There are many myths surrounding spinal cord injuries that may end up hurting your settlement.
Spinal cord injuries are caused when there is damage to the spinal cord or nerves. This type of injury can cause permanent or temporary issues, and the medical treatment that is often required is quite extensive.
It’s why spinal cord injuries are common in car accident claims. However, there are many myths surrounding this type of injury that may end up hurting your settlement. Here are the most common ones:
1. If the Victim Is Young, Rehabilitation Is Easier and Total
A common misconception for really all types of injuries is that when they happen to young people, they are easier to heal. Though it is true that older people can have an increased likelihood of complications, the fact that a person is young is not enough to establish how long it will take them to recover from this type of injury.
The only one that can do that is your doctor. If the insurance company tries to offer a lower settlement because they claim you don’t need as much time to recover as older victims, they are wrong, and you need to push back.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries Are Uncommon in Car Accidents
Another myth is that spinal cord injuries are most commonly caused by falls or direct hits to the spine region. Except, there is no evidence to suggest this is true, and in fact, spinal cord injuries can be very common in high-impact car accidents. The insurance company may ask for additional proof to show that your injury is indeed a cause of the accident, and not something else. But don’t worry, a medical expert can effectively prove it is, based on your medical history and other relevant tests.
3. Doctors or Therapists Can Accurately Predict a Patient’s Recovery
In a car accident claim, the insurance company may bring their own medical expert to weigh in on your case. They do it to show any inconsistencies in your treatment, and sometimes the biggest issue has to with the time for recovery.
The medical expert will claim you can get better in a specific timeframe, usually much lower than the one estimated by your doctor. The insurance company can then use that statement as leverage to lower your settlement. However, it’s almost impossible to predict exactly how long a person will need to recover or how much medical treatment they require. Some data can allow medical experts to assess a potential time frame, but it can’t be used as fact.
Speak With an Attorney
If you’ve been the victim of a car accident and have suffered a spinal cord injury as a result, don’t let these common myths about this condition be used to the insurance company’s advantage. Get in touch with a St. Louis car accident lawyer and work together with them to prepare a strong case that can counter any claims made by the adjuster. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE case evaluation.