Empowering Lives After Spinal Cord Injuries: A Compassionate Approach

Our skilled team at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC, acknowledges the profound impact spinal cord injuries can have on individuals and their families. With over 35 years of combined experience as litigators and trial lawyers, our personal injury attorneys are committed to offering unwavering support and leveraging our extensive experience to secure the compensation you deserve.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Spinal Cord Injury?

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury is crucial for prompt intervention and effective legal advocacy. Here are some common indicators:

Loss of movement: Partial or complete loss of movement in any part of the body.
Loss of sensation: Decreased or absent sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold or touch.
Difficulty breathing: Impaired breathing, shortness of breath or difficulty coughing.
Loss of bowel or bladder control: Incontinence or inability to control bowel or bladder function.
Pain or pressure in the neck, back or spine: Persistent pain or pressure in the affected area.
Numbness or tingling: Sensations of numbness, tingling or “pins and needles” in the extremities.
Weakness or paralysis: Weakness or paralysis in the arms, legs or trunk.
Difficulty walking: Trouble walking or maintaining balance.
Spasms or muscle stiffness: Involuntary muscle spasms or stiffness in the affected area.

Our experienced team at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC is dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of spinal cord injury cases, ensuring that every detail is meticulously considered in building a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your needs.

Understanding The Long-Term Effects Of A Spinal Cord Injury

The long-term effects of a spinal cord injury can significantly impact various aspects of life. Here are some key long-term consequences:

Chronic pain: Persistent pain in the affected area or throughout the body.
Loss of mobility: Partial or complete paralysis, leading to limited or no mobility.
Loss of independence: Dependence on others for activities of daily living and mobility.
Bowel and bladder dysfunction: Loss of bowel and bladder control, leading to incontinence and potential complications.
Sexual dysfunction: Loss of sexual function or fertility issues.
Respiratory problems: Difficulty breathing and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Muscle atrophy: Weakening and wasting of muscles due to lack of use.
Ongoing medical needs: Regular medical appointments, rehabilitation therapy and assistive devices.
Psychological effects: Depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health issues.
Financial strain: High healthcare costs, loss of income and expenses related to caregiving and accommodations.

We delve into the intricacies of these effects, emphasizing the importance of seeking compensation that addresses the holistic challenges posed by spinal cord and other major injuries.

What Are The Different Types Of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries can vary in type and severity, each requiring a tailored approach to legal representation. Here’s an overview of the different types:

Complete spinal cord injury: In this type of injury, there is a total loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the injury. This means that the individual has no voluntary movement or sensation in the affected areas.
Incomplete spinal cord injury: In incomplete injuries, some degree of sensation and/or motor function remains below the level of the injury. This can vary widely, from minimal impairment to significant deficits.
Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): This type of spinal cord injury affects the cervical spinal cord (neck region) and results in paralysis or significant impairment of all four limbs, as well as the trunk and pelvic organs.
Paraplegia: Paraplegia occurs when the injury affects the thoracic, lumbar or sacral spinal cord segments, leading to paralysis or impairment of the lower extremities, trunk and pelvic organs, while the upper extremities remain unaffected.
Spinal fractures: Fractures of the spinal vertebrae can result in compression or damage to the spinal cord. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, individuals may experience varying degrees of neurological deficits.
Herniated discs: Disc herniation can occur when the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves or the spinal cord itself. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness or weakness in the affected areas.
Spinal cord contusions: Contusions or bruises on the spinal cord can result from trauma or impact to the spine, causing temporary or permanent impairment of neurological function.

Understanding the different types of spinal cord injuries is essential for accurately assessing the extent of damage and determining the appropriate legal strategy so that we can help you seek compensation for your injuries.

How Is Compensation Determined For Spinal Cord Injury Victims?

Determining compensation for spinal cord injury victims requires a detailed evaluation of numerous factors, including:

Injury pre-work: The victim’s occupation, income level and earning capacity before the injury occurred.
Severity of injury: The extent of neurological impairment, such as complete or incomplete paralysis, tetraplegia (quadriplegia) or paraplegia.
Age and health of the victim: The victim’s age and overall health can impact their prognosis and life expectancy, influencing the duration and cost of medical care and rehabilitation.
Medical care: Expenses related to emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation therapy, assistive devices and ongoing medical care.
Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work, including wages, salary, bonuses and other employment benefits.
Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress and mental anguish experienced as a result of the injury.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the loss of ability to participate in activities and enjoy life as before the injury.
Home modifications and assistive devices: Costs associated with modifying the home environment to accommodate the victim’s mobility limitations and purchasing assistive devices such as wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Caregiving expenses: Expenses related to hiring caregivers or obtaining assistance with activities of daily living, such as personal care, transportation, and household chores.

Our skilled litigators at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC meticulously analyze each of these factors to build a compelling case and ensure you receive the rightful compensation necessary to navigate the challenges posed by a spinal cord injury.

Get Started Today With A Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury, we are here to be your ally. Schedule a free consultation by completing our online form or calling 727-222-1570. Our experienced and professional trial lawyers stand ready to advocate for your rights, offering compassionate guidance and legal experience throughout the process.