Spinal Cord Injuries and Legal Compensation
Spinal cord injuries can and will change all aspects of your life physically and emotionally. It’s imperative that you get the legal support you need to help you obtain compensation for your injury.
Spinal cord injuries are most commonly caused by:
● Car accidents cause almost half of all spinal cord injuries annually
● Falls, especially for those over 65
● Acts of violence, particularly those involving guns and knives
● Athletic activities
● Certain diseases such as arthritis, cancer, and osteoporosis
What puts you at higher risk for a spinal cord injury?
Men account for approximately 80% of spinal cord injury cases. The most common age range for these injuries is from 16 to 30. Because of the increase in falls, those who are age 65 or older are another common age group to suffer from spinal cord injuries. Alcohol use is involved in roughly 25% of spinal cord injuries. Dangerous physical behavior, like diving into shallow water, not wearing a helmet when recommended, or choosing to not wear protective safety equipment when playing sports also put you at risk. Those who have any disorder that affects bones and joints are more susceptible to spinal cord injuries as well.
What can you do to lower your risk of spinal cord injury?
Driving. Drive safely and wear your seatbelt. Make sure your passengers wear their seatbelts and don’t get into a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs.
Keep your balance. When reaching for objects up high, use a sturdy step stool you can hold on to. Make sure you have a nonslip mat in the shower or tub. If you live with seniors and/or children, window guards and safety gates by the stairs are good options.
Diving. Don’t dive into water if you don’t know the depth. Pools should be 12 feet or deeper for safe diving.
Wear protective athletic or work gear. Helmets, pads, mouth guards, protective eyewear - if it’s recommended, wear it.
What to do if you incur a spinal cord injury?
Seek proper medical attention. With proper treatment and therapy, some victims may be able to recover some degree of function. However, full recovery after a spinal cord injury is rare. It’s imperative to negotiate a settlement that not only compensates you for your losses but will also help with physical care and financial stability moving forward. At Attorneys Jim and Steve Brady & Associates, P.C. in Walpole, MA, we make sure your compensation will cover your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any long-term limitations your spinal cord injury has caused.
These injuries are not only physical. Spinal cord injuries are life-altering. You may need to make changes to your home to accommodate a wheelchair or other device or receive long-term rehabilitation treatment.
A spinal cord injury can be an overwhelming time for you and your family. These cases are extremely complicated both medically and legally. At Attorneys Jim and Steve Brady & Associates, P.C. we have extensive experience with spinal cord injuries having handled numerous cases. We will help to reduce that feeling of despair and get you the financial compensation you deserve to deal with your injury.
You can contact us today to schedule a consultation.