A spinal cord injury can be result of a workplace accident, car accident or other unexpected occurrence. The injury can lead to paralysis and disability, which can change a life that was once normal. Surgeries and therapies do not guarantee a 100 percent recovery from a spinal cord injury. Another thing that can contribute to the victim’s woes is the financial impact of costly medical expenses. Fortunately, a person who has suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of another person’s negligence can file a legal claim to obtain compensation.

New Haven readers may find the story of a spinal cord injury victim from the Buffalo, New York, quite interesting. The 33-year-old woman’s life was forever changed following a workplace accident on October 22, 2004. The woman, who was working as a licensed massage therapist and physical therapy assistant, sustained the injury after a 608 pound machine fell on her.

The accident left the woman a quadriplegic. She then filed a lawsuit against the machine’s manufacturer, which she eventually won. The jury awarded her $66.5 million as a settlement.

Now, the woman is a strong advocate for people who are suffering from the same type of injury. She recalls how frustrating it was after she sustained the injuries. The woman said that spinal cord injury victims need to find a new purpose in life, which will help them throughout their recovery.

In this case, the woman is lucky to have received such a generous amount of compensation, which can be used to pay medical bills and other accident-related expenses. Similarly, local residents may file a legal claim if their injuries were a result of another person’s negligence. The amount of compensation depends on the damage, as well as the future expenses of the victim.

Victims may seek legal advice and representation from a knowledgeable legal professional to solidify their claims against the responsible parties. Doing this can increase the chances of receiving the appropriate amount of compensation.

Source: Buffalonews.com, “Life-changing injury has woman striving to fulfill dreams,” Gene Warner, Sep. 25, 2013