A spinal injury can not only be physically debilitating but emotionally draining for both the victim and their family. Our skilled Kansas City spinal injury lawyers are committed to being the voice for victims and guiding them through the legal process to secure the rightful compensation they deserve.
Have you or a loved one suffered a spinal injury in Kansas City due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing? Contact Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve. Speak with an experienced Kansas City injury attorney today or schedule a free consultation by calling (818) 876-2600.
Understanding Spinal Injuries
A spinal injury can have grave and far-reaching health consequences, often leading to hefty medical bills, loss of employment, and a significant alteration in the quality of one’s life. Common Causes of Spinal Injuries include:
- Traffic Accidents: High-speed car accident collisions often result in severe spinal injuries. Contact an experienced Kansas City car accident attorney if you were involved in a catastrophic accident.
- Slips and Falls: Especially common among the elderly, these slip and fall accidents can cause significant spinal damage. Speak with a Kansas City slip and fall lawyer for legal guidance.
- Violent Assaults: Physical violence can lead to spinal injuries, especially if the victim is hit on the back or neck.
- Medical Malpractice: Instances of medical negligence can result in spinal injuries.
- Falling Objects: Construction accident injuries are prone to accidents where falling objects can cause severe spinal damage.
Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries
When a spinal cord injury occurs, the complications can last for years after the initial trauma. This type of damage often results in a range of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that require ongoing medical care and support. Some of the most common long-term effects of spinal cord injuries include:
- Paralysis: Loss of motor function and sensation below the level of injury is a primary consequence of spinal cord damage. The extent of paralysis depends on the location and severity of the injury, with higher injuries potentially affecting all four limbs (quadriplegia) and lower injuries impacting the lower body (paraplegia).
- Respiratory Complications: Spinal cord injuries can impair the muscles responsible for breathing, especially if the damage is in the upper part of the spinal cord. This can lead to reduced lung capacity and difficulty coughing or breathing.
- Urinary and Bowel Issues: Loss of bladder and bowel control is common in spinal cord injury patients. Victims can experience frequent urinary tract infections and kidney problems and may require catheters or other specialized equipment.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Spinal cord injuries often impact sexual function, potentially affecting arousal, sensation, and fertility. This can have significant psychological effects and may require specialized medical interventions to address.
- Spasticity: Many individuals with spinal cord injuries experience involuntary muscle contractions and spasms. This spasticity can cause discomfort, interfere with daily activities, and contribute to joint problems over time if not properly managed.
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain is a common long-term effect of spinal cord injuries, often manifesting as neuropathic pain below the level of injury. This can be difficult to treat and may significantly impact the victim’s quality of life.
- Psychological Damage: The life-altering nature of spinal cord injuries can lead to significant psychological challenges. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are common among victims, which is why mental health support is an integral part of any long-term care plan.
Compensation for Victims and Their Families
A spinal injury can wreak havoc on the financial stability and emotional well-being of the victim and their family. The extensive medical care required, coupled with rehabilitation and other associated costs, can quickly escalate, causing a financial strain.
Moreover, the loss of income due to the inability to work exacerbates the financial distress. It is, therefore, extremely important that victims and their families receive adequate compensation to cover these costs and to secure a stable future. An experienced Kansas City spinal cord injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
As such, the scope of compensation available in spinal injury cases is broad and encompasses several categories:
- Medical Expenses: This is often the most substantial part of the compensation and covers past, present, and future medical bills associated with the spinal injury. This can include costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, medical equipment like wheelchairs, and any required ongoing treatment or therapy.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Victims may be entitled to compensation for the income lost from the time of injury onward. Additionally, if the spinal injury impedes the victim’s ability to earn a similar income in the future, compensation for loss of earning capacity may be pursued.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress endured by a spinal injury victim can be immeasurable. While it is challenging to put a monetary value on these aspects, they are a crucial part of the compensation package.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: A spinal injury can rob an individual of the ability to enjoy the daily activities and hobbies they once cherished. Compensation aims to provide some restitution for this loss.
- Home Modifications and Assistive Devices: The severity of a spinal injury may necessitate home modifications like ramps, stair lifts, or specialized vehicles for transportation. These modifications and assistive devices are essential for improving the victim’s quality of life and are included in the compensation claim.
- Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation: Some victims may require long-term care or extensive rehabilitation to regain some level of normalcy in their lives. The costs associated with such care are compensable.
- Loss of Consortium: A spinal injury can also affect relationships within a family. Compensation for loss of consortium addresses the negative impact on the relationship between spouses or between parents and children.
Our dedicated Kansas City spinal injury lawyers will meticulously evaluate every aspect of your case to ensure all damages are accurately accounted for in your compensation claim. We aim to secure a comprehensive compensation package that addresses the multidimensional impact your spinal injury had on your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur due to various circumstances, often involving sudden, traumatic events. According to data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), the following are the most prevalent causes of spinal cord injuries since 2015:
- Vehicular Crashes: Car accidents, motorcycle collisions, and other vehicle-related incidents remain the leading cause of spinal cord damage, accounting for 37.5% of injuries. The force of impact in these crashes can cause severe trauma to the spinal column.
- Falls: At 31.7%, falls are the second most common cause of spinal cord injuries. This category includes falls from heights as well as slip-and-fall accidents. Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to fall-related spinal cord damage.
- Acts of Violence: Representing 15.4% of cases, violent acts such as stabbings, physical assaults, and ongoing abuse can result in devastating spinal cord damage. Gunshot wounds account for a large portion of violence-related injuries, as a bullet can pierce or sever the spinal cord.
- Sports: Sports-related injuries account for 8% of spinal cord injuries. High-impact and contact sports like football or hockey carry a higher risk, even with the proper safety equipment and protocols in place.
- Medical and Surgical Reasons: While less common at 3.7%, complications from medical procedures or surgical interventions can sometimes lead to spinal cord injuries. For example, a surgeon may accidentally sever the spinal cord during a procedure.
What Can a Spinal Injury Lawyer Do For You?
A skilled spinal cord injury lawyer in Kansas City can be instrumental in building a strong case for compensation after a spinal injury incident. A good spinal cord injury attorney in Kansas City will thoroughly investigate the cause of your injury, identify the liable parties, and prepare a compelling case for compensation. From negotiating with liable insurance companies to representing you in court, an experienced spinal injury lawyer can be an indispensable partner in your quest for justice.
Why Choose Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe?
- Our Proven Track Record: With over $1 Billion recovered for our past clients, our track record speaks volumes.
- Our Award-Winning Team: Our accolades include America’s Top 100, Super Lawyers, and U.S. News Best Law Firms.
- Our Client-Centric Approach: Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe is synonymous with unwavering client advocacy and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Contact a Kansas City Spinal Injury Lawyer at Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe
Your fight for justice begins with a single step. Our free consultation is designed to provide a no-obligation platform for you to understand your legal rights and the path ahead after a debilitating spinal injury.
Contact Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe today to schedule your free consultation. Let us be your advocate in this trying time. Reach our Kansas City spinal injury lawyers at (816) 876-2600, toll-free at (877) 816-2600, or fill out our online contact form.