Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are some of the most devastating injuries an individual can suffer, often leading to life-altering consequences. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting the victim’s quality of life and imposing substantial emotional and financial burdens.
When another party’s negligence or recklessness causes such injuries, seeking experienced legal representation from a Woodbury spinal cord injury lawyer is crucial to secure the compensation necessary for medical care, rehabilitation, and other related costs. The Woodbury personal injury lawyers at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law are dedicated to helping SCI victims in Minnesota and Wisconsin navigate the complex legal landscape and obtain justice and financial compensation.
Why You Should Choose Tyroler Leonard Injury Law to Represent You
Selecting the right spinal cord injury attorney in Woodbury is crucial for a successful outcome. Here is why you should retain Tyroler Leonard Injury Law to help you with your spinal cord injury claim:
- We have a proven track record of success in obtaining financial compensation for our clients.
- We have in-depth knowledge of personal injury law and experience working with medical experts.
- We have an excellent reputation with positive reviews and testimonials from past clients who can provide insight into their satisfaction and our team’s competence.
- We have ample resources, allowing us to handle complex cases and invest in expert testimony and thorough investigations.
- We demonstrate empathy and understand the unique challenges faced by SCI victims and their families.
How We Can Help You
If someone else’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Here are ways our Woodbury spinal cord injury attorneys at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law can assist you:
We Will Investigate the Cause of Your SCI
Our team will meticulously investigate the accident or incident that led to your spinal cord injury to identify the liable party. This might involve reviewing police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
We Will Build a Strong Case
We will work diligently to gather evidence that proves negligence played a role in your injury. This could involve consulting with medical experts to assess the extent of your injury and its impact on your life.
We Will Calculate Your Damages
Our team will work with financial experts to estimate the full cost of your medical care, lost wages, therapy, assistive devices, and other ongoing expenses associated with your SCI.
We Will Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies representing the at-fault party might try to minimize your claim. Our experienced attorneys will negotiate aggressively to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
We Will Litigate Your Case if Necessary
If we cannot reach a fair settlement with the at-fault party, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a critical component of the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt this communication, leading to various physical impairments.
Spinal cord injuries are classified based on the severity and location of the damage and can be complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury is a total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury is a partial loss of motor sensory function below the injury site.
The location of the injury is also crucial, as it determines the extent of impairment. Injuries are often categorized by the vertebral level where they occur:
- Cervical (neck): Can result in quadriplegia or tetraplegia, affecting the arms, legs, and trunk
- Thoracic (upper back): Can lead to paraplegia, affecting the legs and possibly the torso
- Lumbar (lower back): Often results in paraplegia, primarily affecting the legs
- Sacral (pelvic area): May result in some loss of function in the hips and legs.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur due to various incidents, many of which involve negligence or wrongful conduct. Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents are leading causes of SCI, often resulting from reckless driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
- Falls: Slip and fall accidents, particularly from significant height, can cause severe spinal injuries. These incidents may occur due to unsafe conditions in workplaces, public spaces, or private properties.
- Sports and recreation: High-impact sports, diving accidents, and other recreational activities can lead to SCI, especially when proper safety measures are not followed.
- Violence: Acts of violence, such as gunshot or stab wounds, can damage the spinal cord.
- Medical malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or improper treatment can result in spinal cord injuries.
- Industrial accidents: Work-related incidents, particularly in construction or heavy industries, can lead to SCI due to falls, equipment malfunctions, or other hazards.
Common Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often lead to a range of complications that can significantly impact your health and quality of life. Common complications include:
- Respiratory issues
- Cardiovascular problems
- Urinary and bowel dysfunction
- Pressure sores
- Muscle stiffness and involuntary contractions
- Chronic pain
- Emotional and mental health issues.
The Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
The consequences of spinal cord injuries are profound and far-reaching. If you suffer from a spinal cord injury, you may face a lifetime of challenges. These challenges include:
- Physical limitations: Depending on the injury’s severity and location, you may experience partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions.
- Emotional and psychological impact: SCI can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues due to the drastic change in lifestyle and independence.
- Financial burden: The cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and home modifications can be overwhelming. Additionally, you may be unable to work, resulting in lost income and earning potential.
- Impact on family and relationships: Your injury can strain relationships, as family members may need to provide extensive care and support, leading to emotional and financial stress.
Proving Negligence in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
It is essential to prove that the defendant’s negligence directly caused your injury. This involves demonstrating a duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages.
A duty of care is the legal duty the defendant owes you. They must have breached this duty through their actions or inaction. The breach of duty must have directly caused your spinal cord injury, and you must have suffered measurable harm because of the injury.
Legal Rights and Compensation for SCI Victims
If you are a victim of a spinal cord injury caused by another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Our spinal cord injury lawyers in Woodbury are committed to helping our clients in Minnesota and Wisconsin secure the maximum compensation possible. Potential damages in SCI cases include:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for past, present, and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and assistive devices
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the injury and any future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse or family
- Home modifications: Costs associated with making your home accessible for you, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, and modifying bathrooms
- Rehabilitation and therapy: Expenses for ongoing physical, occupational, and psychological therapy to help you regain independence and improve quality of life
- Punitive damages: In rare cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded in Minnesota and Wisconsin to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
FAQs About Spinal Cord Injury Legal Claims
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury claim?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies by state. In Minnesota, it is typically six years, while in Wisconsin, it is three years. It is essential to consult with a spinal cord injury attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation even if you were partially at fault. The amount of compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault, according to the comparative negligence laws in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
What if the at-fault party does not have insurance?
If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy or by pursuing a lawsuit against other liable parties.
How long does it take to resolve a spinal cord injury case?
The timeline for resolving a case can vary widely depending on the case’s complexity, the parties’ willingness to settle, and the court’s schedule. Some cases may be resolved in a few months, while others may take several years.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation Today
Spinal cord injuries are life-altering events that require comprehensive legal support to secure the compensation needed for medical care, rehabilitation, and overall quality of life. Our Woodbury spinal cord injury lawyers at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law are dedicated to helping victims in Minnesota and Wisconsin obtain financial compensation from the parties responsible for their injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today at (651) 259-1113 for a free consultation, and let us help you on the path to recovery and financial stability.