North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Generally speaking, there are two primary types of spinal cord injuries:

• Complete: When permanent damage to the spinal cord occurs, the injury is categorized as “complete.”
• Incomplete: Partial spinal cord damage is considered by medical practitioners as an “incomplete” spinal cord injury.

The effects of a spinal cord injury depend on whether it is complete or incomplete and where the injury occurred on the spine. Some spinal cord injuries result in loss of motor function and sensation; others may result in partial function or partial sensation.

Some common effects of spinal cord injuries include:

• Paralysis, including paraplegia and quadriplegia
• Partial or total loss of movement and/or sensation
• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
• Loss of sexual function
• Weakness in the lower half of the body (hips, legs, etc.)
• Difficulty breathing
• Nerve pain and/or damage
• Chronic pain, headaches, and muscle pain
• Loss of fertility
• Increased risk of infection and/or pneumonia (usually associated with respirator use)
• Personality changes/changes in mood

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result from a variety of incidents, each with different underlying causes. Understanding these common causes can help identify potential liability sources and pursue appropriate legal action. Some frequent causes include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are major causes of spinal cord injuries, frequently occurring due to collisions or significant impacts.
• Falls: Slip and fall incidents, especially from significant heights or on hazardous surfaces, can cause severe spinal damage.
• Sports Injuries: High-contact sports, such as football or gymnastics, can lead to spinal cord injuries due to sudden, forceful movements or collisions.
• Violence: Acts of violence, including shootings and assaults, can cause traumatic spinal injuries.
• Medical Malpractice: Errors during surgery or other procedures can damage the spinal cord.
• Workplace Accidents: Industrial or construction site accidents involving heavy machinery or falls can lead to spinal injuries.

Identifying the cause of the injury is crucial for determining liability and seeking compensation from the responsible parties.

Types of Damages in Spinal Cord Injury Cases

It is essential to understand the types of damages available when pursuing compensation for spinal cord injuries. These damages are designed to address various aspects of how the injury affects your life:

• Medical Expenses include hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and necessary adaptive equipment or home modifications.
• Lost Wages: Covers income lost due to the inability to work and potential future earnings if the injury affects long-term job prospects.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Encompasses ongoing physical and occupational therapy expenses to enhance mobility and daily functioning.
• Pain and Suffering: Settlement for the physical pain and emotional anguish caused by the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Addresses the diminished ability to engage in activities and hobbies previously enjoyed.
• Emotional Distress: Covers the psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and adjustments to a new lifestyle.
• Punitive Damages: Granted in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or harmful. These are intended to penalize the defendant and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior.   
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the effects of the injury on the relationship with a spouse or family members, including loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.

Each case is distinct, and the specific damages you can claim will depend on the details of your injury and its impact on your life. At Lanier Law Group, we are dedicated to ensuring that all aspects of your suffering and financial losses are addressed to secure a fair and comprehensive settlement.

Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Claims in North Carolina

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a legal claim related to spinal cord injuries. For personal injury cases, which include spinal cord injuries, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to initiate a claim.

Adhering to this deadline is crucial, as missing it can forfeit your ability to obtain compensation. It is essential to seek legal advice promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe and your rights are protected.

Factors such as discovering the injury later or cases involving government entities may alter the statute of limitations, so getting professional legal advice is essential.

Contact Our North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Today

Navigating the aftermath of a spinal cord injury involves understanding the range of damages you may be entitled to, the common causes of these injuries, and the legal deadlines for pursuing a claim. At Lanier Law Group, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to help you through this challenging time. Our goal is to ensure that you receive fair compensation and the necessary resources to address the impact of your injury on your life. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward securing the justice you deserve.