Georgia Spinal Injury Lawyer
The United States has an estimated 5.4 million individuals living with paralysis, with spinal cord injuries (SCI) being a significant contributor to this statistic. It’s projected that around 11,000 new cases of spinal cord injury are identified annually in the U.S. The Brain And Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission estimates that between 250,000 and 400,000 people are living with spinal cord injuries or dysfunction across the country. Specifically in Georgia, the Central Registry recorded 570 cases of spinal cord injuries treated in hospitals in 2018. If you or a loved one has suffered a severe spinal cord or back injury due to someone else’s negligence, seeking legal assistance from a Georgia spinal injury lawyer is crucial.
Most bodily injuries have the ability to heal over time, but damage to the spinal cord is typically not reversible. Depending on the extent and location of the injury, individuals may experience either partial or complete paralysis for the remainder of their lives. For over a decade, The Jewkes Firm’s injury attorneys have been dedicated to helping clients secure maximum compensation from responsible parties for over a decade. This financial support can aid in covering expenses, accessing necessary medical treatment, and receiving fair reparation following a life-changing accident.
Remember, you do not need to confront these difficulties alone. Our team of experienced paralysis attorneys is ready to provide guidance and support. Reach out to us at (770) 771-5130 or via our online contact form for a complimentary consultation today.
Suffering From A Spinal Injury? Contact Us For A Free Consultation
Suffering From A Spinal Injury?
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury occurs when the nerve tissue within the spine, which acts as a crucial center for control and communication with the brain, sustains damage. This can lead to significant impairments as the spinal nerves lack the ability to regenerate independently, resulting in lasting consequences.
Individuals who experience severe spinal cord injuries often face paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia (also known as tetraplegia), necessitating long-term reliance on a wheelchair for mobility.
Given the enduring impact and seriousness of spinal cord injuries, it is imperative to consult a legal professional specializing in back and neck injuries promptly. Through the guidance of a skilled attorney, you may have the opportunity to secure rightful compensation for your circumstances.
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
The National Institutes of Health highlights that a forceful impact to the back can lead to fractures or dislocations in the vertebrae, resulting in damage to the spinal cord through tearing or bruising. This form of injury disrupts the nerve cells within the spinal cord responsible for transmitting electrical signals between the brain and various parts of the body. When this connection is compromised due to injury, the nerves no longer facilitate normal regulation of bodily functions by the brain.
The impact on an individual varies significantly based on the location of the injury. Injuries situated lower down on the spinal cord typically affect fewer functions as they result in fewer severed nerve connections with the brain.
Conversely, injuries occurring in the neck and upper back region may cause partial or complete paralysis in all limbs and the trunk due to their position relative to the affected area.
Prompt and comprehensive treatment following a spinal cord injury is crucial to minimizing damage and possibly restoring some functions. However, severe injuries often result in permanent disabilities, profoundly affecting the individual and their loved ones.
While advancements in medical science have improved outcomes for spinal cord injury patients, the causes of such injuries remain diverse and often tragic. Common factors leading to spinal cord injuries include:
- Traffic incidents involving automobiles, commercial vehicles, and motorbikes
- Falls, particularly prevalent among individuals aged 65 and older
- Incidents involving faulty products
- Boating mishaps
- Acts of violence
- Sports-related incidents
- Cases of medical negligence
Paralyzing Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralyzing injuries can manifest in different ways, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Complete spinal cord injuries (SCI) result in the loss of nerve function below the injury site, leading to conditions such as:
- Tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
- Paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body)
- Triplegia (paralysis of two legs and one arm)
On the other hand, incomplete spinal cord injuries offer hope as some nerve function is retained, thanks to advancements in medical care and rehabilitation techniques. Fortunately, most spinal cord injuries are classified as incomplete, indicating that individuals maintain some level of functional ability. Three prevalent forms of incomplete spinal cord injury include:
While spinal cord injuries present significant challenges, ongoing research and medical progress continue to offer hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for those affected by these life-altering events.
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Navigating Life After a Spinal Cord Injury
Upon experiencing quadriplegia, paraplegia, or other forms of paralysis, individuals often find themselves grappling with the reality of permanent changes. In severe cases, patients may require medical assistance just to breathe, highlighting the critical nature of their condition.
For those with less severe injuries, extensive physical therapy becomes a crucial part of learning to adapt to life with paralysis. This process involves utilizing assistive devices, relearning basic tasks, and potentially enlisting the support of a health aide. Furthermore, adjustments to the individual’s living environment may be necessary to accommodate medical equipment like wheelchairs.
The financial implications of such medical interventions can be substantial, even with health insurance coverage. The unexpected expenses associated with spinal cord injuries can place significant strain on families. This is magnified if there is a simultaneous loss of income due to the patient’s inability to work.
Beyond the financial challenges, individuals may also grapple with emotional turmoil as they mourn the loss of their previous lifestyle, hobbies, and abilities. Family members, too, may experience a sense of loss as they navigate the shift in their loved one’s care, companionship, and assistance with daily tasks.
Reach Out to a Georgia Spinal Injury Lawyer Today
In times of difficulty following a spinal cord injury, seeking legal guidance can provide much-needed support. The Jewkes Firm offers expertise in handling complex, permanent injuries like paralysis. We have a proven track record assisting clients recover financially and in terms of quality of life.
If you are facing the challenges of a spinal cord injury, you do not have to confront them alone. Contact The Jewkes Firm today at (770) 771-5130 for a complimentary consultation with a Georgia spinal injury attorney. Empower yourself with the guidance and support needed to navigate the path forward.
Facts about Spinal Cord Injury. Brain And Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission. https://bsitf.georgia.gov/media-room/facts-about-spinal-cord-injury
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Frequently Asked Questions?
Do I need a personal injury attorney?
The Jewkes Firm is well-versed in effectively challenging major insurance companies on your behalf to secure the highest settlement permissible by law. Our primary objective is to ensure your optimal recovery. It is only after this point that we assess the worth of your case.
What is the deadline for filing an injury case in Georgia?
The timeframe for filing an injury case, also known as the statute of limitations, can vary significantly. As per OCGA §9-3-33, you are granted a two-year period from the date of your injuries or the passing of a family member to initiate your personal injury claim.
What is the cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
There is no upfront cost associated with hiring a personal injury lawyer. Our fees are based on a percentage of your settlement, meaning you only pay if we successfully recover compensation. Our top priority is ensuring your well-being and helping you return to your normal life.
What damages can you recover from a personal injury?
A personal injury lawyer aims to establish negligence and seek restitution for the harm caused by the liable party. Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, and income lost if you are a family member of someone who died as a result of an injury.