There are two primary types of spinal cord injuries – those that are caused by external forces and those that are caused by internal forces. Internal forces are those which begin from within a person’s body, like bacteria and infection. Many organic medical conditions that affect the spine affect it in the same way that external forces affect it. External forces are those which begin from outside of a person’s body and which cause injury from the force of sudden and severe impact to the spine. External force causes of spinal cord injuries include auto accidents, acts of violence, trips and falls, unsafe work conditions, etc.
When an injury is sustained to the spine, it has the potential to affect the entire human body. The spine is an integral part of the human body and is responsible for transferring signals from the brain to the various parts of the body. An accident victim who experiences sudden and severe force or trauma to the area of the spine may end up suffering from partial to total paralysis from the point in the body where the spine was injured downward. In other words, an injury to the top of the spine, near the neck, could paralyze a person from the neck down, while an injury to the bottom of the spine, near the small of the back, could paralyze a person from the waist down.
If your spinal cord injury was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another person, then you may have a strong case against that person or people for civil damages. Civil damages are a type of monetary compensation that you will pursue from the person or party responsible for causing your injury. Damages will typically be awarded to compensate you for your medical expenses, for the cost of continuing recovery and therapy, for any wages which you were unable to earn because an injury prevented you from working, and even for your loss of the ability to work if a spinal cord injury prevents you from working in your job or trade. Plus, since many injuries require ongoing treatment and medical costs, you may also be able to recover for future medical expenses.
My name is Joseph M. Dooley and I’m a personal injury attorney with over three decades of experience in the law. I am a competent, experienced, and accomplished litigator with an in depth knowledge of the law and how it will apply to your case. Any discussion about the types of damages which you may be able to recover from the person or people who caused your accident should only be had with an experienced personal and spinal cord injury attorney like myself. I will be able to review the facts of your case and will be able to make a determination as to whether or not the case has merit and, if so, one way for you to proceed with your case. If you decide to have me represent you, then most of the difficult aspects of dealing with the legal system will be over. The attorney (myself) will handle all of the legal requirements on your behalf, from filing paperwork to crafting your legal argument and presenting it to a court.