Hyattsville, MD Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Experienced Attorney for Clients Affected by Spine Injuries and Paralysis in Hyattsville, Maryland

Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious forms of trauma a person can experience. Whether a spine injury occurred in a vehicle collision, a fall, or another type of accident, a victim may experience long-term or permanent impairments that will require extensive medical care, adaptive equipment, and lifestyle changes. The effects of these injuries can be overwhelming, causing a victim and their family to experience financial difficulties, emotional trauma, and more.

Fortunately, people who have experienced catastrophic injuries that were caused by someone else's negligence have legal options. Kisner Law provides effective, compassionate representation for spinal cord injury victims, working to obtain compensation from the parties who were responsible. Attorney Jason Kisner advocates aggressively on behalf of his clients, helping them secure the financial resources they need to adjust to life after a spinal cord injury.

How Spinal Cord Injuries Affect the Body

The spinal cord is the body's central communication system, transmitting messages between the brain and other bodily systems. When the spinal cord is damaged, those messages may be disrupted. When the brain cannot communicate with the body correctly, a person may experience a loss of function, sensation, or mobility. The extent of a spinal cord injury largely depends on the location and severity of the trauma:

• Cervical Spine (Neck Area): Injuries at the uppermost section of the spine can result in tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia), which may affect the arms, hands, torso, legs, and pelvic organs. Victims with cervical spinal cord injuries may be completely paralyzed, requiring assistance with breathing, feeding, and nearly every other aspect of their lives.
• Thoracic Spine (Upper Back): Damage to this region can cause paraplegia, affecting the torso and legs. While the lower body may be paralyzed, a person may retain function in the arms and upper body. However, their mobility will likely be affected, and assistive devices like wheelchairs will often be required.
• Lumbar Spine (Lower Back): Injuries in this area can result in a partial loss of function in the legs, bowel and bladder control issues, and difficulties with balance and walking. While a victim may retain some function and mobility, assistive devices may be required to move around and engage in regular activities.
• Sacral Spine (Pelvic Region): Damage at the lowest levels of the spine may affect the hips, pelvic organs, and legs. Some loss of motor function and sensation may occur, but a victim may regain the ability to walk and move about after receiving physical therapy or using assistive devices.

Even incomplete injuries in which the spinal cord is damaged but not severed can result in physical issues and disabilities. In these cases, a person may experience chronic pain, muscle weakness, and reduced coordination. Extensive rehabilitation may be required, and a person may also need to receive assistance with daily living.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the spine and spinal cord are often caused by sudden and violent impacts in situations such as:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-speed car crashes, motorcycle collisions, and truck accidents can lead to spinal injuries. The spine may be damaged in an impact with another vehicle or when a person is crushed by the structure of a car.
• Falls: Slip and fall or trip and fall incidents can lead to fractured vertebrae and damage to the spinal cord. Falls from heights or down stairs are more likely to lead to spine injuries.
• Workplace Accidents: Construction sites and industrial environments can be dangerous, and accidents involving heavy machinery, unsafe scaffolding, or falling objects can cause workers to suffer serious spine injuries.
• Acts of Violence: Assaults involving firearms, stabbings, or beatings can cause damage to the spinal cord.

Negligent drivers, property owners, product manufacturers, or other parties may be held responsible when their actions or negligence lead to a spinal cord injury. An investigation may be required to identify the liable parties and uncover the causes of an accident and injury.

Damages Suffered by Spinal Cord Injury Victims

The impact of a spinal cord injury can be significant. A victim may require ongoing medical treatment and assistance with their daily needs, and they may experience disabilities that affect their ability to earn an income and lead to a reduced quality of life. To address these issues, victims can take steps to recover compensation for their damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: These may address emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, physical and occupational therapy, assistive technology, and other future medical needs.
• Caregiver and In-Home Support Costs: Many spinal cord injury victims require daily assistance from personal care aides or family members, and compensation may address the labor that will be needed.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Many spine injury victims are unable to return to their previous jobs, and they may never be able to work again. Compensation can address both past and future lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages may be awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Permanent Disability: A victim may receive compensation for their loss of mobility, autonomy, and independence.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, or meaningful social interactions may be addressed in the compensation a person receives.

Contact Our Hyattsville Spine Injury Attorney

A spinal cord injury can change your life in an instant. When an injury was the result of another person's negligence, you will need strong legal representation to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Kisner Law can provide you with effective representation, fighting to protect your future. Contact us and arrange your free consultation by calling our office at 240-459-0097.