Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in St. Joseph, MO
Representing victims of spinal cord injuries throughout Missouri
Damage to your spinal cord can be life-altering, to say the least. These injuries often result in disability and paralysis. A spinal cord injury typically results in the injured party being unable to return to their daily functions and their employment. The negligent actions of one person or entity result in an innocent victim's life being completely turned upside down. Victims will also need to undergo lifetime medical care and attention.
It is important to note that a spinal cord injury differs from a spine injury. A spine injury does not automatically lead to paralysis. In order to become paralyzed, there must be damage to the spinal cord and not only the spinal column. At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we understand that these injuries change not only the lives of the victim but their families as well. This is why you will need a St. Joseph spinal cord injury attorney to ensure your rights are protected and you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Are spinal cord injuries common?
Over 300,000 people across the country suffer from a spinal cord injury, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. The average hospital visit for these injuries is 11 days and rehabilitation can take up to 31 days. However, just because you have reached 31 days, this does not mean that you are in the clear. Injury symptoms can last for a lifetime, and you will need additional care to manage your condition.
Readmittance is also high from spinal cord injuries at 18 days, and reasons include skin disorders and other diseases. In the time after an accident resulting in spinal cord injury, about 18 percent of people will return to work within a year and 32 percent will return over the span of 40 years. Quintessentially these injuries cause victims to be unable to work and earn a living. This is all caused by the negligent actions of one party. You will need to hold them accountable by calling a St. Joseph spinal cord injury attorney.
What accidents can result in spinal cord injuries in St. Joseph?
The truth of the matter is that you can sustain a spinal cord injury from nearly any accident. Our St. Joseph spinal cord injury attorney has seen victims suffer from these injuries after being involved in the following accidents:
- Slip and falls
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Medical negligence
- Nursing home neglect and abuse
- Sports accidents
- Violence
No matter what kind of accident you were involved in, the negligent party who caused it must be held responsible for your damages.
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What are the classifications for spinal cord injuries?
Since these injuries are complex and often severe, they have special categories. History shows that the higher the injury is on the spine the more severe it can be. There are four key areas of the spine that can be damaged including:
- The cervical spine: This is your neck and includes C1-C7 vertebrae.
- The thoracic spine: Your upper back which consists of T1-T12 vertebrae.
- The lumbar spine: Your lower back and the base of your spine which consists of L1-L5 vertebrae.
- The sacral spine: This is considered the end of your spinal column, not your spinal cord. It is composed of S1-S5 vertebrae.
While this is how the vertebrae are categorized, there are also categories for the different types of paralysis you can suffer. This includes:
- Monoplegia
- Hemiplegia
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
Determining paralysis is difficult for victims and their families. Medical professionals will look at whether the injury was complete or incomplete, the location, and the treatment. Paralysis can also mean that one limb cannot move in some cases and in others it can mean that several limbs cannot be used.
How can a spinal cord injury be diagnosed in St. Joseph?
Medical professionals also will conduct hands-on examinations and imaging tests. When you are admitted to the hospital there are a number of imaging tests they will conduct to determine the cause of your ailments. These scans include:
- X-rays
- MRIs
- CT scans
These scans will help to determine what your injuries are and how severe they are. This helps medical professionals come up with the appropriate treatment plan for you.
How do you treat a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury will require extensive treatment plans that can often last for several months and in some cases years. When a person is initially injured, first responders will work to immobilize the spine using a carrying board and neck collar. This allows your spine to stay in place during transport.
Once you arrive at the emergency department, you will undergo several tests and your spine will also be immobilized until a diagnosis is determined. Emergency room staff will work to avoid infections or other complications. In some cases, you will need emergent surgery.
Surgery is a scary process for anyone to consider. It consists of surgeons removing anything that is compressing your spine and nerves. They will also work to prevent other deformities and pain. In most cases, medical personnel will work to prevent you from getting any other complications like pressure ulcers and infections.
Once you have been released from the hospital, you may need to continue treatment. When it comes to a spinal cord injury this may mean that you are required to use devices and other modifications to complete normal tasks. In the best of cases, SCI victims will be able to return to work and live a seemingly normal life.
What compensation can you seek for a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury is often devastating and brings with it a slew of expenses. With the help of a St. Joseph spinal cord injury attorney, you will be able to recover compensation for some of the following:
- Lost income
- Lost earning potential
- Medical expenses resulting from the accident
- Property dames
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
We will work with you and your family to determine how much your injury has altered your lives. There will be extenuating circumstances that require us to seek punitive damages from the negligent party. Determining and obtaining compensation from the negligent party can be difficult which is why you need to contact a personal injury attorney immediately.
Do you have a spinal cord injury attorney near me?
Our St. Joseph office is located at 2501 Frederick Avenue Suite 100 by appointment. We also see clients throughout Missouri and Kansas.
Contact a St. Joseph spinal cord injury attorney today
Our team of St. Joseph spinal cord injury attorneys will work to collect evidence through the discovery process and determine how the accident occurred. We will also determine who the negligent party was that caused your injuries. We will also need to show how the injuries you have sustained have altered your life and restricted what you can do.
With decades of experience handling these kinds of cases, we know how to fight for our clients. This is a life-changing accident and injury for the injured party and their loved ones. It is important that you have the right representation for your case. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys immediately. Call us at 816-471-5111, or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
St. Joseph Office
2501 Frederick Avenue, Ste. 100,
St. Joseph, MO 64506