There are several ways that people injure their spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries refer to damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves and often result in a negative change in sensation or overall strength at the point of injury. These injuries also include damage to the surrounding vertebrae and discs of the spinal column.
What Causes Spinal Cord Injuries?
Some of the most common causes of injuries to the spinal cord include:
Spinal Cord Injury Statistic 2024
According to the 2024 Facts and Figures Report from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) at UAB, there are significant insights into spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the U.S., including the leading causes, such as vehicle crashes and falls, and the demographics of affected individuals. The report also details the lifetime costs associated with SCI, survival rates, and ongoing challenges for those living with these injuries.
FAQs For Spinal Cord Injury Cases
How Long Does It Take For A Spinal Cord Injury To Heal?
Recovery for a spinal cord injury differs based on the severity of the spinal injury and the circumstances of each case. If the patient receives swift medical care and is treated with the proper surgical or physical therapy techniques, then the likelihood of recovery is exponentially increased.
The first six months of treatment is vital, as this period is the time of maximum recovery. After twelve months, any residual effects of the injury can be permanent. The use of steroids, medication, and physical therapy can help expedite the recovery time for some patients.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for spinal cord injuries to leave the injured person with some level of disability. In extreme cases, a spinal cord injury can lead to paraplegia, which refers to a spinal injury that causes paralysis in the legs. In other cases, an injured person can also suffer paralysis of their arms, hands, and torso as well, known as quadriplegia.
Depending on the area of injury, its severity, and the patient’s access to treatment and rehabilitation, some measure of recovery may be possible.
The settlement amount for a back injury varies depending on the severity of the injury and the circumstances surrounding the injury. They can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The settlement amount is based upon the circumstances that caused the injury, the fault of the parties involved, the severity and permanence of the injury, and the amount of medical treatment received.
If the injured party has a strong case for their injury and the complications surrounding it, the more likely it is for them to receive a higher settlement. Our spinal cord injury attorneys based in Philadelphia can help determine what your settlement might look like.
It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of a back injury, and insurance companies know this. Unfortunately, they will often insist that the injured party must have had the injury prior to the incident, or have a pre-existing condition. Depending on the nature of the injured person’s work or lifestyle, they may claim that the injury is a result of degenerative conditions.
However, if the injured party had no back injury prior to the incident, it is usually easy to prove. In some states, even previous injuries that were exacerbated by the accident are still considered to be the responsibility of the at-fault party. Philadelphia Spinal cord injury attorney at Zafran Law Group can help you determine if you have a case.
Injuries to the spinal cord can be caused by a variety of factors, and determining responsibility depends on the circumstances surrounding the injury. In cases of accidents, responsibility may fall on a negligent party, such as a reckless driver in a car accident or a property owner who failed to maintain a safe environment. In medical malpractice cases, a healthcare provider could be held accountable for errors during surgery or treatment that result in spinal cord damage. In work-related incidents, an employer might be responsible if unsafe conditions led to the injury. Legal liability is determined based on negligence, violation of safety regulations, or failure to take reasonable precautions.
If the accident that resulted in your spinal cord injury was partially your fault, your ability to recover compensation may depend on the laws in your state. Many states follow comparative negligence rules, which allow you to receive compensation even if you share some responsibility, but your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by 30%. In some states with contributory negligence laws, you may be barred from recovering compensation if you are found even partially at fault. It’s important to consult law firms for spinal cord injury to understand how fault impacts your case. Zafran Law Group’s spinal cord injury attorney can assist you with your case.
Not all spinal cord injuries are automatically eligible for compensation. To qualify, the injury must typically result from someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. If the injury was caused by a car accident, medical malpractice, workplace incident, or another situation where another party is at fault, you may be eligible for compensation. The amount and type of compensation depend on the severity of the injury, its impact on your life, and the degree of fault. A thorough investigation and legal evaluation are needed to determine eligibility.
What Type Of Compensation Is Available For A Spinal Cord Injury?
Cases involving spinal cord injuries can be serious and complicated because such injuries often leave permanent pain and disability, and greatly affect the individual’s daily life. As a result, people with spinal cord injuries can usually expect compensation for all of the medical treatment they received to treat their injury. It can also include continued treatment of the person’s injuries and any modifications to their lifestyle or home.
If you missed work or are no longer able to work, you may be compensated for that as well. Contact the experienced spinal cord injury attorney at Zafran Law Group to discuss the details of your case.
When Should I Seek Legal Advice For My Spinal Cord Injury?
Injured parties should seek legal advice as soon as possible after a spinal cord injury. It’s not uncommon for the first year of medical care following an injury to exceed tens of thousands of dollars. Many insurance companies representing the at-fault party will attempt to find any reason to limit their liability in the case, and sometimes offer small settlements that are a fraction of what the injured party could receive through litigation. Our spinal cord injury attorneys based out of Philadelphia can make sure you are fairly compensated for your injury.
If you have sustained a serious back injury, call our spinal cord injury attorney at 215-587-0038 to discuss your legal rights.