Suffering a spinal cord injury is life-altering. For many Mississippi families, this type of injury brings unimaginable physical, emotional, and financial strain. When the injury is caused by someone else’s negligence—such as a careless driver, unsafe property, or a defective product—legal action may be necessary to ensure your future is protected.
One of the first questions injury victims ask is: How long do I have to file a lawsuit? Under Mississippi law, strict time limits apply. Waiting too long can mean permanently losing the right to seek compensation, even if your injuries are severe or life-threatening.
I’m Jonathan Barrett, and for decades I’ve represented spinal cord injury victims and their families across Mississippi. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we understand what’s at stake. We’ve helped clients from all corners of the state—Jackson, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Oxford, and beyond—recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury due to another person’s carelessness, don’t wait. Below, I’ll explain the legal timelines, common causes, your rights under Mississippi law, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Mississippi’s Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits
In Mississippi, most personal injury lawsuits—including those involving spinal cord injuries—must be filed within three years from the date of the injury. This deadline is set by Mississippi Code § 15-1-49, the general statute of limitations for civil actions.
Failing to file within the three-year window almost always results in your case being dismissed, regardless of the injury’s severity or the other party’s fault. However, there are exceptions:
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Discovery Rule: If you didn’t discover your injury until later (such as after surgery or testing), the clock may begin at the time of discovery.
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Claims Against the Government: If your injury involved a state or local agency (e.g., a public hospital), Mississippi Tort Claims Act applies. This drastically shortens the deadline to 1 year and requires formal notice within 90 days of the incident.
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Wrongful Death Cases: When spinal cord injuries result in death, the clock typically starts on the date of death, not the injury.
This is why it’s critical to speak to a lawyer quickly after the injury occurs. A short delay can make the difference between recovering what you’re owed—or walking away with nothing.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Mississippi
Spinal cord injuries occur suddenly, often in devastating circumstances. Some of the most common incidents we handle at Barrett Law, PLLC include:
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Car and Truck Crashes: High-speed collisions often result in traumatic injuries to the neck and spine. Mississippi’s highways and rural roads are frequent sites of these crashes.
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Motorcycle Accidents: Riders face direct impact with little protection, making spinal trauma more likely.
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Falls from Heights or Unsafe Premises: Construction sites, retail stores, and private property can all become accident scenes when safety is ignored.
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Violent Acts: Gunshots, assaults, or physical altercations can damage the spinal cord.
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Medical Negligence: Surgical errors or failure to detect infections near the spine may also cause life-changing harm.
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Defective Products: Malfunctioning car parts, safety equipment, or machinery can lead to serious injury.
Who Is Affected and Why Legal Help Matters
Spinal cord injuries don’t just affect individuals—they change entire families. Victims often experience:
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Paralysis (Paraplegia or Quadriplegia)
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Chronic pain or loss of sensation
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Loss of bladder and bowel control
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Respiratory complications
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Emotional trauma and depression
This level of damage affects relationships, careers, and long-term health. Families may face millions in lifetime care expenses.
Barrett Law, PLLC works with both medical and economic experts to document these long-term costs. We fight for justice—not just for the injuries you’ve suffered today, but for the decades of care, treatment, and challenges ahead.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of spinal cord injuries in Mississippi may be eligible to receive compensation for:
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Past and future medical expenses
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Rehabilitation and assistive devices
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Lost wages and loss of future earnings
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Home modifications or long-term care
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Pain and suffering
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Emotional distress
In cases of gross negligence, you may also be entitled to punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct.
How Insurance Companies Try to Avoid Paying
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to act in bad faith. This means they intentionally delay, deny, or underpay valid claims. Tactics may include:
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Claiming your injuries were pre-existing
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Blaming you for the accident
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Offering lowball settlements
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Refusing to respond to claims
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Hiring biased doctors to downplay injuries
Under Mississippi law, you may sue an insurer for bad faith when they unreasonably deny or mishandle a legitimate claim. That’s where we step in. Barrett Law has extensive experience holding insurers accountable and recovering additional damages in these cases.
Practical Steps After a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, here’s what you should do immediately:
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Get Medical Attention – Prioritize treatment and documentation.
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Do Not Give Recorded Statements – Especially to insurance companies.
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Preserve Evidence – Photos, witness contact info, police reports.
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Document Expenses and Care – Keep a detailed log of all costs and care routines.
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Speak to an Attorney Quickly – The sooner we’re involved, the stronger your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits in Mississippi
How long do I have to sue for a spinal cord injury in Mississippi?
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years from the date of injury under Mississippi Code § 15-1-49. However, government-related cases have shorter timelines, and certain exceptions may apply based on discovery or special circumstances.
What if my injury happened a while ago but I only just realized it was serious?
Mississippi does allow a “discovery rule” in some cases, where the clock starts when the injury is reasonably discovered. These cases are rare and fact-specific, so consult a lawyer immediately.
Can I sue if my spinal injury was partially my fault?
Yes. Mississippi follows a pure comparative fault system. You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries in Mississippi?
Vehicle accidents, falls, workplace injuries, violence, and medical malpractice are among the leading causes. Each type of claim involves different legal strategies and liability concerns.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?
You may have a valid bad faith case against the insurer. Barrett Law can investigate the denial and, if it’s unreasonable or improper, file a lawsuit for additional damages beyond your initial claim.
Can I recover lost wages or future income?
Yes. If your injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, your legal claim can include those economic losses. We use economists and vocational experts to calculate these future damages.
Do I need an attorney to file a lawsuit for spinal cord injury?
While the law allows you to file without a lawyer, it’s not advised. These cases involve medical experts, legal strategy, negotiation, and litigation. Barrett Law brings decades of experience handling complex injury claims.
How are damages calculated in a spinal cord injury case?
Damages are based on medical bills, lost income, future care needs, pain and suffering, and life impact. There’s no fixed formula—every case is unique and requires careful legal and medical analysis.
What’s the average settlement for a spinal cord injury case in Mississippi?
There is no standard amount. Severe cases involving paralysis can result in settlements or verdicts reaching into the millions. Outcomes depend on the evidence, severity of injury, insurance coverage, and legal representation.
How does Barrett Law, PLLC help with spinal injury cases?
We manage the legal fight while you focus on healing. Our firm gathers evidence, handles insurers, hires experts, and pursues full compensation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Have You or Your Loved One Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury in Mississippi?
Call Mississippi Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
Spinal cord injuries can permanently alter your life—but with the right legal help, you can secure the resources you need to move forward. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we fight for justice, accountability, and the financial support our clients deserve.
Our firm represents spinal cord injury victims across the entire State of Mississippi, including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Greenville, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, and Brandon.
Let us take the burden off your shoulders—so you and your family can heal.
