Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic. Because the spinal cord does not regenerate, most victims are left with life-changing disability. While experimental treatments offer hope, the reality is that most individuals who suffer from spinal cord injuries will experience some degree of paralysis. If you or a loved one is grappling with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s imperative to seek legal guidance promptly. In New Jersey, the personal injury law practice to contact is Nagel Rice, LLP.
Our experienced attorneys are compassionate as well as exceptionally skilled. We have been fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout New Jersey for over four decades. Over our years in practice, we have recovered more than $1 billion in damages for our clients and we never charge attorneys’ fees until we bring them meaningful compensation.
What Occurs During a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) results from damage to the spinal cord itself, the sheaf of nerves in the spinal column that connects to all parts of the body. Although vertebrae, ligamens or discs can often heal with or without surgery, at this moment, damage to the spinal cord is permanent. This damage disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a range of impairments, from partial to complete paralysis.
Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified based on the level and severity of the damage, commonly in two possible ways.
- One distinguishes between complete and incomplete injuries, that is injuries in which there is a total loss of both sensory and motor function below site of the injury, and one in which some degree of function remains.
- The other makes a distinction between paraplegia in which the injury affects just the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs, and tetraplegia (formerly quadriplegia) in which both the upper and lower body — arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs are affected.
How Negligence Causes Spinal Cord Injuries
While some spinal cord injuries happen due to a medical event, condition or mistep of the individual who suffers harm, in a great many cases, another party’s negligence is to blame, such as in:
Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents are a common cause of spinal cord injuries. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises, and failure to address hazards such as slippery floors or pathways, uneven surfaces, unmarked holes, broken banisters, or swimming pools with unmarked depths can result in devastating consequences for victims for which property owners are liable.
Sports Accidents
Participating in sports activities, especially high-impact sports like football or gymnastics, carries a risk of spinal cord injuries. Negligence on the part of coaches, equipment manufacturers, or event organizers often exacerbates these risks.
Workplace Accidents
While serious accidents can occur at any workplace, including in work-related traffic accidents, severe spinal cord injuries are more common among those whose work are in certain occupations, like construction workers, telephone line workers, electrical workers, arborists, and roofers.
Medical Malpractice
Medical procedures involving the spine, such as surgeries or injections, can lead to spinal cord injuries if performed incorrectly. Failure to follow proper protocols or misdiagnosis can also result in severe repercussions for patients.
Assault
Acts of violence, including assaults and altercations, can also cause traumatic spinal cord injuries. Perpetrators of such acts can be held accountable for the harm they inflict on their victims, not only in criminal trials but in civil personal injury lawsuits.
Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of spinal cord injuries is crucial for prompt medical intervention. These include:
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of ability to move limbs and/or digits
- Inability to stand, walk or maintain balance
- Pain or intense stinging sensations in limbs or digits
- Extreme pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bladder or bowel function
- Loss of sexual function
Nagel Rice Works Tirelessly to Help Spinal Cord Injury Victims
At Nagel Rice, LLP, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll of spinal cord injuries. Our empathic attorneys are dedicated to advocating for your rights and holding negligent parties accountable. We provide legal guidance customized to your particular case. Once you become our client, we will take over all legal and logistical matters so you can relax, heal, and concentrate on rebuilding your life.
Our services include:
- Investigating the site of your accident
- Gathering and poring over police reports, medical records, and surveillance videos, as well as interviewing witnesses
- Arranging for medical and vocational experts to testify on your behalf
- Negotiating a fair and just settlement with opposing lawyers and insurance adjusters, if possible
- Forcefully representing you in court if necessary to win every dollar you deserve
Damages Our Attorneys Will Fight Aggressively to Recover
Under New Jersey law, if you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for all losses related to your injury, including:
- Medical, rehabilitation expenses, and, if needed, long-term nursing care
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity due to disability.
- Replacement services
- Alterations to make your home accessible
- Pain and suffering and psychological distress (e.g. PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey & New York Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Spinal cord injuries are life-altering events that demand comprehensive legal representation. If you or a loved one is facing the consequences of a spinal cord injury, don’t hesitate to contact Nagel Rice, LLP, for a free consultation. Our attorneys have the strength, skills, and determination to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us now so we can help you take back control of your life and reclaim your future.
Nagel Rice LLP helps its clients with claims throughout New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County. We also represent clients in New York.