Canton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries are sudden and often irreversible. It can change a person’s life – and their family’s lives forever. Spinal cord injuries can take a devastating toll on a victim emotionally, physically, and financially. However, if their injuries were caused by another’s negligent or intentional act, they have the right to pursue compensation for their losses.

As one of the leading personal injury firms in Ohio, the Slater & Zurz legal team has worked for over 32 years to obtain justice and protect the rights of those who endure catastrophic injuries. Our Canton spinal cord injury lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims and their families get the compensation they need so they receive the proper treatment and care to return them to a productive and fulfilling life.

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), approximately 18,000 Americans suffer a spinal cord injury every year. Below are some additional spinal cord injury statistics provided by the NSCISC.

• Nearly 300,000 Americans currently live with a spinal cord injury.
• Males account for nearly 80% of new SCI cases.
• Approximately 40% of all spinal cord injuries are caused by car accidents, with an additional 32% of SCIs resulting from falls.
• Approximately 40% of individuals who suffer a spinal cord injury are considered paraplegic and nearly 60% are considered tetraplegic.
• The average expenses in the first year following a severe spinal cord injury total over $1,000,000, with an estimated lifetime cost of over $5,000,000.
• The average age at the time of sustaining a spinal cord injury is 43 years.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the bundle of cells and nerves that sends and receives signals from the brain to the rest of the body. SCIs can result from a direct injury to the spinal cord or damage to the vertebrae that surround it. A spinal cord injury can lead to temporary or permanent changes in movement, sensation, strength, and bodily functions below the injured site.

Spinal cord injuries are divided into two categories – complete and incomplete.

A complete spinal cord injury refers to permanent damage to the affected area of the spinal cord. After a complete SCI, all nerve signals are prevented from traveling through the spinal cord. A complete SCI normally causes paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower body) or tetraplegia (the paralysis of the upper and lower parts of the body).

An incomplete spinal cord injury is a result of partial damage to the spinal cord. Following an incomplete SCI, nerve signals can still reach some parts of the body. The level of sensation and movement depends on the area of the spine that was injured as well as the severity of the damage. Outcomes vary greatly and are largely based on the patient’s overall health and medical history.

Signs and Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

The signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury depend heavily on the location and extent of the damage. Common signs of an SCI include the following:

• Paralysis (loss of function in one or more body parts)
• Loss of voluntary muscle movement
• Muscle weakness
• Breathing problems
• Sensation loss
• Intense stinging sensation or pain
• Loss of voluntary bladder and bowel control
• Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
• Changes in sexual function
• Difficulty walking or balancing
• Severe pain or pressure in your neck, head, or back

Compensation Available to Spinal Cord Injury Victims

According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the healthcare costs and living expenses incurred within the first year of sustaining a severe spinal cord injury total over $1,000,000 and reach nearly $200,000 each subsequent year. Very few injured victims are prepared to meet this financial need, which can lead to substantial, long-term financial turmoil for the victim and their families. Our Canton spinal cord injury lawyers will help assess your situation and determine the accurate amount of compensation you need to cover your current losses and provide for your future expenses.

• Medical expenses
• In-home care
• Rehabilitation costs
• Medication and medical equipment
• Modifications to your home and vehicle
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of consortium

How a Canton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help

After a devastating spinal cord injury, it is essential to hire a lawyer with vast experience and resources. At Slater & Zurz, our spinal cord injury lawyers bring a high level of expertise to the table and will do everything within our power to help you obtain full compensation for your losses. We will accurately assess the past and future costs of your spinal cord injury to ensure you will have the financial means to get the medical care you need. Our attorneys will fight for you while you are recovering and aggressively pursue maximum recovery from the responsible party. And while we handle every aspect of the legal process, we will offer you and your family our expert guidance and unwavering support.

We understand the catastrophic effects a spinal cord injury can cause. That is why we want to help in any way we can. We will not only skillfully represent your best interests in your spinal cord injury lawsuit but will be there for you throughout the process and continue to be there even after your case is resolved.

Qualified and Compassionate Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Canton

At Slater & Zurz, our firm is focused on the emotional, physical, and financial well-being of our clients. We have helped injured victims obtain maximum recovery for their losses in spinal cord injury cases and numerous other personal injury matters. Our approach is based on our commitment to treat every client with compassion and understanding and represent them with diligence and integrity. We have not only recovered millions for our clients, but we also have an exceptionally high rate of satisfaction from those we serve. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, we are eager to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand spinal cord injuries take a considerable financial toll, so we offer all injured victims a FREE, no-obligation consultation. This is to ensure everyone understands their legal rights and options so they can make an informed decision as to how to proceed. Contact the Canton personal injury attorneys at Slater & Zurz to schedule your free consultation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (330)968-2547 or filling out our online form.