Spinal cord injuries often result from motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall incidents due to others’ negligence. In car accidents, negligent behaviours like speeding, distracted driving, or failing to follow traffic laws can lead to severe injuries. Similarly, slip-and-fall accidents due to unsafe conditions, such as wet floors or broken steps, can result in spinal injuries. These injuries can drastically affect your life, leading to permanent paralysis, loss of mobility, chronic pain, and a reduced quality of life.
A skilled Edmonton spinal cord injury lawyer can investigate your accident, prove negligence, and pursue compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs, ensuring that you receive the support you deserve.
Types of Accidents That Cause Spinal Cord Injuries and How They Occur
Spinal cord injuries can result from a variety of accidents, including motor vehicle crashes and slip-and-fall incidents. These types of accidents are often due to the negligence of others, meaning that someone else’s failure to act responsibly leads to harm.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. These accidents can involve cars, trucks, motorcycles, or bicycles. There are several types of accidents that commonly lead to spinal injuries:
- Rear-end Collisions – When one vehicle crashes into the back of another, it can cause the driver’s or passenger’s neck or back to jerk violently, leading to a spinal cord injury. A rear-end collision is often due to the driver not paying attention, speeding, or tailgating.
- Head-on Collisions – Head-on crashes occur when two vehicles collide directly at the front. The sudden force can cause severe damage to the spine, especially if airbags fail to deploy.
- Side-impact Collisions – When a vehicle is hit from the side, the impact can cause injuries to the spine, especially when the vehicle’s side structure is not designed to protect passengers effectively.
- Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to spinal injuries because they lack the protective structure of a car. If another driver hits a motorcyclist, the force of the fall or collision can cause serious damage to the spinal cord.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents – Slip-and-fall accidents can occur anywhere – on icy sidewalks, wet floors in stores, or even in poorly maintained parking lots. These accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries when someone falls and lands awkwardly – especially on their back or neck. Common causes of these accidents include:
- Wet or Slippery Floors – When a business or property owner fails to clean up spills or warn people about wet floors, it can lead to dangerous slip-and-fall accidents.
- Poor Lighting – Inadequate lighting in stairways or hallways can cause people to trip and fall, resulting in spinal injuries.
- Hazardous Obstacles – Items left in walkways, uneven surfaces, or broken stairs can all cause a person to trip, fall, and injure their spine.
In both motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-falls, negligence plays a significant role. Drivers who fail to follow traffic laws, property owners who do not maintain safe conditions, or businesses who neglect to warn customers of hazards are all examples of how others’ carelessness can cause serious spinal injuries. When these injuries occur, victims may seek compensation for the pain and suffering that others’ negligence caused.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries and How They Can Affect Your Future
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can result from various accidents, including motor vehicle crashes and slip-and-fall incidents. These injuries are often severe and can significantly affect a person’s life, affecting their mobility, independence, and overall health.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified based on the location of the injury and whether the injury is complete or incomplete. These types of injuries can occur in both motor vehicle crashes and slip-and-fall accidents.
- Cervical Injuries (Neck Injuries) – Injuries to the cervical spine or neck area are among the most severe and can result in paralysis of all four limbs, a condition known as quadriplegia or tetraplegia. This injury can happen in motor vehicle crashes where the head violently jerks or during a slip and fall if someone lands directly on their head or neck.
- Thoracic Injuries (Upper Back Injuries) – Injuries to the upper back can affect the chest, arms, and hands. These injuries are often due to high-impact collisions, such as in head-on motor vehicle accidents or falls from significant heights. This type of injury can result in paraplegia, which is paralysis of the lower body and legs.
- Lumbar and Sacral Injuries (Lower Back Injuries) – Injuries to the lumbar (lower back) and sacral (tailbone) areas can affect the legs and lower body, but individuals may still retain some ability to use their arms. These injuries can occur in slip-and-fall accidents where a person lands on their back or from a severe impact during a car crash.
- Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries – A complete SCI means the spinal cord is fully damaged, resulting in total loss of function below the injury site. An incomplete SCI means some spinal cord function remains, allowing for partial movement or sensation below the injury level. The extent of the injury can significantly affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Effects on Life
A spinal cord injury can dramatically alter a person’s life. In cases of quadriplegia or paraplegia, individuals may need lifelong assistance with basic activities like dressing, eating, and bathing. Many people with SCIs also experience chronic pain, respiratory issues, and difficulty controlling bodily functions, such as bladder or bowel movements. The emotional toll of such a life-altering injury can lead to depression, anxiety, and a sense of isolation.
Important Evidence in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
In a spinal cord injury case, gathering the right evidence is crucial for building a strong legal argument. The evidence helps to prove how the injury occurred, who was at fault, and the extent of the damage the accident caused. There are several types of evidence that are particularly important in spinal cord injury cases.
Medical Records and Test Results
Medical records are some of the most important pieces of evidence in any injury case. These documents provide a detailed history of the injury, including the diagnosis, treatment, and progress. In spinal cord injury cases, doctors’ reports, MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests are essential in showing the location and severity of the injury. These records help establish the link between the accident and the injury, and they also provide a clear picture of how the injury will affect the victim’s life over time.
Accident Reports
If the spinal cord injury resulted from a motor vehicle crash or slip-and-fall accident, the police or incident report is another key piece of evidence. For car accidents, a police report includes details about the crash, such as the cause, location, time, and parties involved. This document can help show who was at fault for the accident, whether it was due to negligence (such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to maintain property) and whether any traffic laws were violated. In slip-and-fall cases, reports from property owners or employees detailing the conditions at the scene (like wet floors or broken steps) are important for proving negligence.
Witness Testimony
Eyewitnesses to the accident can provide crucial testimony about what happened. If someone saw the accident or witnessed the dangerous conditions that led to the fall or crash, their statements can help confirm what occurred and support the injured person’s version of events. Witnesses can testify about the behaviour of the at-fault party, whether they were distracted, reckless, or ignored safety measures.
Expert Testimony
In spinal cord injury cases, expert witnesses like medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and accident reconstruction experts are often called to testify. These experts can explain the severity of the injury, the long-term repercussions on the victim’s life, and how the injury occurred, helping to establish liability and quantify damages.
Photographs and Videos
Visual evidence, such as photographs or video footage of the accident scene, injuries, and damages, can be compelling. Photos of hazardous conditions, vehicle damage, or even the victim’s injuries can be powerful evidence that supports the victim’s claims.
How Can a Lawyer Help with Your Case?
An experienced lawyer can be a critical ally when pursuing a spinal cord injury claim or lawsuit. Spinal cord injuries often result in life-changing consequences, including long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes permanent disability. A lawyer with experience in personal injury law can handle the legal process and increase the chances of obtaining fair compensation for the victim’s losses.
A skilled lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Whether it is a motor vehicle crash or a slip and fall, the lawyer will gather crucial evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records. They may also consult with experts, like accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, to determine the cause of the injury and establish liability. This in-depth investigation is necessary to build a strong case.
Spinal cord injuries are often the result of someone’s negligence, such as reckless driving, unsafe property conditions, or failure to maintain equipment. An experienced lawyer knows how to prove that the at-fault party acted negligently, which is essential for securing compensation. They will examine all evidence and use their knowledge of the law to demonstrate how the other party’s actions directly led to the injury.
Spinal cord injuries can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s life. A knowledgeable lawyer understands these injuries and works with healthcare professionals to assess the full extent of the damage, which includes future treatment needs, loss of income, and the emotional and physical toll on the victim’s quality of life. An experienced lawyer will ensure that all potential damages are considered when seeking compensation.
Insurance companies often try to offer quick settlements that are much lower than what the victim deserves. A knowledgeable lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurers to ensure the settlement reflects the true value of the claim. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, an experienced lawyer will be prepared to take the case to court and fight for justice.
The legal process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with serious injuries. A lawyer will handle all the legal paperwork, deadlines, and procedures, ensuring that the case moves forward efficiently. As a result, the injured person can focus on their recovery while knowing that their legal rights are being protected.
How Much Is a Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?
The value of a spinal cord injury (SCI) case can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the effect on the victim’s life, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. While it is difficult to predict an exact amount, spinal cord injury cases often result in significant compensation due to the life-changing consequences of these injuries. The following is a closer look at how much a spinal cord injury case may be worth and the types of damages accident victims can recover.
Factors That Affect the Value of a Spinal Cord Injury Case
- Severity of the Injury – The more severe the spinal cord injury, the higher the potential value of the case. For example, injuries that lead to complete paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia) typically result in larger compensation awards than less severe injuries. The level of the injury (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) also affects the recovery amount, with higher-level injuries often leading to greater disability.
- Loss of Income – Many spinal cord injury victims are unable to return to work, either temporarily or permanently. If the injury prevents the victim from earning a living, compensation can be awarded for lost income, future earnings, and any reduction in earning capacity. The more the injury affects the victim’s ability to work, the higher the potential compensation amount.
- Pain and Suffering – In addition to lost income, accident victims may be awarded compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. These damages are known as non-economic damages. Spinal cord injuries often result in chronic pain, mental health issues (such as depression or anxiety), and loss of life enjoyment, all of which are considered when calculating compensation.
Types of Compensable Losses for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Economic Damages – These damages are tangible, measurable losses, such as:
- Lost Wages – This type of damage compensates for wages lost due to time off work or permanent disability preventing the victim from returning to work.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity – If the victim cannot work in the same capacity or at all in the future, compensation can be awarded for reduced earning potential.
Non-Economic Damages – These damages are less tangible but still significant losses, including:
- Pain and Suffering – This type of damage compensates the victim for the physical pain and emotional suffering the injury caused.
- Loss of consortium – Loss of consortium refers to the loss of companionship or support from a spouse or family member.
- Punitive Damages – In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behaviour in the future.
The value of a spinal cord injury case depends on the specifics of the injury and its effect on the victim’s life. Factors such as the severity of the injury, lost income, and pain and suffering all play a role in determining the final compensation amount. While spinal cord injury cases often result in significant settlements or jury awards, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable lawyer to ensure all potential damages are accounted for – and that the victim’s rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Speak with an Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a person you love suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident that resulted from someone else’s negligence, you are not alone. A skilled Edmonton personal injury lawyer can advocate for you throughout the entire process, aggressively negotiating on your behalf or litigating your case in the court system.
