A spinal cord injury can be a devastating consequence of an accident, often resulting in painful symptoms that require lifelong medical care. Even with years of treatment and rehabilitation, a person who suffers a spinal cord injury may be left with a permanently disabling condition that adversely impacts their daily life.
But if someone else is to blame for your spinal cord or back injury, you may be entitled to recover money to cover your expenses, losses, and pain and suffering.
One of the Best Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Plainville
With more than 55 years of combined trial experience, the trusted spinal cord injury attorneys at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, represent injury victims in Plainville and throughout Connecticut. We have fought successfully for spine injury victims to receive compensation and accountability from the parties who harmed them.
If you come to us for help with your spine injury claim, you can rely on our legal team to explain your rights thoroughly, discuss your legal options, and construct a plan that gives you peace of mind. We are prepared to face insurance companies and work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact our spinal cord injury lawyer for a free initial case review with a Plainville, CT, spinal cord injury lawyer. We will explain your options for pursuing a claim.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim after a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident, you could have different routes to pursue compensation.
Let’s say your spinal cord injury is the result of a car crash that was caused by another driver’s actions. You may be able to seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy or a personal injury lawsuit. In addition, in certain circumstances, you could recover compensation through your own insurance carrier’s uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage motorist coverage if your injuries exceed the insurance limits of the insurance for the person who caused your injuries.
If your spinal cord injury happened in the workplace, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages.
An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer in Plainville can evaluate your case and identify all potential sources of compensation.
Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury
A successful insurance claim or spine injury lawsuit could provide you with money for:
- Costs of medical treatment for your injury, including hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, physical or occupational therapy, and mental health therapy
- Lost wages if you cannot work while you heal from your injury, and diminished future earning capacity if your injury results in a permanent disability
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of quality of life due to disability or disfigurement, inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed, or reduced life expectancy
- Expenses related to long-term health care, including home health services, medical or mobility equipment, and home renovations to install accommodations
Time Limit for Filing a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Connecticut
In Connecticut, generally speaking, the statute of limitations gives you only two years from the date you were injured to file a personal injury lawsuit against any at-fault parties. Contact our back and spine injury lawyers today for assistance.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Some of the most frequent causes of spinal cord injuries include:
Please note that because circumstances and liabilities surrounding a back injury vary greatly – such as a car accident versus a slip-and-fall – we cannot provide any average settlement figures here. We encourage you to contact one of our back injury attorneys for more information.
How a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
The law firm of Jainchill & Beckert, LLC can work on your spine injury case while you focus on your health. When you hire us, our Plainville spinal cord injury lawyers will:
- Explain your legal rights and options, outline a clear strategy for your case, and give you peace of mind
- Conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances that caused your spinal cord injury and identify liable parties
- Gather evidence to support your case and hold at-fault parties accountable
- Calculate expenses and losses related to your injury to help you pursue the maximum compensation
- Manage important deadlines and documentation to ensure your rights are protected
- Negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
- Represent you in court, if it becomes the best way to pursue the full compensation you deserve
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are typically categorized as either incomplete or complete.
An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is only partially damaged or severed. A person who suffers an incomplete spinal cord injury may retain some feeling and function below the location of the injury. Incomplete spinal cord injuries can also result in paralysis on only one side of the body (hemiplegia).
A complete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is completely severed, resulting in full or near-full paralysis below the injury site, leading to paralysis of the lower torso (paraplegia) or paralysis from the shoulders down (quadriplegia/tetraplegia).
Spinal cord injuries are sometimes further categorized based on where the injury occurs on the spinal column. The spinal column is divided into four zones:
- Cervical spine – The cervical spine is in the area of the head and neck. Spinal cord injuries in this region are considered the most severe, as paralysis will affect the body from the neck or shoulders down.
- Thoracic spine – The thoracic spinal region is located in the upper and mid-back. These spinal cord injuries usually affect the abdominal area and below, although some effects of the injury may be felt in the upper chest, hands, and arms.
- Lumbar spine – The lumbar spine is located in the lower back, and injuries in this region may affect the pelvic organs and the legs.
- Sacral spine – The bottom end of the spinal column is called the sacral spine, and injuries here may affect the hips and legs. However, some people retain the ability to walk with varying levels of difficulty.
Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:
- Odd positioning or twisting of the neck or back
- Severe pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back
- Weakness, lack of coordination, or paralysis
- Numbness or tingling in toes, feet, fingers, or hands
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Problems walking or maintaining balance
- Difficulty breathing
Long-term symptoms of spinal cord injuries include:
- Loss of movement or paralysis
- Altered sensation or loss of sensation, including the inability to feel touch or temperature
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
- Intense pain or stinging sensation around the location of the injury
- Difficulty in breathing, coughing, or clearing the lungs
- Changes in sexual function or sensitivity
Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury
Because most damage caused by a spinal cord injury cannot be reversed, treatment is often focused on preventing further damage and enabling the injured person to resume as independent and productive a life as possible. Early treatment for a spinal cord injury, herniated disk, or neck injury may include:
- Immobilizing the spine to prevent further damage through the use of neck braces or traction devices
- Performing surgery to remove bone fragments and foreign objects, repair herniated disks and fractured vertebrae, and stabilize the spine to prevent future pain or deformity
- Supporting steady breathing, often through intubation if necessary
- Preventing urine or stool retention and cardiovascular issues, usually through medication
Once the injured person’s condition has stabilized, treatment primarily involves rehabilitation to redevelop motor function and adapt to impairments to resume day-to-day activities. This may include learning how to use equipment and technology to maintain independence.
People who suffer spinal cord injuries may also participate in one-on-one or group therapy to improve their mental health and other related psychological conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
Because spinal cord injuries often result in permanent damage, they can cause long-term health effects and complications. Some of the most common include:
- Bladder control problems that can lead to kidney stones or urinary tract infections
- Bowel control problems, which can lead to digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea
- Increased risk of pressure ulcers due to a lack of movement and inability to feel pain from prolonged pressure on skin and tissue
- Circulatory problems, including increased risk of low or high blood pressure and blood clots
- Respiratory issues, which may mean an increased risk of infection or the need for a ventilator
- Loss of bone density, leading to osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures
- Loss of muscle tone or spasticity
- Loss of sexual function and fertility
- Increased risk of obesity and diabetes due to a more sedentary lifestyle
- Chronic nerve pain or pain from overuse of certain muscle groups to compensate for paralysis
- Depression and anxiety due to difficulties with daily activities
Get Help from Our Plainville, CT, Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Now
If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury, contact a Plainville spinal cord injury attorney with Jainchill & Beckert, LLC. We will discuss your legal options during a free case consultation and evaluation. Our trusted Connecticut attorneys are ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and related losses.
