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Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Oregon personal injury lawyers
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
In the unpredictable journey of life, accidents can reshape our path in an instant. One such profound consequence is a spinal injury, which reaches every corner of a person’s life.
The annual incidence of spinal injury in the U.S. is about 54 cases per one million people, or about 17,810 new cases each year. [1]
A spinal injury describes damage to the spinal cord. The spinal cord transmits nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body, so an injury to the spinal cord can be devastating as communication in the body is interrupted affecting both sensation and movement.
Have you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence? Contact us today for a free consultation with our spinal cord injury attorneys in Oregon. Don’t wait any longer to get the legal representation you need to start rebuilding your life.
Common Incidents Leading to Spinal Injury
Spinal injuries can occur in various situations. While not an exhaustive list, here are some common incidents where spinal injuries may occur:
Automobile Accidents:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Accidents caused by distracted or impaired driving
Fall Accidents:
- Falling from heights
- Falls from horses
Medical Malpractice:
- Surgical errors leading to spinal cord damage
Assaults and Violent Acts:
- Shootings
- Stabbings
Defective Products:
- Faulty car seats or safety restraints
- Malfunctioning industrial machinery
- Defective tools or equipment leading to accidents
Public Transportation Accidents:
- Bus or train accidents
Water Related Accidents:
- Rafting injuries
- Diving Injuries
Each case is unique, and liability in spinal injury incidents can depend on various factors. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Oregon to discuss the specifics of your injury today.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury:
A complete spinal cord injury involves the total loss of sensory and motor function below the injury site. Individuals with complete injuries experience paralysis and a complete absence of voluntary motor control and sensation.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury:
Incomplete spinal cord injuries involve varying degrees of retained sensory or motor function below the injury site. This category encompasses various types, such as anterior cord syndrome (impaired pain and temperature sensation), central cord syndrome (typically affecting motor function in the arms more than legs), and Brown-Séquard syndrome (resulting in motor paralysis on one side and loss of sensation on the opposite side).
Recovery and prognosis for incomplete injuries are generally more optimistic than for complete injuries.
Table of Contents
Our Oregon Practice Areas
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Birth Injury
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Bus Accidents
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Car Accidents
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Dog Bites
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Medical Malpractice
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Motorcycle Accidents
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Personal Injury
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Pedestrian Accidents
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Premises Liability
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Product Liability
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Slip and Falls
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Truck Accidents
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Wrongful Death
Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can manifest a variety of symptoms, and the severity often depends on the location and extent of the injury. Here are the common effects of a spinal cord injury:
Loss of Motor Function:
- Paraplegia or Quadraplegia
- Impaired coordination and balance
Loss of Sensation:
- Diminished or loss of sensation below the level of the injury
- Altered perception of touch, pressure, temperature, or pain
Breathing Difficulties:
- Impaired respiratory function, especially if the injury is high in the cervical spine
- The need for ventilatory support in severe cases
Changes in Reflexes:
- Hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes) or hyporeflexia (diminished reflexes) [2]
Altered Bowel and Bladder Control:
- Loss of control over bowel and bladder function
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections and other complications
Statute of Limitations for a Spinal Cord Injury in Oregon
The Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases, including spinal cord injuries in Oregon, is generally two years from the date of the injury. Medical malpractice cases have a two-year limit from the date the patient knew or should have known about the injury, with a maximum of five years from the date of the negligent act.
Consult with our personal injury attorneys in Oregon for the most up-to-date information and to act promptly within the specified timeframes to preserve your legal rights.
What Compensation is available for a Spinal Cord Injury?
Compensation for spinal cord injuries can vary based on numerous factors, including the severity of the injury, the circumstances surrounding the injury, and the laws of the jurisdiction where the injury occurred. Compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: This can cover the costs of hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care related to the spinal cord injury.
- Lost Wages: If the injury results in the victim being unable to work temporarily or permanently, compensation may cover lost wages, future earning capacity, and vocational rehabilitation.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall reduction in quality of life caused by the injury.
- Home Modifications and Assistive Devices: Compensation may cover the costs of adapting the injured person’s home to accommodate their new needs, as well as purchasing equipment like wheelchairs or mobility devices.
- Caregiver Expenses: If the injured person requires ongoing care, compensation may cover the costs of hiring a caregiver or home health aides.
- Legal Damages: In some cases, compensation for loss of consortium, loss of companionship, and punitive damages may be awarded.
Why Hire Our Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
At Goldberg & Loren, we understand the life-altering impact that spinal cord injuries can have on individuals and their families. Here’s why you should consider choosing us as your spinal cord injury lawyers:
- Expertise in Spinal Cord Injury Cases:
When you choose Goldberg & Loren, you benefit from our specialized expertise in handling spinal cord injury cases. Our legal team possesses the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate the intricacies of these complex matters.
- Compassionate and Personalized Approach:
Dealing with a spinal cord injury is not just a legal matter; it’s a personal and emotional journey. At Goldberg & Loren, we approach each case with empathy and a commitment to understanding the unique challenges you face. We strive to provide personalized legal solutions tailored to your specific needs.
- Proven Track Record of Success:
Our firm has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in spinal cord injury cases. We have secured favorable outcomes for individuals facing the physical, emotional, and financial burdens associated with spinal injuries.
- Thorough Investigation and Advocacy:
Goldberg & Loren is dedicated to conducting thorough investigations to build a strong case on your behalf. We leave no stone unturned in gathering evidence, consulting experts, and advocating for your rights to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Clear Communication and Support:
Communication is key during legal proceedings. We pride ourselves on maintaining transparent and open communication with our clients. You can trust Goldberg & Loren to keep you informed about the progress of your case and provide the support you need throughout the legal process.
- Collaborative and Client-Centered Representation:
We view our clients as partners in the legal process. Our collaborative approach ensures that your voice is heard, and your concerns are addressed. Goldberg & Loren is committed to achieving the best results for you through strategic and client-centered representation.
Choosing Goldberg & Loren as your spinal cord injury lawyers means selecting a dedicated legal team that combines expertise with compassion. Book a free consultation today!
FAQs
Seek medical attention promptly, document the details of the incident, and gather contact information from any witnesses. Report the injury to the appropriate authorities and consult with our spinal injury attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal options.
A valid spinal injury case involves proving negligence or intentional harm by another party. If you believe your injury resulted from someone else's actions or negligence, consult with our personal injury lawyer to assess the merit of your case.
Yes, if your spinal injury occurred in the workplace, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. It's essential to report the injury to your employer promptly and seek legal advice to navigate the workers' compensation process.
Sources:
[1] NSCISC (n.d). https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/Public/Facts%20and%20Figures%202020.pdf
[2] Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Hyperreflexia. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24967-hyperreflexia
[3] Oregon Statute of Limitation https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors012.html
We fight hard for our clients who have suffered from a spinal cord injury in Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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