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How We Handle Your Spinal Injury Claim

Few injuries are as serious as those that cause permanent damage to the spinal cord. Nerve pain, restricted movement, and even permanent paralysis are all common symptoms experienced by accident victims suffering from a spinal cord injury.

If you suffered serious spine injuries in an accident, it’s important to realize that you are not alone; tens of thousands of people find themselves in this exact situation every year. And you have options to hold the person who negligently caused your injuries accountable.

At Console & Associates, P.C., we know that talking to lawyers or filing a lawsuit is not at the front of your mind, given everything else on your plate. However, successfully bringing a spinal cord injury lawsuit could provide your family with meaningful compensation that will allow you to more easily rebuild your life back to what it once was or otherwise make the best possible adjustment to your “new normal.”

No Fee Promise You Don't Pay Unless We Win Console & Associates PC

From the moment you pick up the phone to call us at Console & Associates, P.C., you will realize what sets us apart from the other local spine injury law firms. We take a client-centered approach to every case we handle, attentively listening to you and answering your questions. We aren’t here to pressure you or give you doom-and-gloom scenarios; we’re here to help in any way we can.

If you decide to bring a case with Console & Associates, P.C., you won’t pay for our legal representation unless we can recover compensation on your behalf. That’s part of the

No Fee Promise we make to each one of our clients.

Call us today at (866) 778-5500!

 

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The spinal cord is one of the most important structures in the human body, as it is responsible for transmitting nerve signals from the brain throughout the body. While the spinal cord is protected by the spine, which consists of 24 small bones called vertebrae, the spinal cord itself is very fragile.

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most debilitating injuries in that they often result in lifelong physical limitations. A spinal cord injury is also one of the most expensive injuries a person can sustain.

These injuries can occur due to trauma, disease, or medical malpractice. A spinal cord injury results in damage to the nerves protected by the bones surrounding the spinal canal. In serious spinal cord injury cases, an accident victim can suffer permanent paralysis.

A spinal cord injury lawyer is critical to ensuring that you recover the compensation you need and deserve after suffering an injury of this magnitude.

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers with Experience You Can Trust

At Console & Associates, P.C., our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers represents individuals and families who are dealing with the lifelong impact of a spinal cord injury. For more than 25 years, we’ve stood by accident victims, helping them seek justice after experiencing life-altering injuries. We understand that life after suffering back and spinal cord injuries is exceptionally difficult, and we want to make the recovery process as easy on you as possible.

From the moment you hand over your spinal cord injury claim to Console & Associates, P.C., we will do everything we can to help you obtain the legal damages you are entitled to. While there may not be an easy path to recovery—and, in some instances, there may be no way to truly return you to the physical condition you were in before the accident—we can help you pursue meaningful compensation to cover your accident-related expenses.

To schedule your free legal consultation, just call (866) 778-5500 today. You can also fill out our secure contact form.

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

Spine and spinal cord injuries are one of the leading causes of serious injury in the United States. In fact, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, there are as many as 363,000 people in the United States living with a spinal cord injury. Additionally, each year, there are an estimated 17,730 new spinal cord injuries.

While anyone can suffer a spinal cord injury, men comprise about 78% of new spinal cord injury cases. Interestingly, in recent years, the average age at which someone experiences a spinal cord injury has increased. Back in the 1970s, for example, the average age at injury was 29, whereas today, it is 43.

The average length of a hospital stay after a spinal cord injury is about 11 days. Additionally, most spine injury victims require an additional 31 days in a rehabilitation facility.

Spinal injuries can have a profound impact on your life. The loss of independence that often accompanies a spinal injury is difficult to deal with, both emotionally and financially. The average lifetime costs of healthcare and living expenses incurred by someone who suffers from a spinal injury at the age of 25 are astronomical. Depending on the type of limitation caused by the injury, the lifetime costs are as follows:

  • Tetraplegia affecting upper vertebrae – $5 million
  • Tetraplegia affecting lower vertebrae – $3.6 million
  • Paraplegia – $2.45 million

While these spinal cord injury statistics are indeed grim, accident victims are not without options. At Console & Associates, P.C., our spinal cord injury lawyers help accident victims develop compelling cases to ensure they recover the compensation they need to begin the process of moving on with their lives after an accident.

Compensation in Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Spinal cord injuries frequently result in lifelong medical conditions and tremendous medical expenses. It isn’t right for you to be left on the hook for these costs. A knowledgeable spinal cord injury lawyer can help you pursue legal damages for your injuries.

In many cases, these cases are resolved through a spinal cord injury settlement; however, if the insurance company is unwilling to extend a fair offer to settle your case, a spine injury lawyer can take your case in front of a judge or jury in pursuit of fair compensation for what you’ve been through.

While every case is different, state law generally allows accident victims to recover for their economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the out-of-pocket costs associated with an accident, such as:

  • Medical bills,
  • Future medical expenses,
  • Rehabilitation costs,
  • Wheelchairs and similar devices, and
  • Home modifications required to accommodate a disability or physical limitation.

Economic damages are fairly objective, meaning they can be established by presenting evidence that identifies the amount of damages with reasonable certainty. For example, you can present the court with hospital bills, proof of income and receipts to show the damages you sustained.

On the other hand, non-economic damages are much harder to quantify, as they involve the emotional and psychological impact that accident had on your life. Some of the most common non-economic damages awarded in lawsuits involving back and spine injuries include:

  • Pain and suffering,
  • Loss of enjoyment of life,
  • Loss of familial relationships, and
  • Emotional distress.

At Console & Associates, P.C., we help accident victims obtain the legal compensation they deserve by identifying the full extent of their economic and non-economic damages. We have more than 25 years of experience negotiating legal settlements and obtaining favorable jury verdicts in spinal injury cases, and we look forward to seeing how we can help you with your case.

What Are the Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spine injuries can occur in a variety of ways. However, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Almost 40% of all spinal cord injuries are the result of motor vehicle accidents. Often, these injuries are the result of a negligent driver who was not paying attention, driving aggressively, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Falls

Falls make up about 31% of the total number of spinal cord injuries each year and are the second-leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the country. Falls from a significant height are the type of falls most likely to result in a spinal cord injury; however, even slip and fall accidents can cause a spinal cord injury, especially in older adults.

Acts of Violence

Violent acts make up about 13% of all spinal cord injuries. Most of these involve gunshot wounds that sever the spinal cord, resulting in permanent paralysis.

Sports and Recreation Injuries

Approximately 8% of all spinal cord injuries are related to accidents involving sports and recreation. For example, those participating in high school, college, or professional sports are at a greater risk of spine injury. When it comes to young children, trampolines are a leading cause of spinal cord injury.

Workplace Injuries

A large number of those who experience a spinal cord injury suffer the injury at work. Certain occupations are at a much higher risk of injury—most notably, construction workers, who have about a six-times greater chance of suffering a spine injury than other types of workers.

Medical Malpractice

Spine injuries are often caused by trauma to the spine. However, sometimes they are the result of an infection or disease related to inadequate medical care. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, surgeons, and pharmacists, all owe a duty to their patients to provide the appropriate level of medical care. When a healthcare professional violates this duty, they can be liable for any resulting injuries, including damage to the spinal cord.

Dangerous and Defective Products

When you purchase a product, you assume that it is safe. However, manufacturers routinely rush products to market, prioritizing profit over consumer safety. If you suffer a back or spine injury due to a defective or dangerous product, you may be eligible for legal damages through a product liability claim.

At Console & Associates, P.C., we have extensive experience handling all types of back and spine injury cases. Regardless of the type of accident you were involved in, we can help you understand your rights and how you can effectively pursue compensation for your injuries.

How to Prove Negligence in Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Most spine injury lawsuits fall under the umbrella of negligence. A negligence claim has four essential elements. You must present proof of each element to successfully bring a claim. The four elements of a negligence lawsuit are:

Duty – Only parties who owe you a legal duty can be held accountable for the injuries they’ve caused. For example, businesses owe customers a duty of care to maintain the premises in a safe condition, and drivers owe everyone else on the road a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely and to follow all traffic laws.

Breach – When assessing a negligence claim based on a spine injury, the court will consider whether the other party breached, or violated, the duty of care they owed to you. For example, a driver who gets behind the wheel after having too much to drink violates a duty of care owed to fellow motorists.

Causation – The next question is whether the other party’s negligent actions were the legal cause of your injuries. While causation may seem straightforward, it is a complicated legal concept that is often highly contested.

Damages – To recover compensation for a spine injury, you must identify that you suffered legally recognizable damages resulting from your injuries. In a spine injury case, there is no question that you suffered damages; however, it is imperative that you identify the full extent of your damages so you can be fairly compensated for what you’ve been through.

Proving liability in a spine injury lawsuit may not seem challenging, and in some cases, it’s easier than others. However, proving a breach of duty of care can be complex, especially once insurance companies get involved. At Console & Associates, P.C., we are immediately available to discuss your case. We can provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family.

Who Is Liable When You Suffer a Back Injury at Work?

Workplace accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal injuries. However, when an accident occurs at work, there are a few special considerations. First, depending on the state where you live, you may need to pursue compensation through a workers’ compensation claim rather than a typical personal injury claim.

The workers’ compensation system is a program designed to provide injured employees quick access to benefits that cover their medical expenses and lost wages. Because the workers’ compensation system is a no-fault insurance-based program, you do not need to prove that anyone else was responsible for your injuries to successfully bring a workers’ comp claim. However, the trade-off is that the benefits available through a workers’ comp claim are limited in comparison to those through a personal injury claim.

The other aspect of a workers’ compensation claim is that these lawsuits are typically your sole remedy against your employer. This means that, while you can pursue a workers’ compensation claim against an employer, you usually won’t be able to sue them through a personal injury lawsuit.

There are a few situations when you can bring both a personal injury claim and a workers’ compensation claim. This is most commonly the case when a non-employer third party is responsible for your injuries. In this case, you can file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurance carrier and file a personal injury claim against the party who caused your injuries.

At Console & Associates, P.C., our spinal cord injury attorneys are well versed in both personal injury and workers’ compensation laws and can help you determine the best approach for your case.

How Console & Associates, P.C. Can Help in a Spinal Cord Injury Case

Few personal injury cases are as complex and present the high stakes that spine injury cases do. A knowledgeable back and spine injury lawyer will not only make the process much easier on you but will also increase your chances of a successful outcome. According to a 2014 study conducted by the Insurance Research Council, accident victims who worked with an experienced attorney recovered 3.5 times more in damages than those who pursued the claim on their own.

Remember, you only get one chance to bring a case after an accident, so you want to make sure you do it right the first time.

At Console & Associates, P.C., our spine injury lawyers take a different approach from most other personal injury law firms. We focus on each of our clients as individuals, making sure to customize our representation according to what is important to them. We understand that just as every accident is different, so too is every accident victim.

Some of our clients hope for a quick settlement, while others are more interested in bringing the at-fault party’s conduct to light. At Console & Associates, P.C., we will attentively listen to you before making any recommendation and will always put your best interests first. We also offer all prospective clients a free consultation during which we will answer your questions and explain the claims process in clear, understandable terms.

What Will a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Cost You?No Fee Promise You Don't Pay Unless We Win Console & Associates PC

Cost is understandably a limiting factor when it comes to bringing a spine injury lawsuit. These cases are complex and require experienced attorneys, expert witnesses, and extensive investigations. However, at Console & Associates, P.C., we don’t want money to come between you and the justice you deserve. Therefore, we make every client we serve a No Fee Promise.

We will not charge you for our legal representation unless and until we help you recover compensation for your injuries. We also advance the costs of litigation, so you don’t need to worry about spending any money upfront to bring your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

If you or a family member recently suffered a debilitating spinal cord injury, Console & Associates, P.C. is here for you. We’ve assembled a team of veteran personal injury lawyers who are uniquely dedicated to helping accident victims just like you pursue the compensation they need and deserve.

We understand that calling a lawyer to discuss the accident isn’t likely on the top of your to-do list. However, once you take that first step, you’ll see why Console & Associates, P.C. is different. At our spinal cord injury law firm, we never use high-pressure sales tactics to convince you to bring a case; that decision is up to you. Instead, we take a more casual approach, giving you the information you need to come to a decision you feel comfortable with.

If you do decide to hire us to handle your spinal cord injury claim, we will take care of everything, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery.

To schedule your free legal consultation, just call (866) 778-5500 today. You can also fill out our secure contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Rear-End Accident That Results in a Spinal Cord Injury?

While it’s hard to provide a firm answer without having a lawyer review the facts of your case, car accident cases can settle in as little as a few months or take as long as several years. Generally, the more complex the accident and the more serious your injuries, the longer the case will take to settle. However, remember that settlement is not the only way to win your case; through an experienced spine injury lawyer, you can also take your case in front of a judge or jury.

Do Steroid Injections Increase the Value of a Herniated Disc Case?

There is nothing particular about steroid injections that increase the value of a herniated disc case. However, it’s safe to say that cases involving injury victims who received steroid injections are likely to end in a higher settlement figure. This is because steroid injections are usually reserved for more serious cases that involve excruciating pain.

In other words, a skilled attorney may argue that the fact that steroid injections were deemed necessary illustrates the level of pain an accident victim went through. Additionally, steroid injections are expensive, so they tend to increase the economic damages in a claim involving herniated disc injuries.

What Is the Average Payout for a Back Injury Lawsuit?

Every case is different, and a settlement figure or jury verdict is based on a variety of very fact-specific circumstances. When an insurance company determines how much to offer in a back injury lawsuit, it will consider the extent of the injury, the likelihood that the insured was responsible, and whether the accident victim’s own negligence may have played a role in their injuries.

If you’ve suffered a back injury, it is important you discuss your case with an experienced back injury lawyer who can identify the full extent of your damages. That way, you can know that whatever payout you agree to is fair.

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