Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most serious and life-altering injuries a person can experience. Approximately 17,000 spinal cord injury cases occur in the US each year. Many of these catastrophic injuries arise from preventable causes such as car accidents.
Have you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence? If so, you should not have to deal with the financial burdens of your injury alone. A Bridgeport, CT, personal injury lawyer can help you secure compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.
At Cellino Law, we are committed to advocating for victims who have suffered these devastating injuries. Our lawyers have helped accident victims recover over $2 billion in compensation. Schedule a free case review today. Call our Bridgeport office at 888-888-8888 or complete the contact form to schedule an appointment.
Types of Bridgeport, CT Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord transmits messages between the brain and the rest of your body. Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt these signals, leading to temporary or permanent loss of function. Spinal cord injuries are classified based on the location and severity of the damage.
Spinal cord injuries are categorized into two main types: complete and incomplete. A complete SCI results in total loss of movement or sensation below the site of injury. An incomplete SCI means that some nerve signals can still pass through the injured area, allowing partial movement or sensation.
The following are some types of spinal cord injuries, based on location in the body.
Cervical spinal cord injuries (Neck region C1-C7)
Cervical SCIs are the most severe because they occur at the top of the spinal cord, affecting the head, neck, shoulders, arms, and diaphragm.
C1-C4 injuries are the most severe, often leading to complete paralysis (quadriplegia) and requiring long-term medical assistance, including ventilator support.
C5-C8 injuries can lead to partial paralysis, allowing for limited arm and hand function while mobility and daily activities remain significantly affected.
Thoracic spinal cord injuries (Upper back T1-T12)
Thoracic spinal cord injuries impact the mid-back region, affecting the chest, abdominal muscles, and lower body.
T1-T5 injuriestypically result in paralysis of the lower body (paraplegia) while preserving arm and hand function.
With T6-T12 injuries, individuals may still retain some core control. They may be able to sit upright, but walking is usually impossible without assistance.
Lumbar spinal cord injuries (Lower back L1-L5)
Lumbar SCIs affect the lower back and can cause significant mobility issues. Individuals may lose the use of their legs but retain partial movement with braces or assistive devices.
Sacral spinal cord injuries (Pelvic region S1-S5)
Sacral spinal cord injuries occur at the base of the spine and are the least severe compared to other SCIs. Loss of bowel and bladder function is common with this type of injury. Additionally, individuals may experience weakness in the hips and legs but often retain some walking ability.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Bridgeport, CT
Spinal cord injuries can occur due to various accidents, many of which are caused by negligence.
Common causes of SCIs include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are the leading causes of spinal injuries. Motor vehicle accidents commonly occur on US RT 1, East Main St, I-95, and other roadways in Bridgeport due to distracted driving, speeding, and other reckless driving behaviors.
- Slip-and-fall accidents: Property owners in Bridgeport have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises. If a property owner’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, he or she could be liable for damages.
- Workplace accidents: Construction sites and industrial workplaces pose significant risks for spinal cord injuries due to falls, equipment malfunctions, or unsafe conditions.
- Medical malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or improper treatment can result in spinal cord damage. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are required to adhere to a certain standard of care. When they fail to do so, they should be held accountable.
- Acts of violence: The crime rate in Bridgeport is slightly above the state’s average. Assaults, shootings, and other violent acts may lead to severe spinal trauma.
Compensation Available to Bridgeport Spinal Cord Injury Victims
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. A Bridgeport personal injury attorney can help you file a claim for both past and future medical costs associated with the injury.
Spinal cord injury victims may seek both economic and non-economic damages.
Medical expenses
Spinal cord injuries often require extensive care, including:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Home modifications (stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, etc.)
- Mobility aids (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.)
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
After a spinal cord injury, you may be unable to return to work for an extended period of time or, in some cases, not at all.
Compensation for lost wages includes:
- Income while recovering
- Loss of future earning capacity if the victim is permanently disabled
- Loss of benefits, bonuses, and career opportunities
In some situations, your lawyer may consult a financial expert to calculate your long-term losses if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
Rehabilitation and long-term care
SCIs often require lifelong rehabilitation and personal care. This cost can be substantial over a lifetime, making it essential to secure fair compensation.
Victims may need compensation for:
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Psychological counseling
- In-home nursing care or assisted living expenses
Pain and suffering
A spinal cord injury can cause chronic pain and discomfort.
Victims can seek damages for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Depression
Loss of enjoyment of life
As an SCI victim, you may not be able to participate in activities you once loved.
Compensation may be awarded for:
- Inability to engage in hobbies and recreational activities
- Reduced quality of life
- Struggles with independence and self-care
Punitive damages
In cases where the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent or intentional, courts may award punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
For example, punitive damages may apply if an SCI was caused by:
- A drunk driver in a reckless accident
- A negligent employer ignoring serious workplace hazards
- A medical provider engaging in egregious malpractice
Factors That May Affect Compensation Amounts
The amount of compensation you recover after a spinal cord injury depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of the injury
- Long-term medical needs
- Impact on employment or earning capacity
- Degree of negligence by the at-fault party
- Available insurance coverage
- State laws and damage caps
Why Hire a Bridgeport, CT Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
After sustaining a spinal cord injury, the last thing you should have to worry about is filing paperwork and dealing with insurance companies. A personal injury lawyer can handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on moving forward with your life after the accident.
Here are some ways in which a spinal cord injury lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve:
- Understanding the complexity of spinal cord injury cases: Spinal cord injury cases often involve complex medical and legal issues. Personal injury attorneys may work with medical experts, rehabilitation specialists, and life-care planners to accurately assess your damages.
- Maximizing compensation: As an SCI victim, you may be facing overwhelming financial burdens, especially from medical expenses. An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer will seek compensation for both current and future expenses, ensuring you are not left struggling financially.
- Proving liability and negligence: To recover damages, you must prove that another party was responsible for your injury. A lawyer with experience in SCI cases knows how to build a compelling case, prove negligence, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Without legal representation, you may be pressured into accepting a low settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term needs. A spinal cord injury lawyer will handle all communication with insurers, negotiating aggressively to secure a fair settlement.
- Taking your case to trial: While many personal injury cases are settled outside of court, some require litigation to achieve fair compensation. A skilled spinal cord injury lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary, presenting strong arguments and expert testimony to maximize your chances of success.
- Allowing you to focus on recovery: Navigating a legal claim while dealing with a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while he or she handles the legal complexities, deadlines, and paperwork on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Bridgeport, Connecticut, Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
A spinal cord injury can have devastating and lifelong consequences, but you don’t have to face the legal battle alone. Our legal team is here to help. A dedicated spinal cord injury lawyer can fight for your rights, ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.
At Cellino Law, our personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of recovering fair compensation for accident victims. With over 65 years of experience, we know what is needed to get the full amount you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Bridgeport, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our personal injury lawyers today. Complete the contact form or call us at 888-888-8888 to schedule a free consultation.
Our Bridgeport, CT Office
Cellino Law Accident Attorneys
Address: 1000 Lafayette Blvd #203, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: 203-599-4537