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If someone’s negligence or wrongdoing left you with a debilitating spinal cord injury, you deserve compensation to ease the financial and emotional burden of what you’ve suffered. It doesn’t matter if the cause was a reckless driver, an unsafe premises that led to a fall, or another instance of someone else’s fault. A Washington, D.C., spinal cord injury attorney can help you seek money for the medical bills you’ve incurred, the wages you’ve lost, the pain and suffering you’ve endured, and so much more.
For more than a century, Marks & Harrison has been proud to stand up for injury victims and help them get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Do not try to navigate a spinal cord injury lawsuit alone. Instead, contact our award-winning firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Are the Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries result from various circumstances and can dramatically affect the lives of those who suffer from them.
Some of the common causes of spinal injury include the following:
- Traffic accidents – Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of spinal injuries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Motorcycles, cars, and trucks pose significant risks to other motorists and pedestrians.
- Falls – Property owners and managers who fail to keep their premises free from hazards put visitors at risk of debilitating slips, trips, and falls.
- Violence – Gunshot wounds, physical assaults, and other violent acts can inflict trauma to the spine.
- Sports injuries – High-impact sports like football, diving, and gymnastics can lead to spinal injuries, especially when proper safety measures aren’t in place.
- Medical malpractice – Undiagnosed or improperly treated diseases or injuries may lead to permanent spinal cord damage.
What Are the Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Two primary factors influence the impact of a spinal cord injury: its location and the extent of damage. Here’s a breakdown of these classifications from the Mayo Clinic:
- Neurological level – The neurological level identifies the lowest undamaged portion of the spinal cord. An injury to the upper neck will have different consequences than an injury to the lower back.
- Complete spinal cord injury – A complete injury results in a total loss of sensation and movement control (paralysis) below the affected area.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury – With an incomplete injury, some sensation or motor control remains, though the extent of remaining function varies.
What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury depend on the location and severity of the injury.
The most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:
- Pain or pressure – Persistent or severe pain near the injury area and a feeling of pressure are common when nerves are not too badly damaged.
- Loss of sensation – More severe damage can cause a partial or complete loss of sensation below the injury site. Individuals may experience numbness, tingling, or an uncomfortable “pins and needles” feeling.
- Paralysis – Depending on the injury’s location and extent of the trauma, an individual may be unable to move their arms, legs, and other body parts.
- Muscle spasms – Disruptions to the signals sent up and down the spinal cord can lead to frequent, uncontrolled muscle movements or spasms.
- Breathing difficulties – Higher spinal cord injuries can interfere with a patient’s breathing, negatively affecting respiratory function.
- Incontinence – Loss of bladder or bowel control is common when communication between the brain and lower body muscles is disrupted.
What Should You Do After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury?
Any blow or impact to the spine requires immediate medical attention. The shock and adrenaline after the injury can mask symptoms, so don’t make the mistake of assuming a lack of pain means a lack of injury. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Other steps to take after suffering a spinal cord injury are:
- Listen to your doctor – Spinal cord injuries may require surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and therapy. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Document your injury – You have the right to ask for a copy of your medical records, including diagnostic and imaging test results, doctor’s notes, and prescribed treatment.
- Consult a spinal cord injury lawyer – You may be entitled to compensation if someone’s negligence or wrongdoing caused or contributed to your injuries and damages. Talk to a qualified attorney as soon as you can.
What Compensation Is Available from a Successful Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
Spinal cord injury victims often need long-term medical care and treatment. They may not be able to live as they once knew it, including working or caring for dependent family members. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a serious injury someone else caused, a spinal cord injury lawyer can help.
An experienced Washington DC spinal cord injury attorney can pursue fair compensation for your:
- Medical expenses – Coverage for current and future medical costs, including surgery, therapy, and medication
- Lost wages – Reimbursement for wages lost during recovery, as well as reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress from the injury
- Home adjustments – Costs of adapting your living environment for accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps
- Lower quality of life – Compensation for the many ways your spinal cord injury affects your life, including an inability to do everyday tasks or hobbies
Does Washington DC Have a Time Limit for Filing a Spinal Injury Lawsuit?
Washington, D.C., has a strict time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. In most cases, victims have three years from the date of injury to file a claim. Missing this deadline can mean losing the opportunity to seek compensation, so acting promptly is crucial. Your attorney needs time to collect and examine evidence that usually requires legal and medical knowledge. Contact our Washington DC spinal cord injury lawyer today.
Contact a Washington DC Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Marks & Harrison has been serving injured clients in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland for more than a century. Our lawyers are experienced, resourceful, and skilled at negotiation and litigation, giving us the skills you can trust when results matter most – and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us for a free consultation with a Washington, D.C., spinal cord injury lawyer, and let us pursue the money you need to live the fullest life possible. Contact our Washington DC personal injury lawyer today.
