A spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating injuries a person can experience, often resulting in significant and lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. These injuries can alter a person’s life permanently, affecting their mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. At Colorado Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the severe impact a spinal cord injury can have on victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve experienced legal representation to help you pursue compensation and justice. Our team is dedicated to advocating for spinal cord injury victims, ensuring they receive the financial support necessary for medical care, lost income, and other damages.
Contact our Colorado car accident lawyers today for a free consultation!
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged due to trauma, disease, or degeneration. The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system, transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is injured, it can lead to partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation below the site of injury.
These injuries are classified into two main types: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of function below the injury site, while an incomplete spinal cord injury allows for some degree of sensation and movement.
The severity of a spinal cord injury varies depending on the level of the spine that is affected. Injuries higher up on the spinal cord, such as those to the cervical region, are often the most severe and can result in quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs. Lower spinal cord injuries may lead to paraplegia, which affects the lower half of the body.
Beyond mobility impairments, spinal cord injuries can also cause complications such as chronic pain, respiratory issues, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and emotional distress.
Spine Injury Symptoms
The symptoms of a spinal injury can vary depending on the severity and location of the damage. Common symptoms include:
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch
- Intense pain or stinging sensation due to nerve damage
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Changes in sexual function and fertility
- Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
Seeking medical care for a back injury right away is critical.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries is motor vehicle accidents.
Car Accidents
Car accidents account for a significant percentage of spinal cord injuries in the United States. The sudden impact of a collision can exert extreme force on the spine, leading to fractures, dislocations, and severe spinal damage. Rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, and head-on collisions can all cause spinal trauma, particularly when seat belts or airbags fail to prevent excessive movement of the body during impact.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can also result in severe spinal cord injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the force of impact can crush the car’s occupants, causing life-altering spinal injuries. In some cases, truck driver negligence, such as distracted driving, fatigue, or improper loading, contributes to these devastating crashes. Victims of truck accidents often face more severe injuries due to the immense force exerted during a collision.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable because they lack the protective barriers that cars provide. Even with helmets and protective gear, riders can be thrown from their bikes, landing on their backs or necks in a way that damages the spinal cord. High-speed motorcycle accidents and those involving reckless drivers or impaired motorists pose an even greater risk of catastrophic injuries.
Bike and Pedestrian Accidents
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents are particularly dangerous because individuals involved in these incidents have little protection from vehicles. When a bicyclist or pedestrian is struck by a car, the impact can throw them onto hard pavement, leading to spinal cord injuries.
These accidents are often caused by driver negligence, such as failing to yield, running red lights, or distracted driving. In many cases, these victims experience long-term disabilities that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
Victims of spinal cord injuries often face overwhelming financial burdens due to the extensive medical treatment required for their condition. Spine injuries also have a profound impact on quality of life. Our auto accident lawyers will fight for the maximum compensation.
Medical Bills
Compensation for spinal cord injuries may include coverage for medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and assistive devices like wheelchairs. Given the long-term nature of spinal cord injuries, victims may also need ongoing rehabilitation and specialized care, which can be costly.
Lost Income
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity are critical. Many spinal cord injury victims are unable to return to their previous jobs if they can work at all. Compensation can account for both past lost wages and future income the victim would have earned had they not been injured. This can be particularly important for individuals who were primary earners in their households.
Caregiving Expenses
Caregiving expenses can also be covered in a spinal cord injury claim. Many victims require assistance with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and mobility. The cost of in-home caregivers, modifications to homes to accommodate disabilities, and other support services can be factored into a compensation claim.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are also significant in spinal cord injury cases. These damages account for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life that victims experience. Additionally, loss of consortium claims may be pursued by spouses, recognizing the impact the injury has on relationships and family life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of gross negligence or severely reckless behavior, such as drunk drinking accidents. These damages serve as a form of punishment for the responsible party and as a deterrent to prevent similar behavior.
What Is The Average Car Accident Settlement for a Spinal Cord Injury in Colorado?
Settlement amounts for spinal injuries can vary depending on the extent of paralysis, future medical needs, and insurance policy limits. Spinal cord injury settlements can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, and severe cases may settle for over $1 million.
How a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating a spinal cord injury claim can be complex, requiring thorough legal knowledge and extensive evidence to build a strong case. A Colorado car accident lawyer can play a crucial role in helping victims obtain the compensation they deserve.
Gathering Evidence
One of the most important steps in a spinal cord injury case is gathering evidence. This includes obtaining medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to establish the severity of the injury and its impact on the victim’s life. An experienced attorney will work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists to present a compelling case for maximum compensation.
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
Settlement negotiation is another critical aspect of legal representation. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, offering settlements that do not fully cover the victim’s expenses and losses. A skilled lawyer will negotiate aggressively with insurance providers to secure a car accident settlement that accounts for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
Courtroom Representation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney will represent the victim in a lawsuit. Litigation may be necessary to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable and that the victim receives the full compensation they are entitled to. A dedicated spinal cord injury attorney will present the case in court, advocate for the victim’s rights, and fight for a just outcome.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is generally three years from the accident. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss the deadline. There are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, the statute of limitations may be extended if the injured victim is a minor or the at-fault driver leaves the state.
You should seek legal help as soon as possible. A knowledgeable Colorado car accident attorney can help ensure that your case is filed on time.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review
At Colorado Car Accident Lawyers, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for spinal cord injury victims. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident, our team is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
