Spinal Cord Injury Law Overview
Spine injuries and the law
A spinal cord injury is any damage to the spinal cord that causes loss of sensation or motor control. The type of function affected depends upon where along the back and spine the damage occurred, as well as the severity of the injury.
Each year, around 11,000 people suffer spinal injuries. 52 percent of SCIs result in paraplegia, while 47 percent result in quadriplegia. 45 percent of all SCIs are complete, meaning there is a total loss of function and sensation below the affected vertebrae. The other 55 percent of SCIs are incomplete, meaning some level of partial loss of function and sensation.
Automobile and motorcycle accidents are the most common cause for spinal cord injuries, followed by everyday falls. Sadly, acts of violence are expected to surpass falls as a cause of SCI in the near future.
It is important to remember that no two spinal injury law cases are the same. Depending on the level of injury, the actual physical damage can be significantly different from case to case. The lower the spinal cord injury the better chance there is for mobility of the arms and hands. Conversely, the higher the injury, the greater likelihood of impairment.
At The Cartwright Law Firm, our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers know that each client is different and requires special, personal attention. If you or a loved one suffered such an injury, you require evaluation by a qualified spinal cord injury lawyer who is well-versed in spine injury law and skilled at representing victims of spinal cord injuries. We are also knowledgeable about recent medical advances and rehabilitation treatment.
Back and spine injury law
Nearly everyone at some point has experienced a back injury that interferes with work, routine daily activities, or recreation. Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back injury problems, the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. In fact, back injuries are the second most common neurological ailment in the United States. Only headaches are more common.
Most back injuries occur in either the cervical region (the uppermost seven vertebrae of the neck) or the lumbar region (the five largest and strongest vertebrae in the lower back) and are typically the result of a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, slip and fall accident, or violent act.
There are many types of back injuries, including:
- Herniated disc
- Crushed vertebrae
- Lower back injury
- Torn ligaments
- Fractured spine
A spine injury can be life-altering, leading to chronic or acute pain as well as muscle weakness, lack of muscle coordination, numbness and /or tingling in the extremities.
Making a back injury claim is a complex and anxiety-producing process. Back injury claims are involved and can take a long time to resolve. When evaluating back injury cases, experienced legal counsel is required to emphasize the catastrophic nature of the client’s injury with the full understanding of the medical issues, the improvements in rehabilitative medicine, increased mortality and need for future care both medically and emotionally.
Seek experienced legal representation
Regardless of the cause or nature of your injury, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as you are able. You need to be compensated for your injuries, and litigation may be required to make sure you have the resources to obtain an adequate recovery.
The time frame within which you are allowed to file a claim (statute of limitations) begins on the date of the injury and may only last a couple of years. Also, near the date of the injury, it is important to conduct an investigation into the cause of the injury, its nature and extent, and to gather and preserve evidence and witness testimony. Experienced trial lawyers know the proper steps required to secure your rights.
At The Cartwright Law Firm, our attorneys have a wealth of experience in representing people in personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases, with particular knowledge, skill and understanding in dealing with spinal cord injuries.
- Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Back Injury
- Injuries
- Head Injury
- Brain Injury
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