A spinal cord injury is particularly devastating because of the spinal cord’s importance to nearly every bodily function. The consequences of such an injury can affect a patient’s entire life, including their ability to find gainful employment, participate in the activities they love, and even care for themselves. These effects can be particularly traumatic when they’re the consequence of someone else’s careless behavior.
If you suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, that person could be liable for compensating you for all the losses you’ve suffered – including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. At Olson Law Firm, LLC, we want to hold the negligent individual responsible for their actions and demand the money and justice you deserve.
We know that serious cases require serious legal work, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get started. Contact us today to speak with a car accident lawyer in Golden, Colorado, about what we can do for you.
How We Can Help Car Crash Victims with Spinal Cord Injuries
Since 2012, the legal team at Olson Law Firm, LLC, has been focused on helping people in Golden and surrounding areas of Colorado recover the compensation they deserve for injuries others have caused. We pride ourselves on always getting to know our clients so we can better represent their unique needs and interests.
Our legal team can help you by:
- Investigating the cause of the crash
- Collecting evidence to substantiate your claim
- Help you find additional medical resources to aid in your recovery
- Manage communication with the insurer and others involved in the case
- Negotiate for maximum compensation
- Prepare a case for court if necessary
How Car Crashes Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves that runs from the base of the brain down the length of the spine. These nerves transmit signals back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body. Bones called vertebrae protect the spinal cord from damage.
Car accidents are violent events that generate extreme forces, which can translate into enough blunt-force trauma to damage the spine. Penetrating wounds can also cause spinal cord damage.
Inflammation or bruising, especially from blunt-force trauma, may temporarily disrupt mobility and bodily function. However, injuries that partially or completely sever the spinal cord can permanently prevent signals from transmitting between the brain and body.
Levels and Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Most spinal cord injuries are categorized by level and type. The two types are:
- Incomplete – An incomplete spinal cord injury is one where the spinal cord has been damaged but can still transmit messages. An incomplete injury can result in the preservation of some mobility, function, and sensation.
- Complete – A complete spinal cord injury means the nerves in the spinal cord have been severed. Generally, there is no communication, motor function, or sensation below the damage. Complete spinal cord injuries are permanent and can result in some form of paralysis.
A complete or incomplete injury can occur anywhere on the spine:
- Cervical – Seven cervical vertebrae surround the upper region of the spinal cord in the neck. Cervical spine injuries can be the most severe, as a complete injury in this region will generally result in quadriplegia or paralysis affecting all four limbs. The function of internal organs like the lungs, bladder, and bowels can also be affected.
- Thoracic – The 12 vertebrae below the neck are called the thoracic vertebrae. These bones surround the spinal cord in the upper back. An injury in this area affects the chest, upper back, abdomen, and locations below.
- Lumbar – The lumbar region of the spine refers to the five vertebrae in the lower back. Since the lower part of our back carries the upper body’s weight, these vertebrae are larger than any other bones in the spine. An injury to this section of the spine can impact the mobility of the legs as well as bladder and bowel function.
- Sacral – The sacral vertebrae are fused bones that make up the tailbone or coccyx. Damage in this area can affect the hips and groin.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries don’t always present with immediate paralysis or loss of function. It is critical to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident and pay attention to any symptoms as they develop.
Depending on the nature of your injury, symptoms of a spinal cord injury could take many forms, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Pressure in the neck and back
- Weakness
- Unusual position of the head, neck, and back
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of mobility and sensation
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Difficulty breathing
- Numbness and tingling in the limbs
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
What to Do If You Suffer a Spinal Cord Injury
If you believe you may have suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident, seek medical help immediately by calling 911 if necessary. Emergency personnel can stabilize your head, neck, and spine and transport you to a facility that can treat your injuries.
What Is My Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?
Spinal cord injuries are life-altering and can impact you physically, emotionally, and financially for the rest of your life. All cases are unique. At Olson Law Firm, LLC, we are prepared to evaluate the merits of your claim thoroughly and determine the fair value to demand from the at-fault party. This figure could include money for losses like:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Home care needs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
The Time Limit for a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Golden, CO
Colorado’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims gives you just two years to file a lawsuit. The two-year clock begins on the day you were injured or when you should have reasonably known that you were injured.
While it can be paused (or tolled) under certain circumstances, it’s best not to count on that. If you are late in filing your lawsuit, the liable party could move to have your case dismissed as untimely. If the court agrees to do so, your case will be thrown out, and you will lose your ability to seek compensation through the courts.
Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Golden, CO
If you’ve suffered a severe injury due to someone else’s careless behavior behind the wheel, you could be owed compensation. Let us help you demand it. Contact the Olson Law Firm, LLC, today for a free consultation with one of our spinal cord injury lawyers in Golden, CO.