A spinal cord injury is a severe and life-altering event. Injuries to the spine disrupt the flow of information between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to permanent paralysis and loss of motor function, sensation, and even organ function.
Your Charlotte spinal cord injury lawyer at Shane Smith Law has recovered over $100 million in damages for our clients and understands the challenges you and your family are facing.
That is why we provide aggressive representation in injury cases, including those involving spinal cord injuries. Contact a leading Charlotte personal injury lawyer from our firm today to find out how you can make the liable party pay.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Severity
Spinal cord injuries vary in severity and can impact your mobility, independence, and long-term health. The level of damage determines whether you experience a partial or complete loss of function, which affects treatment options and recovery. If you suffered a spinal cord injury, understanding how your condition is classified can help you determine what kind of care and support you may need.
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are categorized as either complete or incomplete. Complete injuries result in total loss of function below the affected area, while incomplete injuries allow for some movement or sensation. The severity of the damage determines whether rehabilitation can improve mobility and independence.
Medical evaluations, imaging scans, and neurological tests assess the extent of the injury and long-term prognosis. Some individuals with incomplete injuries regain function through rehabilitation, while those with complete injuries often require lifelong care. Adaptive therapies, assistive devices, and specialized rehabilitation programs help individuals adjust to the physical challenges of spinal cord injuries.
Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, and Sacral Spine Injuries
The location of a spinal cord injury determines the areas of the body that are affected. Cervical spine injuries, which occur in the upper neck, are the most severe and can result in quadriplegia or breathing difficulties. Damage to this region may require ventilator support and long-term medical care.
Thoracic and lumbar injuries affect the mid and lower back, impacting core strength, balance, and lower body function. Individuals with thoracic injuries often experience loss of movement in the legs, while lumbar injuries may limit mobility but allow for some independence with assistive devices.
Sacral spine injuries can affect bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and leg movement. While these injuries are typically less severe than cervical or thoracic damage, they can still lead to permanent complications. Physical therapy, mobility aids, and ongoing medical support are often necessary to adapt to these challenges.
For a free legal consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer serving Charlotte, call 980-246-2656
Top Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a wide range of accidents. Your Charlotte slip and fall attorney with Shane Smith Law has extensive experience helping victims cope with injuries caused by:
- Falls: Falls from heights, such as slipping and falling from a ladder, rooftop, or stairs, can cause spinal cord injuries. When someone falls, they may land on their back or head, which can result in the spine absorbing the impact.
- Defective Products: Defective products, such as faulty equipment or machinery, can lead to accidents that result in spinal cord injuries. For example, if a safety mechanism fails or a product malfunctions during use, it can cause a person to fall or be involved in an impact that damages the spinal cord.
- Workplace Accidents: Workplace accidents, particularly those that involve heavy machinery, construction sites, or hazardous environments, can pose a risk of spinal cord injuries. Accidents like being struck by falling objects, being caught in machinery, or falling from heights can all potentially result in spinal cord trauma.
The Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
After a spinal cord injury, you may be forced to adjust to life with limitations. You may need the help of an experienced legal advocate to fight for your rights in court and to negotiate a fair settlement.
Your Charlotte catastrophic injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a spinal cord injury.
Charlotte Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Near Me 980-246-2656
How Financial Support Changes Lives After a Spinal Cord Injury
Financial compensation can make a drastic difference in your recovery from a spinal cord injury. Some of the ways it can help include:
Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation Costs
Spinal cord injuries require lifelong medical care. Ongoing physical therapy, assistive devices, and surgeries create long-term expenses that insurance may not fully cover.
Many spinal cord injury victims need specialized treatments, such as stem cell therapy, adaptive rehabilitation, and in-home nursing care, to improve their quality of life.
Securing Compensation for Lost Income and Future Needs
Spinal cord injuries often make it impossible to return to work. Many injury victims face total disability, loss of earning potential, or the need to switch careers entirely.
Compensation should reflect lost wages, vocational retraining, and disability benefits to help you adjust to new financial challenges. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-29 describes the benefits available to those who suffer permanent disabilities that prevent them from returning to work.
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The Legal Process for Seeking Compensation After a Spinal Cord Injury
Seeking compensation after a spinal cord injury can be made much easier with the help of an attorney. Some of the steps we take include:
Gathering Medical Evidence and Proving Damages
Spinal cord injury claims rely on medical documentation and expert analysis. Medical records, specialist evaluations, and rehabilitation plans provide proof of injury severity. Detailed reports from neurologists, physical therapists, and spinal cord specialists help establish how your injury impacts your daily life.
Handling Insurance Claims and Lawsuits
Insurance companies may attempt to undervalue your spinal cord injury claim because of the high costs associated with long-term care. They may argue that your injuries are not as severe as reported or that pre-existing conditions contributed to your condition. These tactics are designed to reduce payouts and delay compensation.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit with help from a respected Charlotte spinal cord injury attorney allows you to pursue full compensation beyond what insurance may offer. While insurance policies have limits, a civil claim can include damages for pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and future financial losses.
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In Pain? Call Shane. Let a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Charlotte Help You Recover
Spinal cord injuries change lives in an instant, but you do not have to face this challenge alone. Your spinal cord injury lawyer in Charlotte will fight for the medical care and financial support you need to regain control of your future.
Let us help you secure the compensation that allows you to move forward with dignity and stability. Fill out our online contact form or call us to get started on your case as soon as today.
Call or text 980-246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
