The Akron spinal cord injury lawyers at Slater & Zurz have helped injured victims obtain the justice they deserve by recovering full and fair compensation on their behalf. We ensure our clients receive the best possible medical and rehabilitative care while pursuing every legal avenue available to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one sustained a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligent or intentional actions, we urge you to contact our team of qualified attorneys. During your free consultation, we will explain your rights and what to expect in seeking compensation for damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Akron Spinal Cord Injury Cases
At Slater & Zurz, we understand that a spinal cord injury can lead to devastating, life-changing consequences. But we also know that spine injury victims have a better chance of recovering from and living a fulfilling life with their injuries than ever before with the numerous medical and technological advances made in recent years.
Unfortunately, these sophisticated treatments can be expensive, and so is the cost of ongoing care and rehabilitation. To secure maximum compensation and make sure you can cover your future medical care costs, it is best to hire an attorney with extensive experience handling spinal cord injury cases. When anticipated costs are undervalued, injured victims are often unable to afford effective treatment or left with medical bills they can’t pay. Our Akron spinal cord injury lawyers will accurately value the lifetime costs to ensure you will have the financial means to accommodate and treat your injury.
Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, approximately 18,000 Americans suffer a spinal cord injury every year. These injuries can occur in a variety of ways, although most involve some external trauma. The most common causes of spinal cord injuries are listed below.
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian and motorcycle accidents
- Falls
- Acts of violence
- Birth injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Construction accidents
- Sports injuries
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is divided into four sections: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. Each section of the spine contains a group of nerves that control different parts of the body. The nature and severity of spinal cord injuries generally depend on what area of the spinal cord was damaged. Below is more information about the four sections of the spinal cord.
Cervical spinal cord injuries
When the cervical section of the spinal cord is injured, the region above the shoulders, including the head and neck, is affected. Cervical spinal cord damage is the most severe level of injury and often results in permanent, complete loss of sensory function. Due to the frequently irreversible damage, cervical spinal cord injury recovery will primarily focus on stabilizing the injured area to prevent further damage.
Thoracic spinal cord injuries
Thoracic spinal cord injuries affect the upper chest, mid-back, and abdomen. The thoracic spine is responsible for stability and helps keep the body upright. These injuries normally do not interfere with hand and arm function and sensation but affect the abdominal, lower back, and leg muscles. The result of thoracic spine injuries is typically paraplegia or paralysis of the legs and lower body.
Lumbar spinal cord injuries
Injuries to the lumbar portion of the spinal cord affect the hips and legs. Those who suffer a lumbar spinal cord injury generally lose function in these areas but retain function in the upper body. They also have little or no voluntary control of their bladder and bowel. Depending on their leg and hip strength, the injured individual may require a wheelchair or leg braces.
Sacral spinal cord injuries
Though uncommon, sacral spinal cord injuries affect the hips, thighs, buttocks, and pelvic organs. An injured person can most likely walk but generally loses some function in the legs and hips. As with lumbar spinal cord injuries, the person will lose most, if not all, of the voluntary control of their bowel and bladder.
Spinal Cord Injury Resources
The spinal cord injury lawyers at Slater & Zurz will fight to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. However, learning to deal with disabilities and other life-altering changes is just as important as your financial security. We want you to know that our legal team is also here to help you cope with the effects of your injury. Below are some helpful resources for people who have suffered a spinal cord injury.
United Spinal Association of Northeast Ohio
For over 75 years, the United Spinal Association has provided the education and resources needed to empower those who have suffered a spinal cord injury to live fulfilling and successful lives.
American Spinal Injury Association
The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) provides information and resources to spinal cord injury victims and fosters research to cure spinal cord injury.
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation educates the public, supports spinal cord injury research, and inspires people with SCI. The organization is dedicated to advancing spinal cord injury research and improving the quality of life of those impacted by paralysis.
Unite 2 Fight Paralysis
For over 15 years, Unite 2 Fight Paralysis has united and empowered the spinal cord injury community members and aimed to cure paralysis through education, advocacy, and research support.
Speak to an Akron Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, you need experienced and aggressive legal representation on your side. Insurance companies frequently fight hard to settle these cases for far less than what a spinal cord injury victim is entitled to. For this reason, you will need an Akron personal injury attorney who will fight just as hard to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Slater & Zurz, we understand the financial burden caused by a spinal cord injury, as well as the emotional and physical toll it can take on a person. That is why we offer a FREE consultation to our potential clients to discuss the specifics of your case and go over your rights and legal options. Together, we can develop a course of action and fight for justice. Call (330)762-0700 or contact us online to arrange your free, no-obligation case review.
If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to another person’s negligence, the compensation that may be available to you includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Rehabilitation costs
- Long-term care
- Medical equipment costs
- Home and vehicle modifications, such as wheelchair ramps
- Medication
- Pain management therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Pain and suffering
Common indicators of a spinal cord injury include:
- Severe back pain or pressure in the head, neck, back, or spine
- Loss of sensation or function in any body part
- Loss of strength or coordination
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Labored breathing
- Lost bowel or bladder control
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Sexual dysfunction
- Severe muscle spasms
- Stinging sensation in the spine
Most spinal cord injuries are immediately apparent. However, depending on the injury’s severity, some aren’t recognized right away. In fact, some spinal cord injuries may take days or even weeks to start showing signs and symptoms.
The period immediately following a spinal cord injury is highly critical in terms of treatment and recovery. If you suspect you may have sustained an injury to your spinal cord, consult a medical professional immediately.