If you suffer a spinal cord injury, it can have serious repercussions on your physical and mental health, as well as your finances. If you have sustained a spinal cord injury that occurred because of someone else’s negligence, a compassionate personal injury attorney can help you determine your options for holding that person responsible for your damages.
Symptoms of a Spine Injury
An Injury to the spinal cord or the surrounding nerves most often occurs when trauma fractures the bones in the spine (i.e., the vertebrae) and exposes the nerves. The symptoms of the injury depend on the severity of the damage. A victim may experience pinched nerves, herniated discs, or bruising to the ligaments in the back. These conditions can lead to a great deal of pain and discomfort, and in serious cases, a victim may experience partial or complete paralysis of certain parts of the body.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the World Health Organization, about 90 percent of all spinal injuries are caused by trauma such as a car accident or an act of violence. Approximately 500, 000 individuals sustain spinal cord injuries each year, and in the United States, most cases occur as a result of motor vehicle collisions. Depending on the severity of the accident, spine injuries can sometimes occur alongside other injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, which may complicate medical treatments and generate more medical expenses.
Seeking Compensation for Spinal Injuries
In addition to the physical and emotional pain experienced by a victim, a spinal cord injury can also lead to loss of income and reduced quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, victims of spinal cord injuries have an increased risk of depression, mental anguish, and changes in personal relationships. Wisconsin residents who have sustained this type of injury due to the negligence of another may make a claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other injury-related costs.
Contact an Appleton Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
In most cases, spinal cord injuries require immediate and extensive medical attention, and the costs of this medical care can quickly become prohibitive. Under Wisconsin law, victims have three years following an injury to file a lawsuit against the party or parties who were responsible. If you or a loved one have sustained a spinal cord injury, you should speak to the experienced attorneys at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. to learn about your best options for receiving compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, contact a Green Bay personal injury lawyer at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2013/spinal-cord-injury-20131202/en/
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disabilities/physical/sci.htm