Any serious accident in Star Valley has the potential to leave victims with spinal cord injuries. These injuries not only affect the person’s present health but could lead to long-term complications.
Fortunately, you have the option to pursue legal compensation from those who may be responsible for your injuries.
At Edwards Law Office, P.C., we can start you down the path to recovery and compensation.
Let an Etna spinal cord injury lawyer in our office discuss the merits of your case with you. If you have a pursuable claim, we can help you take those next steps.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Whether the neck was whipped back and forth in a car or there was an incident of medical malpractice, these traumatic injuries can happen when someone acts negligently. Some of the common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Any type of crash can lead to a variety of injuries. In the event of rear-end or sideswipe crashes, whiplash can affect the spinal cord or even result in traumatic brain injuries.
Slips and Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults. Even seemingly harmless slips can lead to severe consequences. For example, wet floors in grocery stores can cause spine injuries that can last a lifetime.
Medical Malpractice
According to one study by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), 4.6% of all spinal cord injuries are the result of medical malpractice. Many times, the healthcare provider was negligent, leading to a severe injury to the patient.
Many times, the injury was caused by the negligence of another person, business, or entity. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries. Contact an Etna spinal cord injury lawyer to learn more about your options.
When Does a Spine Injury Become a Case of Negligence?
A spinal cord injury can be a case of negligence when an individual fails to meet a clear duty of care. To have a successful case, you need to establish liability.
A victim of their Etna spinal cord injury lawyer will need to prove these four elements to have a successful claim:
- Duty of care: You must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely, property owners must maintain safe premises for visitors, and medical professionals must adhere to the standards of the medical industry.
- Breach of duty: This breach occurs when the defendant’s actions or inactions fall below the standard of care expected under the circumstances. Another example could involve a driver in a car accident engaging in reckless driving or ignoring traffic signals.
- Causation: After that, there must be a direct link between the breach of duty and the spinal cord injury.
- Damages: You must have suffered actual damages as a result of the spinal cord injury. In these cases, it can include everything from paralysis or chronic pain to mental anguish and loss of quality of life.
If you want to establish those elements of negligence, you will need medical records, witness statements, expert testimony, and other evidence to back up your claim. Proceeding through these cases can be a difficult journey. At Edwards Law Office, P.C., we are here to help during these challenging times.
Long-Term Outlook for Those With Spinal Cord Damage
Some individuals may experience minor mobility loss and manage with minimal assistive devices. With a few modifications, they can often return to work and participate in various physical activities.
However, others may need walkers or wheelchairs due to their mobility loss. These individuals might need to make substantial lifestyle adjustments and often require ongoing physical therapy and medical care.
In the most extreme cases, individuals can have complete paralysis from the neck down. As a result, they will need full-time care and specialized equipment for daily activities.
Anyone who has suffered from a spinal cord injury will often need months or even years of medical care. In turn, that can mean mounting medical bills and expenses. Plus, if the injury is serious, these individuals may not be able to seek gainful employment, adding more burden to their families.
Damages Recoverable by Filing an Injury Lawsuit in Wyoming
With a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover compensation from those parties who may be responsible for your injuries. In many cases, this can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Costs for rehabilitation and other treatments
- Expenditures for home modifications and mobility equipment
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These injuries can leave a lifetime of pain for those affected in Wyoming. Under the law, you have the right to pursue compensation.
We’re Here to Help Throughout These Difficult Times
Spinal cord injuries put an emotional and financial burden on the affected individual and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured, Edwards Law Office, P.C. is here to help. We can assist you throughout the process while you focus on healing.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation with our Etna spinal cord injury lawyer today.