Spinal Injuries
Dealing with a catastrophic injury of any sort can be extremely expensive, debilitating, and can lead to spiked health insurance premiums. However, when the injury occurs within the spine the severity of the injury can rise dramatically since the spine handles all the motor control and sensory function in your body. A broken or battered spine can cause a perfectly able-bodied person to resort to wheelchair assistance for life.
Have you sustained a spinal injury because of another person’s negligent mistakes? If so, you could be entitled to a monetary award based on your damages. This means you could receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other financial losses you may have experienced since the injury. To do this, it’s highly suggested you hire an experienced and skilled personal injury attorney. They can overlook your case and see if you qualify for compensation as well as what you should do next.
West Des Moines Attorney for Spinal Injuries in Iowa
If you have been injured within the spinal cord because of another’s carelessness or recklessness, then it’s time you get the compensation you deserve. You may qualify for damages if you file a claim against the responsible party in court. Don’t let the negligent person go without any consequence. Find an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you today.
A great option is to contact McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C.. The personal injury attorneys at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. have years of representing people who sustained spinal injuries under their belt. They understand the science behind the injury and can use that to their advantage for your case.
Call us now at (515) 279-9700 to learn more about our practice. McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. represents people throughout the greater Polk County and Dallas County area including Altoona, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Miniburn, Perry and Waukee.
Overview of Spinal Injuries in Iowa
- Liability When it Comes to Spinal Injuries in IA
- Possible Causes of a Spinal Injury
- Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Additional Resources
Liability When it Comes to Spinal Cord Injuries in Iowa
Determining liability is the first step in obtaining compensation for your injuries. If a person, business or entity was negligent and that negligence is the reason for your injury, then you can file a suit against that person or entity. Negligence is when a person fails to behave with the same level of care a reasonable person would in the same situation. The behavior can consist of actions such as reckless driving or inactions such as failing to put a “wet floor” sign.
Once you file a suit, the respondent will have a certain period to reply. If they agree to your terms, you can settle with each other and your prospective attorneys without any court proceedings. A rejection of the demand letter will mean the case will have nowhere to go but court, so both you and the respondent will be required to attend court hearings to absolve the issue. In either scenario, it’s extremely recommended you have an attorney.
Demand letters can be tricky to write and the filing process for a civil suit isn’t exactly straight forward. An attorney can also assist you with collecting evidence that you can use if you go to trial. Not only this, they can find and call upon expert witnesses to back up your defense.
Another liable party could be your insurance company. Health insurance companies are liable to protect their policyholders if the injury they sustain is within their policy. If they reject or dispute a claim without reason, it could be them acting in bad faith. Insurers who act in bad faith can be sued for their dishonest actions for compensation.
With effective counsel, you can file a suit against your insurance company. When doing this it’s highly advised you have legal representation. Big shot or even local insurance companies are equipped with strong legal teams that could leave you with an empty wallet and a spine injury.
Possible Causes for a Spinal Cord Injury
The majority of spinal and back injuries occur from a motor vehicle accident. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly 70 percent of all spinal injuries are from a roadside accident. It’s also common for victims of spinal injuries to sustain a traumatic brain injury as well. Other common causes for a spinal injury can include:
- Construction site accidents
- Falling objects and debris
- Boating accidents
- Sports injuries
- Violent crimes including gun shootings
- Workplace accidents
- Slips and falls
- Assaults and fights
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries regarding paralysis can be classified in two types. These different classifications of spinal injuries are determined by the area of where the person was paralyzed as well as the severity of the paralysis in general. Some types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Quadriplegia – Defined as damage to the cervical area of the spinal cord. A person with quadriplegia often loses sensation as well as movement in the upper and lower parts of their body. All limbs are impaired if someone has quadriplegia. The average first-year costs associated with quadriplegic patients are between $700,000 – $1.2 million.
- Paraplegia – Defined as damage to the lumbar, thoracic, or sacral sections of the spinal cord. A person with paraplegia often loses movement and sensation in the lower half of their body. It is usually targeted to an area below the waist or near the genitals. The average first-year costs associated with paraplegic patients is more than $330,000.
Other types and degrees of spinal cord injuries include:
- Hemiplegia – When your arms, legs and trunk on one side of your body is paralyzed;
- Spastic Quadriplegia – Spinal cord injuries where the limbs experience severe spams or spastic attacks after the injury;
- Central Cord Syndrome – When the central spinal cord vertebrae are damaged. Victims may experience partial paralysis, weakness of limbs and sensory deprivation;
- Partial Paralysis – When a spinal injury causes partial immobility of hands, digits such as toes/fingers, or limbs; or
- Spinal Contusions – When the spinal column is bruised because of inflammation or bleeding around it
Additional Resources
Support Groups for People with Spinal Cord Injuries – Visit the official website for the United Spinal Association, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people who suffer from back and spinal injuries every day. Access the site to learn more about spinal support groups in your area, contact information and helpful tips for spinal cord injury survivors.
Liability in Tort – Comparative Fault – Visit the official website for the Iowa Code to learn more in detail about comparative fault. When a person shares some of the blame for the injury alongside the negligence party, the court may believe they share some fault. Learn more about comparative fault, how it works in automobile crash cases and other related information.
Personal Injury Attorney for Spinal Cord Injuries in Polk County, IA
Was your spinal cord majorly injured recently? You could be entitled to compensation if you qualify. To find out, we suggest you call McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C.. Our personal injury attorneys can overlook your case and uncover all your available legal options.
Get in touch with us now at (515) 279-9700 to set up your first consultation free. Our lawyers will sit with you and discuss what you can do next to achieve recovery. Don’t wait another moment to set up your first appointment in the West Des Moines area. We also serve surrounding communities in Polk County and Dallas County including Altoona, Waukee, and Perry.