Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Biloxi, MS
Catastrophic spinal injuries demand skilled legal advocacy from attorneys who understand the profound medical, financial, and personal challenges these cases present. At Maloney-Lyons Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, our Biloxi attorneys have decades of combined experience securing substantial compensation for victims whose lives have been forever altered by preventable accidents.
Free Case Review With a Biloxi Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
When a spinal cord injury changes your life forever, you need experienced legal representation you can trust. At Maloney-Lyons Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, we handle catastrophic injury cases with the personal attention they deserve. Every client works directly with an experienced attorney from start to finish, not a case manager or junior staff member.
Call (228) 374-5151 today for your free consultation with a Biloxi spinal cord injury lawyer.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is damage to the bundle of nerves that runs from your brain down through your spine. This means your brain can no longer send signals to control movement and feeling in parts of your body below the injury site. The damage often causes permanent paralysis and other life-changing complications that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
What Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Qualify for a Claim?
Any spinal cord injury caused by another person’s negligence can lead to a legal claim for compensation. These injuries fall into two main categories based on how much function you lose.
Complete spinal cord injuries mean you have no movement or feeling below where the injury happened. Incomplete spinal cord injuries mean you still have some movement or sensation below the injury site. Both types can result from accidents caused by someone else’s careless actions.
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Affect Breathing, Mobility and Daily Life?
Spinal cord injuries create devastating changes that affect every aspect of your life and your family’s future. The location of your injury determines which body functions are affected and how severely.
Physical consequences often include:
- Paralysis: Complete or partial loss of movement in arms, legs, or entire body
- Breathing problems: Injuries to the neck area can affect your ability to breathe on your own
- Loss of sensation: You may not feel touch, temperature, or pain in affected areas
- Bladder and bowel control: Many people lose control of these basic functions
- Chronic pain: Nerve damage can cause constant, severe pain
- Secondary health issues: Infections, blood clots, and pressure sores become serious risks
The emotional toll on you and your loved ones can be just as overwhelming as the physical challenges. Families often struggle with depression, anxiety, and the stress of caring for someone with such extensive needs.
What Causes Spinal Cord Injuries in Biloxi?
Most spinal cord injuries happen suddenly during accidents that could have been prevented. We represent clients whose injuries resulted from various types of negligence throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Motor vehicle accidents cause the majority of these devastating injuries. High-speed crashes on Interstate 10 and Highway 90 often involve distracted drivers, drunk drivers, or truckers who violate safety rules. Workplace accidents also frequently cause spinal injuries, especially in construction, maritime, and industrial settings around Biloxi.
Other common causes include:
- Slip and fall accidents at casinos, stores, or poorly maintained properties
- Medical malpractice during surgery or emergency treatment
- Defective products that fail and cause crashes or falls
- Acts of violence or assault
What Compensation Can I Recover in Mississippi?
When someone else’s negligence causes your spinal cord injury, Mississippi law allows you to seek full compensation for all your losses. These damages are divided into two main categories.
Economic damages cover your financial losses with specific dollar amounts. Medical expenses include all costs for emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and future care needs. Lost wages compensate you for income you’ve already missed and your reduced ability to earn money in the future. You can also recover costs for modifying your home and vehicle to accommodate your disability.
Non-economic damages compensate you for losses that don’t have a specific price tag. Pain and suffering covers the physical discomfort and emotional distress you experience. Loss of enjoyment of life addresses how your injury prevents you from participating in activities you once loved. Mental anguish accounts for depression, anxiety, and other psychological impacts.
Mississippi generally caps non-economic damages at $1 million in most personal injury cases, though exceptions may apply in cases involving gross negligence.
How Much Is My Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?
No two spinal cord injury cases have the same value because every person’s situation is unique. The compensation you can recover depends on several important factors that our attorneys evaluate carefully.
The severity and permanence of your injury plays the biggest role in determining value. A complete injury that causes quadriplegia typically results in higher compensation than an incomplete injury with some remaining function. Your age and occupation before the accident also matter significantly, as younger victims and those in higher-paying careers face greater lifetime losses.
Other key factors include:
- Total medical costs: Both past treatment and estimated future care expenses
- Available insurance coverage: The at-fault party’s policy limits affect maximum recovery
- Strength of evidence: Clear proof of negligence leads to better outcomes
- Your percentage of fault: Any responsibility you share reduces your compensation
The lifetime costs of severe spinal cord injuries often reach into the millions of dollars. Contact our Biloxi office at (228) 374-5151 to discuss what your specific case might be worth.
What If I Am Partly at Fault in Mississippi?
You can still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident that caused your injury. Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule that reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury finds you 30% responsible for a car crash and awards $2 million in damages, you would receive $1.4 million. This system ensures that victims can still get help with their enormous expenses even when they made some mistakes that contributed to their accident.
How Maloney-Lyons Builds Your Case
Our comprehensive approach to spinal cord injury cases ensures we build the strongest possible claim for maximum compensation. We handle every detail so you can focus on your recovery and adapting to your new circumstances.
Step 1: Investigate the Crash or Incident
We immediately begin preserving evidence before it disappears or gets destroyed. Our team photographs the accident scene, interviews witnesses while their memories are fresh, and obtains all police reports and official records. We also work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to prove exactly how your injury occurred.
Step 2: Secure Experts and a Life Care Plan
Building a winning spinal cord injury case requires testimony from medical specialists who understand your condition. We work with neurologists, physiatrists, and other experts to document the full extent of your injuries. Life care planners create detailed reports showing what care and equipment you’ll need for the rest of your life.
Step 3: Calculate Lifetime Care and Lost Earnings
Our attorneys work with economists and vocational experts to calculate the true cost of your injury. This includes not just your immediate medical bills, but decades of future treatment, assistive equipment, home modifications, and lost income. We also account for inflation and changing medical needs as you age.
Step 4: Negotiate With Insurers or File Suit
Armed with compelling evidence and expert testimony, we engage in aggressive negotiations with insurance companies. We’re always prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial if insurers refuse to offer fair compensation. Our reputation as skilled trial lawyers often motivates better settlement offers.
Step 5: Prepare for Trial in Harrison County
As experienced trial attorneys with a local Biloxi office, we know the Harrison County court system inside and out. We understand what local juries expect to see and how to present your case in the most compelling way possible. This local knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage.
Who Pays My Medical Bills Now?
The mounting cost of medical treatment creates immediate financial stress for families dealing with spinal cord injuries. Several options may help cover these expenses while you pursue your legal claim.
Health Insurance, MedPay and Liens
Your health insurance typically provides the first line of coverage for medical expenses. If your injury happened in a car accident, your auto insurance policy’s Medical Payments coverage may also apply regardless of who caused the crash.
When insurance coverage isn’t enough, we can arrange for medical providers to treat you under a lien agreement. This means they agree to wait for payment until your case settles, allowing you to get necessary care without upfront costs.
Workers’ Comp and Jones Act Benefits
Workplace injuries may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits that cover all medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. Maritime workers injured offshore or on navigable waters may be entitled to benefits under the Jones Act, which often provides more generous compensation than standard workers’ comp.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Biloxi Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
At Maloney-Lyons Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, we believe everyone deserves access to experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Our fee structure ensures you can get the legal help you need without any upfront costs.
Contingency Fees Explained
We handle all spinal cord injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, typically 33% to 40% depending on whether your case settles or goes to trial.
Case Costs and Expenses
We also advance all the costs required to build a strong case, including expert witness fees, medical record copying charges, court filing fees, and deposition costs. You don’t pay these expenses out of your own pocket, and we only recover them if we win your case.
Learn more about our no-upfront-cost representation by calling (228) 374-5151 today.
Why Choose Maloney-Lyons Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers?
The attorney you choose after a catastrophic injury makes all the difference in your outcome and experience. Our firm stands apart from larger personal injury mills that treat clients like case numbers.
Direct attorney contact: You work directly with David Maloney or Randall Lyons from your first call through final resolution. We don’t hand your case off to paralegals or junior associates.
Local Biloxi presence: Our office location means we understand Harrison County courts, local judges, and how to effectively present cases to Mississippi Gulf Coast juries.
Catastrophic injury focus: We concentrate on serious injury cases that require extensive resources and specialized knowledge. This focus allows us to achieve better results for our clients.
Personal attention: We limit our caseload to ensure every client receives the individual attention their case deserves. You’re never just another file on our desk.
Local Spinal Injury Cases We Handle
Our deep roots in the Biloxi community and extensive experience throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast position us to handle complex spinal injury claims arising from any type of accident.
Car and Truck Crashes in Biloxi
We represent victims of devastating crashes on major roadways like Interstate 10, Highway 90, and local streets throughout Harrison County. These accidents often involve distracted drivers texting while driving, drunk drivers, or commercial truckers who violate federal safety regulations.
Falls and Premises Liability
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. We hold negligent businesses accountable when dangerous conditions at casinos, retail stores, restaurants, or apartment complexes cause falls that result in spinal injuries.
Medical Negligence Causing Paralysis
Healthcare providers sometimes make tragic mistakes during surgery, emergency treatment, or diagnostic procedures that damage the spinal cord. We investigate these complex cases and pursue claims against hospitals, doctors, and other medical professionals whose errors cause permanent paralysis.
Workplace and Offshore Injuries
The Mississippi Gulf Coast’s economy depends heavily on maritime industries, construction, and manufacturing that pose significant risks to workers. We advocate for employees injured at the Port of Gulfport, on offshore oil rigs, at shipyards, and on construction sites throughout the region.
What To Do After a Suspected Spinal Cord Injury
The actions you take immediately after an accident that may have injured your spinal cord can significantly impact both your health outcomes and legal rights. Following the right steps protects both your physical recovery and your ability to seek compensation.
Step 1: Get Emergency Care and Follow Orders
Never attempt to move if you suspect a spinal cord injury, as movement can worsen the damage. Call 911 immediately and let paramedics properly immobilize and transport you. Follow all medical advice strictly, including attending every follow-up appointment and therapy session your doctors recommend.
Step 2: Avoid Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters for the at-fault party will likely contact you soon after your accident asking for a recorded statement about what happened. Politely decline to give any recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney, as these recordings are often used to deny or minimize your claim later.
Step 3: Call Our Biloxi Office
Contact an experienced spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Early legal involvement ensures crucial evidence gets preserved and prevents insurance companies from taking advantage of your vulnerable situation.
Deadlines for Mississippi Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Mississippi law sets strict time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits, and missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to seek compensation. Understanding these time limits is crucial for protecting your legal rights.
Most personal injury cases in Mississippi must be filed within three years of the accident date. However, medical malpractice claims generally have a shorter two-year deadline. Claims against government entities may have even shorter notice requirements, sometimes as brief as 90 days.
Don’t wait to seek legal advice, as crucial evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade over time. The sooner we can begin investigating your case, the stronger your claim will be.
Our Biloxi Office and Service Area
From our Biloxi office, Maloney-Lyons Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers proudly serves clients throughout Harrison County and the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our service area includes Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Long Beach, Pass Christian, and surrounding communities.
We also represent injury victims across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, bringing the same level of personal attention and legal expertise to clients throughout our four-state service region. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in multiple jurisdictions and have the resources to handle complex cases anywhere in the Southeast.
Visit our Biloxi office or call (228) 374-5151 to schedule your free, confidential consultation with an experienced spinal cord injury attorney today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Expect During My First Meeting With a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
Your initial consultation will focus on understanding your accident, reviewing your medical records, and explaining your legal options in plain terms. We’ll discuss the strength of your case, potential compensation, and what to expect during the legal process.
How Long Do Spinal Cord Injury Cases Take to Resolve in Mississippi?
Some cases settle relatively quickly, while complex claims requiring extensive medical treatment or disputed liability can take significantly longer. Cases that go to trial can take two to three years or more to reach a final resolution.
Can I Sue if My Spinal Cord Injury Was Caused by Medical Malpractice?
Yes, if a healthcare provider’s negligent care caused or worsened your spinal injury, you can file a medical malpractice claim. These cases require expert medical testimony to prove the provider violated the standard of care.
Will I Receive Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for My Accident?
Mississippi’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially responsible for your accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive substantial compensation.
Do Most Spinal Cord Injury Cases Go to Trial?
The majority of personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to better settlement offers from insurers who know we’re ready to fight in court.
What Evidence Strengthens My Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
Key evidence includes complete medical records documenting your injury and treatment, accident reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and expert testimony about your future care needs and financial losses.