Spinal cord injuries can be devastating, often leaving victims severely impaired and suffering partial or complete paralysis. The most catastrophic injury leaves the victim with severe complications, shortens a person’s life span, or is fatal.
Every year, nearly 17,000 injuries are reported in the U.S., with the majority of the injuries resulting from traffic accidents.
If you sustain a spinal cord injury in a car accident, a Poynter & Bucheri experienced personal injury attorney can help you with your spine injury case to see that you are awarded the full amount of compensation you deserve.
The aftermath of a spinal injury can lead to pain and suffering and extensive medical bills, resulting in a significant burden to victims.
With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can get the compensation you need to cover all of your medical expenses and other damages to help you recover as comfortably as possible.
At Poynter & Bucheri, our team will do everything we can to help you and your loved ones seek justice for a spinal cord injury or wrongful death injury.
Recovering is challenging, but our compassionate team of experts can do the hard work for you so you can focus on what matters most—your health and recovery.
Poynter & Bucheri spinal cord injury lawyers are standing by to fight for your rights. Call us today at 1-800-265-9881 for a free case evaluation.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
Catastrophic injuries to your spine are irreversible, and such injuries radically change victims’ lives. It’s important to work with an experienced attorney when dealing with a spinal cord injury due to someone’s negligence.
Damages you can be awarded for a spinal cord injury include:
- Emergency medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Therapy
- Loss of wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Travel expenses (if you have to travel far for treatments)
- Various out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and disfigurement
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact our spinal cord injury attorneys at 1-800-265-9881 any time of day or night for a free case review.
Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Claims
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury.
If you fail to file your lawsuit within two years, you lose the right to seek compensation for even the most severe injuries.
However, exceptions and special circumstances can extend or modify this timeframe.
The “discovery rule” may apply if the injury was not obvious at the time. This rule allows the statute of limitations to begin from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered rather than the date of the accident.
Additionally, the statute of limitations may be extended if the injured party is a minor or incapacitated. In spinal cord injury cases involving government entities, a different statute of limitations may apply.
Navigating the complexities of the statute of limitations can be challenging. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney immediately so your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
Contact our Poynter & Bucheri personal injury attorneys at 1-800-265-9881 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis spinal cord injury lawyer.
Establishing Liability for a Spinal Cord Injury
Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit requires proof of another party’s negligence. If you are going to go after another person or their insurance company for full and fair compensation, you will need to prove fault and support your personal injury claim.
However, even after fault is proven, insurance companies can still use tactics to try to fight against and deny your injury claim or reduce your settlement amount.
It is essential for this reason to work with an experienced spinal cord injury attorney who can advocate for your rights and help you win your case.
A spinal cord injury attorney will work with you, guiding you through the process and helping you gather as much information and evidence as possible to support your injury claim.
Evidence that can be used to establish fault can include:
- Photographic evidence or video surveillance from the motor vehicle accident scene
- Physical evidence from the vehicles and any property involved
- Copies of your medical records
- Doctor and therapist statements
- Medical bills (including doctor visits, therapy, and hospital bills)
- Eyewitness statements
- Copies of the police accident report
Contact our PBAR legal team at 1-800-265-9881 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Injury to the spinal column occurs when damage is sustained along the delicate cord beneath the vertebrae down the back or the nerves at the base of the spine. The spinal column acts as the main conduit for messaging in each person’s central nervous system.
A healthy cord sends messages from your brain to the rest of your body, so a spine injury can result in reduced functionality and paralysis.
Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis spinal cord injury lawyer to discuss legal action after a spinal cord injury results in dramatic life changes.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur for various reasons, including falls, sporting accidents, assault, disease, and more. But one of the most common causes of spinal injuries is car accidents.
Injury can result from various types of accidents, including:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car and truck collisions are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: These injuries frequently occur at construction sites and can involve falls from roofs, scaffolding, ladders, cranes, and trenches.
- Violence: Gunshot wounds are a significant cause of spinal injuries, often resulting in severe and permanent damage.
- Sports Injuries: High-impact sports and activities, such as football, rugby, diving, and gymnastics, can cause severe injury to the spine.
- Motorcycle Accidents: The lack of protection in motorcycle accidents often results in severe complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries.
- Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists are vulnerable to spinal injuries, especially in collisions with motor vehicles.
- Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, negligence, or improper medical care can lead to damage.
- Workplace Accidents: Injuries sustained in hazardous work environments, such as construction or industrial sites, can result in spinal cord damage.
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.
Call 1-800-265-9881 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Indianapolis spinal injury attorneys.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage is typically classified as complete or incomplete injuries:
- Complete: A spinal cord injury is complete if the victim loses all feeling and motor control below the spinal cord injury.
- Incomplete: A spinal cord injury is incomplete if the victim still has partial sensation or control below the injury.
Beyond the initial classification, there are four levels or types of spinal damage:
- Cervical: Cervical injuries affect the head and neck area above the shoulders. Spine injury in this area tends to be the most severe and is often fatal.
- Thoracic: Thoracic injuries affect the upper chest, mid-back, and abdominal area. This type of injury can result in partial paralysis with some loss of feeling and control.
- Lumbar: Lumbar spine injuries affect the hip and leg area, causing partial paralysis. Often victims of this type of injury require a wheelchair or leg braces to get around.
- Sacral: Sacral injuries affect the hips, back of the legs, pelvis, and buttocks. Sacral spinal cord injury victims can usually still walk, but not with the same efficiency they could before the accident.
Contact us at 1-800-265-9881 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis spinal cord injury lawyer.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
The signs and symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the injury and the area that was affected.
Injuries higher up on the spinal cord typically result in more significant impairment, potentially affecting all limbs and vital functions, while lower injuries might affect only the lower part of the body.
However, general spinal cord injury symptoms can include:
- Loss of motor function
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of bowel and/or bladder control
- Spasms
- Loss of sexual function and fertility
- Stinging sensations
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme pain in the head, neck, or back
- Weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of balance
While some minor injuries may lead to temporary symptoms that can improve with time and rehabilitation, most spine injury cases result in lasting damage and extensive medical treatment.
Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis spinal cord injury lawyer to discuss claiming compensation for partial or complete paralysis, traumatic brain injury, or bladder control related to spine injuries.
Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries
If you suspect any sort of neck, back, or spinal injury, you should seek immediate medical attention. If a spinal cord injury is not stabilized, it can lead to further damage and complications. Avoid muscle movement if possible and call 911 or have someone else call for you.
A severe spinal cord injury may lead to lifelong complications depending on your overall health before the accident and how extensive the injury is.
Some of the more severe spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis can negatively impact your quality of life by affecting bodily functions and your overall mental and physical health.
Common complications that can arise from spinal cord injuries include:
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Pressure sores
- Circulatory issues
- Respiratory issues
- Low bone density
- Muscle atrophy
- Loss of sexual function
- Chronic pain
- Depression
Let the Law Office of Poynter & Bucheri fight for your rights to protect you and your family. Call us today at 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.
Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injuries
Diagnosing a spinal cord injury involves a thorough medical evaluation to determine the extent and severity of the damage.
The process typically includes several key steps:
- Initial assessment: Upon arrival at the hospital, a medical professional will perform an initial physical examination to check for signs of spinal cord injury. This includes assessing motor function, sensory responses, and reflexes to determine the level and severity of the injury.
- Imaging tests: Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for a precise diagnosis. Common tests include:
- X-rays: These are often the first imaging tests conducted to identify fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae.
- CT Scans: A computed tomography (CT) scan provides a more detailed view of the bones and can reveal the location and extent of the injury.
- MRI Scans: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to evaluate the soft tissues, including the spinal cord itself, ligaments, and intervertebral discs. MRIs are particularly useful for detecting bleeding, inflammation, or compression.
- Neurological examination: A comprehensive neurological exam is performed to assess the function of the cord and nerves. This includes evaluating muscle strength, sensation, and reflexes. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale is often used to classify the severity of spinal cord injuries.
- Continuous monitoring: In the days following the injury, patients are closely monitored for changes in neurological function. This helps in identifying any progression or improvement in the injury, which is critical for planning further treatment and rehabilitation.
- Consultation with specialists: Injury victims typically require consultations with specialists like neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists, to develop a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis spinal cord injury lawyer so we can help you recover damages for your suffering, lost wages, and medical care.
Treatments for Incomplete or Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
Once the location, severity, and exact type of spinal cord injury is determined, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatments.
Treatments for an incomplete spinal cord injury or complete spinal cord injury may include:
- Medications
- Immobilization
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Assistance devices (wheelchairs, braces, etc.)
- Electronic stimulation
- Electronic aids
Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis spinal cord injury lawyer to discuss filing a personal injury claim for your spinal cord injury case.
Contact a Poynter & Bucheri Spinal Injury Lawyers
You deserve a compassionate yet aggressive spinal cord injury attorney who cares about you and will fight for your rights.
Let the Poynter & Bucheri Spinal Cord Injury Law Office protect you and your family and get you the fair compensation you deserve for herniated discs, injury to the spinal tissue, or other causes of spinal cord dysfunction.
Call 1-800-265-9881 to schedule a free case evaluation with an Indianapolis spinal cord injury attorney.