Representation You Need
Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Victims of spinal cord injuries, may be able to obtain several types of compensation. These cases often focus on the long-term effects as well as the individual’s ability to continue working and lead an independent life. Our McDonald & Cody spinal cord injury trial attorneys will work with you to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
- Current medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Any in-home care that may be required
- Physical rehabilitation
- Required medical equipment and devices
- Long-term disability
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Mental anguish
- Loss of lifestyle enjoyment
5
common causes of
spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord damage can be the result of an infection, a penetrating injury or a non-penetrating injury. Among the more common causes are:
When someone gets into a car crash, they frequently sustain trauma to their backs. Impacts of this nature often leave them with painful spinal cord injuries.
Motorcyclists get thrown into walls, lampposts, and other solid objects when they collide with other road users. As a result, they suffer life-altering spinal cord injuries.
Falls are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. Certain industries, such as construction or entertainment, may be at a greater risk, but a trip down a set of stairs, or a fall from any height, can be dangerous.
An undiagnosed infection can lead to a spinal abscess, which can lead to paralysis if left untreated. Surgical errors, medication errors and other delays in diagnosis and treatment may lead to a spinal cord injury. A misplaced epidural during labor and delivery can also pose a risk.
Contact sports, such as football, wrestling and rugby, are dangerous even for highly trained players. One wrong move, or a bad hit, can leave a player paralyzed.
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If you have been the victim of a spinal cord injury, our experienced team is ready to start working on your case today.
Why McDonald & Cody?
The philosophy at McDonald & Cody, LLC is to provide maximum results, one client at a time. We are dedicated to our cases and strive for quick, full and maximum compensation.
Spinal Cord Injury FAQ's
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Spinal Cord Injuries.
What are the common types of spinal cord injuries?
The spinal cord is one of the most complex areas of the body, controlling numerous functions. An injury to the spine can significantly impact the victim’s physical, mental and financial well-being.
Spinal cord injuries generally fall into two categories:
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries. These injuries result when the cord is partially severed. The injured party is usually able to retain some level of function. Examples of an incomplete injury include anterior cord syndrome, where an individual may have difficulty with movement. With central cord syndrome, the victim may also lose control of motor skills and basic bodily functions.
- Complete spinal cord injuries. Complete injuries result when the spinal cord is fully severed. Though treatment may lessen the impact, most patients suffer complete loss of bodily functions and experience paralysis. Quadriplegia and paraplegia are examples of a complete spinal cord injuries, where the patient is unable to move limbs below the site of injury.
What are the signs of a spinal cord injury?
- The symptoms of a spinal cord injury generally depend on two factors: the location of the injury and the severity of the injury. When a spinal cord injury occurs higher on the spinal column, the victim suffers more extensive paralysis.
- A victim with a “partial” spinal cord injury may retain some sensation or motor function below the affected area. “Complete” spinal cord injuries are defined by complete loss of motor function and sensation below the affected area. Spinal cord injuries may result in one or more of the following:
- Pain or an intense stinging sensation
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation (ability to feel heat, cold, and touch)
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Changes in sexual function/sensitivity
- Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
- Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing lungs
What is my spinal cord injury case worth?
The value of a spinal cord injury case depends on the severity of the injury. The lifetime costs of a complete spinal cord injury can run between two and four million dollars or more. Other factors that contribute to the value of your claim include your current and future medical needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Damages Available to Spinal Cord Injury Victims
In order to truly understand the costs of these injuries, we have to examine both economic losses as well as non-economic damages.
The most overwhelming cost associated with spinal cord injuries revolves around medical care. When we look at information available from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), we see that the first year of medical care alone can range anywhere from approximately $380,000 to more than $1 million, depending on the level of severity (quadriplegia, paraplegia, partial paralysis). Additionally, a spinal cord injury victim can expect medical costs ranging from around $46,000 to more than $200,000 for every subsequent year following their injury.
However, these are certainly not the only economic costs spinal cord injury victims and their families should expect. Individuals who sustain these injuries may not be able to work again, or they may have to take jobs that offer lesser pay. These lost wages can significantly impact a person’s finances. Additionally, it is not uncommon for family members to have to leave their jobs or take fewer hours so they can become caregivers for the spinal cord injury victim.
We cannot look at the total costs of a spinal cord injury without examining non-economic (or general) damages. These are the losses that do not come with direct bills or receipts and are more immeasurable but are nonetheless critically important. Non-economic damages refer to emotional and psychological trauma suffered by the spinal cord injury victims and their close family members. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Physical pain and suffering of the spinal cord injury victim
- Emotional and psychological trauma caused by the injury
- Loss of quality of life damages
- Loss of consortium for a spouse or family members
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