Facing a spinal cord injury (SCI) and filing an injury claim can be a daunting challenge, especially if you’re doing it on your own. Spinal cord injuries can permanently alter the course of one’s life and overall well-being. From medical expenses to the loss of earnings, the financial and emotional burdens can seem insurmountable. At Esquire Law in Phoenix, AZ, we understand the immense toll that these injuries take on both the victims and their families. Our experienced lawyers at Esquire Law stand ready to advocate for you, holding negligent parties accountable and fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Everything You Need To Know About Spinal Cord Injuries
What is a spinal cord injury (SCI)?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord, located beneath the vertebrae or backbone, experiences trauma or damage. This injury can affect any part of the spinal cord, including the nerves at its end called the cauda equina. The spinal cord plays a crucial role in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When a spinal cord injury happens, the extent of impairment can vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. Many times, SCI leads to paralysis which can permanently alter one’s ability, strength, sensation, and movement. Additionally, individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury may also encounter mental, emotional, and social challenges as they adapt to their new circumstances.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be classified into two different types based on the severity of the damage. The type of SCI an individual has will help determine the value of the case and other compensation factors.
Complete SCI
About half of all spinal cord injuries are complete. Complete SCIs result in a patient losing all functioning below the injury site. This means that complete SCI victims experience quadriplegia and permanently lose functions such as bladder, bowel, and sexual control.
Incomplete SCI
Incomplete spinal cord injuries are less severe than complete injuries and refer to partial damage to the spinal cord, which allows some sensory or motor function to remain. The degree of impairment and recovery will depend on the severity and location of the injury. With appropriate medical interventions, including surgery and rehabilitation, individuals with incomplete SCI may regain some function over time.
The Different Types of Paralysis
Tetraplegia
Tetraplegia (also referred to as quadriplegia) results in either total or partial paralysis in the upper and lower regions of the body. In this condition, the spinal cord injury affects the arms, hands, back, legs, pelvic organs, and other parts of the body.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia is when a spinal cord victim has normal functioning in the upper half of their body, but loses partial or complete functioning in the lower half including their legs, feet, and pelvic organs.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Phoenix
Spinal cord injuries can result from both traumatic and nontraumatic events. Traumatic incidents involve external forces, such as impacts or blows to the spine. Nontraumatic causes of spinal cord injury would include diseases or infections. Any harm inflicted upon the spinal cord or its nerves can result in severe and lasting personal injuries. Identifying what caused your spinal cord injury can help in pinpointing the responsible party or entity.
Motor Vehicle or Motorcycle Accidents
The abrupt force in a car or motorcycle accident can lead to spine fractures or severing. Malfunctions in seat belts or failure to utilize them properly can also contribute to spinal cord injuries.
Medical Malpractice
A negligent surgeon could sever a nerve or cause other internal damage that leads to a spinal cord injury. The hospital could also be guilty of improper sanitation, causing serious infections and prolonged recovery.
Falling
Falling from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, escalators, or stairs, can cause spinal cord fractures and subsequent paralysis. Most times, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to prevent fall-related accidents.
High-Impact Sports Accidents
Intense impacts during contact sports like football can result in serious spinal cord injuries. Diving into shallow waters can also result in SCIs, including neck or back fractures.
Acts of Violence
Injuries from weapons like guns or knives can permanently damage the spinal cord and its nerves. In such cases, perpetrators may face civil liability or property owners could be held accountable for inadequate security measures.
Spinal Cord Diseases
Various medical conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, degenerative disc disease, tumors, cancer, infections, meningitis, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases can lead to spinal cord injuries.
Whether it’s a drunk driver, a negligent surgeon, or an armed criminal, human negligence is often the reason behind spinal cord injuries in Phoenix. You may be eligible for financial compensation and bring justice to the at-fault party—get the assistance of Esquire Law today.
The Role of a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Phoenix
At Esquire Law, our spinal cord injury attorneys understand that this type of injury changes an individual’s entire course of life. Our first priority is making sure you’re okay—unlike other law groups, we genuinely care about your health and well-being. Our team will collaborate with medical experts, chiropractors, life care planners, and other experts to fully understand your SCI injury and what it entails for the future. Whether you require in-home care, modifications to your residence or vehicle, or future medical treatments in Arizona, we strive to secure the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Arizona
If you are pursuing a spinal cord injury case that holds a negligent party accountable, then the claim must be filed two years from when the injury occurred. Learn more about limitations by contacting Esquire Law.
The Process of Filing a Spinal Cord Injury Claim
When you’re filing a spinal cord injury claim, a lawyer from Esquire Law can help you navigate through the tricky legal process. It may take some time and be a difficult process given the injury and high damage rewards. In most spinal cord injury cases, whether you file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, the two options are:
- Coming to a settlement agreement.
- Taking the case to a jury for a hearing.
When you come to a settlement agreement with the at-fault party and their insurance company, that means you’re not going to court and your lawyers work out a compensation that meets your needs and lifetime care. Many victims of spinal cord injury go with the first option since taking the case to a jury may end up in less compensation than what the injury is worth, and poses the risk of losing the case altogether. No matter what happens with your case, our passionate team of lawyers is ready to battle for you in the courtroom and to get you the settlement you deserve.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
The most difficult challenge in filing a spinal cord injury claim is dealing with multiple insurances. Half of all SCIs are due to car or motorcycle accidents and the injury claim could be denied if it’s over the policy maximum. If you try negotiating with insurance companies, they will most likely scam you out of money. Avoid this difficult process and let our professional team of lawyers help you with insurance claims for your spinal cord injury case.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
To get as much compensation as possible, your law team needs to know all the facts of the situation and injury. Some spinal cord injury cases have settled for as much as seven figures due to the extent of the damages and costs involved. When you contact Esquire Law for a free consultation, we will review the details of your case and give a reasonable estimate of how much compensation you may be owed.
The Estimated Lifetime Costs for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
The permanent damage from a spinal cord injury will require various lifelong treatments and rehabilitation programs to regain functioning and lead fulfilling, independent lives. These may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, assistive devices, and other forms of support tailored to each individual’s specific needs and goals. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the average lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury can exceed $5 million for living and medical expenses. These costs vary on age and the severity of the spinal cord injury.
A spinal cord injury can result in at least a $1 million bill in lifetime expenses. This doesn’t include the loss of wages and earning capacity due to the injury, or make up for the emotional pain and suffering.
How Compensation Is Calculated in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
The value of a spinal cord injury case can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the person’s age, as indicated above. Other factors that are calculated in the compensation value are:
- The victim’s life expectancy and pre-injury lifestyle.
- The evidence against the defendant.
- Any misconduct by the defendant (Potentially leading to punitive damages).
- The legal representative’s expertise.
- The level of daily care you require.
- Treatment or rehabilitation costs.
- The money you earned at your job.
[CTA]: Get Compensated for Your Spinal Cord Injury
5-Star Rated Phoenix Law Group for Spinal Cord Injuries
“I was having the toughest time dealing with the effects of my accident. I went through 3 lawyers all of which were just out to get a check. The wonderful staff at Esquire Law handled my case like they would if they were the victims. I can’t say enough about how happy I was to have brought them on the case” – John Kraklio
“What can I say, but hands down the best law firm I have ever encountered!! Kyle is simply put…..amazing!! He is a pit bull, he doesn’t back down! Esquire law team are fighters to get you what you deserve!! They were in constant contact to keep me updated and all around honestly cared about me
Personally, I wasn’t just a number or another client. If you chose anyone other than Esquire Law, then you have made a huge mistake!! Thank you to Kyle and the team At Esquire Law. You gave me my life back!!” – Blake Byers
“I was already in a wheelchair from an accident years ago when I was hit by a car. I was already at a point in my life where things were really bad and I needed some help. Jennifer, with the help of Ashlyn and Leslie, at Esquire, gave me that help and I got the best settlement I possibly could have! Now I have the means to change my life and make it a whole lot better!! Thanks guys, you got me more than I ever hoped for!! I recommend Esquire Law Firm with five huge stars!! Bruce” – Bruce Austin
“I worked with another attorney that wouldn’t give me the time of day. Even tho I was clueless they would still try to make me do things on my own. Then I switched law firms and started working with Melissa and Kyle Allen and they were top tier and professional. They sent me to chiropractors and other places to get me the help I needed, they returned my calls, they kept me updated through the whole entire process. I can sincerely say I felt like they cared when they helped me through this case. They worked hard and I ended up getting the money I deserved. I would 10/10 recommend asking for Kyle Allen to work on your case with you. He will get you taking care of and be on top of your entire case.” – Raysean Hall
Consult with an Experienced Phoenix Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Seeking legal assistance for spinal cord injuries is imperative to securing a manageable life with the resources and compensation you need. At Esquire Law, we recognize the immense challenges individuals face in the wake of such injuries. Our experienced team is dedicated to advocating for you, holding negligent parties accountable, and bringing you the justice you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone—contact a Phoenix spinal cord injury attorney at Esquire Law for a free case evaluation.