Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be among the most devastating injuries a person can endure. These injuries often require lifelong medical care, extensive rehabilitation, and significant personal and financial adjustments. In Georgia personal injury cases, the type of spinal cord damage—specifically, whether it is classified as “incomplete” or “complete”—can significantly impact the value of a legal claim.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys know that understanding this distinction is essential for victims and their families pursuing justice and compensation.
What’s the Difference Between Incomplete and Complete SCIs?
The classification of a spinal cord injury depends on the extent to which the spinal cord has been damaged and how much function remains below the level of injury.
- A complete spinal cord injury means that the brain is no longer able to send signals past the damaged area of the spinal cord, resulting in a total loss of motor and sensory function below that point.
- An incomplete spinal cord injury means that there is still some degree of function or sensation, even if limited.
Examples of incomplete SCIs include:
- Partial limb movement or sensation.
- One side of the body is more affected than the other.
- Varying degrees of bowel, bladder, or sexual function.
While both types can lead to profound life changes, incomplete injuries often allow for some recovery or rehabilitation gains, factors that will play a significant role in a legal settlement.
Why Injury Type Influences Case Value in Georgia
When calculating a spinal cord injury settlement, courts and insurers in Georgia consider many elements: the cost of current and future medical care, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The classification of the injury affects nearly all of these areas.
Complete SCIs usually lead to higher settlement values due to:
- Permanent paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Complete dependence on assistive devices or caregivers.
- No reasonable expectation of significant physical recovery.
Incomplete SCIs, while still serious, may involve:
- Extensive therapy with the potential for improvement.
- A less dramatic shift in lifestyle or independence.
- Ambiguities in prognosis that insurers may try to leverage to lower compensation.
However, incomplete injuries can still command significant settlements, especially when long-term complications, chronic pain, or employment disruptions are well-documented.
How Georgia Law Treats These Claims
In Georgia, personal injury compensation is based on making the injured person “whole” again. For spinal cord injuries, this means calculating not only direct expenses like hospital bills, but also long-term damages such as career loss, home modifications, and emotional toll. Plaintiffs must also be prepared to combat insurance tactics that try to downplay the seriousness of incomplete injuries by focusing only on visible impairment.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to present a complete picture of how your spinal cord injury has changed your life, regardless of its classification.
Get Legal Support for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, understanding the type of injury is only the beginning. Let Ashby Thelen Lowry guide you through the legal process and advocate for the full value of your claim. Contact our Atlanta team today for a free consultation.