St. Louis Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

What to expect

You don’t have to face a spinal cord injury claim alone

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.

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. 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:

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

At the scene

If you can, or if you have someone who can help, document the accident scene. This might include:

• Making sure law enforcement officials create a police report
• Taking photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries
• Getting contact information from witnesses
• Making a note of any emergency responders’ names and badge numbers

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

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, Attorney Christopher Hoffmann can guide you through these steps and protect your rights. We understand the overwhelming nature of these situations and can help 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): 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 for proper long-term care and support. We work closely with qualified medical professionals to document all current and potential future complications so 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, making sure 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 so 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
• Testimony from qualified professionals, 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. We 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. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

What we handle for you

We manage 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. We consult with qualified medical professionals to fully understand your current and future care needs, so 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

We do more than just handle your legal case. We can help connect you with medical specialists, rehabilitation professionals, 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 us for a free consultation. The sooner we can start working on your case, the better we can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.