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Every year, the United States records approximately 11,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries.

Such injuries arise from damage to the cells and nerves connecting the brain to the spinal cord, which extends from the brain down to the lower back. The spinal cord is among the most delicate organs in the human body, and even a single forceful impact can have life-altering consequences. Given the severity and long-term implications of spinal cord injuries, particularly those resulting from someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to consult with our highly skilled attorneys. Our attorney team is well-equipped to provide the legal guidance and support needed in such cases.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPINAL CORD INJURIES? 

There are several different types of spinal cord injuries. Our law firm has extensive experience representing victims with a wide range of these types of spinal cord injuries, spanning various levels of severity, over the years. The most frequently encountered types of spinal cord injuries include:

  • Paralysis: This serious condition results from significant damage to the nervous system, leading to partial or complete loss of movement and sensation. Paralysis can affect the entire spinal cord or specific muscles.
  • Disc Replacement: A procedure to replace damaged spinal discs, often necessary after severe spinal injuries.
  • Lumbar Disc Herniation: A condition where the spinal disc in the lower back protrudes, causing pain and discomfort.
  • Fusion Surgeries for Herniations: A common surgical intervention for spinal cord injuries, fusion surgeries involve the insertion of rods and screws into the vertebrae to stabilize and strengthen the spine. Patients who undergo these surgeries often require financial compensation for both the procedure and any subsequent treatments.
  • Whiplash: A prevalent neck injury in car accidents, whiplash occurs from the sudden force of the crash, causing the neck to hyperextend. Recovery from whiplash may involve prolonged therapy and, in some cases, surgery.

Our law firm is committed to advocating for victims of these and other spinal cord injuries, ensuring they receive the necessary compensation for medical treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care.

Whiplash Injury

What causes spinal cord injuries?

In the United States, nearly 40% of spinal cord injuries occur in vehicle accidents, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC). Car accidents are the most common cause, and almost all car accidents are preventable. Below are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries:

Who is likely to suffer a spinal cord injury?

Although anybody has the potential risk of suffering a spinal cord injury, older adults and younger children are more likely to suffer spinal cord injuries following an accident since their bones are more vulnerable.

Categories of Spinal Cord Injuries

In the medical field, spinal cord injuries are classified by which part of the spine they affect, the symptoms they cause, and the extent of the damage to the function of the cord. The two main categories of spinal cord injuries are complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries. It is crucial to hire a knowledgeable spinal cord injury attorney. Spinal cord injury attorneys should not only be knowledgeable about the laws in their specific state, but also about the different medical terms used when describing the spinal cord injury. If your attorney fails to describe the spinal cord injuries accurately and instead uses generic terms, you could potentially recover a smaller amount of damages.

  • Complete injuries cause a total disruption to the function of the cord from the point where the injury occurred onward. These injuries create a total loss of function and sensation for different parts of the body.
  • Incomplete injuries can include the loss of sensation and function, but may not always take away both. In some cases, such as with Anterior Cord Syndrome, the body’s movement may be restricted, but it is still able to maintain feeling.

Do I Need an Attorney for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Although you do not necessarily need an attorney when filing an insurance claim or even filing a lawsuit, we recommend that something as important as a spinal cord injury be represented by someone who has the experience and legal knowledge.

If you have suffered an injury in California or Nevada, contact our spinal cord injury attorneys today for a free, no-risk consultation. During this consultation, we could determine what the medical issues would be, along with the potential damages you could receive.

Our skilled spinal cord injury attorneys also have access to several different types of experts who can be able to prove and explain the type of injuries you are suffering. This includes experts in the field of neurology, physical therapy, and chiropractors. These experts will be needed to testify in court and describe the damages that you have suffered.

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Symptoms of spinal cord injuries may not become obvious for days or even weeks after an accident. During the time of the accident, you are still in shock and may not feel all the injuries immediately.

With many different types of back and spinal cord injuries, the symptoms can vary widely depending on how severe the damage is and where on the spine the trauma occurred.

Symptoms of mild spinal cord injury can include tingling, reduced coordination, muscle weakness, and pain. Swelling after the accident, spinal shock, and incomplete spinal cord injuries can lead to these types of symptoms.

Severe spinal cord injuries can result in symptoms such as a loss of sensation below the injury, trouble breathing, paralysis, loss of bladder & bowel control, and death. Victims who suffer a complete injury that occurs at the Cervical vertebrae toward the top of the spinal cord often require ventilator assistance to be able to breathe.

Injuries of the spine are also broken up into further classifications, including:

  • Triplegia – Loss of feeling in three limbs.
  • Hemiplegia – Total paralysis that is restricted to one side of the body.
  • Tetraplegia or Quadriplegia – Loss of sensation and movement in all four limbs. These injuries tend to occur when the spinal cord closer to the head/neck is completely damaged.

What Kind of Damages Could I Receive from a Spinal Cord Injury?

There are several different types of damage you could potentially receive from a spinal cord injury. Although it differs from person to person, the most common damages received from a spinal cord injury include:

  • Property damage
  • Psychological counseling
  • Chiropractic services
  • Medical equipment
  • Medications
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Future lost wages
  • Home care

What should I do after a spinal cord injury?

If you have suffered from a spinal cord injury, contact your medical provider immediately to determine the severity of the damage you have suffered. 

Even if you believe that you have not suffered any injuries, it is still important to seek medical care. You may have suffered a spinal cord injury, and you may not have even realized it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED SPINAL CORD INJURY QUESTIONS

What should I do first if I suspect a spinal cord injury after an accident?

Immediately seek medical attention if you suspect a spinal cord injury following an accident. Documenting your injuries and the details of the accident is crucial. Contact a spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.

How can a spinal cord injury lawyer help me?

A spinal cord injury lawyer specializes in cases like yours and can navigate the complex legal and medical issues involved. They can help secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer will handle negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, represent you in court.

What kind of compensation can I expect from a spinal cord injury lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life. It may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and compensation for physical and emotional suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Are there time limits for filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit?

Yes, time limits, known as statutes of limitations, vary by state. Typically, you have one to three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Consulting a lawyer promptly can help ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a spinal cord injury lawyer?

Bring all relevant documents to your first meeting, including medical records, accident reports, and correspondence with insurance companies. A list of witnesses or others involved in the incident can also be helpful. This information will assist your lawyer in evaluating your case.

What if I am partially at fault for my spinal cord injury?

Even if you are partially at fault, you might still be eligible for compensation. Most states follow a comparative negligence rule that allows you to recover damages minus your percentage of fault. Your lawyer can explain how this applies to your case.

How long will it take to resolve my spinal cord injury case?

The duration of a spinal cord injury case can vary greatly. Factors include the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence, and the willingness of the parties to settle. While some cases settle quickly, others may take several years to resolve through litigation.

Expect several stages in the legal process, including investigation, filing of the lawsuit, discovery, negotiation, and possibly trial. Your lawyer will keep you informed at each step and work diligently to advocate for your best interests and maximize your compensation.

SPINAL CORD INJURY LAWYER

Contact Heidari Law Group to schedule a consultation about your spinal cord injury case. We can review the incident, discuss possible claims, and explain the legal options that may be available to you.