Every year, around 17,000 Americans suffer injuries to the spine. In all, it is estimated that over 300,000 Americans are currently living with spinal injuries. A significant percentage of people who suffer these types of injuries are considered either paraplegic or quadriplegic. Even if a spine injury does not result in permanent disability, it can have long-term implications including large medical bills, loss of income and physical and emotional pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s negligence, you should work with a personal injury attorney to determine your options for receiving financial compensation.
Spinal Injuries in Car Accidents
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of spine injuries in the United States. Car accidents account for approximately 39% of all annual spinal cord injuries. These injuries can occur in any type of accident, from high-speed head-on collisions to rear-end collisions. In many cases, motor vehicle collisions occur because of driver negligence, and a person who caused an accident may be held responsible for the injuries suffered by other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. In these situations, an attorney can help gather evidence proving fault for an accident, allowing victims to file a personal injury claim and receive compensation.
Falls Resulting in Spinal Injuries
Falls are the second leading cause of spinal injuries in the United States, and they can take place in a variety of situations, including while shopping at an establishment or working on a job site. If you suffer a spinal injury that occurred on someone else’s property, you may be able to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim. For instance, if you fell and injured your spine at a grocery store due to an unmarked slippery surface, the store’s owner may be held responsible for your injury.
While at work, especially in industries such as construction, fall injuries are quite common. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in a fall while working, an attorney can ensure that you receive the workers’ compensation you are entitled to. If the accident was caused by a third party, such as a subcontractor who did not use the proper protective measures to prevent fall injuries, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the third party.
Contact an Appleton, WI Spine Injury Attorney
As you and your family recover from the trauma of a spinal injury, you may need to deal with a wide variety of financial ramifications, including costly medical bills, temporary or permanent loss of income, and the potential costs of making your home handicap accessible. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., our firm is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve in the aftermath of a serious injury. To schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Green Bay personal injury attorney, call us today at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/Public/Facts%20and%20Figures%202020.pdf
https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/Public/Recent%20trends%20in%20causes%20of%20SCI.pdf