Philadelphia Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

A spinal cord injury can be a devastating, life-altering event requiring expensive, and potentially lifelong, medical care. Although no amount of money can rectify a spinal cord injury, holding those responsible for your injury accountable can bring some measure of justice and provide the financial resources necessary for your ongoing healthcare needs.

Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury refers to trauma that damages the spinal cord or surrounding tissues, affecting the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body. Spinal cord injuries can result in temporary or permanent changes in strength, sensation, and bodily functions below the site of injury.

There are two main classifications of spinal cord injuries:

Complete Injury: Total loss of motor function and sensation below the level of the injury, equally affecting both sides of the body.
Incomplete Injury: Partial sensation or movement below the site of injury. Symptoms and severity vary depending on the location of injury and which nerves are affected.

Spinal cord injuries are also categorized by which region of the spine is affected, such as:

Cervical: Injuries in the neck area, often resulting in the most severe impairments, such as quadriplegia, or complete paralysis of all four limbs.
Lumbar: Damage in the lumbar region can impair leg movement, bladder, and bowel control.
Sacral: Injuries to this lowest region of the spine may affect mobility, bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
Thoracic: Injuries affecting the upper and mid-back region, typically resulting in paraplegia and problems with trunk control.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal cord injuries range greatly in type and severity, and even a minor injury can result in lifelong pain and reduced mobility. The spinal cord can be damaged in many ways, resulting in various symptoms, such as:

Chronic pain
Decline in sexual function
Difficulty clearing secretions from the lungs
Impaired body temperature regulation
Impaired motor function
Inability to breathe or swallow
Inability to sweat below the injury
Incontinence
Intense pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
Loss of balance
Loss of cognitive abilities
Loss of manual dexterity
Loss of motor skills, such as walking
Loss of sensation
Muscle spasms or exaggerated reflexes
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Paralysis (paraplegia, quadriplegia)

What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries typically result from some form of traumatic force or injury to the spinal column or directly to the spine’s nerve tissue.

Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

Construction Accidents: Falls from height, equipment malfunctions, or being struck by objects on job sites can lead to severe spinal injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Slipping and falling can cause serious trauma to the spine and are common accidents, particularly among older adults.
Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or anesthesia mistakes can lead to irreversible spinal injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: In the United States, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries.

How Are Spinal Cord Injuries Treated?

Currently, spinal cord damage cannot be reversed. Treatment begins with emergency care to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage, often with surgery to remove bone fragments or foreign objects and to repair herniated or ruptured discs that are putting pressure on the spinal cord.

Once stabilized, long-term treatment often includes:

Medication to control pain or muscle spasms and restore or improve bowel, bladder, and sexual function.
Physical and occupational rehabilitation to strengthen existing motor function, develop fine motor skills, or learn new techniques for accomplishing daily tasks.
Training with mobility equipment and technologies to help with independence, such as wheelchairs or mobility devices, computers and other electronic aids, or electrical stimulation devices.
Psychological counseling and support to help manage the emotional and mental effects of a spinal cord injury.

What Compensation Can I Seek for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal cord injuries often result in substantial losses, particularly if you suffer severe injury requiring lifelong care. You may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, home modifications, pain and suffering, long-term care costs, and more.

How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.

Spinal cord injury cases are often exceedingly complex, and require extensive investigation, involve medical and financial experts, and an ample amount of time to build a case. It is important to involve a Philadelphia spinal cord injury lawyer as early as possible.

How Can a Philadelphia Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Help Me?

A spinal cord injury can change your life in an instant, but you do not have to face this overwhelming process alone. Our dedicated and compassionate Philadelphia spinal cord injury lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP can help you rebuild your life after a devastating injury.

Our experienced team can help in the following ways:

Investigate the accident scene and review police or incident reports.
Gather evidence.
Identify all liable parties.
Interview witnesses.
Hire medical, financial, and accident reconstruction experts.
Calculate your short- and long-term damages.
Negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation.
Represent you in the trial, if necessary.