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Baton Rouge Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Spinal cord injuries are devastating, but a lawyer can help you get money to improve your life. Learn more about spinal cord damage, common spinal cord injury claims, and why you should hire a lawyer to assist in filing your claim.

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is likely to significantly impact your life. Because of an SCI, many elements of your daily routine may be affected. Your life, from working a full-time job to going out with friends and relatives, may change dramatically.

Suppose you have been injured in an accident and your spine was damaged. In that case, you may benefit from the assistance of a personal injury attorney to assist with recovery as you adjust to a more difficult existence.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Babcock Injury Lawyers can bring the liable parties responsible for your accident. Although we may not be able to reverse the terrible harm that was done, we can assist you in obtaining compensation so that you may pay for medical expenses and more.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is caused by a physical impact on the spine. The vertebrae may fracture or dislocate as a result of an impact on the spine. A spinal cord injury occurs when bone fragments, ligaments, or disc material rip into the spinal cord tissue.

This may lead to nerve damage and the loss of axons, which are brain cells that transmit information between the spinal cord and other parts of the body. Some spinal cord injuries may heal completely, while others result in paralysis.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury that isn’t total means the spinal cord’s ability to communicate with and from the brain is still possible. People who suffer these injuries can still move their limbs below the site of the damage.

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is defined as the total or near-total loss of function in the spinal cord (from vertebrae L1 to S8) below the point of injury. A person who survives a complete SCI will almost certainly suffer from severe medical issues, including chronic pain, bladder/bowel problems, and an increased risk of heart and respiratory problems.

Paraplegia

Damage to the spinal cord at or above the thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12) typically results in paraplegia, which is paralysis of both legs. Quadriplegia, paralysis of all four limbs, usually results from SCI damage below the cervical vertebrae (C1-C5).

Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

A traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is caused by a sudden, forceful impact that fractures or dislocates the vertebrae and severs the spinal cord. Automobile accidents are the leading cause of TSCI in adults, while falls are the most common cause of TSCI in children.

Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

A non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) results from a gradual process such as tumors, infections, or diseases such as multiple sclerosis. These injuries account for about 10% of cases.

Acute Spinal Cord Injury

An acute spinal cord injury is one that occurs suddenly and results in a loss of function. This can be the result of an accident, such as a car crash or fall, or a violent act, such as being stabbed or shot.

Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

A chronic spinal cord injury develops over time and may cause progressive loss of motor function. This type of injury may result from a tumor, infection, or disease such as multiple sclerosis.

Medical Costs in Spinal Cord Injuries

One of the many challenges faced by people with spinal cord injuries is the astronomical cost of medical care. Treatment for even a minor injury can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and major injuries can run into the millions.

Most people with spinal cord injuries will require lifelong care and assistance. The average annual cost of caring for a person with a severe spinal cord injury is $342,000.

This includes costs for medical care, assistive devices, home modifications, transportation, and lost income.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Personal Injury Cases

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. A successful lawsuit can provide much-needed financial relief to help pay for medical expenses and other costs associated with your injury.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to file a claim for damages. A spinal cord injury claim is a type of personal injury lawsuit in which the plaintiff (injured person) alleges that the defendant’s negligence caused the plaintiff’s injury.

In order to win a spinal cord injury claim, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant acted negligently and that this negligence caused the plaintiff’s injury. The plaintiff may present evidence of the defendant’s negligence in many forms, including eyewitness testimony, medical records, and expert testimony.

Compensation in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim

If you are successful in a spinal cord injury claim, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This compensation can include money for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

It is important to note that the amount of compensation you receive will likely be based on the extent of your injuries. The more severe your injury, the more money you may be awarded.

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

Car Accidents & Automobile Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the U.S., accounting for about 42% of all cases. About 27% of SCIs are caused by falls, 10% by violence, and 9% by sports injuries.

Medical Malpractice Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits

Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for about 10% of cases. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of medical negligence, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent party.

Some common examples of medical malpractice that can lead to spinal cord injuries include:

  • Failing to diagnose a spinal cord injury
  • Failing to order appropriate tests
  • Operating on the wrong body part
  • Administering the wrong medication or dosage
  • Failing to properly immobilize the spine after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

If you believe that you have suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of medical malpractice, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine if you have a case.

Spinal Cord Injury Claims

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be able to file a claim for damages. The following are some of the most common types of claims:

Medical expenses: You can recover money for past and future medical expenses related to your SCI.

Lost income: You can recover compensation for lost wages and income due to your inability to work.

Pain and suffering: You can recover damages for the pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment caused by your injury.

Punitive damages: In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages from the person or company responsible for your injury. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

Product Liability in Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits

A product liability case is a type of personal injury lawsuit in which the plaintiff alleges that a defective product caused their injury. Suppose you have suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of a defective product. In that case, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor of the product.

Some common types of defective products that can lead to spinal cord injuries include:

  • Defective vehicles
  • Defective medical devices
  • Defective children’s toys
  • Defective tools
  • Defective furniture

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of a defective product, you can make a claim for the damages including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

It is important to note that the time limit for filing a product liability lawsuit may be shorter than the deadline for filing other types of personal injury lawsuits. You should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.

How an Attorney Can Help in a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn about your legal rights and options. A knowledgeable attorney can help you file a claim for damages and get the compensation you deserve.

Suppose you have suffered from a spinal cord injury in or near Baton Rouge, La. Our legal team can help you file a claim for damages and represent you in court if needed. If you decide to file a lawsuit, you will likely need an attorney to help you prove that the defendant was negligent and caused your injury. Call (225) 240-4053 or fill out our form for a free consultation.