A spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating and life-altering outcomes of a serious accident. It can result in permanent disability, ongoing medical care, and severe disruption to your quality of life. Whether caused by motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or workplace incidents, these injuries often require long-term rehabilitation and assistive devices just to regain some independence.
At Ted Law Firm, we help victims and families navigate the overwhelming aftermath of spinal cord injuries with compassion and strategy. This blog explains what spinal cord injuries involve, how they affect your daily life, and the legal options available to pursue compensation.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord or the spinal nerves at the end of the spinal canal. This damage can lead to temporary or permanent disruptions in motor function, sensory functions, and critical body functions such as bowel control and bladder control.
Types of injuries include:
- Incomplete injury: Some motor or sensory function remains.
- Complete injury: All motor and sensory function below the level of injury is lost.
The neurological level and severity of the injury impact symptoms such as:
- Loss of movement
- Chronic pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel functions
- Difficulty with sexual functioning
- Changes in muscle functions and muscle tone
- Dependence on assistive devices or caregivers
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
In South Carolina, spinal cord injuries often result from:
- Motor vehicle accidents – The top cause of traumatic SCIs
- Falls – Especially among older adults or on hazardous premises
- Sports injuries – Including diving and high-contact sports
- Acts of violence – Like gunshot wounds or physical assaults
- Workplace accidents – Often in construction or industrial jobs
- Medical malpractice – Errors during surgeries or misdiagnosis
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, South Carolina law allows you to pursue legal action.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Early signs of spinal cord injuries may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Loss of movement
- Pressure injuries or neck/back pain
- Problems with bowel control or bladder function
- Trouble breathing or coughing
- Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
Prompt emergency medical attention and diagnostic tests (like MRI or CT scans) are essential. These can help determine the injury level and appropriate medical treatment.
Long-Term Consequences of a Spinal Cord Injury
The long-term impact depends on the neurological level of damage and whether it’s a complete or incomplete injury. Survivors may experience:
1. Paralysis
- Paraplegia – Loss of function in lower limbs
- Tetraplegia – Loss of function in both arms and legs
2. Chronic Pain and Neurological Issues
Nerve pain can persist even when other recovery takes place.
3. Mental Health Struggles
Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common.
4. Financial Burdens
SCI survivors face millions in medical expenses, home adjustments, and lost income.
5. Loss of Independence
May require ongoing care from a rehabilitation team, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social workers.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Ted Law Firm can help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills – Emergency treatment, surgery, intensive care units
- Lost wages – Including future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Assistive devices – Including wheelchairs and home modifications
- Punitive damages – For extreme recklessness
Who Is Liable?
Liability depends on the circumstances. Potential at-fault parties include:
- Negligent drivers
- Employers or third parties in workplace incidents
- Property owners in premises liability cases
- Medical professionals in malpractice situations
Establishing fault requires strong evidence, medical records, and often expert testimony on the injury level, spinal cord damage, and future care needs.
Steps To Take After a Spinal Cord Injury
- Get Immediate Medical Attention
- Document Everything – Medical records, bills, photos
- Track Your Recovery – Pain, missed work, reduced quality of life
- Avoid Social Media – Posts can be used by insurers
- Consult a Lawyer Early
South Carolina’s statute of limitations is generally three years, but can be shorter in certain cases,such as medical malpractice or injuries involving government agencies.
Rehabilitation and Recovery Support
Spinal cord injury recovery is long-term and multi-faceted. Your rehabilitation team may include:
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Psychological counselors
- Vocational trainers
- Speech therapy or respiratory care (for cervical injuries)
Support organizations that can help:
- Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
- United Spinal Association
- South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association
How Ted Law Firm Helps Spinal Injury Survivors
We provide aggressive legal support paired with compassionate care. Our services include:
- Case evaluation and legal guidance
- Collecting diagnostic tests and witness statements
- Managing insurance negotiations
- Fighting for maximum compensation
- Preparing for trial, if necessary
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often minimize claims or reject them outright. A knowledgeable spinal cord injury lawyer:
- Understands the true cost of your injury
- Has access to medical experts and investigators
- Builds a strong claim based on your level of injury and daily life impact
- Fights back against lowball offers
- Advocates for meaningful life outcomes
Take Control After a Spinal Injury
The physical and emotional toll of a traumatic injury is overwhelming,but you don’t have to face it alone. Let Ted Law Firm fight for your future while you focus on healing.
Contact Ted Law Firm Today
Call now for a free consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and help you move forward with strength and confidence. We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Orangeburg, and Summerville. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Let Ted Law Firm help you file a successful claim for emotional damages. Call us today for a free consultation and start your journey toward healing and compensation.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
