Whether caused by a vehicle accident, workplace incident, or slip and fall, spinal injuries can devastate the victim and their family. While some injuries have a quick recovery, spinal cord injuries often lead to physical, emotional, and financial consequences that can last a lifetime.
Unfortunately, many of these issues result from negligence by another person. If they had acted in a responsible manner, then your injuries may not have occurred. You have the right to take legal action against these liable parties in these cases.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Baton Rouge due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This financial help can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Working with an experienced Baton Rouge spinal cord injury lawyer can make all the difference in securing the financial support and justice you deserve. Contact us at Bianca | Matkins to learn how we can assist with your personal injury claim.
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Happen?
According to data from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), nearly 17,000 new cases of spinal cord injury occur in the United States every year. Spinal cord injuries can vary in severity and how they will affect a person’s life. Depending on the location and extent of the damage, these injuries lead to a loss of function, sensation, or mobility below the point of injury. If the injury is severe, then some individuals will have complete paralysis, which means that they will be reliant on a lifetime of medical care and assistance.
There are many factors that can lead to spinal cord injuries, and the main causes include:
- Vehicle accidents: High-impact collisions are a leading cause of spinal injuries. According to the United Spinal Association, 39.3% of spine injuries are due to motor vehicle accidents. Often, this is due to sudden, violent forces exerted on the spine.
- Slips and falls: Falls from great heights can damage the spinal cord. Even a slip and fall can injure the spinal column, especially if you fall directly on that area.
- Workplace accidents: Construction workers and laborers are at risk of spinal injuries as they work in hazardous industries.
- Medical malpractice: In rare cases, surgical errors or misdiagnoses can result in spinal damage.
The above are just a few examples of how spinal cord injuries can occur. No matter the cause, the impact of a spinal cord injury on a person’s life often leads to ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes. If you have been affected by these issues due to negligence, please reach out to a Baton Rouge spinal cord injury lawyer today.
The Consequences of a Spinal Cord Injury
Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries can impact a person for the remainder of their life. A spinal cord injury affects more than just the physical body. These consequences can ripple through every aspect of a victim’s life, impacting their emotional well-being, ability to work, and overall quality of life.
Victims of spinal cord injuries may experience:
- Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Loss of mobility and sensation
- Chronic pain
- Incontinence or bladder control issues
- Respiratory problems
Dealing with the after-effects can be difficult for the victims and their families. This can lead to:
- Depression and anxiety
- Strain on relationships with family and friends
- Loss of independence and self-esteem
Also, the monetary impact can mean a strain on the family’s finances, including:
- High medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation
- Costs of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or home modifications
- Lost wages due to inability to return to work
- The need for long-term care or personal assistance
A spinal cord injury can have far-reaching effects, and victims of these instances have the right to pursue full and fair compensation to cover these damages. An experienced spinal cord injury attorney in Baton Rouge can help you fight for the financial support you need.
How Negligence Impacts a Spinal Cord Injury Case
In spinal cord injury cases, negligence is a vital element that must be proven to hold the party responsible. Negligence is a failure to exercise reasonable care, harming another person. For these lawsuits, proving negligence involves showing that the at-fault party’s actions (or inaction) directly caused the injury. Here are a few examples of how negligence can lead to a spinal cord injury and form the basis of a legal claim:
- Distracted driving: A driver texting, eating, or using a phone while driving may cause a collision that results in spinal cord damage.
- Driving under the influence: If a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and causes an accident, this behavior is negligent, and they can be held liable for any resulting spinal injuries.
- Wet or slippery surfaces: A store owner who fails to put up warning signs after mopping a floor may be liable if someone slips and suffers a spinal injury.
- Poor maintenance: Uneven flooring, broken steps, or lack of proper lighting can create dangerous conditions that lead to a fall and spinal damage.
- Lack of safety equipment: Employers who fail to provide proper safety gear, such as helmets or fall harnesses, may be negligent if a worker suffers a spinal injury due to inadequate protection.
- Unsafe working conditions: If an employer neglects to ensure the workplace is safe or does not comply with safety regulations, they can be held responsible for injuries.
- Surgical errors: A surgeon may accidentally sever or damage the spinal cord during a procedure, resulting in paralysis or other severe injuries.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: If a medical professional fails to diagnose or treat a condition, such as a spinal infection or tumor, it could result in permanent spinal damage.
In these cases, legal action can be taken against the parties responsible for failing to take reasonable steps to prevent injury. You can learn more about how negligence is a key element in your specific situation.
How Negligence Impacts Compensation
Proving negligence is key to receiving compensation in a spinal cord injury lawsuit. If the other party acted in a reckless or negligent manner, you may be able to recover compensation from them.
Spinal cord injuries often require long-term care, costly rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications. These expenses can be financially overwhelming for most people. By filing a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses: These expenses include current and future medical costs related to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices.
- Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress associated with a spinal cord injury can also be compensated.
- Loss of consortium: If your injury has negatively affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
- Long-term care costs: Severe spinal cord injuries often require ongoing care, including home health aides, modifications to your living space, or placement in a long-term care facility.
An experienced Baton Rouge spinal cord injury lawyer will make sure that all of these damages are considered and that you receive the compensation necessary to cover both your immediate and future needs.
You Need a Baton Rouge Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer for Your Claim
Spinal cord injury cases can be extremely complex. At Bianca | Matkins, we understand the life-changing effects of spinal cord injuries. We will stand by your side throughout the entire legal process. Let us be your legal advocate committed to protecting your best interests every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact our Baton Rouge spinal injury lawyer today. You need to focus on your recovery, not negotiations with insurance companies and the other party’s legal team. We are here to lend a helping hand during these stressful times.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We are here to take the first step towards receiving compensation for your claim.
