Spinal Cord InjuryUnderstanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Legal Rights

Spinal Cord Injuries happen everyday and can happen to anyone.

Spinal cord injury is a serious and life-altering condition that can result from various accidents, including falls, car crashes, and sports injuries. These are catastrophic injuries that occur when the spinal cord is damaged, leading to loss of sensation, movement, or function below the injury site.

Spinal cord injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. This guide will help you understand the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment options for spinal cord injuries, and discuss the legal rights of those suffering from these injuries.

Suffering from a spinal cord injury? Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Abogados305 in Miami for a free consultation today.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injury can result from various incidents, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents, including car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents
• Slip and fall accidents, where a person falls and lands on their back or neck
• Sports injuries, such as those sustained during contact sports or extreme activities
• Workplace accidents, including falls from heights or accidents involving heavy machinery or equipment
• Medical malpractice, where a healthcare professional fails to provide adequate care or makes a mistake that causes harm to the spinal cord
• Diseases or medical conditions, such as tumors or infections, that affect the spinal cord

It is important to take precautions to prevent these types of injuries, such as seeking medical attention immediately after an accident or injury.

Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury

After experiencing a spinal cord injury, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your health and well-being and preserve any potential legal claims you may have.

Here are the steps to take after a spinal cord injury.

1. Seek medical attention. The first and most important step after any injury is to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
2. Collect evidence. Gather evidence to support any potential legal claims you may have.
3. Contact a personal injury law firm. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, it is in your best interest to contact a personal injury law firm as soon as possible.
4. Follow doctor’s orders. This may include physical therapy, medication, or other forms of medical care.
5. Keep records of your expenses. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and any other costs associated with the accident or injury.

Taking these steps after a spinal cord injury can help protect your health, your legal rights and your financial well-being.

Signs & Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries can manifest in various ways, including:

• Extreme back pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
• Loss of movement or sensation, including the ability to move arms, legs, or fingers
• Difficulty breathing or coughing
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Inability to walk or move limbs
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the extremities
• Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
• Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity, or fertility
• Difficulty balancing or maintaining coordination
• Paralysis or loss of motor control below the site of the injury

It is important to note that some symptoms may not appear until several hours or days after the injury. If you have been in an accident or experienced trauma to your neck, get medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, even if they are delayed.

Legal Rights for Spinal Cord Injury Victims

Individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries due to another party’s negligence have legal rights to seek compensation for their damages. Understanding these rights is crucial to ensure victims receive the financial support they need to recover from their injuries and move forward.

Establishing Negligence

To seek compensation, the injured party must prove that another party’s negligence caused their spinal cord injury.

This may involve demonstrating that:

• The at-fault party had a duty of care to the injured person (e.g., a driver has a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely)
• The at-fault party breached their duty of care (e.g., by driving recklessly or failing to maintain a safe environment)
• The breach of duty directly caused the spinal cord injury
• The injured party suffered damages as a result of the injury (e.g., medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering)

The presence of these three elements constitutes the negligence factor, determining if your injury claim is valid.

Statute of Limitations

Florida has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a personal injury claim, which can vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances. For injuries sustained before March 24, 2023, you have four years to file a lawsuit for a negligence claim. For injuries sustained after March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations is two years.

It is essential to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the injury to ensure that your claim is filed within the required time frame.

Compensation for Damages

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages.

These can include:

• Medical expenses — Compensation for medical expenses cover the cost of treatment for your spinal cord injury, including doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and any necessary surgeries or procedures.
• Lost wages — If your injury has caused you to miss work or lose income, you may be entitled to compensation for your past and future wages.
• Pain and suffering — Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced due to your injury.
• Emotional distress — In some cases, victims may be entitled to compensation for the psychological impact of their injury, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Loss of enjoyment of life — If your spinal cord injury has significantly impacted your ability to enjoy your usual activities and hobbies, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.

It is essential to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling spinal cord injury cases to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Abogadas305 Can Help

At Abogadas305, our law firm is experienced in handling all types of personal injuries, including spinal cord injuries.

Our team of experienced attorneys understands the unique challenges spinal cord injury victims face. We are committed to providing the personalized, compassionate representation you need to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Here are just a few ways we can help you.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

At Abogadas305, we thoroughly evaluate your case to determine the potential for a successful claim. This includes assessing the circumstances of the accident, reviewing medical records, and consulting with experts to establish the extent of your injuries and the negligence of the at-fault party.

Skilled Negotiation & Litigation

Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will work tirelessly to secure a fair settlement on your behalf. We are well-versed in tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and have the experience to effectively counter their arguments.

If we cannot reach a fair settlement, our team is prepared to advocate for your rights in court, presenting a strong case to maximize your compensation.

Guidance & Support Throughout the Process

Dealing with a spinal cord injury can be emotionally challenging and overwhelming. Our team is committed to providing the guidance and support you need throughout the legal process. We will keep you informed of the progress of your case, answer any questions you may have, and help you make informed decisions about your claim.

No Upfront Costs

At Abogadas305, we believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront costs or attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This ensures that you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.

Get Started With Abogadas305 Today

At Abogadas305, we understand the devastating impact that a spinal cord injury can have on your life. That’s why our experienced personal injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you secure the compensation you need to fully recover.

Take control of your recovery from a spinal cord injury. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers today to discuss your legal rights and options.