Spinal injuries are among the most lasting and severe a person can sustain. Unfortunately, they’re also not entirely uncommon. If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal injury in an auto accident or any other accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a skilled Passaic County personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of August R. Soltis to schedule an initial consultation regarding your spinal injury case.
Common Causes of Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries can occur in various types of accidents, often resulting from another party’s negligence. Some of the most common causes of spinal injuries are as follows:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are leading causes of spinal injuries. The force of impact, especially in high-speed collisions, can cause damage to the spinal cord, vertebrae, or surrounding nerves, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Slip and Falls: Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises. When hazards such as wet floors, uneven pavement, or poorly maintained stairways lead to a fall, victims can suffer severe spinal injuries. Falls are particularly dangerous for older adults, who may be more susceptible to serious spinal trauma.
- Workplace Accidents: Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial settings pose significant risks for spinal injuries. Falls from heights, being struck by heavy objects, or machinery-related accidents can all cause serious harm to the spine, potentially leaving workers with permanent disabilities.
- Sports and Recreational Activities: High-impact sports like football, hockey, or gymnastics, as well as recreational activities like diving into shallow water, can result in serious spinal injuries. Improper supervision, lack of protective gear, or dangerous conditions can increase the risk of permanent damage.
- Acts of Violence: Assaults, gunshot wounds, and other violent attacks can also lead to spinal cord injuries. A severe blow to the spine or a penetrating wound can disrupt nerve function, leading to long-term or irreversible consequences.
Regardless of how your spinal injury occurred, if another party’s negligence was involved, you may have a valid legal claim for compensation, and a skilled lawyer from our firm is here to help.
The Lasting Impact of a Spinal Injury
Spinal cord injuries can change a person’s life in an instant, often leading to long-term or permanent physical, emotional, and financial hardships. The severity of the impact depends on the location and extent of the injury, but some common consequences include:
- Loss of Mobility: Depending on the level of spinal damage, victims may experience partial or complete paralysis, limiting their ability to walk or perform everyday tasks without assistance.
- Chronic Pain and Medical Complications: Many spinal injury victims suffer from chronic pain, muscle spasms, and secondary complications such as infections, pressure sores, or respiratory issues.
- Loss of Independence: Everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, and driving may require assistance, drastically altering a victim’s lifestyle and independence.
- Emotional and Psychological Effects: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among spinal injury victims as they adjust to a new way of life.
- Financial Struggles: The costs of medical treatment, assistive devices, home modifications, and ongoing therapy can be overwhelming, especially if the victim is unable to return to work.
Financial Compensation
Recovering compensation for a spinal injury in New Jersey involves proving that another party’s negligence directly caused your injury. A successful personal injury claim can help you recover various types of damages, including the following:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, and any future medical treatments related to the injury.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: If the injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and diminished earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from the injury.
- Home and Vehicle Modifications: If your injury requires modifications such as wheelchair ramps or specialized vehicles, you may seek reimbursement for these necessary changes.
- Loss of Consortium: If the injury negatively affects relationships with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Contact a New Jersey Spinal Injury Lawyer
Here at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis, we have over four decades of experience representing spinal injury victims in New Jersey, and we’re here to put that experience to work for you in your case as well. Contact a dedicated spinal injury lawyer from our firm for a free case evaluation today.
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