The #1 Edwardsville Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

The Devastating Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are life-threatening medical conditions that often result from traumatic events such as car accidents.

These injuries occur when the spinal cord is severely damaged, leading to varying degrees of paralysis and loss of sensation in different parts of the body.

In mild conditions, these injuries could lead to temporary paralysis and loss of sensation, whereas severe cases can result in permanent paralysis and even death.

The severity of the injury depends on several factors, including the location and extent of damage to the spinal cord.

Different Types of Spinal Injuries

Spinal cord injuries vary widely, but experts classify them into two main categories.

The two main categories include:

• Location
• Severity

According to Location

The spinal cord consists of 31 segments of nerves, which are divided into four regions.

Depending on where the injury occurs, spinal injuries can be classified as:

• Cervical Spine: Injuries at these levels typically result in tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia), affecting both arms and legs.
• Thoracic Spine: Injuries in this region can cause paraplegia, affecting the trunk and legs.
• Lumbar Spine: Injuries in the lumbar region can also lead to paraplegia with varying degrees of impairment in the hips, legs, and feet.
• Sacral Spine: Injuries at the sacral level may affect bowel, bladder, and sexual function, as well as control of the hips, legs, and feet.

According to Severity

In terms of severity, spinal injuries are further classified into two subcategories: incomplete and complete.

These classifications help describe the extent of damage to the central nervous system and the resulting impact on sensory, motor, and autonomic functions.

Classifications include:

• Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A complete SCI occurs when there is a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury.
  • This degree of severity means no voluntary movement or sensation exists in the affected areas.
  • “Complete spinal cord injury” often refers to a clean spinal fracture or severe damage to the spinal canal.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: An incomplete SCI occurs when there is partial preservation of sensory or motor function below the level of the injury.
  • For example, the patient can still feel sensations in their left limbs but can’t move them.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a medical condition characterized by narrowing the spaces within the spine.

This condition increases the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

The characteristic narrowing can occur in different regions of the spine.

Spinal stenosis often develops gradually over time and can lead to symptoms that affect mobility and quality of life.

A thorough physical examination, detailed medical history, and symptom assessment help diagnose spinal stenosis.

Mild to moderate cases of spinal stenosis can often be managed with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and epidural steroid injections.

Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms and Treatment Options

The symptoms of spinal injuries vary widely, depending on the location and severity.

Most of them share some similarities in symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms observed in SCI include:

• Paralysis
• Muscle weakness
• Involuntary muscle spasms or stiffness
• Loss of coordination
• Numbness
• Abnormal sensory perceptions
• Heightened sensitivity to touch or pain
• Loss of position sense

Physical therapy is the leading treatment option in milder cases.

This treatment could also work in some severe or long-term cases.

In most severe cases, surgery is the preferred route to treating damaged regions of the spinal cord, and neurostimulation could be applied if necessary.

What Are the Causes of Spinal Injuries in Car Accidents?

Motor vehicle accidents can result in various types of spinal injuries due to the high forces and impact involved.

Common causes of spinal injuries in car accidents include:

• Whiplash
• Direct spinal trauma
• Spinal cord compression

Whiplash

Whiplash is a specific injury commonly associated with rear-end collisions or sudden deceleration.

It occurs when the head is vigorously jerked backward and forward, leading to a rapid extension and flexion of the neck.

This sudden movement can strain muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the cervical spine, resulting in symptoms such as:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
• Shoulder pain and stiffness
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Blurred vision or other visual disturbances

Whiplash injuries can range from mild to severe, with more severe cases potentially causing damage to the spinal discs or facet joints in the neck.

Direct Spinal Trauma

Direct traumatic spinal injury during a car accident can lead to various types of spinal injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and contusions.

This injury can occur when the spine collides with objects inside the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatback, or due to external forces during a high-speed collision.

Common spinal-related injuries a victim could sustain from direct trauma include:

• Spinal fractures
• Misalignment of the vertebrae
• Bruising of the spinal cord tissue
• Disc herniations

Direct spinal trauma often requires immediate medical attention to assess and stabilize the spine and prevent damage progression.

Spinal Cord Compression

Spinal cord compression can occur in car accidents due to vertebral fractures, disc herniation, or other injuries that cause pressure on the spinal column.

Compression of the spinal cord can lead to neurological deficits and symptoms such as:

• Loss of sensation or motor function below the level of injury
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the extremities
• Muscle weakness or paralysis

Seeking Compensation for Your Spinal Injuries

If you or your loved one is suffering from a spinal cord injury after a car accident, you may be eligible to take legal action against the negligent driver and seek compensation.

Seeking compensation can be an intricate legal process, and working with an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can provide unique advantages.

A competent lawyer can help your case in various ways.

The ways a lawyer can help include:

• Case evaluation
• Investigation
• Calculation of damages
• Negotiation and litigation

Case Evaluation

The process begins with an initial consultation with a personal injury attorney specializing in spinal cord injury cases.

During this consultation, the attorney will gather information about the accident, injuries sustained, medical treatments received, and the impact of the injury on the victim’s life.

The attorney will also assess liability by examining factors such as the cause of the accident, the parties’ negligence, and applicable traffic laws or regulations.

They could also start a rough evaluation of the damages you could receive when you win your case.

The attorney will consider factors like medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, and future medical needs.

Investigation

After hiring an attorney, they will start investigating your case.

Your attorney will thoroughly investigate and gather evidence to support and strengthen the claim.

This step may include obtaining police reports, witness statements, accident reconstruction reports, medical records, and expert opinions.

In complex cases involving spinal cord injuries, the attorney may consult with medical experts, rehabilitation specialists, vocational experts, and economists to assess the long-term impact of the injury and calculate the full extent of damages.

Calculation of Damages

An attorney could start estimating damages during the initial consultation but they will go in-depth after the investigation.

The attorney will start evaluating your tangible losses, such as past and future medical bills related to emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.

They will also look at potential compensation for lost wages, benefits, and reduced earning capacity due to disability or inability to work.

Aside from economic or tangible losses, attorneys will also weigh your emotional damages.

This compensation includes physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma caused by the injury.

Negotiation and Litigation

When your attorney is confident with the estimated damages, they will negotiate with the other party.

The attorney will prepare a demand letter outlining the claim, supported by evidence and documentation of damages.

The demand letter typically includes a settlement demand based on the calculated damages.

During this phase, the attorney will negotiate with the insurance company or at-fault parties to reach a fair settlement.

This process may involve numerous back-and-forth discussions and counteroffers.

If the other party refuses to provide a fair settlement, the attorney may file a lawsuit and initiate litigation.

The legal process involves discovery, depositions, and court hearings leading to a trial.

In the trial, the attorney presents the case before a judge or jury, arguing for compensation based on liability and damages.

The court ultimately determines the outcome of the case and awards damages if liability is proven.

Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Case

Your chosen auto accident attorney plays a significant role in the outcome of your case.

Essential factors to look for in a lawyer include:

• Experience and Specialization: Spinal cord injury cases are highly complex and require specialized knowledge of both medical and legal aspects.
  • It’s vital to choose a lawyer specializing in personal injury law with a specific focus on spinal cord injuries.
  • An experienced spinal injury attorney will understand the unique challenges associated with these injuries and their impacts on the victims’ lives.
• Track Record of Success: Look for a lawyer with proven success in handling spinal cord injury cases.
  • Review past case outcomes and settlements to assess the attorney’s ability to achieve favorable client results.
  • A successful track record demonstrates competence and effectiveness in advocating for the rights of individuals with spinal cord injuries.
• Client Reviews and Testimonials: Read client reviews and testimonials to gauge the attorney’s reputation and client satisfaction.
  • Positive feedback from previous clients reflects the attorney’s professionalism, communication skills, and commitment to providing personalized legal representation.
• Compassion and Empathy: Dealing with a spinal cord injury can be emotionally and physically challenging.
  • Choose a lawyer who demonstrates compassion, empathy, and genuine concern for your well-being.
  • A compassionate attorney will prioritize your needs, listen to your concerns, and provide support throughout the legal process.

TorHoerman Law: Talk to Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today

Car accidents often result in catastrophic outcomes, and spinal cord injuries are just one of them.

Our experienced and compassionate legal team will fight for your rights and help you seek fair compensation for your losses.

Our legal team is committed to supporting you through every step of the legal process.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

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