Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the most severe cases that car accident and medical malpractice victims suffer. These injuries limit mobility, and sometimes, victims never walk or move correctly again. A spinal cord injury is a severe medical condition that primarily affects the spine and neck. Wounds or other damage can occur to the nervous system when this happens. This could be at or near the end of the spine.
Filing a claim with such an injury may require legal support. People who suffer from spinal cord injuries are often unable to work. This means they earn no income, leaving them destitute as they face expensive ongoing medical care needs.
The Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
An injury to the spinal cord can cause temporary or permanent disability and even result in death. Several factors can cause spinal cord injuries, and each element can be the result of an accident or medical malpractice. The most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
Trauma
According to a recent report, trauma is one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries accounting for about half of all cases. Trauma includes motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, falls, violent acts, and other accidents that tremendously impact the spine. Many victims sustain long-term injuries after such accidents or incidents.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents significantly contribute to spinal cord injury; about 12,000 people suffer from spinal cord injuries due to automobile crashes every year. Rear-end collisions are relatively common for spinal cord injuries and accidents at intersections.
Falls
Although falls are more likely to result in broken bones, they account for more than 25% of new spinal cord injuries each year. Falls are prevalent among older adults and often result in permanent damage to the spine and spinal cord.
Violent Acts
Spinal cord injuries also commonly occur due to gunshot wounds or stabbings resulting from violent crimes. About 1,300 people experience these injuries each year due to violence and assault.
Disease or Disorder
Many diseases and disorders can cause spinal cord injuries over time. These include Multiple sclerosis (MS), Myelitis, Transverse myelitis (TM), Spina bifida, Degenerative disc disease, and Osteoarthritis that causes bone spurs to form on spinal vertebrae.
Sports and Recreational Activities
Many sports involve a significant risk of sustaining a spinal cord injury or other traumatic brain injuries. The most common activities that cause spinal cord injuries include diving into shallow water, contact sports like football, and cycling. These injuries can also occur during extreme sports, such as motocross racing, street luging, and skateboarding.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
Spinal cord injuries occur due to rapid, traumatic spinal blows, fracturing or dislocating vertebrae. These injuries may also damage the ligaments and discs in the spine and rupture the membranes that protect the spinal cord. The most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include one or a combination of the following:
- Pain or an intense stinging sensation
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sense, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty with bowel and bladder control
- Difficulty in breathing or coughing
- Loss of sexual function
Compensation in Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are usually devastating, life-altering, and extremely expensive to manage or treat. They can result in pain, suffering, and disability, often leaving victims with substantial medical expenses and a loss of income. If you sustain a spinal injury at 25 years old, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1.5 million to almost $5 million on living expenses and medical care over the course of your lifetime. Here are some of the types of compensation that can help alleviate the financial burden:
- Workers’ Compensation:If you have suffered a spinal cord injury while working, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and medical care. These benefits should cover medical expenses, time lost from work, and other costs related to your injury.
- Personal Injury Compensation: If your spinal cord injury was due to someone else’s negligence, such as a car accident or a slip and fall, you might be entitled to damages through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. You could receive compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, loss of income, and disability.
- Social Security Disability Benefits:If your SCI prevents you from returning to work for an extended period, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The social security disability benefits have specific rules regarding what constitutes a disability for each condition.
Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent physical impairment. If you’ve been paralyzed or disabled because of this injury, contact a lawyer immediately to review the compensation you deserve. The award is intended to help financially with your needs, now and in the future.
Role of an Aventura Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
For many victims suffering from SCI, the financial burden associated with their injuries often causes them to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you’re trying to resolve your injury case on your own, it may be time to consider hiring an Aventura spinal cord injury lawyer. An Aventura spinal cord injury lawyer could help you pursue a claim for compensation against the at-fault party or parties.
Hiring a lawyer could allow you to recover from your injuries while still protecting your rights. An attorney’s primary role is to alleviate your legal concerns and streamline the settlement process. Lawyers are experienced in handling these cases, representing victims in court, and fighting for fair settlements. Depending on your case; your lawyer will investigate your claim, value the damages, and represent you in negotiations with insurers or during court proceedings.
Let Us Handle Your Claim
If you’ve been left with a spinal cord injury, you will want a lawyer who understands how to defend your rights. At the Dolman Law Group, we’re ready to handle your spinal cord injury claim. We don’t charge upfront fees or costs to start working on your case, so don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
20803 Biscayne Boulevard Suite 101,
Aventura, FL 33180
(954) 302-7068
What Our Clients Have to Say:
“So happy I chose Dolman Law Group!!! My experience with the law firm right from the start was fast, friendly and understanding. I started treatment for my injury right away, and while I was focusing on getting better the firm was fighting for me. Incredibly happy with the outcome, thank you to Brent and the team for all the hard work and updates.”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chelsey Lambert
January 2019
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