gwinnett county spinal cord injury diagnosis

Have you recently sustained a spinal cord injury in Gwinnett County, Georgia? Are you suffering from painful complications, missing time at work, and wondering how you’ll cover the bills? If so, you should know you could be entitled to money from a spinal cord injury claim.

At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, our local personal injury attorneys know how hard it is to recover both physically and financially after a spinal cord injury. We’re here to protect your rights and demand the recovery you deserve while you focus on your health. Contact us now to learn more in a free initial case review.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord – which is a delicate bundle of nerves that extends outward from the brain and carries impulses to and from the rest of the body. There are multiple different types of SCIs, which differ based on the location and severity of the damage. Some of these include:

  • Complete SCIs – A complete SCI occurs when the spinal cord is completely severed, resulting in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury.
  • Incomplete SCIs – With an incomplete SCI, the spinal cord gets damaged or partially severed. This injury results in only partial loss of sensation or function below the injury site.
  • Cervical SCIs – The highest level of SCI is a cervical SCI, affecting the part of the spine found in the neck and causing loss of sensation and function below the neck. In severe cases, a cervical SCI can even impair breathing ability.
  • Thoracic SCIs – A thoracic SCI is the second-highest level of SCI. It affects the part of the spine in the upper torso and results in loss of sensation and function in the legs, trunk, bladder, and bowels.
  • Lumbar SCIs – Lumbar SCIs affect the part of the spine in the lower back, causing loss of sensation and function in the legs and sometimes in the bladder and bowels.
  • Sacral SCIs – A sacral SCI impacts the lowest part of the spine, sometimes resulting in loss of bladder and bowel control.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Thousands of people sustain new spinal cord injuries every year in the U.S. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), the top causes of SCIs in America include vehicle accidents, falls, acts of violence, sports accidents, and medical issues. Common causes of SCI we see in the personal injury cases we handle include:

Common Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are potentially catastrophic injuries that can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s health. Common SCI symptoms include:

  • Loss of or altered sensation in the limbs or trunk
  • Muscle weakness or loss of voluntary movement
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
  • Pain or an intense stinging sensation in the affected area
  • Difficulties with balance or coordination
  • Sexual dysfunction or other changes in sexual function
  • Blood pressure fluctuations or issues with autonomic regulation
  • Complete or partial paralysis
  • Difficulty with speech or swallowing

How Does a Spinal Injury Affect Your Health and Financial Life?

Spinal cord injuries can have a range of long-term effects on physical health and financial well-being. Many SCI patients suffer symptoms like chronic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, respiratory difficulties, and a greater risk of infections. These physical symptoms can have profound effects on quality of life and often require ongoing medical care, which is both expensive and time-consuming.

The costs associated with SCI treatments are often enormous and can add up quickly. In addition to initial costs for things like hospitalization and surgery, many SCI patients require follow-up appointments, home accessibility modifications, and mobility aids. To make matters worse, many SCI patients struggle to return to work, so lost income and earning potential add even more financial stress. A skilled spine injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for these losses and other expenses.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?

A Gwinnett County personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for the following types of losses in a spinal cord injury lawsuit:

  • Hospital bills and medical expenses you incur due to the SCI
  • Incidental costs, such as out-of-pocket travel costs for SCI appointments
  • Lost income from any time you miss at work due to permanent impairments
  • Subjective losses, such as SCI-related pain, suffering, and lost quality of life

What Is the Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Claim After a Spinal Cord Injury?

If you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit after an SCI, Georgia law says you have two years from the date when the injury occurs to file. If you wait too long, the court could dismiss your case, and you could lose your right to demand compensation for your losses in court. A spinal injury lawyer can help you identify important deadlines and keep your case on track.

Why Should I Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?

When you work with the spinal cord injury attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, you can count on us to help you by:

  • Explaining your rights and identifying sources of compensation for your SCI
  • Conducting an independent investigation into the cause of your spinal injury
  • Communicating with employers, insurers, and other parties on your behalf
  • Obtaining medical records, accident reports, and other evidence for your case
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses and medical experts for compelling case testimony
  • Managing important case documents, details, and deadlines on your behalf
  • Negotiating aggressively with the insurance company to increase your settlement
  • Taking your case to court and representing you at trial if the other side won’t pay

Contact Our Gwinnett County Spinal Injury Attorneys Today

When you’re ready to speak with a compassionate legal professional about your spinal cord injury case, don’t wait to get in touch with Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. Our attentive team is standing by to answer your questions and discuss your next steps. Contact us today for your free initial consultation with a Gwinnett County spine injury lawyer.