Suffered an Injury? Max can Help
Charleston Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Currently, there are around 282,000 people living with the consequences of these devastating injuries. Spinal cord injuries may arise from car accidents, work-related incidents, slip and falls, or other accidents. No matter the root cause, these injuries have a profound effect on the victim and their loved ones.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Your spinal cord is one of your body’s most essential and sensitive parts. It is a bundle of motor and sensory nerves protected by your vertebrae. These nerves are responsible for carrying messages throughout your body and control both your movement and how you experience sensation. When a traumatic event disturbs the delicate tissue of the spinal cord, any number of negative consequences can result. Since the spinal cord is responsible for so many of the body’s functions, no two injuries are the same. Some victims experience issues with breathing, temperature regulation, or bladder control; while others have trouble feeling sensations or, in the worst case, paralysis. These issues are often permanent.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Charleston
Some causes of spinal cord injury are more common than others. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center:
- Motor vehicle accidents account for nearly half of the new spinal cord injuries each year. If you were involved in a car wreck, speak to an accident attorney in Charleston today.
- Falls are the second leading cause, at 26%.
- Violent crime injuries such as gunshot wounds account for 15%.
- Recreational sports injuries make up a minority of all spinal cord injuries, at 7%.
If it not uncommon for people to sustain spinal cord injuries at work. This is especially true if you work in construction, maintenance, and other physical jobs. If you sustained your spinal cord injury at work, speak to a Charleston work injury attorney for legal guidance.
Determining Fault for a Spinal Cord Injury
There are several different legal theories that may apply to a spinal cord injury case. Whether you’re pursuing a claim against an individual, company, or manufacturer of a defective product, the following must apply.
- The defendant owed you a duty of care. Drivers, for example, owe a duty of care to others on the road, including pedestrians.
- The defendant violated his or her duty of care. Under South Carolina law, a defendant is negligent when he or she fails to act in a manner that a reasonable person would act.
- The defendant’s negligence caused your injuries. For example, if a driver breaks a traffic law and causes a car crash then his or her negligence caused your injuries.
- You suffered harm as a result. You must show a defendant’s negligence led to measurable damages, such as medical bills.
Types of Damages for Spinal Cord Injury Claims
If you pursue a claim for a spinal cord injury in Charleston then the negligent party may owe you the following types of damages.
- Economic damages which compensate you for the measurable outcomes of an accident. Examples include medical bills, any loss in earning capacity, and the cost of ongoing therapy and rehabilitation.
- General damages provide reimbursement for the immaterial consequences of your accident – physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium are common examples.
The Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, is committed to helping victims of spinal cord injuries achieve their optimal levels of comfort and function. If you or a loved one recently sustained a spinal cord injury due to another party’s negligence, contact one of our personal injury lawyers in Charleston to schedule a free initial consultation with the firm and receive a review of your legal options.