Spinal cord injuries can happen in a flash—but the physical, emotional, and financial damage often lasts a lifetime. Whether your injury occurred in a car crash near Jackson, a fall at a construction site in Biloxi, or due to a defective product in Hattiesburg, knowing what to do in the aftermath is critical.
I’m Jonathan Barrett, a Mississippi spinal cord injury lawyer with decades of experience helping individuals and families fight for justice after catastrophic injuries. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we guide clients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives—and help them pursue full compensation under Mississippi law.
If you or a loved one sustained a spinal cord injury in Mississippi, you may feel overwhelmed. But taking the right legal and medical steps immediately can protect your health, your rights, and your future.
Let’s go over what you need to know.
Why Spinal Cord Injuries Require Immediate Action
Spinal cord trauma doesn’t just cause back pain—it can alter or end your ability to walk, work, or even breathe independently. Every moment counts when it comes to emergency medical treatment and protecting your legal rights. Here’s why prompt action matters:
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Evidence disappears quickly (especially in motor vehicle or workplace accidents)
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Insurance companies begin investigating immediately—and often with their own interests in mind
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You may only have three years to file a lawsuit under Mississippi Code § 15-1-49
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Medical documentation must be thorough and consistent from day one to support a future claim
What to Do Immediately After a Spinal Cord Injury in Mississippi
1. Seek Emergency Medical Attention Immediately
The most important step is ensuring your health and safety. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if symptoms suggest spinal cord damage:
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Loss of sensation in limbs
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Inability to move
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Tingling or numbness
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Pain radiating down the spine
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Loss of bowel or bladder control
Even if the injury seems minor, always get evaluated. Inflammation around the spinal cord can worsen in the hours after trauma.
2. Preserve Evidence (or Ask Someone to Help)
If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and anything that contributed to the incident (such as icy steps, damaged equipment, or wrecked vehicles).
If you are unable, ask a family member, friend, or coworker to collect this information. You’ll want:
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Witness names and contact information
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Police or incident reports
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Insurance information for others involved
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Photos of the location, lighting, or safety hazards
3. Do Not Speak to the Insurance Company Yet
Insurers often contact injury victims quickly—but their goal is to minimize payouts, not ensure you receive full compensation. You’re not required to give a recorded statement or sign anything without first speaking to an attorney.
An early settlement offer may sound appealing, but it almost never covers long-term care, lost income, or future expenses tied to spinal cord injury recovery.
4. Contact a Mississippi Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
The sooner you speak with a personal injury attorney, the more protection you have. At Barrett Law, we begin building your case immediately:
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Investigating liability
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Preserving physical and digital evidence
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Consulting medical and financial experts
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Calculating damages for current and future losses
The clock is ticking—Mississippi law allows three years from the date of injury to file suit, but acting quickly gives you the best chance to recover maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Mississippi
Some of the most frequent causes of spinal cord trauma in Mississippi include:
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Auto Accidents – Rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, and rollovers on I-55, I-20, or rural highways often cause violent whiplash and spinal trauma.
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Falls – Falls from scaffolding, stairs, or poorly maintained property can cause compression fractures and nerve damage.
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Workplace Accidents – Especially in construction, logging, agriculture, and oilfield work, falling objects, heavy machinery, or unsafe conditions often lead to serious injury.
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Medical Malpractice – Surgical errors, delayed diagnosis, or improper treatment of spinal injuries can worsen damage.
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Acts of Violence – Gunshot wounds or assaults affecting the spine may lead to permanent paralysis.
Every injury is different. We tailor each claim to the facts, the client’s recovery prognosis, and the specific losses suffered.
Understanding Mississippi Law on Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Under Mississippi Code § 15-1-49, most personal injury lawsuits—including spinal cord claims—must be filed within three years of the date of injury. However, certain exceptions exist:
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Medical Malpractice – Claims must be brought within two years under § 15-1-36
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Government Entities – Claims against city, county, or state agencies have shorter notice periods and filing deadlines
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Minor Victims – The clock may not start until a minor turns 18
In all cases, building a strong claim involves showing:
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Duty of Care – The at-fault party owed you a duty (e.g., a driver must follow traffic laws)
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Breach of Duty – That duty was breached (e.g., distracted driving, unsafe property conditions)
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Causation – The breach directly caused your spinal injury
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Damages – You suffered measurable harm (medical bills, pain, lost income, etc.)
Who Is Affected by Spinal Cord Injuries—and How Barrett Law Can Help
Spinal cord injuries can affect anyone—but common clients include:
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Drivers and passengers in high-speed crashes
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Construction and industrial workers exposed to unsafe working conditions
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Elderly individuals who fall due to unsafe premises
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Athletes injured due to defective sports gear or negligent supervision
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we work with:
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Neurologists and spine specialists to understand medical prognosis
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Vocational experts to quantify lost earning capacity
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Life-care planners to map out future care needs
Our goal is full compensation—not just for today’s bills, but for a lifetime of care and quality of life.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Mississippi Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
Potential compensation in a spinal cord injury case may include:
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Emergency and long-term medical expenses
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Rehabilitation and assistive technology (wheelchairs, lifts, etc.)
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Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Mental anguish and emotional distress
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Modifications to home or vehicle
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Loss of consortium (for spouses or partners)
In some cases, punitive damages may apply if the defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent or intentional.
Bad Faith and Insurance Denials in Spinal Injury Claims
Insurers often undervalue spinal cord injury cases or wrongfully deny legitimate claims. This is known as bad faith, and Mississippi law allows additional recovery if an insurance company acts unreasonably.
Examples of bad faith include:
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Unreasonably delaying payment
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Failing to properly investigate the claim
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Offering substantially less than the claim’s value
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Denying without a clear explanation
When this happens, we fight not only for full benefits—but punitive damages for bad faith conduct.
Mississippi Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit
FAQs:
How do I know if I have a spinal cord injury claim?
If your spinal injury was caused by someone else’s negligence—such as a reckless driver, careless property owner, or employer—you may have a valid claim. Speaking with an attorney can help determine your legal options.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Mississippi?
Most spinal cord injury lawsuits must be filed within three years, but shorter deadlines may apply in cases involving medical malpractice or government entities. Act quickly to preserve your right to sue.
Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Will the settlement cover future expenses?
Yes, if properly calculated. A full settlement or verdict should account for future medical care, therapy, assistive devices, home modifications, and lost future income.
What if my injury occurred at work?
You may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party personal injury lawsuit—especially if a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer was also at fault.
How much is my spinal cord injury case worth?
The value depends on injury severity, future care needs, and the degree of impairment. Serious spinal injuries involving paralysis or lifelong disability often result in six- or seven-figure settlements or verdicts.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?
While not legally required, spinal injury cases are complex and high-stakes. Insurance companies hire defense lawyers immediately. Having an experienced attorney helps level the playing field and maximize your recovery.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle out of court. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to increase leverage and secure stronger settlements.
How much does it cost to hire Barrett Law, PLLC?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we recover money for you. Your initial consultation is always free.
What if my loved one suffered a fatal spinal injury?
You may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Damages can include funeral costs, lost companionship, lost income, and more.
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
When a spinal cord injury turns your world upside down, you need experienced legal counsel who understands the long road ahead. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we fight for individuals and families across Mississippi who deserve answers, accountability, and financial recovery after catastrophic injury.
From Jackson to Gulfport, Southaven to Biloxi, and every community in between, we represent spinal cord injury victims and their families in:
Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Greenville, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, and Brandon, MS.
We’re here when you need us. Call anytime, day or night:
📞 (601) 790-1505 – FREE consultation – No fee unless we win
