Winter Park Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers - Paul Knopf Bigger

Have you suffered a spine injury in an accident someone else caused? You should not have to bear the financial consequences of such a devastating injury that wasn’t your fault. Let a Winter Park spinal cord injury attorney from Paul Knopf Bigger fight for your right to financial recovery and accountability from those responsible.

Our law firm strives to fulfill our core values of commitment, reputation, experience, and personal service. We aim to provide victims of severe injuries with the financial security they need to live their fullest, most comfortable lives. With a proven track record of success in the most challenging catastrophic injury cases, we’ve succeeded against the largest corporations and insurance companies — and we’re ready to put our know-how to work for you.

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone’s negligence, our law firm is here to provide the legal help you need and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Paul Knopf Bigger for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.

What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

At Paul Knopf Bigger, our legal team advocates for clients who have suffered spinal cord injuries because of:

  • Premises liability accidents
  • Construction accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Nursing home abuse or neglect

What Are the Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Doctors categorize spinal cord injuries as complete or incomplete. In an incomplete spinal cord injury, the cord has partially severed, meaning an injured patient may retain some feeling and function below the level of the injury. In a complete spinal cord injury, the cord is entirely severed, cutting off all signals from the brain to the body below the level of the injury.

Healthcare professionals also classify spinal cord injuries by their location on the spinal column, which determines what parts of the body may suffer from weakness, numbness, or paralysis:

  • Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury – These injuries occur in the lowest major region of the spinal column, affecting the legs and sometimes the pelvis. Depending on the level of the injury, patients may retain some feeling and motor function in the legs.
  • Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury – These injuries occur in the middle portion of the spinal column, affecting the lower torso, abdomen, and potentially the lower chest.
  • Cervical Spinal Cord Injury – This injury occurs in the top region of the spinal column in the neck and shoulder area, usually causing paralysis to the entire body. Cervical spinal cord injuries high enough in the cervical spine can become fatal.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

While some of the symptoms of a spinal cord injury become apparent immediately, others take time to manifest themselves. Some of the most common short- and long-term symptoms of spinal cord injury include the following:

  • Loss of motor function
  • Lost or altered sensations, including feelings of heat, cold, or touch
  • Lost or altered bladder or bowel control
  • Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
  • Changes to sexual function or sensitivity
  • Difficulty breathing or coughing and clearing the lungs
  • Severe pain or an intense stinging or burning sensation in the spinal column
  • Weakness, incoordination, or paralysis
  • Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • Difficulty with balance and walking
  • Odd positioning or twisting of the head or neck

What Are Treatment Options for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Unfortunately, current medical science cannot reverse the damage caused by a spinal cord injury. Instead, treatment focuses on stabilizing the injury to prevent further damage and preparing a patient to cope with any permanent impairments or complications.

Immediately after an accident, emergency treatment will involve stabilizing a patient’s head and neck, preventing shock, and treating potential complications like urine/stool retention or cardiovascular issues. Patients may undergo surgery to repair fractured vertebrae and any herniated disk, remove fragments or foreign debris, and install screws and rods to stabilize the spine to prevent future deformity or pain.

Once a spinal cord injury has stabilized, treatment focuses on rehabilitation and ongoing care. Patients may begin receiving medications to treat secondary complications like loss of muscle tone, involuntary muscle spasms, bladder/bowel control issues, and cardiovascular problems. Patients will also undergo physical and occupational therapy to maintain and strengthen remaining motor functions and learn adaptations for daily tasks. They may also receive medical/mobility equipment to address disabilities or health complications, including electric wheelchairs, respirators, and electronic aids around the house.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?

Because any damage to the spinal cord can permanently disrupt the transmission of signals throughout the body, the complications caused by these injuries can be profound and long-lasting. Some of the most common long-term effects of spinal cord injuries include the following:

  • Changes to bladder and bowel control, which can lead to increased risk of bowel obstructions, kidney stones, or UTIs
  • Increased risk of pressure ulcers/bedsores due to loss of sensations of touch or pain on the skin
  • Circulatory problems, including rapid drops or spikes in blood pressure that may increase the risk of blood clots or embolisms
  • Respiratory issues, which can increase the risk of infections
  • Loss of bone density and muscle tone, which may increase the risk of bone fractures or lead to spasticity
  • Increased risk of obesity and complications such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease due to a more sedentary lifestyle
  • Loss of sexual function or sensitivity
  • Chronic pain from the injury or overuse of specific muscle groups
  • Depression and anxiety caused by changes in lifestyle due to injury and disability

What Compensation Can I Pursue for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Any personal injury claim aims to provide the injured party with the financial means to undo as much of the injury as possible. As such, you can pursue compensation for a wide range of losses caused by a spinal cord injury, including:

  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
  • Costs of personal care and support you need for permanent disabilities and complications
  • Ongoing and future losses of income and job benefits if you cannot work or suffer a reduction in your earning capacity
  • Physical pain and emotional distress, including lost quality of life, when you cannot participate in activities you previously enjoyed or perform daily tasks

What Is the Average Settlement for a Back Injury from a Car Accident?

Because the effects of a spinal cord injury are often both profound and specific to the individual, it’s hard to say what an “average” settlement for such an injury would be. Some of the factors that may influence the size of your settlement include:

  • The severity of your injury and disability
  • The duration of your medical recovery and the treatments and rehabilitation you need
  • Whether you require long-term care or support services
  • Whether you miss time from work or become permanently disabled from employment
  • The number of parties who could be liable for your injuries and losses
  • Whether your injury occurred due to someone else’s recklessness or intentional conduct
  • Whether you share any fault for the accident that led to your injury
  • The availability of insurance coverage
  • Whether you file a lawsuit and take your case to trial

How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Florida?

Under Florida’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, you typically have two years to file a spine injury lawsuit. While that might seem like plenty of time, our attorneys will need to investigate, prepare, and present the most compelling argument for your case. In addition, if you file your lawsuit after the limitations period expires on your spine injury claim, the trial court could dismiss it as untimely. Contact Paul Knopf Bigger as soon as possible to avoid any potentially costly delays.

How a Winter Park, FL, Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Can Help with Your Case

If another party’s carelessness or recklessness caused your spine injury, you can demand they provide compensation for what they’ve cost you. You have enough to worry about having to pursue your claim yourself. A Winter Park spinal cord and back injury lawyer from Paul Knopf Bigger can be a vital ally in this difficult time. We will handle every aspect of your spine injury case, including:

  • Investigating the accident that caused your injuries and obtaining evidence to build your case
  • Identifying liable parties and evaluating your options for pursuing financial recovery, such as potential insurance claims
  • Documenting your injuries and expenses to have compelling proof of your current and future losses
  • Communicating with insurance adjusters, defense attorneys, or medical bill collectors for you so you can focus on your treatment and rehabilitation
  • Vigorously pursuing maximum financial compensation through a settlement
  • Taking your claims to court if a trial gives you the best chance of obtaining a favorable result

Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Winter Park, FL, Today

A spinal cord injury can have catastrophic consequences for your future, and if someone else is to blame, you deserve financial compensation and justice for what they’ve cost you. Contact Paul Knopf Bigger today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how a spinal cord injury attorney in Winter Park can fight for you. We want to right this wrong and recover the money you need to live the best life possible.