A Stamford Spine Injury Lawyer Could Help You Pursue Compensation
Injuries to the spinal cord can alter the course of your life in an instant. One moment, you are in full control of your body, and the next, you aren’t. Damage to your head, neck, or back could lead to permanent consequences, including the loss of sensation and motor control in parts of your body. Many of these injuries only occur because of the carelessness of another person. If you have suffered spinal cord trauma through no fault of your own, speak with a Stamford spine injury lawyer to pursue fair financial compensation.
Of course, recovering these damages and holding the person who hurt you accountable is difficult without help. At Slager Madry, we understand what is at stake in these cases. We will thoroughly review the facts, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the personal injury process. Let our firm serve as your advocate during this challenging time.
Types of Spine Injuries
Spine injuries vary widely in severity. While those involving the spinal cord have the most devastating consequences, any injury related to the spine is a serious matter. Some of the most common conditions include the following:
Herniated Discs
Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the bones of the spine, relieving the pressure of walking or even standing. When a disc bulges or herniates, its inner material pushes outward, potentially compressing nearby nerves. This often results in a number of symptoms, like numbness or pain.
Spinal Fractures
A spinal fracture occurs when one or more vertebrae break due to some sort of physical trauma. These injuries are common in high-speed vehicle collisions or when a person falls from a substantial height. In the most serious cases, the impact of an injury can send bone fragments into the spinal cord.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries involve damage to the nerves that transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord stretches from the base of the brain to your hips, and any damage to it can cause paralysis. Losing sensation and motor control of your body can radically alter the course of your life, and these injuries are typically permanent.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Not all spine injuries involve bones or discs. Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons supporting the spine is common in accidents involving sudden acceleration or deceleration. Whiplash is a well-known example that can cause neck stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion. Although these injuries may not appear on standard imaging, they can still cause persistent pain and functional limitations.
Types of Accidents That Lead to Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries are most often caused by sudden trauma to the head, neck, or back. Some of the most common accidents that result in spinal injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Sports accidents
Each of these accident types can generate enough force to damage vertebrae, discs, or the spinal cord itself. Any extreme impact on the back, head, or neck could cause one of the aforementioned injuries, changing your life forever. Let a Stamford spine injury lawyer evaluate the facts of your case and answer any questions you might have about your legal rights.
Spine Injury Claims Are Governed by the Statute of Limitations
Connecticut law places strict time limits on how long an injured person has to file a lawsuit after a spine injury. This legal deadline, which is commonly known as the statute of limitations, is one of the major pitfalls for anyone considering legal action after an injury. In most spine injury cases, the statute of limitations expires two years from the date of the injury. If a lawsuit is not filed within this time frame, the court could have no choice but to dismiss the lawsuit permanently.
These deadlines apply regardless of how serious the injury is, even when symptoms worsen over time or long-term complications develop later. While there are some exceptions that might provide you with additional time to file a lawsuit, it is never a good idea to assume they apply to your case. Because missing the statute of limitations can permanently bar your claim, it is critical to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Talk to our team as soon as possible to give yourself a shot at fair compensation.
Recovering Damages for Your Spinal Injuries
Different types of damages could be available to you through a successful spine injury claim. Our attorneys will review your losses, giving you a clear picture of the damages you might be able to recover. It may not be possible to pinpoint exactly what your case is worth, but we can help by outlining which of the following categories of compensation might be applicable to you.
Recouping the Cost of Medical Care
The cost of medical care can quickly overwhelm a family’s budget in the aftermath of a spine injury. This starts with the cost of treating the immediate medical care following an accident, like ambulance transportation or emergency room visits. You could also recover the cost of long-term care, which is common with spinal injuries.
You Could Replace Your Lost Wages
Most people living with spine injuries are forced to miss work as they recover. For some, these injuries can mean the end of their ability to earn a living and support themselves. An important part of any settlement is replacing both past and future lost wages.
You Could Recover an Award Based on the Cost of Home Improvements
If you are living with a spinal cord injury, it may be necessary to make improvements to your home or motor vehicle. Accessibility is a major issue, and it could be necessary to make alterations to your home to widen kitchen aisles or lower counter heights. Adding lifts to allow a person in a wheelchair to drive might also be needed.
How To Pursue Damages for a Spinal Cord Injury
In general, there are two different ways that a Stamford spine injury lawyer could help you recover financial compensation. This is typically done through settlement or at trial. Our team has extensive experience helping the victims of catastrophic injuries get the recovery they deserve. We’ll take every step necessary to maximize your recovery and get you the best possible outcome in your case.
The reality is that these cases usually don’t go to trial. When motions to dismiss aren’t successful, defendants will frequently make an offer to resolve the claim with a lump sum settlement. This outcome might be common, but it does not mean a fair offer is easy to come by. In fact, insurance companies often will attempt to resolve these cases by making immediate, unreasonably low offers with the hope of saving money on a claim. Our attorneys will work to bring in a reasonable settlement offer; we have a record of success in that department. However, there are times when the two sides are never able to resolve the claim.
Cases might not settle for a few different reasons. In some situations, the person responsible for a spinal cord injury might refuse to accept fault. This might be because they don’t believe they are to blame, or that they simply lack the resources to pay a settlement. In these situations, our firm will do the work necessary to get the best possible verdict at trial.
Reach Out to a Stamford Spine Injury Lawyer at Slager Madry Today
Our firm is ready to help you get the most out of your spine injury claim. While success is never guaranteed, we will do everything in our power to help you secure a measure of justice. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Stamford spine injury lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spine Injuries
How serious is a spinal injury?
Spine injuries can be life-altering and may cause chronic pain or permanent disability, even when symptoms are not immediately obvious.
Can symptoms appear days or weeks after an accident?
Yes. Many spinal injuries worsen over time, and pain, numbness, or weakness may not fully develop until days or weeks after the incident.
What if the insurance company says my injury was pre-existing?
Insurers often raise this argument, but a pre-existing condition does not prevent compensation if the accident made the injury worse.
How long do spine injury cases take to resolve?
These cases often take longer than minor injury claims because the full extent of the injury and long-term impact must be clearly documented.
Do all spine injuries require surgery?
Not all spine injuries require surgery. Some of these conditions can be treated with alternative treatments, including injections or physical therapy.