Spinal cord injury is a common cause of permanent paralysis and death in both children and adults, and close to 13,000 people are affected every year in the U.S. Although innovative treatments are still in the research stages, victims of spinal cord injuries face tremendous physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one suffered spinal cord injuries because of the carelessness or negligent actions of another, you may be entitled to money damages. You don’t have to suffer in silence; get expert legal guidance from a spinal cord injury attorney specializing in this type of litigation.
Not sure where to turn for powerful advocacy you can trust? The Legal Helpers has access to award-winning lawyers near you. Use our free legal matching service to connect with a skilled spinal cord injury lawyer who is best qualified to seek the compensation you deserve.
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves within the vertebral column that runs from the base of the skull to the waist. These delicate neurons transmit messages between the brain and body in regards to sensation and movement. Therefore, damage or trauma to any of these nerves within the spinal cord can affect motor control, sensation, and reflex capabilities. An acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic injury that compresses, tears, bruises or stretches the spinal cord.
The repercussions and effects depend on the part of the spinal cord that is injured. The higher the injury occurs on the vertebral column, the more disabling the damage. In medical terms, the severity of a spinal cord injury depends on its “completeness.”
In an “incomplete SCI,” the patient maintains some motor control and sensory function below the injured area. They may have more control or feeling on one side of the body and experience varying levels of impairment regarding functional loss.
A “complete SCI” is much more debilitating and results in total loss of motor and sensory function below the site of injury. Unfortunately, close to 50 percent of all spinal cord injuries are classified as complete, which often renders the victims paralyzed.
Quadriplegia, or paralysis of all four limbs, is most prevalent in injuries to the spinal cord of the upper cervical region. Trauma to the thoracic region of the spinal vertebra will generally affect the trunk, bowel, and legs, potentially causing paraplegia.
Motor vehicle accidents and falls from heights are the most common causes of acute spinal cord injury in the United States. However, sports-related accidents and intentional acts of violence can also tear, bruise or compress the spinal cord.
The following data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center underscored the life-altering consequences faced by victims of SCI:
Not surprisingly, the hospital and rehabilitation expenses for treating spinal cord injury are astronomical. Studies indicate that people with quadriplegia will spend close to $800,000 in medical bills during the first year. These financial burdens can put immense strain on victims and their families, but there is no need for the innocent to shoulder these hardships alone. An experienced spinal cord injury attorney can ensure that liable parties are held accountable for your pain and suffering and will work tirelessly to achieve the maximum amount for your claim.
A preventable accident that results in spinal cord injury and disability can be devastating to victims and their families. Secondary complications may include respiratory infections, bowel and bladder control problems, blood clots, muscle wasting, and pressure ulcers.
The best way to protect your rights and pave the way to a favorable outcome is to align yourself with a seasoned attorney with a proven track record of winning similar injury cases. A lawyer who leverages the resources, expertise, and commitment to secure the monetary damages you are rightfully owed.
With a capable advocate in your corner, you have a much stronger chance of achieving compensation for all of your economic and non-economic losses, such as:
While blameless accidents happen every day, most people who suffer spinal cord injuries do so in a car crash or other mishap caused by another individual’s irresponsible or reckless behavior. Given the exorbitant costs associated with treating and managing an SCI, as well as the physical and psychological effects sustained, victims often choose to take legal action to seek justice and some measure of financial security.
Unfortunately, severe spinal cord injury victims often need a lifetime of specialized and costly medical care. It is dire situations like these where having accomplished legal representation can truly help.
The civil justice system can benefit the wrongly injured who a knowledgeable attorney represents. But, with so much at stake after a spinal cord injury, don’t try and navigate the system alone. With assistance from the Legal Helpers, you can connect with a board-certified attorney with in-depth expertise in catastrophic injuries. So, reach out today and request your free claim review!
