If you are coping with a spinal cord injury, you may be facing overwhelming medical, emotional, and financial challenges. Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating physical traumas a person can experience, often resulting in permanent disability and the need for lifelong care.
At The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we represent spinal cord injury victims throughout Florida who have suffered due to others’ negligence, including medical malpractice. Our Florida spinal cord injury lawyers understand the life-changing nature of these injuries and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you need.
Take back control of your life. Contact our Florida medical malpractice lawyers for a free consultation.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries And Their Causes
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs through the spinal canal, connecting the brain to the rest of the body. This vital structure transmits signals that control movement, sensation, and autonomic functions like breathing and bladder control. When the spinal cord is damaged, these signals can be disrupted or completely blocked.
Spinal cord injuries are classified based on their location and completeness:
- Cervical (neck) injuries affect the arms, legs, trunk, and breathing
- Thoracic (chest) injuries typically affect the chest, trunk, and legs
- Lumbar and sacral injuries affect the legs and pelvic organs
- Complete injuries result in total loss of function below the injury site
- Incomplete injuries allow some function below the injury site
The most common causes of spinal cord injuries in Florida include:
- Motor vehicle accidents (car, motorcycle, and truck crashes)
- Falls, particularly in construction or workplace settings
- Sports and recreational activities (diving, surfing, football)
- Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds
- Medical malpractice during surgery or treatment
- Defective products that malfunction and cause injury
When these injuries result from another party’s negligence or wrongful actions, victims have legal rights to pursue compensation for their losses and ongoing needs. The best way to ensure you get the compensation you need is to work with a Florida personal injury lawyer with experience in spinal cord injury cases.
The Life-Changing Impact Of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries have profound and far-reaching effects on nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Understanding these impacts is essential when considering the full scope of damages in a legal claim.
Physical And Medical Consequences
The physical effects of a spinal cord injury depend on the location and severity of the damage. Higher injuries on the spine generally result in more extensive paralysis, potentially affecting all four limbs and requiring ventilator assistance for breathing. Lower injuries may allow for more independent function but still cause significant disability.
Beyond paralysis, spinal cord injury survivors often experience:
- Loss of sensation and chronic pain
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction and fertility issues
- Respiratory complications
- Muscle spasms and atrophy
- Blood pressure irregularities
- Temperature regulation problems
- Increased risk of secondary conditions like pressure sores and infections
These conditions require ongoing medical management, often including medications, therapies, surgeries, and specialized equipment. Despite these challenges, with proper support and resources, many people with spinal cord injuries lead fulfilling lives.
Your Legal Rights After A Spinal Cord Injury
When your spinal cord injury results from someone else’s negligence, Florida law provides important legal rights to seek compensation. Understanding these rights is essential for protecting your interests and securing your future.
In Florida, injured individuals have the right to pursue compensation when their injuries result from another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. This negligence might involve a driver’s careless actions, a property owner’s failure to maintain safe conditions, a doctor’s medical error, or a manufacturer’s defective product.
The types of compensation available in spinal cord injury cases include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Long-term care expenses
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)
How A Florida Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help
A Florida spinal cord injury lawyer plays a crucial role in helping you navigate the legal system and secure the compensation you need. Our legal team provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process:
- Case evaluation and strategy development
- Investigation to establish liability
- Collection of evidence and documentation
- Consultation with medical experts and life care planners
- Calculation of current and future damages
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Preparation for trial, if necessary
We understand the medical complexities of spinal cord injuries and work closely with qualified healthcare professionals who can testify about your condition, prognosis, and needs. This medical evidence is crucial for establishing the full extent of your damages and securing appropriate compensation.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payments in catastrophic injury cases. Our attorneys have extensive experience countering these tactics and advocating effectively for our clients’ interests. We handle all communications with insurers, protecting you from pressure to
Steps To Take After A Spinal Cord Injury
First, prioritize your medical care. Follow your doctors’ recommendations regarding treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. Keep all appointments and maintain detailed records of your medical treatment, including names of providers, dates of service, and costs.
Document everything related to your injury and its impact on your life. This includes physical symptoms, emotional challenges, and how the injury has affected your daily activities and relationships. Photos and videos can be powerful evidence of your condition and limitations.
Avoid discussing your case on social media or with insurance representatives before consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often monitor social media accounts and may use your statements against you. Additionally, they may offer quick settlements that are far below what you need for long-term care.
Finally, contact an experienced Florida spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal intervention allows your attorney to preserve evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.
Choosing The Right Florida Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Selecting the right attorney for your spinal cord injury case is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The lawyer you choose will have a significant impact on the outcome of your case and your future financial security.
When evaluating potential attorneys, consider these key factors:
- Experience specifically with spinal cord injury cases
- Track record of successful settlements and verdicts
- Resources to handle complex litigation against large insurance companies
- Relationships with medical experts and life care planners
- Communication style and accessibility
- A compassionate approach and understanding of your unique needs
At The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we meet all these criteria and more. Our attorneys have secured substantial compensation for numerous spinal cord injury victims throughout Florida. We understand the medical, financial, and emotional aspects of these cases and approach each client with compassion and dedication.
We also offer a “No Recovery, No Fee” guarantee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without financial risk during an already challenging time.
Contact The Law Offices Of Anidjar & Levine Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Our experienced Florida spinal cord injury lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Our team will listen carefully to your story, answer your questions, and provide clear guidance about your legal options. Let us help you secure the resources you need for the best possible quality of life after a spinal cord injury.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Reach out to The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine to speak with a Florida spinal cord injury lawyer who will stand by your side throughout the legal process.
We Can Help.
