Denver Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
When you’re suffering from a spinal cord injury, your path to recovery may feel overwhelming, and pursuing a personal injury lawsuit might seem daunting. The Wilhite Law Firm is dedicated to supporting you through this challenging time.
If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our Denver spinal cord injury attorneys will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us take on the challenges of your case while you focus on healing from your injuries. Call us today for a free consultation about your options for seeking the money you need.
What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Denver?
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) result from a range of high-risk incidents that are prevalent in the Denver area.
Some of the major causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Vehicle accidents – Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, and trucks can lead to severe spinal injuries. High-speed impacts pose the greatest danger.
- Slips and falls – These incidents, including falls from ladders or scaffolds, have the potential to cause devastating injuries.
- Sports and recreation – High-adrenaline activities like skiing, mountain biking, and football are notable for their risk of causing spinal damage.
- Bicycle accidents – Riders face risks from vehicular impacts and falls that can result in spinal injuries.
- Medical malpractice – Healthcare professionals failing to diagnose conditions, making mistakes during surgery, and incorrectly providing medical care can all damage the spine.
- Workplace accidents – In industrial environments, mishaps involving heavy lifting, machinery, or falls can cause severe spinal harm.
- Snowboarding and skiing accidents – These beloved Colorado winter sports are also frequent culprits of spinal cord injuries.
- Acts of violence – Someone intentionally harming another person is one of the top causes of SCIs, especially with gunshot and knife wounds.
Are There Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
These injuries vary widely in type and severity, affecting the body differently. Understanding the range of spinal injuries can help you guide your decisions regarding medical care and legal action. Our Denver spinal cord injury lawyers are here to help.
The types of spinal cord injuries we see most frequently include:
- Paralysis – This includes tetraplegia (quadriplegia) and paraplegia, resulting in partial or complete loss of limb functions.
- Nerve damage or nerve root injuries – These injuries can cause pain, weakness, or numbness in various body parts.
- Spinal fractures – High-impact forces often cause cracks or breaks in the spine’s bones.
- Dislocations – Bones in the spine become misaligned due to traumatic force.
- Herniated, slipped, or ruptured discs – These injuries occur when soft, jelly-like material inside the disc pushes through a tear and puts pressure on spinal nerves.
- Spinal bruising – Also known as contusions, this bruising can affect spinal cord function due to inflammation and swelling.
- Spinal concussions – Temporary disruptions in spinal cord function can result in transient paraplegia.
What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
Recognizing the symptoms of a spinal cord injury is crucial for timely medical intervention and legal response. The signs vary greatly depending on the severity and location of the injury but tend to affect bodily functions dramatically. Contact one of our Denver spinal cord injury attorneys today.
Here are some common symptoms that may indicate a spinal cord injury:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or stinging sensations
- Extreme back pain or pressure
- Numbness or tingling
- Trouble walking or balancing
- Altered sensitivity to heat and cold
- Loss of feeling and the ability to control movement
- Reflex spasms
- Sexual dysfunction
- Unconsciousness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Weakness or loss of coordination in any body part
- A twisted neck or back
- Uncontrollable flexing of muscles
- Heart rate or blood pressure disruptions
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms following an accident or injury, seeking immediate medical care is essential. These symptoms and their corresponding medical care will provide your attorney with additional evidence to build a comprehensive claim.
What Impact Do Spinal Cord Injuries Have on Quality of Life?
Spinal cord injuries can profoundly affect every aspect of a person’s life, altering their daily living and long-term aspirations. The physical consequences of SCIs often include partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain, which can require significant lifestyle adjustments and continuous medical care. Beyond the physical, individuals with SCIs commonly experience psychological challenges, such as depression and anxiety, stemming from changes in their independence and self-image.
Socially, SCIs can strain relationships, impact the injured person’s ability to engage in social activities and reduce their employment opportunities, contributing to feelings of isolation. Financially, the cost of ongoing care, adaptive technologies, and lost wages can be substantial, creating additional stress. Addressing these multifaceted impacts requires comprehensive support, including medical, psychological, and legal assistance to manage the complexities of life after an SCI. Find our Denver spinal cord injury lawyer offices here today.
What Compensation Could I Seek for a Spinal Cord Injury?
If you’ve sustained a spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. This can include money for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Home care
- Rehabilitation
- Vehicle and home modifications
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity due to a disability
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
Comprehensive compensation from the at-fault party should cover the financial burden your injury caused.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Denver Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
Depending on the circumstances, Colorado’s statute of limitations typically allows two years from the date of your injury for you to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party that harmed you. However, there are exceptions.
If you didn’t immediately discover the injury, the clock might start from when you found out you were injured. Additionally, if the injured party is a minor or mentally incapacitated, courts may pause the time limit. The deadline is also extended to three years if your SCI resulted from a motor vehicle accident. A skilled spinal cord injury lawyer will know which filing deadline applies to you and keep track so you don’t miss your opportunity to pursue the money you need in court.
Contact a Denver Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident caused by someone else, contact The Wilhite Law Firm today. You can reach us online or call our office for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your unique circumstances and explore your options. Our compassionate team is here to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact a Denver spinal cord injury lawyer today to get started.