicate bundle of nerves is damaged, the results are often permanent. More than 250,000-300,000 people are living with a spinal cord injury in the United States.
Spinal cord injuries are generally classified into two categories:
Whether you or a loved one is dealing with quadriplegia (affecting all four limbs) or paraplegia (affecting the lower half of the body), our legal team can work with medical experts to document the full extent of the impairment.
Hamden’s busy corridors, such as Whitney Avenue and the Merritt Parkway, are frequently the sites of high-impact collisions that lead to spinal trauma. Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
In Connecticut, your recovery may be affected by the state’s comparative negligence law. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage at fault. However, if you are more than 50% responsible, you can’t recover any damages.
Connecticut law allows victims of negligence to pursue damages to cover both financial and emotional losses. Since spinal injuries often require lifetime care, these claims are often of high value. The damages can be economic and non-economic.
Economic damages include hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, long-term home care, and lost wages or earning capacity. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
Time is a critical factor in any personal injury case. In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the injury. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to file a legal claim for compensation. It is important to reach out to a spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., is a personal injury law firm based in Wallingford, Connecticut, with more than 60 years of legal experience. The firm works with clients throughout New Haven, Hamden, Meriden, and the surrounding areas with complex personal injury matters such as motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, dog bites, and premises liability.
In Connecticut, a spinal cord injury is defined as damage to the spinal cord itself or the surrounding nerves, vertebrae, and discs that impairs the body’s ability to send or receive signals. Under the state’s medical and legal standards, these injuries are classified as complete or incomplete. Complete is a total loss of sensation and motor function, and incomplete is where some function remains.
You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a spinal cord injury claim under the state’s General Statutes § 52-584. However, if the injury was not immediately apparent, you must file within two years of discovery, but no later than three years from the date of the accident.
Victims may seek economic damages for losses such as lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages, and necessary home modifications. Non-economic damages are also available for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Compensation may be reduced if the victim is found partially at fault under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule.
In Hamden, Connecticut, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for your spinal cord injury due to the state’s modified comparative negligence rule. As long as your responsibility is 50% or less, you can pursue compensation. However, your final award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 51% or more responsible, you are barred from recovery.
Are you or a loved one facing a spinal cord injury in Hamden due to a fatal car accident or other serious collision? The Hamden spinal cord injury lawyers of Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., are ready to fight for you. As a dedicated personal injury law firm, we can handle the legal complexities so that you can focus on recovery.
When you hire a spinal cord injury lawyer, you can have an advocate by your side who can manage every detail of your claim and fight to secure the full justice and compensation you are entitled to.
★★★★★
“Loughlin Fitzgerald has been instrumental in settling my case. They were always professional, attentive to my needs and dedicated to my case. I’ve never felt left in the dark or wondering what was happening during the 2+ years that my case took to resolve. They were always lovely, professional and knowledgeable about next steps regarding being strategic and getting the outcome I desired for my case. I highly recommend Loughlin Fitzgerald to anyone who is looking to get their case, resolved with professional, knowledgeable and compassionate lawyers.” – Patricia Virella
★★★★★
“Attorney Ringold was exceptional handling a case that was difficult and took years to settle. The firm was very organized and responsive during that time frame. They were personable and understanding. I highly recommend their services.” – Hamisi Grier
★★★★★
“Attorney James and team did a fantastic job with my case. They were attentive, and responsive the whole way through. I would absolutely recommend this firm.” – Brandon Kuziel