Spinal cord injuries are life-altering events that can have profound and lasting impacts on victims and their families. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), approximately 18,000 new traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) cases happen each year in the U.S.
These injuries can have many causes, including vehicle crashes, falls, and acts of violence, and they often lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Baton Rouge, the experienced attorneys at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can vary widely in severity and impact, depending on the location and extent of the damage. Recent data from the NSCISC reveals that incomplete tetraplegia is the most common neurological outcome of spinal cord injuries, followed by paraplegia. These injuries often result in partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation below the site of the injury, leading to significant challenges in daily life.
The causes of spinal cord injuries are diverse, with vehicle crashes being the leading cause, followed closely by falls. Acts of violence, including gunshot wounds, and sports-related accidents also contribute significantly to the incidence of these injuries. The average age at the time of injury is 43 years, though adults of all ages face risks.
In addition to the immediate physical impacts, spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. Hospital stays for acute care have decreased over the years, but the need for comprehensive rehabilitation remains crucial, with average stays now around 37 days.
Unfortunately, the road to recovery is long and challenging, with less than 1% of individuals experiencing complete neurological recovery by the time they are discharged from the hospital.
Damages You Can Seek After a Spinal Cord Injury
While the financial, physical, and emotional toll of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming, pursuing legal action can help you recover the compensation you need to manage these challenges. When filing a claim for a spinal cord injury, there are several types of damages you may be able to seek:
Medical Expenses: Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapies. You can seek compensation for both current medical expenses and future treatment needs, such as long-term care, assistive devices, and home modifications.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: A spinal cord injury can significantly impact your ability to work, either temporarily or permanently. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages if you are unable to return to work. Additionally, if your injury affects your ability to earn a living in the future, you can seek damages for loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Beyond the financial impact, spinal cord injuries can cause immense physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering covers the physical discomfort, chronic pain, and emotional trauma associated with your injury.
Emotional Distress and Mental Health Treatment: More specifically, the psychological impact of a spinal cord injury can be profound, leading to conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. You may be entitled to compensation for the cost of counseling, therapy, and other mental health treatments.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Spinal cord injuries often result in a diminished quality of life, as they can limit your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed. You can seek damages for the loss of enjoyment of life, recognizing the impact your injury has on your overall well-being and happiness.
Home and Vehicle Modifications: Adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury often requires making significant changes to your living environment. You may need to modify your home or vehicle to accommodate mobility limitations, such as by installing ramps, widening doorways, or purchasing specialized equipment. Compensation for these modifications can be included in your claim.
Cost of In-Home Care and Assistance: If you require in-home care or personal assistance with daily activities due to your spinal cord injury, you can seek compensation for the cost of hiring caregivers or other necessary support services.
Loss of Consortium: If your spinal cord injury has affected your relationship with your spouse or family members, they may be able to seek damages for loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
Seeking full compensation for these losses is crucial to ensuring that you have the resources necessary to manage your recovery and achieve the highest quality of life possible.
Resources and Support for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury in Baton Rouge, finding the right resources and support can make all the difference in your recovery journey.
Rehabilitation and therapy are crucial components of recovery for spinal cord injury patients. Options include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and aquatic therapy, all aimed at improving mobility, strength, and overall quality of life.
Community resources and support groups also play a vital role in the healing process. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can provide emotional support and valuable insights.
Finally, assistive devices and technologies have significantly improved the quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries. From mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers to advanced technologies such as exoskeletons and neuroprosthetics, devices can enhance independence and enable participation in everyday activities.
How Our Baton Rouge Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Can Help
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we understand the immense challenges faced by spinal cord injury victims. With decades of experience and a proven track record of helping over 58,000 clients recover more than $1.2 billion in compensation, our team is committed to providing the highest level of legal representation in Baton Rouge and throughout Louisiana.
Our dedicated attorneys know that every spinal cord injury case is unique, and we take the time to get to know you and your story. We work tirelessly to investigate the details of your injury, identify all liable parties, and build a strong case to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Whether your injury was caused by a car accident, a fall, or another form of negligence, we are ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights.
We also understand the long-term impact of spinal cord injuries, including the need for ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptations to daily life. Our team will work with medical experts, life care planners, and other professionals to ensure that all your current and future needs are accounted for in your claim. And if necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial to ensure that justice is served.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today
When you choose Dudley DeBosier, you are choosing a firm that values your name more than numbers. We treat every client like family, and we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
Let us help you navigate this difficult time and secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Schedule a free consultation today.
