Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

In an instant, a spinal cord injury can shatter lives and rewrite futures. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of these devastating injuries ripples through families, careers, and dreams. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we understand the profound impact of spinal cord injuries. Our experienced team of spinal cord injury lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights and futures of spinal cord injury victims. 

Don’t let critical time slip away. The decisions you make in the aftermath of a spinal cord injury can have lifelong consequences. Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Your fight is our fight, and together, we’ll work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 213-985-1120 now or fill out our online form to take the first step towards reclaiming control of your life after a spinal cord injury.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe and often life-altering trauma to the bundle of nerves that runs from the brain down the center of the back. This vital communication highway carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling movement, sensation, and vital functions. When the spinal cord is damaged, these signals can be disrupted or completely severed, leading to profound changes in a person’s abilities and quality of life.

Severity and Classification

Spinal cord injuries are typically classified into two main categories:

1. Complete Injury: All sensory and motor function below the level of injury is lost.
2. Incomplete Injury: Some function remains below the primary level of injury.

The severity and location of the injury determine its impact. Injuries higher on the spinal cord generally result in more extensive loss of function:

• Cervical (neck) injuries: Can lead to quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs
• Thoracic (chest) injuries: May result in paraplegia, impacting the lower body
• Lumbar or Sacral injuries: Can affect leg movement, bladder control, and sexual function

Long-Term Consequences

The impact of a spinal cord injury extends far beyond the initial trauma. Survivors often face a lifetime of challenges, including:

• Paralysis: Partial or complete loss of motor function
• Loss of Sensation: Inability to feel touch, temperature, or pain
• Chronic Pain: Persistent discomfort that can be difficult to manage
• Respiratory Issues: Difficulty breathing or increased risk of pneumonia
• Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control: Requiring ongoing management
• Sexual Dysfunction: Impacting intimacy and reproductive capabilities
• Increased Risk of Secondary Health Complications: Such as pressure sores or deep vein thrombosis

The Scope of the Problem: Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

Understanding the prevalence of spinal cord injuries underscores the critical need for prevention, treatment, and legal advocacy:

• Approximately 17,900 new spinal cord injury cases occur each year in the United States.
• The estimated number of people living with SCI in the U.S. is about 296,000.
• Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of SCI, accounting for 38.6% of cases.
• Falls are the second most common cause, responsible for 32.2% of SCIs.
• The average age at injury has increased from 29 years in the 1970s to 43 years currently.
• Men account for about 78% of new SCI cases.
• The lifetime costs associated with SCI can range from $1.2 million to $5.1 million, depending on the severity and age at injury.

These statistics highlight not only the frequency of spinal cord injuries but also their disproportionate impact on individuals in their prime working years. The immense financial burden underscores the critical importance of securing adequate compensation to ensure proper care and quality of life for SCI survivors.

We understand the complex and far-reaching consequences of spinal cord injuries. Our dedicated team is committed to fighting for the full and fair compensation you need to navigate these challenges and secure your future.

Medical Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries

The journey of medical treatment for a spinal cord injury is complex, often lifelong, and can be incredibly costly. Understanding the full scope of medical care required is crucial for patients and families seeking to secure comprehensive compensation.

Emergency Care: The Critical First Hours

Immediate medical intervention following a spinal cord injury is crucial and can significantly impact long-term outcomes. Emergency care typically involves:

1. Immobilization: Preventing further damage by carefully stabilizing the spine.
2. Airway Management: Ensuring proper breathing, often requiring intubation for high cervical injuries.
3. Blood Pressure Control: Maintaining adequate blood flow to the spinal cord.
4. Diagnostic Imaging: CT scans and MRIs to assess the extent of the injury.
5. Surgical Intervention: Often necessary to remove bone fragments, foreign objects, herniated disks, or fractured vertebrae compressing the spinal cord.
6. Medication Administration: Intravenous corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling and inflammation.

The goal of emergency care is to prevent further injury, preserve remaining function, and create the best possible conditions for recovery.

Long-Term Treatment: The Road to Rehabilitation

Once a patient is stabilized, the focus shifts to long-term treatment and rehabilitation. This phase is crucial for maximizing recovery and adapting to life post-injury. Long-term treatment typically includes:

1. Physical Therapy: To maintain and strengthen muscle function, refine mobility skills, and prevent complications like contractures.
2. Occupational Therapy: Focusing on fine motor skills and adaptive techniques for daily living activities.
3. Respiratory Therapy: Particularly important for those with high-level injuries affecting breathing muscles.
4. Speech and Language Therapy: For patients with injuries affecting speech or swallowing.
5. Psychological Counseling: To address the emotional and mental health challenges associated with SCI.
6. Assistive Devices: Such as wheelchairs, computer-adaptive equipment, and home modification tools.
7. Medication Management: For pain control, spasticity, and to prevent secondary complications.
8. Bowel and Bladder Management Programs: To establish new routines and prevent complications.

Ongoing Medical Care: A Lifetime Commitment

Spinal cord injury survivors require vigilant, ongoing medical care to maintain health and prevent complications. This includes:

1. Regular check-ups with specialists (neurologists, urologists, etc.)
2. Skin care to prevent pressure sores
3. Monitoring for respiratory issues and urinary tract infections
4. Management of chronic pain and spasticity
5. Adaptive sexual health services
6. Nutritional counseling to maintain optimal health

Planning for Future Medical Needs

The medical needs of SCI survivors evolve over time, and it’s crucial to plan for future expenses. Consider:

• Replacement and Upgrades of Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, home modifications, and adaptive technologies need regular updating.
• Emerging Treatments: As medical science advances, new therapies may become available.
• Secondary Condition Management: SCI survivors are at higher risk for certain health issues as they age.
• Home Health Care: Many individuals require increasing assistance over time.
• Specialized Transportation: To maintain independence and access to medical care.

The true cost of a spinal cord injury extends far beyond initial treatment. Our experienced spinal cord injury attorneys work diligently to ensure that any settlement or verdict accounts for lifelong medical needs. We consult with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to project future expenses accurately, fighting for compensation that provides security and the best possible quality of life for our clients.

Don’t let inadequate compensation compromise your future care. Contact us today to ensure your rights and future medical needs are fully protected.

Types of Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries

Because spinal cord injuries can have devastating, lifelong consequences that extend far beyond initial medical treatment we fight tirelessly to secure comprehensive compensation.

We work diligently to pursue full compensation across all applicable categories:

1. Medical Expenses

• Emergency medical care and hospitalization
• Surgeries and follow-up procedures
• Ongoing rehabilitation (physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.)
• Medications and medical supplies
• Assistive devices (wheelchairs, ventilators, etc.)
• Home modifications (ramps, lifts, accessible bathrooms, etc.)
• Specialized vehicles for transportation

2. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

• Income lost due to hospitalization and recovery time
• Diminished earning capacity if unable to return to previous employment
• Lost benefits, bonuses, and retirement contributions
• Vocational rehabilitation or job retraining costs

3. Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain from the injury and ongoing complications
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Depression, anxiety, and PTSD related to the injury

4. Loss of Consortium

• Compensation for the impact on marital relationships
• Loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy

5. Future Care Costs

• Projected lifetime medical expenses
• In-home care or nursing home costs
• Future surgeries or treatments
• Replacement of assistive devices over time

6. Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be pursued to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

We keep you informed and involved throughout the process, ensuring you understand the full value of your case and can make informed decisions about settlement offers.

We understand that no amount of money can truly compensate for a spinal cord injury. However, securing comprehensive compensation is crucial for ensuring you have the resources needed for the best possible quality of life and ongoing care.

Contact a Seasoned Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we understand that a spinal cord injury case is about more than just compensation – it’s about securing your future and ensuring the highest possible quality of life. Our comprehensive legal services are designed to shoulder the legal burden, allowing you to focus on your recovery and adaptation to life post-injury.

Don’t navigate this complex legal landscape alone. Contact our spinal cord injury lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can put our expertise to work for you.

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