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Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Have You or Someone Close to You Ever Had a Spinal Cord Injury?
Goldberg & Loren is here to help. With our team of experienced spinal cord injury lawyers, we have a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities that come with these types of cases. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
We know how devastating a spinal cord injury can be, and our goal is to provide you with the support and legal expertise needed to navigate this difficult time. By working with Goldberg & Loren, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
Call us today at (888) 522-0335 to schedule a free consultation and see how we can assist you in seeking justice and the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Don’t wait, take the first step towards getting the help you deserve.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is a devastating and life-changing injury that occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or the nerves. This injury can have severe consequences, impacting not only physical abilities but also emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
The spinal cord serves as a vital pathway for messages being sent between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, these messages cannot be relayed properly, leading to a range of symptoms and complications.
The consequences of a spinal cord injury go beyond the physical limitations. They often come with a significant financial burden as well. Medical costs, including ongoing rehabilitation, specialized equipment, and necessary modifications to living spaces, can quickly accumulate. Individuals with spinal cord injuries may face a loss of income or employment, further adding to the financial strain.
In the United States, there are approximately 17,000 new cases of SCI each year, and roughly 282,000 persons are estimated to be living with SCI. [1]
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A complete spinal cord injury occurs when there is a complete loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This means that the individual has no feeling or ability to move their limbs or body below the site of the injury.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In contrast to a complete spinal cord injury, an incomplete spinal cord injury involves some degree of retained function below the level of the injury. This means that the individual may have limited sensation or motor control in certain areas of their body.
- Quadriplegia: Quadriplegia refers to a spinal cord injury that affects the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. Individuals with quadriplegia experience some degree of paralysis or loss of function in all four limbs.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia occurs when a spinal cord injury affects the lower extremities, trunk, and sometimes parts of the upper body. Individuals with paraplegia typically have paralysis or limited function in the legs and pelvic region but retain the ability to use their arms and hands.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
- Loss of Sensation: One of the most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury is a loss of sensation. This can include a loss of feeling or numbness in the limbs, as well as a decrease or loss of sensitivity to touch, heat, or cold in certain areas of the body.
- Motor Function Impairment: Spinal cord injuries often result in a loss of motor function. This can manifest as paralysis or weakness in the limbs, making it difficult or impossible to move certain parts of the body.
- Changes in Reflexes: Spinal cord injuries can also affect the body's reflexes. Reflexes are involuntary movements or responses triggered by certain stimuli. A spinal cord injury can cause an exaggerated or overly sensitive reflex response, while in others, it can lead to a dampened or absent reflex response.
- Respiratory Issues: Spinal cord injuries that occur higher up on the spinal cord, particularly in the neck or cervical region, can impact the muscles involved in breathing. This can result in difficulties with breathing or require the use of a ventilator to assist with respiration.
- Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction: Spinal cord injuries can disrupt the normal functioning of the bowel and bladder. This can lead to problems such as urinary incontinence, difficulty controlling bowel movements, or an inability to empty the bladder or bowels without assistance.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Depending on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury, sexual function can be affected. Both men and women may experience changes in sexual desire, or difficulties with arousal or orgasm.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are a significant cause of spinal cord injuries. Whether it’s a car, motorcycle, or truck crash, the forceful impact during a collision can lead to severe damage to the spinal cord. Common factors leading to these accidents include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and reckless behavior on the road.
Falls: Falls are another significant contributor to spinal cord injuries, particularly among the elderly population. Falling from heights at home or in public places can result in traumatic spinal cord injuries. Construction site falls, and workplace accidents also pose a considerable risk, especially when proper safety measures are not in place.
Acts of Violence: Sadly, acts of violence can also cause spinal cord injuries. Assaults, gunshots, and knife attacks can lead to severe trauma and permanent damage to the spinal cord.
Medical Malpractice: While less common, medical malpractice can be a cause of spinal cord injuries. Surgical errors and certain medical procedures can result in spinal cord damage.
Diving Accidents: Diving into shallow water or hitting the bottom of a pool, lake, or ocean can cause catastrophic spinal cord injuries.
Compensation For Spinal Cord Injury Claim or Lawsuit
One of the main objectives of a spinal cord injury claim is to obtain compensation that can help ease the financial burden associated with medical costs and ongoing care. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices. The cost of these treatments can quickly add up, placing a significant strain on the injured individual and their family.
Spinal cord injuries can result in a loss of income or earning potential. Many individuals with spinal cord injuries are unable to return to their previous jobs or may require adjustments and accommodations in the workplace. Compensation can help alleviate the financial hardship caused by the loss of income and future earning capacity.
Compensation for a spinal cord injury claim can also cover other damages. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. Spinal cord injuries often have a severe impact on an individual’s quality of life, limiting their mobility, independence, and ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed.
Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Goldberg & Loren
At Goldberg & Loren, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries and their families. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation to help you obtain the maximum compensation possible.
Spinal cord injury attorneys at Goldberg & Loren recognize that each spinal cord injury case is unique and requires careful attention to detail. We work closely with a network of medical experts to understand the extent of the injury, its long-term effects, and the expected future medical costs.
Goldberg & Loren’s dedicated personal injury attorneys provide compassionate support and guidance, ensuring that you feel supported and understood throughout your legal journey. When working with us, you can expect personalized attention and open communication throughout the entire legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Source:
[1] Bennett, J. (2022, May 11). Spinal Cord Injuries. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560721/
We fight hard for our clients who have suffered from a spinal cord injury. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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