Personal Injury Lawyer Phoenix, AZ
Spinal Cord Injuries and Personal Injury Lawsuits
If spinal cord injuries occur as a result of the negligence or wrongful conduct of another, a catastrophic injury lawyer Phoenix, AZ should be consulted.
The spinal cord contains the major group of nerves carrying impulses to and from the brain, to the rest of the body, vertebrae surround the spinal cord. Trauma from a car accident, falls, acts of violence, or a sports injury can damage the cord, causing complete injury, when a person loses all ability to feel and move below the level of the injury or incomplete injury, when there is some functioning or feeling below the level of injury.
Spinal cord injury may result in permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions. Victims may suffer from paralysis, tetraplegia, paraplegia, quadriplegia, chronic pain.
Incomplete tetraplegia is the most frequent neurological type of spinal cord injury, followed by incomplete paraplegia, complete paraplegia, and complete tetraplegia. The approximate breakdown of percentages of spinal cord injuries by category are as follows:
- Incomplete Tetraplegia: 45%
- Incomplete Paraplegia: 21%
- Complete Paraplegia: 20%
- Complete Tetraplegia: 14%
Complications can be overwhelming, areas and conditions that may be affected include bladder control, bowel control, skin sensation, circulatory control, respiratory system pain, muscle tone and depression.
The number of people affected by spinal cord injury is estimated to be over 25,000, the average age is over 40 years of age. Males account for about 80% of new cases.
There will be a huge emotional toll, and financial burdens placed upon the injured person, and his or her family. A catastrophic injury lawyer Phoenix, AZ will likely retain a life care planner, an economist and other experts to address present and future medical care and costs, lost income, and vocational consequences.
A catastrophic injury lawyer will be able to investigate fault, assess the approximate value of the case, the likely costs to pursue the case in court, and potential results if the case goes to trial.
Someone who sustains serious injuries, or a family who has lost a loved one due to another’s negligence should talk with an experienced catastrophic lawyer who is certified in personal injury and wrongful death, by the State Bar of Arizona.
The other party’s insurance company is likely interested in settling a legitimate claim for the least amount it can. Speaking with an experienced attorney should take place as soon as possible to help ensure the possibility of a fair and reasonable settlement, by way of settlement or litigation. The attorney will investigate fault, determine the responsible parties, and the insurance policies may apply. Litigation may be necessary to try to obtain a reasonable and maximum settlement or trial result.
There should be no attorneys fees until a settlement is obtained, the attorney should advance the costs necessary to proceed with the case.
The emotional, financial consequences of spinal cord injury can be overwhelming, a catastrophic injury lawyer Phoenix, AZ will be able to assess the legal options and remedies available to the victim, and his or her family.