Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most catastrophic injuries, often resulting from motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, or workplace accidents. These life-changing injuries can severely impact mobility, independence, and quality of life, leading to long-term medical care, financial burden, and emotional trauma.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and body. When damaged, it can cause a loss of movement, loss of sensation, or even complete paralysis.
Types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Complete Injury – No motor or sensory function below the site of the injury.
- Incomplete Injuries – Some motor or sensory function remains.
Common complications include:
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Bladder control and bowel control issues
- Chronic pain
- Loss of coordination and motor skills
- Neuropathic pain
- Sexual function impairment
Common Causes of Spinal Injuries
Many spinal cord trauma incidents are caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness:
- Car and truck accidents
- Falls from heights or slippery surfaces
- Recreational activities
- Acts of violence, including gunshot wounds
- Workplace accidents involving machinery or falls
Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Damage
The long-term impact of spinal cord injuries includes:
- Physical limitations in daily tasks and activities of daily living
- Risk of pressure ulcers
- Ongoing rehabilitation process
- Increased medical expenses
- Psychological impact including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Loss of independence and changes to quality of life
Ongoing medical treatment, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management, can last a lifetime.
Financial Consequences of a Spinal Injury
The financial impacts of spinal cord injury cases can be devastating:
- Emergency care and hospitalization
- Spinal cord injury treatment and surgeries
- Assistive devices, home modifications, and long-term care
- Loss of income and reduced earning capacity
- Lifetime medical costs reaching millions of dollars
Your Legal Options After a Spinal Cord Injury
If your injury was caused by a negligent party, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to recover financial compensation. Legal claims often involve:
- Proving a duty of care
- Showing that duty was breached
- Establishing the breach caused severe injuries
- Demonstrating medical records and accident reports to show damages
You may recover:
- Medical expenses and future treatment options
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment
- Punitive damages in egregious cases
Why Legal Representation Matters
Navigating spinal cord injury claims is complex. An experienced attorney can help you:
- Deal with the insurance company
- Evaluate long-term costs and losses
- Ensure fair compensation
- Handle every step of the legal process
Without strong legal representation, many accident victims settle for far less than they deserve.
Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury
- Get Medical Attention – Some spinal injuries don’t show immediate symptoms.
- Preserve Evidence – Gather medical records, accident scene photos, and accident reports.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurers – The insurance company may try to minimize your case.
- Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer – Protect your rights and explore your legal options.
Spinal Cord Injury Victims Deserve Justice
Whether you’re facing permanent disability, loss of function, or a lifetime of ongoing care, your path forward depends on the support you receive. Let Ted Law Firm help you fight for the fair settlement and future care you deserve. 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.
