Justice and compensation
you rightfully deserve
Injury & Accident Attorney Serving Nearby Areas of Columbus & Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore), Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama
Back injuries are one of the most common types of physical problems people experience. Whether caused by a car wreck on I-185 or by a workplace incident, a back injury can be a painful, debilitating injury.
At the Law Offices of Gary Bruce, our Columbus, GA, back & spinal cord injury lawyers offer personalized assistance to those suffering because of the negligence of others. We offer complimentary in-office and off-site case evaluations to discuss your injury claim. A Columbus personal injury attorney with our firm will evaluate your case and advise you on your next steps. Call today for your free consultation.
Our firm offers complimentary in-office and off-site case evaluations to discuss your injury claim involving a spinal cord injury or other back injury. In this meeting, an attorney will evaluate your case and advise you on moving forward. Call 706-890-5680 today for your free consultation.
Accidents That Can Lead to Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience representing people who have sustained back injuries through the negligence of others. These injuries can occur in ways such as the following:
Workplace accidents: Serious back and spinal cord injuries can occur in workplace environments due to falls from heights, heavy equipment incidents, or unsafe working conditions.
Car accidents: Collisions involving passenger vehicles often generate significant force, which can lead to herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or permanent spinal cord damage.
Truck accidents: Wrecks involving large commercial trucks frequently cause catastrophic spinal injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles.
Motorcycle accidents: Without the protection of a vehicle frame, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to severe back and spinal cord injuries in a collision.
Slip and fall accidents: Falls caused by hazardous property conditions can result in serious spinal trauma, particularly when the impact affects the back or neck.
If you have suffered a back or spinal injury due to the negligence of another person or party, reach out to our legal team. Talk with us about what happened, and we can explain your next steps.
Compensation for Your Recovery Today and Care for Tomorrow
Our firm is headed by Attorney Gary O. Bruce, who has practiced law since 1986. Following any accident injury, we know the importance of obtaining the proper diagnosis. With a proper diagnosis from a hospital like St. Francis-Emory Healthcare or Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside Hospital, you can receive the medical treatment necessary for your recovery. Additionally, it lays the groundwork for a personal injury claim.
With proper and prompt documentation, we can help you seek fair compensation for such economic damages as:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment)
- Future medical care and long-term support needs
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Costs of assistive devices (wheelchairs, braces, etc.)
- Home and vehicle modifications for accessibility
Typically, these damages are assessed based on the bills, invoices, and financial statements we compile for your case. However, they are not the only damages you may seek. You may also be eligible to pursue non-economic damages, the personal impact on your life, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of independence
- Loss of consortium (impact on relationships with a spouse or family)
- Reduced quality of life
We highly encourage clients to seek medical attention and treatment immediately after their injury. The longer you wait, the harder the insurers will push back against any claim we file on your behalf.
Experienced
Spine and Back Injury Lawyers
We have significant experience handling virtually all kinds of back and spinal cord injuries, including those involving the following:
Broken backs
Herniated discs
Slipped discs
Paralysis
Paraplegia
Quadriplegia
Each of these injuries can disrupt every aspect of a person’s life, affecting their ability to work, move independently, and care for themselves, while also placing emotional and financial strain on their family members who must adjust to new daily realities.
Since these injuries often have long-term consequences, it is critical to have the right support in place to protect your health, your finances, and your future. At the Law Offices of Gary Bruce, you can expect the following:
- We provide a free case consultation: You can speak directly with our team about what happened, get your questions answered, and understand your options without any pressure or obligation.
- We set up a meeting at your convenience at the office if you would like: If you prefer, we will meet with you in person at a time that works for you to go through the details and next steps together.
- We protect you from insurance company tactics meant to limit your claim: We step in early to handle communication with insurance companies and help prevent tactics that could reduce or deny your claim.
- We compile, examine, and evaluate your records and bills: Our team gathers the necessary medical records and documentation so you can focus on your recovery instead of paperwork.
- We determine a fair settlement value on the case: We carefully assess the full impact of your injury, including long-term needs, to pursue the compensation you truly deserve.
- We prepare your case for trial if needed: If a fair resolution is not offered, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you every step of the way.
As a law firm rooted right here in the Columbus community, we are here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence at every stage of the process.
The Deadline to File a Spinal Injury Claim and What Happens If You Miss It
In Georgia, there is a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim after a back or spinal cord injury. Known as the statute of limitations, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you miss the deadline, the court will bar your claim, meaning your case cannot move forward. Without the ability to file a lawsuit, you also lose any real leverage in settlement negotiations, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recover compensation.
We must also consider evidence collection and preservation. Evidence can also be lost over time; witness memories fade, records become harder to obtain, and critical details may disappear. Taking action early not only protects your legal rights but also gives you the best opportunity to build a strong, well-supported case.
Steps to Take After a Serious Back or Spinal Cord Injury
After a serious spinal injury, the focus is often on emergency care and stabilization, and you may not be in a position to handle important decisions. In these moments, family members often play a critical role in protecting your health, rights, and future.
- Call 911: Report the incident to the appropriate party, either a building manager, supervisor, or the Columbus Police Department, so that an incident report is created.
- Seek immediate medical care: Prompt medical attention is critical to prevent further damage and to properly document the injury from the very beginning.
- Follow all medical recommendations: Ongoing treatment, therapy, and specialist care not only support recovery but also creates important records that reflect the extent of the injury.
- Document everything you can: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, gather witness information, and keep records of medical visits, expenses, and any changes in condition.
- Avoid speaking with the insurance companies alone: Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize the claim, so it is important to be cautious about what is said before getting legal guidance.
- Keep track of how the injury affects daily life: Noting changes in mobility, pain levels, and independence can help demonstrate the full impact of the injury over time.
- Speak with the Law Offices of Gary Bruce as soon as possible: Early legal guidance can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and ensure the right steps are taken from the start.
Taking these steps early can help protect both your recovery and ability to pursue the full compensation you may need moving forward.
Reach Out to Your Neighborhood Lawyers at the Law Offices of Gary Bruce
In whatever way a back injury has affected you or someone you love, the Law Offices of Gary Bruce has the resources to handle your claim effectively. Contact us today by calling 706-890-5680 for your free initial consultation.
The Law Offices of Gary Bruce is located across from the Government Center in downtown Columbus, Georgia. Weekend and evening appointments can be scheduled upon request. Our firm serves clients in Fort Benning (formerly Fort Moore) and nearby Georgia communities, as well as Phenix City and adjacent areas of Alabama.
Columbus, Georgia, Bus Accident Claim FAQs
How much is my back or spinal cord injury case worth?
The value of your case depends on factors like the severity of your injury, long-term medical needs, lost income, and how your life has been affected. The Law Offices of Gary Bruce works to fully assess these damages to pursue fair compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Missing this deadline means the court will bar your case, eliminating your ability to recover compensation.
Will I have to go to court?
Many cases are resolved through settlement, but if a fair offer is not made, the Law Offices of Gary Bruce is prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you.
What if I cannot afford medical treatment right now?
You may still have options, and the Law Offices of Gary Bruce can help coordinate care while your case is pending so that you can focus on your recovery.
Proudly Serving
Those Who Serve
The military personnel and families of Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore) are highly valued and respected members of our community. It is our honor to help service members at home and abroad with their legal needs. We frequently work with the Judge Advocate General office of Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore) to protect our client’s rights and coordinate health care benefits.
If you live on Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore) or Ft. Mitchell, or in Columbus or Phenix City, we want to hear from you. We understand that your schedule may require special planning, and we are happy to work with you to find a convenient time and place to meet. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Bruce today to learn more about our legal services for military families.
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, please call the Law Offices of Gary Bruce today at (706) 596-1446 to discuss your case for free. We welcome clients in and around Columbus and Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore), Georgia, as well as Phenix City, Alabama, and surrounding areas.
