Spinal Cord Injuries

The Reality of Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury changes life in an instant. One moment, a person is walking, working, and enjoying everyday activities—the next, they may be unable to move, perform basic tasks, or return to their job. Spinal cord injuries affect not only the victim but also their families, careers, and independence.

Unlike other injuries, spinal cord damage often leads to permanent disabilities. Many victims face long-term paralysis, chronic pain, and the need for assistive devices. The cost of medical treatment, home modifications, and lost wages can be overwhelming. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should not have to bear the financial burden alone.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries often result from sudden, forceful impacts or medical negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents

• High-speed collisions, rollovers, and rear-end crashes often cause severe spinal trauma.
• Motorcyclists and pedestrians face a higher risk of catastrophic spinal injuries.

Slip and Fall Accidents

• Falls from heights (construction sites, scaffolding) or slipping on wet floors can damage the spinal cord.
• Elderly individuals are at high risk of spinal injuries from falls in nursing homes and public spaces.

Workplace Accidents

• Construction workers, warehouse employees, and industrial workers face daily spinal injury risks.
• Unsafe working conditions, falling objects, and lack of safety gear contribute to workplace SCIs.

Medical Malpractice

• Surgical errors, misdiagnosed infections, or improper spinal procedures can lead to permanent spinal damage.
• Chiropractic injuries and botched epidurals have also been linked to spinal cord damage.

Acts of Violence

Gunshot wounds, physical assaults, and blunt force trauma can cause severe spinal cord damage and paralysis.

Sports and Recreational Injuries

• Football, diving, gymnastics, and extreme sports carry high risks of spinal fractures.
• Inadequate safety gear or poor coaching can lead to preventable spinal cord injuries.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on where the damage occurs and how much function is lost.

• Complete Spinal Cord Injuries: Full loss of movement and sensation below the injury site.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: Some movement and sensation remain, but function is limited.

Paralysis Categories:

• Paraplegia: Loss of movement and sensation in the lower body and legs.
• Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs.

Symptoms May Include:

• Loss of bladder and bowel control.
• Chronic pain or nerve damage.
• Difficulty breathing or speaking.
• Loss of muscle function and reflexes.

What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury

If you or a loved one suffers a spinal cord injury due to an accident or negligence, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

• A spinal injury must be stabilized quickly to prevent further damage.
• Follow all doctor recommendations and attend rehabilitation.

2. Document the Incident

• Take photos of the accident scene and any unsafe conditions.
• Get witness contact information and file an official accident report.

3. Preserve Medical Records

• Keep records of MRIs, CT scans, surgeries, and rehabilitation treatments.
• Document all expenses related to your injury.

4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Alone

• Insurers may try to downplay your injuries or offer a low settlement.
• A personal injury attorney can negotiate on your behalf.

5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

A lawyer can help determine liability, file legal claims, and fight for maximum compensation.

Who is Liable for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Determining who is responsible for a spinal cord injury depends on how the accident happened. Potentially liable parties include:

1. Negligent Drivers: If a reckless driver caused a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, they can be held responsible.
2. Property Owners: If a slip and fall accident occurred due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be liable.
3. Employers or Construction Companies: Workplace accidents caused by unsafe conditions or lack of proper training may lead to employer liability.
4. Doctors or Hospitals: If medical malpractice led to spinal cord damage, the medical provider can be sued.
5. Manufacturers of Defective Equipment: Faulty car parts, safety gear, or workplace machinery can contribute to spinal injuries.

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims

Spinal cord injuries require lifelong care, which can be financially devastating. A successful legal claim can recover:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, and long-term therapy.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling.
• Lost Wages & Future Earning Capacity: If the injury prevents returning to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for chronic pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
• Home & Vehicle Modifications: If wheelchair ramps, lifts, or accessible vehicles are needed.
• Caregiver & Assistance Costs: Home nursing care and daily assistance.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If a spinal cord injury results in death, families may recover compensation for funeral expenses and loss of financial support.

Why You Need a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Insurance companies and responsible parties often try to minimize payouts in spinal injury cases. Without legal representation, victims may not receive the full compensation they deserve. A personal injury attorney can:

• Prove Liability: Gather accident reports, expert testimony, and medical records.
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Ensure victims receive fair settlements for their long-term care needs.
• File a Lawsuit (If Needed): If a settlement is unfair, an attorney can take the case to trial.
• Maximize Compensation: Work to recover the highest possible settlement for medical costs, lost wages, and suffering.