Experienced Portland Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Portland Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best Portland spinal cord injury attorneys
Have You or a Loved One Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury in Portland, Oregon?
Our team of experienced attorneys at Goldberg & Loren has a proven track record of success in spinal cord injury cases.
Don’t let your injury go uncompensated. With our help, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work. We know that spinal cord injuries can be life-changing, and we want to make sure you have the resources you need to move forward.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) involves damage to the spinal cord, which can result in partial or complete loss of sensation and/or movement below the level of the injury due to nerve damage.
The spinal cord consists of a long, delicate bundle of nerves that runs from the brain down through the spinal column. It carries essential messages between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling everything from movement to sensation to automatic functions like breathing and heart rate.
When the spinal cord is damaged, these messages cannot be transmitted properly, often leading to life-altering injuries.
– The annual incidence of these types of injuries amounts to approximately 54 cases per one million people in the United States, or about 18,000 new spinal injuries each year.
– The estimated number of people with spinal cord injuries living in the United States is approximately 302,000 persons, with a range from 255,000 to 383,000 persons.
– The average age at injury has increased from 29 years during the 1970s to 43 since 2015.
– About 79% of new spinal cord injury cases are male.
– Spinal cord injuries occur disproportionally in African Americans, who represent about 25% of injuries.
– Motor vehicle collisions are the most recent leading cause of injury, closely followed by falls. Acts of violence (primarily gunshot wounds) are also common causes. [1]
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Complete spinal cord injury: This debilitating injury happens when the spinal cord is entirely damaged and cannot send any signals below the level of injury.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: This occurs when there is some level of function or sensation below the injury level.
The severity and symptoms of a spinal cord injury will vary depending on the type and location of the injury.
- Cervical injury: This type of injury occurs in the upper part of the spine, and can impact feeling and function in the arms, chest, and legs.
- Thoracic injury: This occurs in the middle part of the spine, and can result in loss of function or loss of feeling in the chest, back, and abdomen.
- Lumbar injury: This injury occurs in the lower part of the spine, and may impact sensation and function in the hips and legs.
- Sacral injury: This type of injury occurs in the lowest part of the spine, and impacts function and sensation in the groin, buttocks, and legs.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injury in Portland, Oregon
There are various reasons why spinal cord injuries may occur in Portland, Oregon. Some of the most common causes include:
- Vehicle accidents: Car, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents are major causes of spinal cord injuries in Portland. These accidents can occur due to distracted driving or negligent drivers, drunk drivers or those driving under the influence of drugs, reckless driving & speeding.
- Falls: Slip and fall accidents, particularly in older adults, can result in spinal cord injuries. Individuals can also suffer spinal cord injuries from being struck by a falling object or falling from a height.
- Violence: Spinal cord injuries may occur as a result of gunshot wounds, physical assault, or domestic violence.
- Work-related accidents: Construction workers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers, may be at increased risk of spinal cord injuries due to workplace accidents.
Our accident attorneys at Goldberg & Loren can review your medical records to evaluate the extent of your injuries and determine the best strategy to win your case.
Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury
The treatment for spinal cord injuries will depend on the severity of the injury and the location of the damage. However, some common treatments for spinal cord injuries include:
- Immobilization: Immediately after the injury, it's crucial to immobilize the spine to prevent any further damage. This can often involve using braces or a cervical collar.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine and remove any bone fragments, herniated discs, or other tissue that may be compressing the spinal cord.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitative treatments such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help patients regain strength, flexibility, and function. This can include exercises, assistive devices, and adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, or braces.
- Medication: Pain management medication can also be used to control pain and discomfort associated with spinal cord injuries, and medication may also be prescribed to reduce muscle spasms and other complications.
- Assistive technology: Assistive technology can also help people with spinal cord injuries take care of daily activities, such as typing, using the phone, or controlling their environment with voice commands.
- Psychological support: Psychological support is often necessary, as permanent paralysis is a life-changing disability, causing mental anguish. Counseling and therapy can help patients and their families cope with the emotional and psychological aftermath.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury
There are several types of damages that accident victims with spinal cord injuries may be able to recover, such as:
- Medical expenses: Financial compensation is available for the medical bills, including the cost of medical treatments, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and medication that are necessary for the management of the injury.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: Compensation for financial damages, including loss of income caused by the injury and any subsequent impact on the victim's earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life that are caused by the injury.
- Property damage: Compensation for any property that was damaged or destroyed as a result of the incident, such as a car destroyed in a motor vehicle crash.
- Punitive damages: If the traumatic injury was caused by an act of willful or gross negligence, punitive damages may be available to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Portland, Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Our law firm at Goldberg & Loren is based in Portland, Oregon, and we specialize in representing personal injury claims for individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Portland are aware that these injuries can be life-changing events that often require a lifetime of expensive medical care and support.
If you or a loved one has suffered physical injuries due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, Goldberg & Loren may be able to help.
Our team of spinal cord injury lawyers has successfully represented clients in a wide range of spinal cord injury cases, including those resulting from car accidents, slip and falls, and industrial accidents.
When you work with a personal injury lawyer from Goldberg & Loren, you can expect compassionate and personalized representation, along with aggressive advocacy to protect your rights and best interests.
We understand that spinal cord injuries can take a significant physical, emotional, and financial toll on both you and your family, and we work hard to help you secure the maximum compensation available under the law.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and help you understand your legal options.
Source:
[1] Spinal Cord Injury Prevalence In The U.S. | Reeve Foundation. (2023, April 28). Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/paralysis-help-overview/stats-about-paralysis/
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you've recently experienced a spinal cord injury in Portland, it's important to understand that you may have the right to seek compensation for your damages. We encourage you to contact us so we can assess the details of your case and determine the best course of action. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
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