Spinal cord injuries can be very hard to deal with. They can change a person’s life forever. If someone else’s mistake caused your injury, you need a good lawyer to help you.
Our lawyers at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates are experts in this area. They have won many cases against insurance companies. This means they can get you the most money you deserve.
So, why choose us for your case? It’s because we really care about helping the injured. We know a lot about the legal and medical sides of these serious injuries.
Key Takeaways:
- Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates are renowned for obtaining record-breaking verdicts for spinal cord injury victims
- Our team of experienced spinal cord injury lawyers has represented thousands of individuals with life-altering injuries
- We have a proven track record of successfully challenging insurance companies and securing maximum compensation
- Our legal expertise and dedication ensure our clients receive the justice and support they need to rebuild their lives
- We handle spinal cord injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Devastating Impact
The spinal cord is key to our body’s function. It connects the brain to the rest of the body. When it gets hurt, it can cause paralysis, loss of feeling, and trouble with body functions.
The Anatomy of the Spinal Cord
The spinal cord has 31 pairs of nerves. It runs from the brain to the lower back. It protects the nerves that control movement, feeling, and body functions. Damage to it can greatly affect a person’s life.
Types of Paralysis and Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be either complete or incomplete. A complete injury means no function or feeling below the injury. This can lead to paralysis of the lower body or all four limbs. An incomplete injury might keep some function and feeling, but with less ability.
Every year, up to 15,000 Americans get a new spinal cord injury. Living with one can cost millions over a lifetime. This includes lost wages, missed career chances, and ongoing medical bills.
“The spinal cord is a critical part of the body, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Spinal cord injuries can damage this vital conduit, leading to devastating consequences such as paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions.”
Recovering from a spinal cord injury is a long and hard process. It needs a lot of medical care, rehab, and changes to daily life. The emotional, physical, and financial challenges for individuals and their families are huge. This shows how important it is to understand these injuries well.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can happen in many ways. Car crashes, falls, and work accidents are common causes. These events can lead to serious injuries, including paralysis, and change a person’s life forever.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, motorcycle, and truck crashes are big reasons for spinal cord injuries. Over 40% of these injuries come from car accidents. The force from these crashes can badly hurt the spinal cord, causing paralysis and other problems.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls, like slipping from a height, also cause many spinal cord injuries. They make up over 30% of cases. Landing on the back or neck can break vertebrae and harm the spinal cord, leading to paralysis.
Workplace Accidents
Accidents at work, like with heavy machinery or falling objects, are another big cause. Jobs with high risks can lead to serious spinal cord injuries. These injuries can last a lifetime.
| Cause of Spinal Cord Injury | Percentage of Cases |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Accidents | 40% |
| Slip and Fall Accidents | 30% |
| Workplace Accidents | 10% |
| Other Causes | 20% |
Spinal cord injuries can have lasting effects. They can harm a person’s health, mood, and money. Getting the right medical care, rehab, and legal help is key for those affected.
The Financial Burden of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries bring a huge financial challenge. The costs go beyond the first medical care. They can reach millions of dollars over a lifetime. Survivors and their families face a huge financial burden that can ruin their lives.
Medical Expenses and Ongoing Care
The medical costs for spinal cord injuries are very high. Hospital stays, surgeries, and long-term care can cost over $1 million. Studies show that the first year’s medical costs can range from $347,484 to $1,064,716, depending on the injury. These costs can keep going for decades, with some facing over $4.7 million in expenses.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
Survivors also lose a lot of income and earning power. Only about 12 percent of victims are working a year after the injury, and 35 percent after 20 years. If someone works from 25 to 65 and earns $25,000 a year, they could lose about $1 million.
The high medical costs and lost income make it hard for survivors and their families. The emotional and psychological effects add to the burden. It’s vital for victims to get the support and compensation they need.
“The costs of spinal cord injuries can exceed $800,000 per year for the first year, and $100,000 per year for subsequent years, with costs varying on the severity of the injury.”
Seeking Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury
If a spinal cord injury is caused by someone else’s mistake, you can sue for damages. You need to show that the injury was caused by the other person’s actions. Your lawyer will figure out how much money you should get, including medical bills and lost wages.
Proving Liability and Negligence
To win a spinal cord injury case, you must prove the other person was careless. You’ll need police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to show their fault. Your lawyer will make sure the link between their actions and your injury is clear.
Calculating Damages and Losses
Figuring out how much money you should get involves looking at all your losses. This includes medical costs, lost income, and the impact on your life. Your lawyer will make sure you get compensation that covers all these areas.
Getting the right amount of money for a spinal cord injury is hard. But with a skilled spinal cord injury lawyer, you can get the most out of your case.
“Our legal team is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients who have sustained spinal cord injuries through no fault of their own. We will fight tirelessly to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.”
The Role of a top spinal cord injury lawyer
When someone gets a serious spinal cord injury, the road to recovery and justice is tough. A top spinal cord injury lawyer is key. They know the special challenges faced by those with spinal cord injuries, like ongoing medical needs and big financial costs.
These lawyers are vital in guiding victims and their families through the legal maze. They help get the compensation they need. They work hard to look into the accident, collect evidence, and build a strong case against those responsible.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) says a patient with high quadriplegia might spend $1,102,403 in the first year after injury. Lifetime costs can be in the millions. A top spinal cord injury lawyer fights to get the maximum compensation to cover these costs and ensure the victim’s future well-being.
Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, a top personal injury law firm in California, has won more settlements and verdicts in the millions for spinal cord injury cases than any other firm in the state. Their lawyers know the law well and fight hard for their clients, making them a strong ally in the quest for justice.
“The recovery from paralysis is not common; most patients may regain some function through physical therapy but will not make a complete recovery.”
Spinal cord injuries can change a person’s life in many ways. A top spinal cord injury lawyer works to make sure their clients get the money they need. This covers medical costs, ongoing care, lost wages, and the emotional pain from their injuries.
By making the responsible parties pay, these lawyers not only get justice for their clients. They also help prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. This makes a big difference in the community.
Choosing the Right Legal Representation
Dealing with a spinal cord injury is tough. It’s vital to pick a legal team with lots of experience. They need to know the medical and legal sides well. They also must understand the challenges spinal cord injury survivors face.
Experience in Handling Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Top spinal cord injury lawyers focus on these cases. They know a lot about the spinal cord and its injuries. They also understand the long-term effects on health and finances.
Proven Track Record of Success
When choosing a spinal cord injury lawyer, look for a proven track record. These lawyers are skilled in negotiations and court battles. They help clients get the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
“Our law firm boasts an undefeated record at trial and arbitration on behalf of injured clients, positioning us as a top choice for spinal cord injury claims.”
Many top spinal cord injury lawyers work for free unless you win. This means you can get the help you need without worrying about the cost.
Choosing a lawyer with experience in spinal cord injury cases and a track record of success is smart. You’ll get the best legal help to get the compensation you deserve.
The Legal Process for Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury can seem complex. But, with a top spinal cord injury lawyer, victims can get the help they need. This includes the resources to deal with the serious effects of their injuries.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
The first step is a detailed investigation to gather evidence. This involves collecting medical records and interviewing witnesses. Experts help to understand the accident and who is at fault.
The legal team documents the injuries, financial impact, and future outlook. They do this to build a strong case.
Negotiation and Litigation
After gathering evidence, the legal team negotiates with insurance companies. They aim for a fair settlement. If this fails, the case goes to court.
In court, the lawyer fights for the client’s rights. The legal process for spinal cord injury claims is complex. But, with the right lawyer, victims can get the compensation they deserve.
By choosing a top spinal cord injury lawyer, individuals can focus on recovery. The lawyer handles the legal details.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Record-setting Verdict | $71 million |
| Highest Spinal Cord Injury Verdict in New York State | $71 million |
| Verdict for a 57-year-old man hit by a police car | $20 million |
| Settlement for a 21-year-old man left paralyzed in a SUV crash | $28 million |
| Spinal cord injuries affecting Americans annually | 4-5 million |
| Individuals living with ongoing effects of spinal cord injuries | 400,000 |
These statistics show the big impact of spinal cord injuries. Getting proper legal help is key to fair compensation for victims.
“The legal team prioritizes thorough case preparation to account for victims’ present and future medical and financial needs.”
Recovering Damages for Spinal Cord Injuries
People who have suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s mistake can get many types of damages. These include medical costs, lost wages, and costs for rehabilitation. They can also get compensation for pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. A skilled spinal cord injury lawyer will fight to get the most money for their client. This way, the client can focus on getting better.
Spinal cord injuries can vary from mild to severe. The worst cases can lead to paralysis. Treatment can be very expensive, including surgeries and long hospital stays. Victims may also lose senses, have trouble breathing, and face chronic pain.
| Type of Compensation | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Compensation for past, present, and future medical bills related to the spinal cord injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. |
| Lost Wages | Reimbursement for lost income and diminished earning capacity due to the spinal cord injury and associated impairments. |
| Pain and Suffering | Damages for the physical and emotional distress experienced as a result of the spinal cord injury. |
| Loss of Consortium | Compensation for the impact on the injured person’s relationships and ability to participate in family and social activities. |
An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer will build a strong case. They will gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and consult with experts. Their goal is to get the most money for the victim, so they can focus on getting better.
“Recovering damages for a spinal cord injury is key to help the victim get the care and support they need to rebuild their life.”
Aside from money, a spinal cord injury lawsuit can also seek justice. It can hold the negligent parties accountable. With the right lawyer, victims can get the help they need to overcome their challenges.
Conclusion
Spinal cord injuries are very tough, but a top spinal cord injury lawyer can help. These lawyers know how hard it is for those with spinal cord injuries. They work hard to make sure victims get the help and money they need.
These lawyers are great at getting benefits and money for their clients. They know the law well and can negotiate well. This helps victims and their families a lot.
If you or someone you love has a spinal cord injury, get help from a top lawyer. They will guide you through the legal stuff. This way, you can focus on getting better and feeling better.
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