Few injuries can disrupt all aspects of your life the way a spinal cord injury or a car accident can. Not only can these injuries cause severe pain and permanent mobility issues, but they are also costly to treat and can severely limit your daily activities. When the stakes are this high, it’s essential to work with an experienced and driven legal team that can help you recover the money you need. Our Destin spinal cord injury lawyers can guide you through your case against the party that harmed you.
At The Bruner Law Firm, we understand the challenges you’re facing. Our Destin personal injury attorneys are here to assist you and will work tirelessly to help you recover fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With our compassionate and experienced Destin spinal cord injury attorneys by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details. Trust us to fight for your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case. Call (850) 243-2222 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord runs from the base of the neck down through the back to where it terminates at the tailbone. A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when something damages the thick bundle of nerves that run through the spine. These injuries can lead to physical disabilities, emotional challenges, and significant financial burdens.
There are several ways to classify spinal cord injuries. The first classification method is based on the extent of the damage to the spine. Two types of spinal cord injuries exist in this classification system: incomplete and complete.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: In these injuries, the spinal cord is only partially damaged. Some motor or sensory functions below the level of injury remain, depending on the extent and location of the harm.
- Complete Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries occur when there’s a complete break in the spinal cord. The break causes a total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the injury.
Doctors also classify spinal cord injuries by the level of the spine where they occur:
- Cervical Injuries (C1-C8): These injuries affect the neck area and are the most severe type of spinal cord injury. Damage to the spinal cord in this area can result in quadriplegia, meaning loss of function in both the arms and legs. The higher the injury on the spinal cord, the more extensive any resulting paralysis will be.
- Thoracic Injuries (T1-T12): These injuries occur in the upper and mid-back. Thoracic spinal cord injuries can affect the chest and legs, resulting in paraplegia. A thoracic spinal cord injury typically does not affect function in the arms and hands, but it can affect trunk control and leg movement.
- Lumbar Injuries (L1-L5): These injuries impact the lower back. Lumbar spinal cord injuries can cause loss of function in the hips and legs. People with these injuries may still have some ability to move and control their upper body, but walking and other lower body functions can be severely limited.
- Sacral Injuries (S1-S5): These injuries affect the pelvic region and can impact the hips, groin, thighs, and lower legs. Sacral spinal cord injuries may result in varying degrees of leg function loss, but people suffering from these injuries often retain some ability to walk.
Legal Representation for Spinal Cord Injuries in Destin, Florida
If you’ve sustained a spinal cord injury, it’s essential to have personal injury attorneys like a Destin personal injury attorney on your side. The legal process can seem incomprehensible, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of your injury. A spinal cord injury attorney in Destin can explain the challenges you’re facing and help you through this difficult time.
A spinal cord injury can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs. It is crucial to hire a specialized personal injury law firm to ensure you receive fair settlements. We will pursue fair compensation from the person who harmed you to cover these costs. Our team will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and work with medical experts to build a strong claim. We’ll also handle all communication with insurance companies so they don’t take advantage of you or undervalue your claim.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Personal Injury Claims
Your compensation for a spinal cord injury in a personal injury case can include money for many losses you have already experienced or might deal with in the future, including:
- Current medical bills and expenses
- Future medical treatments
- Lost income and wages while you heal
- Reduced future earnings due to a disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Damaged personal property (if applicable)
Understanding personal injury claims is crucial for victims seeking compensation for their injuries.
Common Incidents Leading to Spinal Cord Injuries, Including Car Accidents
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center tracks the leading causes of these injuries across the United States. Their research indicates that the top five causes of spinal cord injuries are:
- Vehicle Accidents: Car accidents are a major cause of spinal cord injuries, with the force of a collision causing severe trauma to the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians can all sustain severe spinal cord injuries in these incidents. Liability in these cases often falls on the negligent driver, but it can also extend to vehicle manufacturers if a vehicle defect contributed to the accident.
- Slip and Falls: Slipping on a wet floor, falling from a height, or stumbling on uneven surfaces can cause serious spinal damage. Property owners and managers may be liable if the fall occurred due to unsafe conditions, such as poor maintenance, inadequate lighting, or lack of proper safety measures.
- Acts of Violence: Violent acts, including gunshots and physical assaults, often lead to spinal cord injuries. Gunshot wounds to the back or neck can directly damage the spinal cord, while severe beatings can result in spinal fractures. The perpetrator of the violence is typically liable in these cases, but in some instances, establishments with inadequate security measures may also be responsible.
- Sports Injuries: High-impact sports like football, diving, and gymnastics carry a significant risk of spinal cord injuries. These injuries often result from falls, collisions, or improper technique. Coaches, sports organizations, and facilities might be liable if they failed to provide adequate training, safety equipment, or supervision.
- Medical Complications and Malpractice: Some spinal cord injuries occur due to medical errors during surgeries or treatments, commonly referred to as medical malpractice. Improper handling during spinal surgery, incorrect anesthesia administration, or misdiagnosis can lead to severe spinal damage. In such cases, the medical professionals or healthcare institutions involved could be liable.
FAQs About Spinal Cord Injury Legal Cases in Florida
We’re happy to answer any questions you have about personal injuries, including spinal cord injury cases, in Florida.
Personal injury lawyers are essential for handling the complexities of spinal cord injury cases. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we get:
What should I do immediately after a spinal cord injury accident?
If you’ve sustained a spinal cord injury, taking the right steps afterward can protect your health and legal rights. Once you’ve received initial medical attention, follow these steps to get the support and compensation you need:
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, symptoms, and any changes in your condition.
- Inform your employer if the injury occurred at work or file a police or accident report if it happened elsewhere.
- If possible, collect photos, witness contact information, and any relevant documents related to the accident.
- Write down your daily experiences, including pain levels and how the injury impacts your life.
- Keep all documents, medical bills, and correspondence related to your injury in one place.
- Inform your insurance company about the injury but provide only basic information.
- Don’t give statements to insurance companies or sign documents without consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a spinal cord injury lawyer to discuss your case and learn about your rights.
How is the value of a spinal cord injury case determined?
When calculating the value of a spinal cord injury claim, it’s vital to include all the ways your injury has impacted your life. For example, your compensation should include both your current medical expenses and the cost of any future treatments you may need. You also want to include any money you’ve lost from missing work and any effect your injury might have on your future earning potential. Compensation for your pain and suffering should also be added in. An experienced and knowledgeable spinal cord injury attorney in Destin can assess your losses and seek fair compensation for you through a personal injury claim.
Can I still recover compensation if I am partially at fault for my spinal cord injury?
Yes. Florida law says you can recover compensation for your injuries as long as your percentage of fault is 50 percent or less. If you were partly to blame, your compensation would be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a spinal cord injury claim in Florida?
In general, the deadline to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit is two years from when you sustained your injury. However, there may be other deadlines that apply to your case, depending on who caused your injury and when you discovered it. Talk to a lawyer immediately to avoid losing your right to compensation because you waited too long to act.
Contact a Destin Personal Injury Law Firm for Spinal Cord Injury Cases Now
Prompt action is crucial after you sustain a spinal cord injury in Florida. The Bruner Law Firm is ready to help and answer your questions with our experience and skills. Call (850) 243-2222 now or reach out online for a free case evaluation. Our firm is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.
