Life can change in an instant, and when a spinal cord injury occurs, the impact reaches far beyond physical pain. At McIver Law Firm, we recognize the profound challenges that individuals and their families face after a spinal cord injury, and we are here to provide dedicated legal support during these difficult times.
This website page serves as a gateway to information about our Winston Salem spinal cord injury lawyer services, the expertise of our legal team, and our commitment to advocating for those whose lives have been forever altered by such injuries.
We understand the complex medical and legal aspects surrounding spinal cord injuries and are prepared to help you navigate the path towards justice and recovery. Call our experienced Winston Salem personal injury lawyer today at 336-727-9886 and schedule a free* case review.
What Are the Most Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
While spinal cord injuries tend to be linked to different symptoms, injuries deemed as severe involve paralysis, which are categorized in the following ways:
Quadriplegia
This form of paralysis occurs when an individual loses the ability to move all of their limbs, including their arms and legs. In some cases, the muscles in the chest may also be affected, requiring the person to rely on a breathing device in order to sustain their life.
Paraplegia
This form of paralysis is a result of loss of sensation and movement in both legs.
Triplegia
This occurs when an individual losses movement in one arm and both legs. Most individuals who sustain critical injuries typically need round-the-clock care for the rest of their lives. However, some may have the ability to live independently to some extent, but will still rely heavily on support from others.
Why Should You See a Doctor Immediately After a Spinal Cord Injury?
In the event of an accident resulting in a back or neck injury, you should seek immediate medical attention by visiting the ER or consulting your doctor. It’s necessary to have the injuries assessed in order to determine if there are any damages to your spine.
Prompt assistance is especially important in cases of spinal injuries are these injuries may not be immediately apparent. Failing to assess and address a spinal cord injury could potentially lead to severe or even life-threatening repercussions.
Here are examples of symptoms liked to a spinal cord injury:
- Excruciating pain in the back or extreme pressure in the head, neck, or back region.
- Difficulty with balance or walking
- Loss of sensation, numbness, or tingling in the toes, fingers, hands, or feet.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
What Are the Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury?
While there are numerous accidents that can lead to a spinal cord injury, some of the most common include:
Falls
The majority of spinal cord injuries occur due to slip and fall accidents. These falls can lead to injuries in the head, back, or neck, which can then cause substantial damage to the spinal cord.
Auto Accidents
Collisions and vehicle accidents are another primary cause of spinal cord injuries. During a car crash, the spinal cord can get compressed or crushed, leading to severe injuries.
Violence
A significant number of spinal cord injuries in the United States result from assaults like stab wounds and gunshots.
Workplace Injuries
Among all work-related injuries, spinal cord injuries are usually the most severe. While all types of work-related injuries can have serious consequences, spinal cord injuries tend to be particularly severe.
Sports or Recreational Accidents
Spinal cord injuries can also be sustained while engaging in sports or recreational activities. This can be due to negligence or using defective gear.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
Yes, there are limits to filing a spinal cord injury claim in North Carolina. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in the state is 3 years. This means that you have 3 years from the date of the incident to file a claim. If you miss the deadline, you’ll be barred from receiving any damages.
However, there’s an exception to the 3-year statute of limitations. If you were injured due to the negligence of a government entity, you have 2 years to file a lawsuit.
What Damages Can You Recover in North Carolina for a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
If you have experienced a spinal cord injury caused by the negligence or carelessness of another party, you have the right to seek compensation. The specific types of compensation and the potential amount of damages you can recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case.
In such cases, common types of compensation sought include the following:
Medical Expenses
This encompasses various expenses associated with medical treatment and rehabilitation, such as hospitalization, surgery, medical equipment, medications, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other essential medical costs.
You have the right to seek compensation for both past medical expenses and projected future medical expenses linked to the spinal cord injury.
Lost Wages
A spinal cord injury can hamper your ability to work, be it in the short-term or long-term. As such, you have the right to seek compensation for lost wages, income, and the loss of earning capacity.
Loss of Enjoyment
Following a spinal cord injury, you may not be able to participate in the activities you enjoyed like sports, social activities, and hobbies.
Pain & Suffering
Physical pain and suffering encompass various aspects, such as the discomfort and pain experienced after surgery, ongoing pain resulting from nerve damage or chronic conditions arising from the injury, and limitations on physical tasks and mobility.
Emotional pain, on the other hand, entails psychological effects like anxiety, depression, diminished enjoyment of life, loss of self-esteem, etc.
Compensation for pain and suffering is usually determined by factoring in aspects like the severity and duration of the pain and suffering, the type of injury, the age and overall health of the victim, as well as the impact of the injury on the individual’s life.
Loss of Consortium
This entails the loss of support and companionship from a partner or spouse due to the spinal cord injury. It can also include the inability to participate in sexual activity or loss of sexual intimacy.
Assistive Equipment and Home Modifications
If the victim needs assistive devices like wheelchairs and modifications to their home due to the injury, they can recover compensation for these expenses.
Punitive Damages
In situations where the liable party is found to be particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages can also be awarded. These are put in place in order to punish the party liable and discourage others from engaging in the same behavior.
Why Hire a Winston Salem Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
A Winston Salem spinal cord injury lawyer experienced in cases surrounding spinal cord injuries will come in handy in a number of ways. These include:
Legal Advice and Guidance
A spinal cord injury attorney can help you comprehend your legal rights and options. They can also offer guidance on how to proceed with the claims process.
Investigation
The attorney can conduct a comprehensive investigation, garnering the necessary evidence and interviewing witnesses to build a solid case.
Handle Negotiations
The legal professional can negotiate with the liable party and insurance company to seek fair compensation on your behalf.
Represent You in Court
If it comes to it, the Winston Salem spinal cord injury lawyer will represent toy in court, prepare a strong case, and present evidence that turns the odds in your favor.
Hire the Best Winston Salem Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
A spinal cord injury can upend your life in a second, but you should not bear the burden if it was not your fault. To bring the party at fault to justice and protect your rights, the lawyers at McIver Law Firm are readily available to help. Call us today at 336-727-9886 to get started.
