Fighting for Your Rights After a Catastrophic Injury
Spinal cord injuries can happen after negligent accidents. When your spinal cord is damaged, it can affect your entire body. Many people develop long-term symptoms, and some people become permanently paralyzed in an instant. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation.
Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit is the best way to recover damages and get the payment you deserve. By working with a personal injury attorney, you can rest and recover from your injuries while we do the hard work for you. We know how challenging this time can be for you and your family, and we are here to guide you through the legal process from start to finish.
Our team at LawMD is made up of legal professionals who also have experience in the medical field. We know how complex spinal cord injuries can be, and we understand how life-changing they may feel. A spinal cord injury lawyer on our team will stay by your side to advocate for your rights and hold liable parties accountable. For more information about how we can help you, contact our law firm today.
What Are the Main Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Depending on the type of accident you are in and how severe it is, there may be a few different spinal cord injuries you could develop. Different injuries cause different symptoms, some of which may last longer than others.
The main types of spinal cord injuries include:
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
A complete spinal cord injury means there is a loss of sensation and function below the injury. If you have suffered a complete injury, you cannot move or feel sensations below the injured area.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Incomplete spinal cord injuries may not cause a total loss of sensation or function. For instance, in the case of central cord syndrome, the damage is centrally located and will affect the arms more than the legs. In anterior cord syndrome, meaning there is damage to the front of the spinal cord, a victim may suffer from impaired touch, pain, and temperature sensations.
When one side of the spinal cord is injured, it can cause paralysis on the injured side and a loss of pain sensation on the opposite side. This is called Brown-Sequard syndrome. Many victims retrain some level of function below the level of injury.
Tetraplegia
Tetraplegia or quadriplegia results from injuries to the neck region. These conditions can affect both the arms and the legs. In severe cases, the victim’s chest and abdominal muscles may also be affected.
Paraplegia
Any injuries to the mid-back, lower back, or hip region can result in paraplegia. It can affect parts of the legs, pelvic organs, and torso.
Cauda Equina Lesion
Damage to the cauda equina at the lower end of the spinal cord can result in a full or partial loss of sensation. Victims may also experience difficulty with motor control in the lower part of their bodies.
Triplegia
When three limbs are affected after a spinal cord injury, it’s called triplegia. This is a rare condition that is typically caused by an incomplete spinal cord injury.
Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Diseases and some disorders can cause spinal cord injuries. Tumors, degenerative disc disease, and infections may all cause pain, loss of sensation, and more.
What Symptoms Does a Spinal Cord Injury Cause?
Depending on the severity of your injury, spine damage can cause many different symptoms. A catastrophic accident caused by negligence has the potential to threaten your life, so it’s essential to seek medical attention. In some cases, spinal cord injuries can go undetected, leading to additional complications.
Your spinal cord injury may cause the following:
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of muscle movement in the arms, chest, or legs
- Problems breathing
- Loss of feeling in the extremities or chest
- Loss of function in the bowels or bladder
If you’ve been in an accident and are experiencing any unusual symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Negligent accidents can cause your body to release a rush of adrenaline, masking pain signals for hours afterward. By seeking medical attention, you can ensure that your injuries are being treated correctly and that you know the full extent of the damage you took.
Spinal injuries are complex and can cause different symptoms for different people. If you’re unsure whether the symptoms you’re experiencing are normal, contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
What Treatment Does a Spinal Cord Injury Require?
Spinal cord injuries can be life-threatening and always require immediate medical attention. In most cases, emergency services will arrive at the scene of the accident and stabilize the victim’s neck and back. Paramedics may use a backboard and a cervical collar to keep the victim steady. The victim may then be given steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation.
After severe accidents, victims may have to undergo surgery to relieve pressure and stabilize the spine. Surgeons will eliminate fractured vertebrae to avoid putting pressure on the spinal cord. They may then stabilize the spine using rods, screws, and plates. After surgery, patients often require physical therapy and other rehabilitation services to restore as much function as possible.
Spinal cord injuries often cause long-term symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness. Some patients are able to make full recoveries, while others suffer from a loss of motor control and other symptoms for life. Your medical treatment options will depend on the severity of your injuries and where the injury occurs.
The bottom line is that treatments for spinal cord injuries are very expensive. Surgeries, medications, physical therapy appointments, and medical equipment all cost money, and your insurance plan may not cover all of those expenses. By pursuing a personal injury case, you can recover compensation to pay for your medical needs both now and in the future.
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Happen?
Spinal cord injuries often happen after catastrophic accidents. These devastating injuries can dramatically impact your future and your lifestyle. Our attorneys have experience handling all kinds of cases that have led to spinal cord injuries.
In Washington D.C., spinal cord injuries occur because of the following:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Truck accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other accidents are some of the most common ways victims sustain spinal cord injuries. With so many vehicles on the road, the likelihood of getting into an accident at some point is very high. Even relatively minor accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord for both drivers and passengers. Many victims sustain other injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, and more.
If you were injured in a car accident, you may be able to hold the other driver liable for your injuries. Your personal insurance company will likely pay for your medical expenses, but the other driver may be responsible for your pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can result in devastating injuries, including spinal cord injuries. Elderly individuals who slip and fall have a much higher chance of developing a catastrophic injury. Property owners who do not address hazards like uneven stairways, inadequate lighting, or uneven walkways can be held responsible after a slip and fall accident.
Slip and falls are also common in the workplace. Industries like construction and factory work involve heavy machinery and other hazards. Your employer is responsible for taking proper safety measures to keep you and other workers safe.
Medical Malpractice
When a medical professional does not provide adequate care to a patient, it can result in a spinal cord injury. Doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and other medical providers are required to give all patients the same level of care. If you visit a health provider or have surgery and develop an additional injury, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice.
There are many ways medical malpractice can result in a spinal cord injury, including:
Misdiagnosis
Receiving an incorrect diagnosis can delay treatment, leading to injuries. Tumors, infections, and spinal cord compressions must be dealt with immediately. Misinterpreting or failing to diagnose tests like CT scans and MRIs can lead to permanent injury.
Surgical Errors
Mistakes during surgery that directly damage the spinal cord can cause paralysis. Similarly, failing to stabilize the spine during surgery or using incorrect procedures and techniques can cause spinal cord damage.
Anesthesia Errors
Incorrect administration of anesthesia can cause devastating injuries. Similarly, if an anesthesiologist fails to monitor a patient closely, it can lead to reduced blood flow to the spinal cord.
Emergency Room Errors
Emergency rooms are often busy, with doctors handling dozens of patients at once. If a doctor fails to treat a patient with a broken neck or back, their injury can be worsened. Failing to immobilize a victim’s head or neck after an accident is the main cause of spinal cord injuries in emergency room settings.
Chiropractic Malpractice
Chiropractors use techniques to manipulate the back and spine. If these techniques are not used correctly, they can lead to a spinal cord injury.
Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can happen during delivery if a medical professional misuses birthing tools like vacuum extractors or forceps. Similarly, doctors who use too much force during delivery can damage a baby’s spinal cord.
Failure to Monitor Diseases
Certain progressive diseases, such as arthritis and degenerative disc disease, can affect the spine. If a medical provider does not treat these diseases correctly, they can lead to permanent symptoms.
Physical Violence
Assault and physical violence can cause spinal cord injuries. If you were injured due to gross negligence, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. Fights, sexual assaults, and weapon violence are common causes of spinal cord injuries. Pursuing a civil lawsuit allows you to recover compensation regardless of whether or not there are criminal charges involved.
Who is Liable for a Spinal Cord Injury?
When pursuing a personal injury case, it’s essential to assign liability. The liable party is the one responsible for paying for your financial losses after your accident.
When proving liability, you must also prove negligence. Negligence is defined as the following:
- The party owes you a duty of care
- The party violated their duty of care
- The violation caused your injury
- Your injury caused you to suffer damages
Liability depends on what kind of accident you were in and the other parties involved. In most cases, if you can prove liability and negligence, you can receive compensation for your injuries.
Some examples of liable parties for a spinal cord injury include:
- Drunk Drivers: Drivers have a duty on the road to obey traffic laws for the safety of others. If an inebriated driver hits you and causes injury, you can assign liability to them
- Medical Professionals: If your injury occurs after medical malpractice, you can assign liability to healthcare providers on your team. A failure to diagnose and mistakes during an operation can all be used to prove liability
- Property Owners: Building and property owners are required to keep their properties safe for guests and customers. If you encountered a hazard that caused your injuries, you could sue the owner of the property
Liability and negligence are essential components of your spinal cord injury claim. If you are unsure who is liable for your injuries, reach out to our lawyers today. We will investigate your case and determine all liable parties so you get full and fair compensation.
What Kinds of Damages Can You Recover After a Spinal Cord Injury?
When our team works on spinal cord injury cases, our goal is to recover compensation for all of your damages. Spinal cord injuries are severe, and they impact your life in more ways than one. Not only have you likely already spent money on bills and expenses, but you will probably have future costs that you must account for.
There are multiple types of damages you can recover with help from our team, including:
Economic Damages
These damages have a specific price tag that you can prove with bills and receipts. Throughout the recovery process and in the future, you will likely accrue many economic damages. They can include:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Doctor appointments
- Medications
- Medical equipment, like walkers and wheelchairs
- Physical therapy appointments
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modifications
- Surgery
- Property damage repair or replacement
- Lost wages from taking time off work
- Loss of future income
- Missed promotions
- Job retraining
Non-Economic Damages
These damages pay for your overall well-being and emotional state as a result of the accident. Because spinal cord injuries are often life-changing, many victims require significant compensation for non-economic damages. Our team can help you calculate your total amount to ensure you get the payment you are owed. Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial costs
Punitive Damages
These additional damages may be awarded in cases where the liable party acted especially recklessly or without regard for human life. In many cases, a judge will award them when the liable party has broken the law. Our law firm will examine your case to determine if you qualify for these damages.
What Factors Influence Your Compensation?
Many people wonder how much money they can receive if they pursue a personal injury case. While there’s no easy way to answer that question without reviewing the details of your injury, there are several factors that could influence how much compensation you might receive.
The most common factors that will influence your claim include:
The Extent of Your Injury
Severe injuries almost always mean more compensation for the victim. For instance, if your spinal cord injury causes permanent paralysis or disability, your settlement amount will likely be higher than if you make a full recovery.
It’s important to note that “severity” is also subjective. Just because you made a total recovery doesn’t mean that you didn’t suffer. Even whiplash can be considered a spinal cord injury, especially if it causes you to pay for medical expenses out of pocket.
Insurance Coverage
The insurance companies of all liable parties involved will influence how much compensation you receive. In most cases, an insurance company pays your settlement, not the liable party themselves. However, there are limits to what an insurance company will cover, especially for large settlement amounts.
Negotiating with an insurance company is a crucial part of your personal injury claim. With an attorney on your side, you can let the insurance company know that you’re serious about your compensation and that you won’t accept less than what you are due.
Legal Representation
Insurance companies and liable parties are much more likely to pay you what you deserve if you have an attorney by your side. As your legal team, our spinal cord injury lawyers will walk you through your case step by step, identifying opportunities and helping you get the most favorable outcome.
Our personal injury attorneys aren’t just attorneys — we have experience in the medical field, too. We know how to navigate the complex world of medical records and doctor’s offices. We won’t rest until you get a settlement that pays for all of your damages.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Spinal Cord Injury Case?
In Washington D.C. and around the country, spinal cord injury claims have a limited timeframe in which you can pursue compensation. In most cases, you have three years from your injury to file a lawsuit. If your injury was not discovered for some time, you have three years from the date of discovery to pursue compensation.
Spinal cord injury lawsuits can take weeks or months to prepare. The best time to start your case is now. Contact our legal team to recover the compensation you deserve.
What Does a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Do?
As your spinal cord injury attorneys, our team will stay by your side from beginning to end. We know how devastating spinal cord injuries can be, especially if you are still recovering. Our goal is to handle your entire legal case so you can focus on yourself and your family.
An injury attorney on our team will do the following:
- Investigate your case: Pull medical records, talk to witnesses, examine accident reports, and more
- Gather evidence: Evidence may include witness testimonies, photos of the accident scene, and police reports
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Our experienced attorneys can talk to insurance companies to get the settlement offer you deserve
- Pursue your case in court: If the best way to recover compensation is by going to trial, our team will prepare your case and present it before a judge
Do You Need a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
Spinal cord injuries change your life in a single instant. Whether you are on track to make a full recovery or you now have a permanent disability, you deserve compensation for your injuries.
Our lawyers at LawMD are here to fight for your rights and seek justice after your injuries. We know how challenging this time can be for you and your loved ones, and we are here to help. To learn more about our team and receive a consultation about your case, contact us today.