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Cherry Hill Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Legal help after back and spine injuries in South Jersey
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) result from severe trauma to the spinal cord, often leading to partial or complete paralysis and a range of associated physical and emotional challenges. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, it’s important to get an attorney on your side as soon as possible. You may be asking questions like, “How will I pay my medical bills?” or “What if I can’t go back to work?” The Cherry Hill spinal cord injury lawyers at Ferrara & Gable have answers.
We understand the life-altering consequences of SCIs, and we are dedicated to helping survivors and their families navigate the legal aspects of these personal injury claims. Whether your spinal cord injury resulted from a car accident, workplace incident, slip and fall, or another type of accident, our legal team is here to advocate for you and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Please see our verdicts and settlements to see how we have helped people just like you.
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What is a spinal cord injury?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines SCI as “damage to the bundle of nerves and nerve fibers that sends and receives signals from the brain.” This damage is often the result of physical injury to the nerves themselves, either from direct trauma or from harm “to the tissue and bones (vertebrae) that surround the spinal cord.”
The National Library of Medicine reports that between 250,000 and 500,000 people suffer spinal cord injuries each year around the world. Here in the United States, about 17,000 people experience an SCI each year, with about 282,000 people living with SCI. They also note that “Males represent the majority of patients with SCI related to a sports injury. The age group with the highest risk of SCI is from 16 to 30 years of age.”
What are the symptoms of a spinal cord injury?
The symptoms of a spinal cord injury (SCI) vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. However, some common symptoms of SCI include:
- Loss of movement or sensation. This is the most common symptom of SCI. The loss of movement or sensation may be complete or incomplete, depending on the severity of the injury.
- Pain. Pain is another common symptom of SCI. The pain may be sharp, burning, or aching. It may also be constant or intermittent.
- Spasticity. Spasticity is a condition in which the muscles are constantly tightened. This can make it difficult to move or control the affected muscles.
- Reflex changes. SCI can also cause changes in reflexes. For example, people with SCI may have hyperreflexia (overactive reflexes) or hyporeflexia (underactive reflexes).
- Loss of bladder and bowel control. SCI can also cause loss of bladder and bowel control. This is because the spinal cord is responsible for controlling the muscles that control the bladder and bowel.
- Breathing problems. SCI can affect the breathing muscles, making it difficult to breathe.
- Difficulty swallowing. SCI can also affect the muscles that control swallowing, making it difficult to eat and drink.
- Sexual dysfunction. SCI can also cause sexual dysfunction in men and women.
If you experience any of the symptoms of spinal cord injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of a spinal cord injury.
What are the types of spinal cord injury?
SCIs can be divided into two types – complete spinal cord injury versus incomplete.
- Complete SCI means there is permanent damage to the affected area of the spinal cord. Paraplegia or tetraplegia can be the result of a complete SCI.
- Incomplete SCIs mean there is partial damage to the spinal cord, and the ability to move and feel depends on the area of the spine injured.
There are also four levels of spinal cord injuries:
- Cervical (C1-C8). A cervical spinal cord injury occurs in the neck and can cause paralysis in the arms, hands, trunk, and legs. The higher the injury in the cervical spine, the more severe the paralysis.
- Thoracic (T1-T12). A thoracic spinal cord injury occurs in the chest and can cause paralysis in the trunk and legs.
- Lumbar (L1-L5). A lumbar spinal cord injury occurs in the lower back and can cause paralysis in the legs and feet.
- Sacral (S1-S5). A sacral spinal cord injury occurs in the pelvis and can cause paralysis in the legs, feet, and bladder and bowel function.
The level of spinal cord injury is determined by the lowest level of the spinal cord that is still functioning normally. For example, a C5 spinal cord injury means that the spinal cord is still functioning normally at and above the C5 level, but is not functioning normally at and below the C6 level.
The level of spinal cord injury is an important factor in determining the severity of the injury and the long-term prognosis. In general, however, the higher the injury in the spinal cord, the more severe the paralysis and the more significant the long-term effects.
What types of Cherry Hill accidents cause spinal cord injuries?
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can result from various types of accidents and traumatic events. The following accidents are common causes of spinal cord injuries:
- Automobile accidents. Car accidents, including collisions, rollovers, and high-impact crashes, are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. The force generated in these accidents can lead to severe trauma to the spine.
- Motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to spinal cord injuries in accidents due to the lack of protective barriers. Even with helmets and protective gear, high-speed motorcycle accidents can result in SCIs.
- Slip and fall accidents. Slip and fall accidents, especially from heights or on hard surfaces, can lead to spinal cord injuries if the individual lands on their back or neck.
- Sports and recreational injuries. Contact sports, extreme sports, and recreational activities like diving can result in spinal cord injuries if individuals experience falls, collisions, or accidents that impact the spine.
- Worksite accidents. Certain industries, such as construction and manufacturing, pose a higher risk of spinal cord injuries due to accidents involving falls from heights, heavy machinery, or workplace collisions.
- Violence and assault. Acts of violence, including gunshot wounds and stabbings, can cause intentional trauma to the spinal cord, resulting in injuries.
- Medical malpractice. In some cases, medical procedures, such as surgical errors or complications during spinal surgeries, can lead to spinal cord injuries.
- Recreational vehicle accidents. Accidents involving recreational vehicles like ATVs, snowmobiles, and watercraft can result in spinal cord injuries if the rider is ejected or involved in a collision.
- Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians struck by motor vehicles can sustain spinal cord injuries, especially if the impact is forceful or involves a high-speed collision.
- Bicycle accidents. Cyclists can suffer spinal cord injuries in accidents with motor vehicles or due to falls from their bicycles, particularly if they are not wearing helmets.
If you have sustained spinal cord injuries due to someone else's negligence or wrongful actions, you have legal options to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Talk to the spinal cord injury attorneys at Ferrara & Gable to find out more.
How much is my Cherry Hill spinal cord injury claim worth?
The value of a spinal cord injury claim depends on a number of various factors.
- The more severe the spinal cord injury, the higher the value of the claim will likely be. This is because more severe injuries typically require more medical care and rehabilitation, and can result in more long-term disability.
- The long-term effects of the spinal cord injury will also play a role in determining the value of the claim. If you have permanent disabilities or cognitive impairment as a result of the injury, the claim will likely be worth more than if you make a full recovery.
- The cost of your medical expenses and lost wages will also be considered when determining the value of the claim. If you have incurred significant medical expenses or lost a lot of wages as a result of the injury, the claim will likely be worth more.
- Pain and suffering is a non-economic loss, but it is still a valid part of a spinal cord injury lawsuit. The amount of pain and suffering you have experienced will be considered when determining the value of the claim.
It is important to note that there is no set formula for determining the value of a spinal cord injury claim. Each case is unique and is valued on its own merits. If you are considering filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit, it is important to speak with the experienced spinal cord injury attorneys at Ferrara & Gable in Cherry Hill to discuss the value of your case. An attorney can assess your case and give you a realistic estimate of the value of your claim.
Do you have a Cherry Hill spinal cord injury attorney near me?
Ferrara & Gable maintains an office at 601 Longwood Avenue in Cherry Hill, NJ. There is parking available, and a bus stop right up the block on Rt. 38. If you are too injured or ill to travel, we can schedule a phone or video consultation.
Compassionate Cherry Hill spinal cord injury lawyers serving South Jersey
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else's negligence or wrongful actions, you don't have to face the challenges ahead alone. Our experienced Cherry Hill spinal cord injury attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process, fight for your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Your focus should be on recovery and rebuilding your life, while we handle the legal complexities. To schedule a free consultation, please call or contact us today. Proudly serving Camden County, Burlington County & all of South Jersey.
