Injuries to the spine are among the most severe injuries that anyone can endure; these injuries could result in someone losing complete control of their body, and even suffering from paralysis. A victim may need extensive medical care, treatment, and rehabilitation. It is important to make sure the right doctors are consulted and retained for treatment for injuries to the spine.
It’s approximated that 17,900 people suffer traumatic spinal cord injuries in the U.S. every year. To make matters worse, a significant share of these injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence.
If you or your loved one suffered an injury to the spine due to someone else’s negligence, such as from a car accident, a Tarzana spine injury lawyer at LA Century Law can help you hold the at fault-party responsible and get compensation for your damages. We have the knowledge and expertise to guide you and your family through this difficult period. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) Occur?
Spinal cord injuries often occur as a result of accidents that damage the vertebrae, ligaments, the disks of the spinal cord column, or the spinal cord itself. These include:
- Auto accidents: Auto accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for 38.29% of SCI cases. These accidents usually occur due to drivers failing to follow traffic regulations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Auto accidents primarily consist of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bicycle accidents.
- Slip and falls: Slip and fall accidents often occur when someone walks on a wet surface, an uneven surface, or an obstructed walkway. These accidents account for 32.3% of SCI cases.
- Unsafe rental properties: Landlords are required by law to maintain safe and secure rental properties. When they fail to do so, accidents could occur that result in tenants suffering from various injuries, including spinal cord injuries.
- Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrian accidents are usually dangerous. When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the impact from the collision could shatter their spine.
- Surgical/treatment mistakes: When surgery is done near the spine or the spinal cord, an error by the surgeon could result in complications that may cause a spinal cord injury. These injuries could also result from a physician failing to diagnose and treat a spinal infection early, delaying a surgical procedure, or making an error in administering a spinal anesthetic.
Ways the Spinal Cord is Damaged
There are several ways the spinal cord could get damaged. For instance, when the vertebrae, ligaments, or the disk of the spinal column are damaged, the chances are that the spinal cord will also be damaged. A traumatic blow to your spine could fracture, dislocate, crush, or compress your vertebrae, ultimately damaging your spinal cord.
Complete vs. Incomplete SCIs
There are two types of spinal cord injuries:
- Complete: A complete SCI causes total paralysis (loss of function) in the areas below the level of the injury. It usually affects both sides of the body. It could cause paralysis of the lower part of your body (paraplegia) or all four limbs (quadriplegia).
- Incomplete: If you have some sensory or motor function below the affected area, your injury is said to be incomplete. The degree of incompleteness will vary from injury to injury.
How Are SCI Victims Impacted in the Long Term?
A victim of a spinal cord injury could be affected in several ways, including:
- Loss of movement
- Loss of bowel control
- Loss of or altered sensation
- Exaggerated reflex spasms or activities
- Changes in sexual function
- Difficulty breathing and coughing
Ultimately, a spinal cord injury victim may lose their capacity to earn or may be forced to change their profession and may also need to spend a lot of money on treatment and rehabilitation. Moreover, they may lose their sexual function and may be unable to engage in sporting activities and other physical activities.
If you or your loved one suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to get compensation for your injuries. An experienced spinal cord injury attorney can fight for you to help you get maximum compensation.
The damages you may be eligible for include lost wages, medical bills, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, rehabilitation expenses, loss of quality of life, and loss of companionship.
How We Can Help with Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s fault, a Tarzana spinal cord injury lawyer at LA Century Law can help. Our experienced team of lawyers will assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
We understand how traumatic spinal cord injuries can be and are dedicated to helping you find justice and the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
FAQs About Spinal Cord Injuries
Who could be liable for a spinal cord injury?
The individual whose negligence caused your spinal cord injuries can be held liable if the facts of the case satisfy all the elements of legal liability. This means that you must establish that the party who caused the accident had a duty of care.
How much compensation can you receive from an SCI claim?
The amount of compensation varies from case to case and will depend on the severity of the injuries, the extent of the damages, and other factors. It is advisable to seek the help of an attorney if you’re hoping to get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.