If you or someone you love has experienced a spinal cord injury, it can be life-changing. These injuries often lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and a long road to recovery, affecting many aspects of life. Whether from a car accident, workplace accident, or medical malpractice, the impact of a spinal cord injury is far-reaching.
Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer is here to help spinal cord injury victims in Orlando. Our Orlando spinal cord injury lawyers understand how challenging recovery can be, especially when the injury is caused by someone else’s negligence.
We are dedicated to fighting for your fair compensation and ensuring you receive the medical care and support needed. Our goal is to guide you through the legal process so that you can focus on your recovery.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that can result in permanent changes to strength, sensation, and body functions below the point of injury. These injuries are often caused by trauma, such as a traffic accident, a fall, or an injury from a motor vehicle.
Spinal cord injuries result in a loss of function, which can lead to paralysis of the limbs, loss of sensation, and, in some cases, complete loss of mobility.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries: A complete injury means that all feeling and movement are lost below the injury point. An incomplete injury means that some movement or feeling may remain below the injury.
- Tetraplegia vs. Paraplegia: Tetraplegia (formerly known as quadriplegia) refers to paralysis of all four limbs, while paraplegia affects only the lower limbs.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Orlando
Spinal cord injuries can happen in many ways, often leading to permanent disabilities. In Orlando, common causes of these injuries include accidents on the road, at work, or in everyday situations.
Some of the most frequent causes of spinal cord injuries in the area are:
Car and Motorcycle Accidents
Car accidents and motorcycle accidents are leading causes of spinal cord injuries in Orlando. A collision, especially at high speeds, can cause severe damage to the spine, leading to paralysis or other spinal injuries.
The force of the crash can compress or fracture the spine, causing long-term effects for the victim. Motorcycle accidents often result in more serious injuries due to the lack of protection compared to other vehicles.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can also cause serious spinal cord injuries. These accidents often happen due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or other hazards in public spaces, workplaces, or even homes.
Falling from a height or landing on your back can lead to severe injuries, such as nerve damage, broken bones, and spinal compression. If the fall was due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a spinal cord injury claim.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents are another common cause of spinal cord injuries. Jobs that involve heavy lifting, operating machinery, or working at heights increase the risk of injury. Construction workers, warehouse employees, and those in similar fields are often at risk for accidents that can damage the spine.
These injuries can result in paralysis, nerve damage, or long-term physical limitations, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can also lead to spinal cord injuries. Mistakes made during surgery, improper handling of a patient, or failure to diagnose a condition can cause severe harm to the spine. Spinal cord injuries resulting from medical malpractice may include nerve damage, paralysis, or complications from surgery.
If a healthcare professional’s negligence led to your injury, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are another frequent cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly in contact sports like football, rugby, or gymnastics. Athletes can suffer spinal cord injuries from falls, collisions, or improper techniques.
These injuries can range from minor nerve damage to complete paralysis. If the injury was due to unsafe conditions, lack of safety gear, or improper coaching, the responsible parties may be liable for the injuries and related costs.
The Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can have far-reaching effects that extend beyond the physical. It impacts a person’s quality of life, emotional well-being, and financial stability.
Physical Effects
The physical effects of a spinal cord injury can be severe, often leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, and limited mobility.
Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may experience tetraplegia or paraplegia, where they lose the ability to control parts of their body. This can require long-term care, including rehabilitation and physical therapy, and result in permanent disability.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Spinal cord injuries can cause emotional and mental health issues. Victims may feel depressed, anxious, or isolated due to the loss of independence and changes in their daily lives.
The adjustment to a new way of living can be difficult, and feelings of frustration or sadness are common. Support from loved ones and professionals can help with the emotional challenges.
Financial Burden
The financial burden of a spinal cord injury is heavy. Medical bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy costs add up quickly. Victims may also be unable to work, leading to lost wages.
Home and vehicle modifications to accommodate the injury can also be expensive. The costs of living with a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming for families.
How Our Orlando Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, our Orlando spinal cord injury lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process. We help identify the cause of your injury, determine who is responsible, and fight for fair compensation.
With the right support, you can focus on your recovery while we handle your spinal cord injury case.
Investigating the Cause of the Injury
Our Orlando spinal cord injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate the cause of your injury. Whether your injury occurred due to a car accident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice, we work to uncover the facts. Spinal cord injuries can occur for many reasons, and it’s crucial to identify the responsible party to build a strong case.
Determining Liability and Responsibility
Once we understand how your spinal cord injury occurred, our team works to determine who is legally responsible for your injuries. This could be an individual, business, or other party. Our spinal cord injury attorneys will gather evidence, review medical records, and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, especially when they offer low settlements. Our Orlando spinal cord injury lawyers are experienced in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
We’ll handle the back-and-forth with the insurance adjusters, so you don’t have to worry about being underpaid for your injuries.
Pursuing Compensation for Past and Future Damages
Our spinal cord injury attorneys work hard to pursue compensation for both past and future damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs.
A spinal cord injury can have lifelong effects, and we are dedicated to ensuring that you receive maximum compensation for all your current and future needs.
The Legal Process for Spinal Cord Injury Cases in Orlando
The legal process for a spinal cord injury case involves several steps. Our Orlando spinal cord injury lawyers will guide you through each one, making sure you understand what’s happening and what to expect.
From filing a claim to settlement talks and possibly going to trial, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
The first step in your spinal cord injury case is filing a personal injury claim. This is where we officially tell the responsible party and their insurance company that you are seeking compensation for your injuries. We gather all the details, like medical records and accident reports, to support your claim.
Settlement Negotiations
After filing the claim, we enter settlement talks with the insurance company or the responsible party. The goal is to reach a fair agreement without going to court. Our spinal cord injury attorneys will fight for a fair settlement that covers all your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Going to Trial
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we may take your case to trial. Our team will prepare all the evidence and represent you before a judge or jury. We will fight hard for you to get the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
What causes spinal cord injuries to occur?
Spinal cord injuries occur due to accidents like car crashes, falls, or workplace incidents. These spinal injuries can result in life-altering consequences, including paralysis.
Can spinal cord injuries cause emotional distress?
Yes, spinal cord injuries often lead to emotional distress, including depression and anxiety, due to the life-changing effects on a person’s independence and daily life.
Can I get punitive damages for my spinal cord injury?
Yes, punitive damages may be awarded if the injury was caused by someone’s extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Our Florida attorneys are fully prepared to seek punitive damages in applicable cases.
What if I also have a brain injury?
If you’ve suffered a brain injury along with a spinal cord injury, it can complicate your recovery. Our attorneys will ensure both injuries are considered in your case for full compensation.
Why do I need the right attorney for my case?
The right attorney is essential to handle the complexities of spinal injuries and ensure you receive fair compensation. We are fully prepared to fight for your rights and support you throughout the legal process.
Contact Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Florida, don’t wait to get the help you need. Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer understands the serious impact a spinal injury can have on your life. Our law firm offers a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and determine your legal options.
With our combined experience in handling spinal cord injury cases, we are committed to helping you seek justice and the full and fair compensation you deserve. Our team of skilled attorneys is here to provide you with compassionate legal representation and guide you through every step of the process. We fight for the rights of our clients and ensure that all medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages are fully addressed.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you recover and move forward after a spinal cord injury.