Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe and life-altering injuries one can suffer. At The Ward Law Group, we understand these injuries' profound impact on victims and their families.
Whether caused by an accident, a fall, or another traumatic event, spinal cord injuries require extensive medical care, ongoing therapy, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Kissimmee, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Therapy and Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Can Last a Lifetime
Spinal injuries, whether minor or severe, are a daunting prospect. Damage to the spinal column, vertebrae, or supporting muscles can drastically limit movement and bodily control. Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to chronic pain and significant rehabilitation needs, affecting your ability to work and enjoy life.
At The Ward Law Group, we recognize the long-term recovery needs of spinal injury victims. We aim to secure adequate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. Our experienced Kissimmee spinal cord injury attorneys are committed to supporting you through this challenging time.
An Injury to the Spinal Column Can Be Devastating
Trauma to the back or spinal column can have far-reaching effects. Injuries that initially seem manageable can worsen over time, while others can immediately alter your life. Major spinal injuries are often classified based on the region of the spine affected:
- Cervical Spinal Injuries: The cervical region includes the upper back and neck. Injuries here can impair the diaphragm and muscles below, leading to severe breathing difficulties, paralysis of the arms and legs, and loss of bodily function control.
- Thoracic Spinal Injuries: This region houses the spine and rib cage. Injuries in this area can result in paralysis of the legs and loss of bowel and bladder control, although movement in the hands and arms is typically retained.
- Lumbar Injuries: The lower back, or lumbar region, can sustain damage that is extremely painful and often requires surgery and additional support.
Spinal injuries can be categorized as complete or incomplete. Complete injuries indicate total severance of the spinal nerves, leading to paralysis. Incomplete injuries mean some nerve function remains.
Back Injuries Can Be Chronic and Painful
Lower back injuries can be excruciating and often necessitate long-term treatment. You may be entitled to compensation if your injury is due to unsafe working conditions, a slip and fall in a public place, or a major accident like a car crash. Common types of back injuries include:
- Sprains and Strains: These can result from incidents such as whiplash during an auto accident or unsafe work environments.
- Herniated Discs: Damage to the cushioning discs between the spinal bones can result from accidents and be painful and challenging to rehabilitate.
- Fractured Vertebrae: A fracture in the spinal column does not permanently damage the nervous system but is particularly dangerous and requires careful treatment.
If you have suffered a back or spinal injury due to someone else's negligence, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning potential. Our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your options.
Did You Suffer a Spinal Cord Injury in Florida?
Spinal cord injuries can occur from various incidents, with falls being the most common cause. However, sports activities, medical malpractice, and car accidents are significant contributors. The spinal cord is highly delicate and can be injured with minimal force. Since it controls numerous bodily functions, an injury to the spinal cord often affects the brain and other organs.
Permanent injuries and paralysis are possible outcomes of spinal cord injuries. In severe cases, these injuries can be fatal. If your injury resulted from someone else's negligence, you and your family might be entitled to compensation.
Our skilled Kissimmee spinal cord injury attorneys at The Ward Law Group can help you navigate the legal process to obtain the damages you deserve.
How to Choose a Florida Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Selecting the right lawyer after a spinal cord injury is crucial. It would help if you had an attorney who would vigorously fight for your right to compensation for medical treatments, lost wages, and other damages.
A competent Florida spinal cord injury attorney should consider future medical treatments and financial losses, ensuring long-term protection rather than immediate needs. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize their payouts, so a lawyer must understand this dynamic.
Insurance representatives may try to persuade you to accept a low settlement offer. An experienced attorney can advise you to wait and apply pressure to obtain a more substantial amount. At The Ward Law Group, we are dedicated to ensuring you receive the total compensation you are entitled to.
How a Florida Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Can Help?
A knowledgeable attorney understands the complexities of spinal cord injury cases and will begin building your claim immediately. Our team at The Ward Law Group collaborates with your medical professionals to determine the extent of your recovery, the cost of treatments, and the long-term impact of your injury.
We work with law enforcement, accident reconstruction experts, and forensic specialists to gather comprehensive information about the incident. Our goal is to handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovery and supporting your family.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Happen
Spinal cord injuries can happen in various settings, and those responsible should be held accountable. Common scenarios include:
- Premises Injuries: Accidents in someone's home can lead to spinal cord injuries. They may be liable if you are injured in someone else's home due to the homeowner's negligence. Situations like burns, slips, falls, or attacks by aggressive pets could result in compensation claims under premises liability.
- Slip and Fall: Spinal cord injuries frequently result from slip and fall incidents, particularly in public places or businesses. Property owners must ensure a safe environment for visitors. Failure to warn about hazards or maintain safe premises can make them liable for injuries.
- Medical Malpractice: Medical treatments, especially surgeries, can lead to spinal cord injuries if performed negligently. Medical professionals are held to high standards, and failure to meet these can result in liability for injuries caused.
- Auto Accidents: Drivers responsible for car accidents resulting in spinal cord injuries can be held accountable for compensation. Multiple victims can receive compensation; the responsible driver's insurance company typically pays the settlement.
Determining Negligence for Spinal Injuries
The initial step in obtaining the compensation you deserve for your spinal cord injury is identifying who is at fault. When multiple parties or companies could be held responsible, the process can become complex and time-consuming. Insurance companies often initially deny responsibility to avoid payouts.
This is where the burden of proof becomes critical, and having an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
At The Ward Law Group, our attorneys collaborate with medical professionals and other experts to gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence.
Proving the Value of Your Claim
Once negligence is established, the next step is demonstrating the value of your claim. This typically includes lost wages, medical bills, and ongoing treatments, which are relatively straightforward to document.
However, calculating compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other intangible impacts can be more challenging. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts by devaluing these aspects of your claim. Our attorneys at The Ward Law Group are dedicated to ensuring every aspect of your claim is accurately represented, fighting for the total compensation you deserve.
Navigating Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often employ tactics to reduce the amount they pay out, including offering lower settlements. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to counter these tactics and push for a fair settlement. Filing a claim against an insurance company or the party responsible for your injury may prompt a quicker resolution, as many parties prefer to avoid lengthy legal battles and the associated publicity.
Your attorney will help you determine the best strategy to achieve the most favorable outcome.
Common Issues with Spinal Cord Injuries
In Florida, approximately 800 spinal cord injuries are reported annually, with males being more frequently affected than females. The average age of those injured is between 16 and 34, reflecting the higher activity levels and job types within this age group.
Spinal cord injuries can take months or even years to heal and are often debilitating due to the critical functions controlled by the spinal cord.
How a Florida Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Can Help?
To bypass Florida's injury protection requirements, you must demonstrate that your injuries meet the state's threshold of severe injuries. This includes showing permanent loss of bodily function, significant or permanent scarring, or death resulting from the injury.
Several types of damages can be claimed in a spinal cord injury case, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time lost at work due to the injury.
- Lost Earning Capacity: Compensation for future lost income due to long-term or permanent disability.
- Property Damage: Compensation for any property damaged in the incident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the diminished quality of life due to the injury.
The Ward Law Group we are committed to helping spinal cord injury victims navigate the complexities of their claims and secure the compensation they need for their recovery and future well-being.
Contact Our Kissimmee Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
The Ward Law Group assists accident victims in Kissimmee and the surrounding areas, helping them get their needed support. If you have been injured and are dealing with the effects of a severe back or spinal injury, we can explain your legal options.
Contact us today at 855-DOLOR-55 or online for a free initial consultation. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and seek the justice and compensation you deserve.