Spinal cord injuries can be devastating. When such injuries are due to another party’s negligent or reckless conduct, victims have a right to file a lawsuit to recover damages. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Georgia, Gautreaux Law can help.
Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience negotiating and litigating spinal cord injury claims and an impressive track record of success. When you work with us, we will provide you with aggressive representation when you need it most. While many injury claims never go to trial, we are fully prepared to litigate to achieve the best possible outcome.
Rest assured, we will fight to protect your rights in and out of the courtroom. Contact our office today to speak with a capable spinal cord injury attorney. Our firm represents injury victims in Macon, Warner Robins, and all of Georgia.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries typically stem from a traumatic impact on the spine or a forceful injury that severs the spinal cord or injures the nerves within the spinal canal. These injuries may also encompass harm to vertebrae, ligaments, and spinal column discs.
When nerve fibers within the spinal canal suffer damage, this can result in impairments to nerves and muscles below the injured area. While severe spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, less severe injuries can result in a partial loss of movement and sensation. Specifically, an injury to the neck can affect arm mobility and the individual’s ability to breathe. Injuries involving the chest area or lower back can have repercussions on the individual’s torso, legs, bladder, and bowel function, as well as sexual capacity.
Many spinal cord injuries are irreversible; however, advancements in medical science may help some victims regain a degree of independence. Regardless of the extent of recovery, spinal cord injuries are emotionally traumatic for those affected and may impose a significant emotional and financial burden on loved ones who find themselves in the role of caregivers.
Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are categorized based on the extent to which the individual’s control over their limbs is affected. In a complete spinal cord injury, both sensation and the ability to control movement below the injury site may be compromised. In contrast, an individual with an incomplete spinal cord injury may retain some level of motor or sensory function.
Furthermore, spinal cord injuries can lead to various forms of paralysis, known as:
- Paraplegia – affecting the lower trunk, legs, and pelvic organs.
- Quadriplegia – affecting the arms, hands, legs, trunk, and pelvic organs.
Paralysis victims often require intensive medical care and may face a lifetime of caregiving needs, which can impose substantial physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Our team of spinal cord injury attorneys is dedicated to helping you alleviate these burdens and fighting for the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are several causes of spinal cord injuries:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Car accidents and motorcycle accidents account for many spinal cord injuries.
- Falls – Falls from heights (e.g. ladders, roofs) often cause spinal cord injuries for construction workers, but anyone can suffer an injury in a slip-and-fall accident; individuals 65 and older are more at risk.
- Violent crimes – Assaults involving deadly weapons (e.g. a gun or knife) can result in wounds that pierce the spinal cord
- Sports injuries – Contact sports such as football, soccer, wrestling, and other athletic activities can result in spinal cord injuries
- Swimming pool accidents – Diving into shallow water can damage the head, neck, and spinal cord.
Regardless of the cause of your spinal cord injury, our attorneys will work to identify the responsible party, hold them accountable, and protect your rights.
The Lasting Repercussions of Spinal Cord Injuries
An injury to the spinal cord impacts vital bodily functions, including:
- Bladder control
- Bowel control
- Skin sensation (ability to perceive heat, cold, and pressure)
- Circulatory regulation, potentially leading to high blood pressure and the risk of blood clots
- Respiration, particularly when the diaphragm (abdominal and chest muscles) is affected
- Muscle tone, resulting in either uncontrolled muscle tightening or muscle weakness
- Sexual function
The repercussions of reduced mobility, breathing difficulties, and muscle wasting can give rise to complications such as:
- Chronic pain
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Respiratory issues like pneumonia
- Mental health challenges like depression
Given the gravity of spinal cord injuries, having an experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer is essential.
How Our Firm Can Help
At Gautreaux Law, we have the skills and resources to handle your spinal cord injury claim and win you just compensation. Our legal team will:
- Investigate and photograph the accident site
- Obtain and review police reports
- Interview witnesses, including the defendant
- Work with your doctor to gather medical evidence
- Obtain medical and vocational expert opinions to support your claim
- Negotiate a fair and just settlement with opposing counsel
- File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary
Above all, we will fight to help you recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages – present and future
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Long-term care
- Assistive devices (e.g. braces, crutches, wheelchairs)
- Required modifications to your residence
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
If the defendant’s conduct was egregious or illegal (e.g. drunk driving, assault), we will seek punitive damages to punish that person’s misconduct and deter others from similar behavior.
Representing Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Georgia
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone’s negligence, turn to Gautreaux Law. We handle all injury claims on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing to us until we recover for you. Contact our office today for a free consultation.