St. Louis Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries our firm sees in our car accident clients. Talk to a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer for Free 24/7.
These types of injuries have a wide range of symptoms, from minor pain that goes away with treatment to total paralysis from a broken back. Even with minor spinal cord injuries, the pain that is associated with it can reappear months or years after the accident. If you were the victim of a St. Louis car accident and are now attempting to readjust to life with a spinal cord injury, contact a St. Louis car accident lawyer at our law firm as soon as possible!
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High-speed car crashes are one of the leading causes of spinal injuries thanks to the very high level of force that is created. If the reckless disregard of another driver caused your injury, do not hesitate to file a claim for damages with a St. Louis spinal cord injury lawyer.
Between 12,000 and 20,000 new patients are treated for SCI each year. Of these, 46% are estimated to have been caused by a car accident. The force created in a catastrophic crash goes directly to the head, neck, and back, which often causes the spine to fracture.
When your spine absorbs the impact of a car crash, the discs will often displace or fracture. When blood cells rupture, nearby organs become damaged. The spinal cavity swells in defense, cutting off blood and vital oxygen to the area. The affected nerves and neurons are severed, causing a break in the connection between your brain and all body parts below the point of injury. If the swelling is not reduced in time, this condition will leave you paralyzed from the point of injury downwards.
Critical Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury
The actions taken immediately following a spinal cord injury can significantly impact both your recovery and your legal case. Here are the essential steps to take:
1. Immediate Medical Response
Call 911 immediately. In cases of potential spinal cord injury, it’s crucial to:
- Let emergency responders know if you suspect a spinal injury
- Remain as still as possible until emergency responders arrive
- Avoid moving or being moved unless absolutely necessary
2. At the Scene
If you can, or if you have someone who can help, document the accident scene. This might include:
- Ensuring law enforcement officials create a police report
- Taking photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries
- Getting contact information from witnesses
- Make a note of any emergency responders’ names and badge numbers
3. Medical Treatment
After the initial emergency response, your medical care will likely include:
- Development of a follow-up care plan
- Thorough medical evaluation to determine injury severity
- Diagnostic imaging to identify any foreign objects or bone fragments
- Immediate treatment for acute spinal cord injury
- Possible surgical intervention
4. Speak With a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Once your immediate medical needs are stable, take these steps to protect your legal rights:
DO:
- Request copies of your medical records and the police report
- Keep all documentation of medical treatments and expenses
- Contact a spinal cord injury lawyer before speaking with insurance companies
- Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments
DON’T:
- Give statements to insurance companies without legal representation
- Accept any settlement offers without legal review
- Post about your accident on social media
- Skip medical appointments or ignore treatment plans
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in St. Louis, our experienced attorneys can guide you through these steps and protect your rights. We understand the overwhelming nature of these situations and can help ensure you take the right actions to protect your health and legal claim.
Spinal Cord Injury Statistics
In the U.S., it is estimated that about 12,000 cases of spinal cord injuries are reported every year – which amounts to around 30 injuries a day. Slips and falls, birth-related injuries, sports-related accidents, and motor vehicle accidents can cause these injuries. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), about one-third of all spinal cord injuries are caused by car accidents, making auto accidents the leading cause of spinal cord injuries.
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
Complete spinal cord injury causes complete loss of function of the body from below the area of injury on the spine. These types of injuries can result in:
- Paraplegia – Paraplegia is the complete loss of motor and sensory function in the body’s lower extremities.
- Quadriplegia – Quadriplegia refers to complete loss of motor and sensory function in the torso and the four limbs.
Recovery from complete spinal cord injuries is rare and often results in permanent disability. Extensive rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery, and physical therapy can help an injured person regain a certain level of independence with the assistance of a wheelchair.
Partial Spinal Cord Injuries
Partial or incomplete spinal cord injuries are more common. Such injuries are characterized by limited motor or sensory functioning of the body from below the injured area of the spine. Sometimes, certain hampered functions during an injury can be regained after the injury heals. At times, the extent of injury cannot be determined until symptoms begin affecting the regular functioning of a person’s body. Partial spinal cord injuries include:
- Anterior cord syndrome – spinal cord injuries to the front of the spine causing loss of temperature sensation, inability to feel pain, and loss of sensory functions of areas below the spot of injury.
- Posterior cord syndrome – spinal cord injuries to the back of the spine causing loss of temperature sensation and coordination and the inability to feel pain.
- Central cord syndrome – injuries to the center of the spine causing loss of functionality in the arms.
- Brown–Sequard syndrome (BSS) is an injury to either side of the spine that causes loss of motor function and retention of sensory function on one side and retention of motor function and loss of sensory function on the other side of the body.
- Cauda equina lesion: partial or complete impairment of sensation caused by injury to the nerve end grouping between the first and second lumbar regions.
Effects and Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can have far-reaching effects that impact every aspect of a victim’s life. Understanding these complications is crucial when pursuing legal compensation, as they directly influence immediate and long-term care needs.
Physical Effects and Medical Complications
Spinal cord injury victims often face multiple challenging complications that require ongoing medical attention:
- Paralysis and Motor Function: Depending on the injury location and severity, victims may experience partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting their ability to perform daily activities.
- Respiratory Complications: Many SCI victims face breathing difficulties, particularly those with injuries in the upper spine. This may require ventilator support or ongoing respiratory therapy.
- Blood Clots: Reduced mobility following an SCI significantly increases the risk of dangerous blood clots, which require careful monitoring and preventive treatment.
- Pressure Sores: Limited mobility can lead to pressure sores, requiring constant vigilance and specialized care to prevent serious infections.
- Loss of Sensation: Many victims experience partial or complete loss of sensation below the injury site, which can lead to accidental injuries and require lifestyle modifications.
- Chronic Pain: Despite loss of sensation in some areas, many SCI victims experience persistent neuropathic pain that requires long-term pain management.
Autonomic System Impact
Spinal cord injuries often affect basic bodily functions that most people take for granted:
- Bowel and Bladder Control: Many victims require assistance with these basic functions, necessitating specialized medical supplies and ongoing care.
- Sexual Function: Changes in sexual function and fertility are common, often requiring specialized medical intervention and counseling.
- Temperature Regulation: The body’s ability to regulate temperature may be impaired, requiring careful monitoring and environmental control.
The Need for a Multidisciplinary Approach
Effective treatment of spinal cord injuries requires a comprehensive team of healthcare professionals:
- Primary care physicians
- Neurologists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Respiratory specialists
- Mental health professionals
- Pain management specialists
Each specialist is crucial in developing tailored rehabilitation strategies that address the victim’s needs and complications.
Long-Term Economic Impact
The complications of spinal cord injuries often create substantial financial burdens:
- Ongoing medical treatment costs
- Specialized medical equipment
- Home modifications
- Personal care assistance
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Psychological therapy and counseling
- Regular medical supplies
- Transportation modifications
Understanding these effects and complications is crucial when pursuing a legal claim, as they directly impact the compensation needed to ensure proper long-term care and support. Our St. Louis spinal cord injury lawyers work closely with medical experts to document all current and potential future complications to ensure your settlement adequately covers your needs.
How To File a Successful Spinal Cord Injury Claim
Spinal cord claims may fall under the ‘personal injury’ category, but these types of claims are often completely different from the rest.
This has to do with the injury itself. As we’ve discussed, spinal cord damage often has a more serious impact on people, not to mention the fact that full recovery in these cases is highly unlikely. As a result, there are a lot of different things you need to consider if you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury.
Due to their complexity and significant impact on the victim’s life, spinal cord injury claims require careful consideration. A St. Louis spinal cord injury lawyer can help navigate the intricacies of such claims, ensuring all factors, such as medical costs, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering, are duly accounted for in the settlement.
The Severity of the Injury Influences the Settlement
Victims who have suffered a spinal cord injury often get a much higher settlement than an average personal injury claim. The reason is that these injuries can completely change a person’s life and affect them in all aspects, from losing their job and financial stability to experiencing high levels of suffering and perhaps even the need for permanent care.
When you negotiate a settlement for a spinal injury claim, you must take into account:
- The costs of medical treatments, both past, present, and future
- Cost of therapy or rehabilitation
- Costs of nursing care, if needed
- Costs of any special equipment you may need, such as a wheelchair, and even home changes to make the injured person’s home accessible to their new condition
- Lost wages if the person cannot return to work
- Pain and suffering, which are usually reflected by the changes in the victim’s quality of life
These are all complex factors, some of which don’t have a price tag. For instance, the cost of a wheelchair can be easily added to the settlement, as well as medical bills, but some matters, especially those that have to deal with pain and suffering, are abstract. As a result, you will need to negotiate with the insurance company to ensure the settlement also accounts for these losses.
How to File a Successful Claim
To file a claim, you first need to identify the at-fault party, such as the driver who crashed into you and led to the injury. Then, you can file a claim with their insurance company and start the claims process.
At this time, you will essentially have to make your case. To get a good settlement, you will need:
- Proof that the at-fault party is at fault (video surveillance, witness testimonies, etc.)
- Proof of all the costs this accident has caused, as well as projected future costs
- Expert testimonies, especially when it comes to establishing projected costs and pain and suffering
Since a large part of the settlement will be established through negotiations, it’s important to go into this process prepared. You should contact an experienced attorney who can successfully negotiate a fair settlement.
How a St. Louis Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Advocates for You
After a spinal cord injury, the right legal representation can make all the difference in your recovery and compensation. Our experienced attorneys work to protect your rights while you focus on healing.
We understand you’re facing significant challenges right now. That’s why we offer free case evaluations with no obligation. Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
What We Handle for You
Our team manages every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. We collect police reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a strong case. Our attorneys consult with medical experts to fully understand your current and future care needs, ensuring we pursue compensation that truly reflects the impact on your life.
Understanding Your Full Compensation Needs
A spinal cord injury affects every aspect of your life. We work to secure compensation that covers all your needs, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Mobility equipment and home modifications
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Personal care assistance needs
Beyond Legal Support
Our team does more than just handle your legal case. We help connect you with medical specialists, rehabilitation experts, and support services that can assist in your recovery. If insurance companies dispute your coverage or care needs, we’re here to advocate for you.
When seeking compensation, we examine every possible avenue. We aim to secure the maximum compensation available to support your recovery and future needs.
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact our St. Louis spinal cord injury lawyers for a free consultation. The sooner we can start working on your case, the better we can protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injuries
What is a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. The spinal cord does not have to be severed for a loss of functioning to occur.
How do car accidents cause spinal cord injuries?
In car accidents, SCIs can occur from direct trauma to the spine or secondary factors such as bleeding, swelling, inflammation, and fluid accumulation in or around the spinal cord.
What are the symptoms of a spinal cord injury?
Symptoms can range from pain or pressure in the back or neck, paralysis, weakness, incoordination, and numbness to more severe issues like loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty breathing, and changes in sexual function.
What should I do if I suspect a spinal cord injury after a car accident?
It is crucial to remain still and seek emergency medical attention immediately. Moving a person with a suspected SCI can lead to further damage.
Are all spinal cord injuries permanent?
Not all SCIs result in permanent damage. Some individuals may experience a complete recovery, while others may have residual effects that can range from mild dysfunction to complete paralysis.
What types of compensation can I seek if I’ve suffered an SCI in a car accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages.
How can a lawyer help me if I’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident?
A lawyer can help navigate the complex legal and insurance issues, advocate on your behalf, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
How long do I have to file a claim for a spinal cord injury in Missouri?
In Missouri, you typically have five years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if my loved one suffered a fatal spinal cord injury in a car accident?
If a loved one has died from an SCI sustained in a car accident, you may have a wrongful death claim. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and the process for filing a claim.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you are found to be partially at fault, although your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
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