Our Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Columbia Can Help Your Family Navigate a Spinal Cord Injury
At Hart Law, our Columbia spinal cord injury lawyer has the skills, knowledge, and experience to take on all types of catastrophic injury claims. Any spinal cord trauma can leave the victim with a terrible injury. Immediate medical attention is a must. You and your family need access to all available resources.
If you or your loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, please do not hesitate to contact our Columbia spinal cord damage attorney today for a free, confidential case review. Call us today at (803) 771-7701.
Many People are Affected By Spinal Cord Injuries
According to data from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, approximately 18,000 people suffer serious spinal cord injuries in the United States each year. Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries often leave the victims dealing with long-term or permanent physical or psychological impairments. There are nearly 225,000 people nationwide who are currently dealing with the after-effects of spinal cord trauma.
Victims need access to all available resources to promote their recovery and enhance their quality of life.
Know the Different Types of Spinal Cord Trauma
Spinal cord injuries can manifest themselves in many different ways. Though, these are all serious, catastrophic injuries that require immediate emergency medical attention and comprehensive follow-up care. Our firm handles all types of spinal cord injuries.
Here is an overview of some of the key factors that will determine the nature and severity of a spinal cord injury:
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Damage
- Complete Spinal Cord Injuries: Complete spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord is fully severed or severely compromised—resulting in the total loss of sensation and function below the point of injury. A person with a complete injury may experience permanent paralysis.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: With incomplete injuries, some nerve signals still pass through the injured area, allowing partial motor or sensory function below the injury site. Many people in this category benefit from rehabilitation, physical therapy, and assistive devices that can restore some mobility.
The Location of the Spinal Cord Damage
- Cervical (Neck) Injuries: These injuries affect the uppermost part of the spine and often result in tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia). Unfortunately, it involves loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs.
- Thoracic (Upper/Mid-Back) Injuries: Damage in the thoracic region can lead to paraplegia—as it affects the trunk and lower body. Although the upper body usually remains functional, mobility limitations can be very significant.
- Lumbar and Sacral (Lower Back) Injuries: Lower spinal injuries often produce paraplegia or decreased function in the hips, legs, and pelvic area. Compared to higher-level injuries, these may allow for greater independence.
The Specific Type of Physical Trauma
- Contusion (Bruise): A contusion involves bleeding or swelling within the spinal cord tissue. It can impede nerve signal transmission and lead to temporary/permanent impairment.
- Compression: Compression injuries occur when pressure from bone fragments, herniated discs, or tumors squeezes the spinal cord. It can cause nerve damage.
- Laceration: A direct cut or tear to the spinal cord is more severe and often leads to permanent loss of function.
- Central Cord Syndrome: This specific type of incomplete injury typically affects the upper limbs more than the lower limbs. It often causes pronounced weakness.
What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury
Did you or your loved one suffer a spinal cord injury in an accident? It is normal to feel stressed out, confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of what needs to happen next. Here are four important steps to take after a serious accident causing a spinal cord injury in Columbia:
- Seek immediate emergency medical attention for a suspected spinal cord injury;
- Report the accident to the appropriate parties—such as police or property owners;
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster; and
- Consult with a Columbia spinal cord injury lawyer who can protect your rights and interests.
All Accidents Require a Thorough Investigation
Any injury that results in spinal cord damage should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. In South Carolina, liability for a catastrophic injury is based on fault. To hold any other party legally responsible for your accident, you must prove that they bear responsibility.
Your Columbia, SC spinal cord injury lawyer can gather the evidence needed to build a strong case.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Spinal Cord Injury Claim
The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a legal claim, including a personal injury claim. Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-20), personal injury cases are generally subject to a three-year statute of limitations. Spinal cord injury claims are no exception to the rule.
You do not want to fall behind in the legal claims process. Be proactive: Consult with a Columbia catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible after a serious accident.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Injured Victims
In South Carolina, injured victims may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, defendants and insurance companies can make the claims process very difficult for victims and families. They want to pay out less. Our Columbia, SC spinal cord damages lawyers help injured victims seek compensation for:
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Medications;
- Medical equipment;
- Physical therapy;
- Mental health support;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of future earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability; and
- Reduced quality of life.
In a catastrophic injury case—especially a spinal cord damage case—it is imperative that victims can secure the maximum financial compensation, including for future medical needs and any non-economic damages. You need a Columbia personal injury lawyer who has the specialized experience needed to take on catastrophic accident cases.
Why Trust the Columbia Spinal Cord Damage Lawyer at Hart Law
Any amount of spinal cord damage can be a truly catastrophic injury. It is a type of accident that can change your entire life. Victims must have strong, experienced legal representation.
You need justice and compensation to cover future medical needs and non-economic damages, including your pain and suffering. With proven leadership in law and a history of client testimonials, Christopher R. Hart is a South Carolina catastrophic injury lawyer who knows how to get results. We are proactive. Along with other things, our Columbia spinal cord damage lawyer is prepared to:
- Hear what you have to say and answer questions about your catastrophic injury case;
- Investigate the accident that caused the spinal cord damage—gathering all evidence;
- Document your damages and connect you with the right medical specialists;
- Handle the legal paperwork and any catastrophic injury settlement talks; and
- Take aggressive action to help you secure the absolute maximum financial support.
Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Spinal Cord Damage a Catastrophic Injury?
Yes. There is no such thing as a minor spinal cord injury. Spinal cord damage is considered to be a catastrophic injury. Unfortunately, these accidents often lead to permanent impairments and profound life changes. Further, spinal cord trauma often results in severe mobility limitations, loss of bodily function, and a need for considerable long-term care.
What is the Prognosis for Recovering from a Spinal Cord Injury?
It depends entirely on the nature and severity of the injury. Some people may regain partial function with rehabilitation, physical therapy, and adaptive technology. However, sadly, other victims may face permanent limitations. In many cases, long-term medical support and assistive devices are necessary to maintain quality of life. Injured victims need the proper care and full financial support.
Can I Seek Compensation for Future Medical Expenses?
Yes. You can seek compensation for future medical expenses as part of your personal injury claim in South Carolina. Along with other things, future medical expenses may include costs related to ongoing rehabilitation, assistive technology, in-home care, and any future surgical operations or other types of treatments. Do not agree to settle your spinal cord damage claim until you are sure that the offer covers the full extent of your future medical expenses.
What Should I Look for in a Columbia Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
You need a South Carolina personal injury attorney with experience handling catastrophic injury claims. A lawyer should have deep knowledge of South Carolina’s personal injury law, access to the resources to build a strong claim, and the ability to fight for justice. You also need to find a Columbia spinal cord injury attorney who is willing to devote personalized attention to your case.
Contact Our Columbia Spinal Cord Trauma Attorney for a Free Case Review
At Hart Law, our Columbia catastrophic injury attorney has the knowledge, skills, and legal experience to handle all types of spinal cord damage claims. No matter how your accident happened, we are here as a legal resource. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial case review by dialing (803) 771-7701.
Our personal injury firm handles spinal cord trauma claims in Columbia, Richland County, Lexington County, and throughout the surrounding region in South Carolina.