Nationally, approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year. The United States has an estimated population of 302,000 people living with SCI, with estimates ranging from 255,000 to 383,000.
When facing the life-altering aftermath of spinal cord injuries, finding the right legal representation is essential. Las Vegas is home to skilled spinal cord injury lawyers specializing in personal injury law. A Las Vegas Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer is vital if you or a loved one has suffered this type of injury. Spinal injury can have severe effects on the victim and their family, resulting in physical, mental, and financial challenges.
At Temple Injury Law, our dedicated spinal cord injury attorneys possess a deep understanding of personal injury cases, especially when it comes to the devastating impact of spinal cord injuries. Our team is committed to providing unwavering assistance and skilled legal representation to individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries due to the negligence of others.
Recognizing the challenges faced by spine injury victims, we approach each spinal cord injury lawsuit with the utmost diligence and empathy, aiming to secure the compensation and care our clients rightfully deserve.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can happen in many ways, from car crashes to accidental shootings. There are two types of spinal injuries: complete and incomplete. Complete injuries affect all sensation and voluntary motor movement below the level of the damage, while incomplete ones impact some sensation with partial movement remaining.
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of function below the level of injury on both sides of the body. Depending on which area of the spine is damaged, this can result in paralysis. Common causes include severe trauma from car accidents, falls, or violent acts like gunshot wounds.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
An incomplete spinal cord injury refers to cases where there is still some degree of sensation or motor function below the level of damage in one’s spinal column. The severity varies greatly among individuals suffering from this type. Despite similar incidents, incomplete injuries can cause less severe damage than complete ones.
Regardless of the type and severity of spinal cord injury, seeking prompt medical attention and exploring legal options is essential. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, contacting an experienced Las Vegas Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer like Temple Injury Law can help ensure you receive proper compensation for medical expenses and other damages related to the accident.
Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries
The consequences of spinal cord injuries can be life-altering and often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, victims may experience a range of symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life.
Paralysis due to nerve damage
One significant consequence is paralysis, when the spinal cord is damaged, disrupting communication between the brain and muscles. It can lead to quadriplegia (the loss of function of all four limbs) or paraplegia (the loss of function of the lower half of the body). The extent and type of paralysis depend on where the spine injury occurred.
Loss of bodily functions
In addition to paralysis, other bodily functions such as respiratory issues, bladder and bowel control problems, sexual dysfunction, chronic pain, temperature regulation difficulties, and muscle atrophy may also be affected.
These could include respiratory issues like difficulty breathing; bowel and bladder control problems; sexual dysfunction; chronic pain; temperature regulation difficulties; muscle atrophy; pressure sores from prolonged immobility – to name a few examples.
Long-term medical care needs
- Medical expenses: Victims often face significant financial burdens as they cope with ongoing medical treatments such as surgeries, medications, and physical therapy sessions. A skilled spine injury lawyer would help ensure the responsible party covers all these costs.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is crucial in helping spinal cord injury victims regain as much independence and functionality as possible. This could necessitate collaboration with specialists in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology.
- Adaptive equipment: Many individuals require adaptive devices like wheelchairs or walkers and home modifications such as ramps installed at entrances and exits.
When someone else’s negligence causes a spinal cord injury in Las Vegas, they are financially responsible for covering all damages, including medical expenses and compensation for lost wages. A skilled spine injury attorney will ensure that every aspect of your case is addressed professionally to maximize potential claims against those at fault.
Challenges in Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits
Spinal cord injury (SCI) lawsuits present a set of unique and significant challenges, both for the plaintiffs who have sustained the injuries and for the legal professionals who represent them. Here are some of the main challenges involved:
Proving Liability
Determining and proving liability can be complex. It requires demonstrating that the defendant’s actions (or lack thereof) directly caused the injury. This involves thoroughly investigating, using witnesses, and collecting substantial evidence.
Medical Complexity
Spinal cord injuries can vary greatly in severity and outcomes. Understanding and explaining the medical aspects of SCI—such as the level of injury, prognosis, and impact on daily living—requires specialized knowledge. Lawyers often need to consult medical professionals to build a case and accurately estimate future medical costs and needs.
Calculating Damages
Assessing and quantifying damages in SCI cases is challenging due to these injuries’ long-term and profound impact. Damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Predicting future costs and needs, especially in cases of partial or complete paralysis, requires testimony and often involves intricate calculations.
Life Care Planning
Many spinal cord injury cases involve creating a comprehensive life care plan that outlines the injured party’s needs over a lifetime, including medical care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, modifications to living spaces, and personal care support. Crafting a convincing and accurate life care plan is a detailed process typically requiring input from medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and economists.
Insurance Issues
Dealing with insurance companies can be particularly challenging in SCI cases. Insurers may dispute claims about the extent of the injury, the necessity and cost of treatments, and the amount of compensation due. Negotiating with insurance companies to secure adequate coverage for ongoing and future needs requires persistence and often the threat of litigation.
Why You Need a Skilled Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, the aftermath of a spinal cord injury without professional legal assistance can be overwhelming. A skilled spinal cord injury attorney is essential for several reasons.
- They possess deep knowledge of personal injury law, which is necessary to navigate complex legal processes and protect your rights.
- These attorneys have experience dealing with insurance companies and can effectively advocate for the compensation you deserve. Their proficiency and skill set also allow them to accurately estimate damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring that settlements reflect the injury’s impact on your life.
- Having a dedicated attorney provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal aspects.
Furthermore, under Nevada statute of limitations law, there is limited time to file a personal injury claim for a spinal cord injury. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact a skilled spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Temple Injury Law for Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Have you got a spinal cord injury in Las Vegas? Don’t go it alone. We’ll help you calculate future damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and handle all communication on your behalf.
Contact Temple Injury Law to help you. We know the system’s ins and outs and can ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
FAQs about Spinal Cord Injury in Las Vegas
The average rehabilitation time for a spinal cord injury varies depending on the severity and type of damage. Still, it’s safe to say it’s longer than waiting in line for a cronut.
For comprehensive data on recovery times, check out The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.
A complete spinal cord injury is considered the most severe because it results in total loss of function below the level of damage, making it hard to get around.
The financial cost of a spinal cord injury can be astronomical, with estimates ranging from hundreds to millions of dollars over a lifetime.