Brain And Spinal Cord Injuries Attorney With Decades Of Trial Experience

A brain or spinal cord injury can change nearly every part of a person’s life. Families may face urgent medical decisions, lost income and uncertainty about the care their loved one will need in the years ahead.

I am attorney Jonny Waara. At Waara Law, I represent people with catastrophic injuries in Negaunee and throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With more than 30 years of legal experience, I have the skill and resources to handle complex claims involving serious neurological trauma.

Types Of Brain And Spinal Cord Injuries

Brain and spinal cord injuries vary in severity, but even an injury that first appears manageable can have lasting effects.

Traumatic brain injuries may include:

• Concussions and brain contusions
• Bleeding or swelling in the brain
• Diffuse axonal injuries
• Penetrating head injuries
• Loss of oxygen to the brain

A brain injury may affect memory, concentration, speech, mood, balance and judgment. Some people cannot return to the same work or live as independently as they did before the accident.

Spinal cord injuries may cause:

• Partial or complete paralysis
• Loss of movement or sensation
• Chronic pain and muscle weakness
• Breathing or organ complications
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

As a brain and spinal cord injuries lawyer, I work to understand the full effect of the injury rather than focusing only on the initial diagnosis.

Planning For A Lifetime Of Care

The cost of a catastrophic injury often extends far beyond the first hospital stay. A personal injury claim should consider both current expenses and the care the injured person may need throughout life.

Short-term needs may include surgery, hospital care, medication, rehabilitation and time away from work. Long-term needs may involve:

• Physical, occupational or speech therapy
• In-home nursing or personal care
• Wheelchairs and other medical equipment
• Home or vehicle modifications
• Future surgeries and specialist treatment
• Counseling and cognitive therapy
• Lost earning capacity
• Assistance with daily activities

A brain injury attorney or spinal cord injury attorney may work with medical specialists, vocational professionals, economists and life-care planners to estimate these future needs. Careful planning is vital because a settlement generally must account for costs that may continue for decades.

Building A Strong Catastrophic Injury Claim

These cases often involve extensive medical records, expert opinions and disputes over the injured person’s future. Insurance companies may question whether every symptom came from the accident or argue that less care will be needed.

I gather evidence that explains how the injury occurred, how it affects daily life and what treatment may be necessary. I also prepare the case with the courtroom in mind if the responsible party refuses to offer fair compensation.

Answering Your Questions About Catastrophic Injury Claims

Families facing these injuries often need clear answers about the legal process and filing deadlines.

How are brain and spinal cord injury cases different from standard personal injury claims?

Catastrophic injury cases usually involve higher medical costs, longer recovery periods and greater future needs. They may require several medical and financial experts to explain the injury, long-term outlook, lost earning ability and lifetime cost of care.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after suffering a catastrophic spinal cord injury?

Michigan generally gives an injured person three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Different deadlines may apply to medical malpractice, government claims and certain insurance benefits, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Protect Your Family’s Future After A Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury claim must account for more than today’s medical bills. I can help your family document the long-term care, lost income and daily support the injury may require. Contact Waara Law at 906-351-5545 or reach out online to arrange a free consultation.