Spinal Cord Injury

Jefferson Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Did you or someone you love recently suffer a spinal cord injury in Jefferson, Wisconsin? These devastating injuries can bring overwhelming personal challenges and significant financial burdens. From mounting medical bills to lost income and ongoing care needs, the strain can feel unmanageable and unbearable.

But you don’t have to deal with all of this alone. A Jefferson spinal cord injury lawyer from LawtonCates can demand the accountability and fair compensation you deserve from the person responsible for your injuries.

Our team has been serving South Central Wisconsin since 1958. We know how to handle your case, talk to insurance companies, and see that you’re treated fairly. While we attend to the legal aspects of your case, you can focus on treating your injuries, rebuilding your life, and planning for the future.

Contact us today to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation session with an experienced Jefferson spinal cord injury attorney.

How a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Jefferson, Wisconsin, Can Help with Your Case

Dealing with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury can be incredibly daunting. A complex legal case might seem like an impossible burden when it comes on top of a lengthy recovery process and the need to adapt to a new way of life.

That’s where a dedicated back injury lawyer from LawtonCates can make all the difference. They can help you with your spine injury case by:

• Gathering Evidence– To support your claim, your lawyer will identify and collect useful evidence to determine the cause and cost of your injuries as well as who might be liable for them.
• Handling Legal Paperwork– Your lawyer can take care of all the paperwork for your claim, timely filing demand letters and complaints and serving them on the liable parties.
• Negotiating with Liable Parties– Your lawyer will negotiate aggressively on your behalf to get you a maximum payout that reflects the true extent of your injuries and losses.
• Representing You in Court– If the other side doesn’t make a fair offer, your attorney can present your case clearly and persuasively in court, advocating for your rights before a judge and jury.

What Compensation Can I Pursue for a Spinal Cord Injury?

With a successful spine injury claim, you can recover compensation for the following:

How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Wisconsin?

In general, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a spine injury lawsuit in Wisconsin. It’s best to contact a spinal cord injury lawyer in Jefferson to get the filing date specific to your case. If you miss your deadline, you risk losing your right to seek compensation.

Getting LawtonCates involved early on in your case can make a significant difference. A spinal injury lawyer from our firm can expedite the process of collecting evidence, organizing your case, and submitting the required legal paperwork while you concentrate on healing.

What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries can result from a range of accidents or medical conditions that damage the vertebrae, ligaments, intervertebral disks, or the spinal cord itself. Here are some examples of ways these injuries can occur:

• Vehicle Accidents – Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. The force from a collision can cause severe damage to the spine, leading to fractures, dislocations, or herniated disks.
• Falls – Falls from heights or onto hard surfaces can lead to serious spinal cord injuries. A fall can exert enough pressure on the spine to cause a break or dislocation, potentially damaging the spinal cord itself.
• Sports and Recreational Activities – Participating in high-impact sports such as football, diving, or skiing can sometimes result in spinal cord injuries. These activities carry a risk of accidents that can compress or twist the spine, leading to a neck injury or other forms of spinal damage.
• Acts of Violence – Acts of violence like shootings and stabbings can also cause spinal cord injuries. The force exerted by a bullet or knife can penetrate or damage the spinal cord, leading to immediate and sometimes irreversible damage.
• Medical or Surgical Complications – Complications from certain medical procedures or surgeries can damage the spine or the soft tissues in and around it, resulting in long-term impairment.

What Are the Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries may be either complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury results in a loss of all feeling and mobility below the injury site. This type of injury results in total paralysis in the affected areas because the spinal cord can no longer send signals below the injury point.

Conversely, an incomplete spinal cord injury allows for some degree of sensation or movement below the injury site. People with incomplete injuries often retain some function or feeling in the affected areas, which means the spinal cord can still transmit limited messages to and from the brain.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury can affect the body in various ways depending on the injury’s severity and location. Here are some common symptoms associated with these debilitating injuries:

• Loss of mobility
• Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, or touch
• Exaggerated reflex activities or spasms
• Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity, or fertility
• Pain or an intense stinging sensation from damage to the nerve fibers
• Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing secretions from the lungs
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Numbness or tingling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
• An oddly positioned or twisted neck or back
• Extreme back pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
• Weakness, poor coordination, or paralysis in any part of the body
• Difficulty with balance and walking

What Are Treatment Options for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Treatment options for a spinal cord injury depend on the location and severity of its damage. Medical professionals focus their treatment strategies on preventing further injury, alleviating pain, and helping patients regain as much mobility and independence as possible. Here are common treatments for spinal cord injuries:

• Emergency medical care to stabilize the spine
• Medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain
• Surgery to remove foreign objects, repair bones, or relieve pressure on the spinal cord
• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve mobility
• Use of assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers
• Occupational therapy to assist with daily activities and independence
• Psychological counseling to support mental health and develop coping strategies

What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury can change a person’s life in many ways, not just in the immediate aftermath but also for years to come. These injuries often lead to long-term physical challenges, such as difficulty moving, loss of sensation, or even complete paralysis. Beyond the physical effects, spinal cord injuries can negatively affect mental health. It’s common for spinal injury patients to experience feelings of depression or anxiety as they adjust to life after their injury.

The financial consequences are also significant. Medical expenses from hospital stays, rehabilitation services, and assistive devices can pile up quickly. And if a patient can’t return to their job, the resulting loss of income adds another layer of financial strain. This is why it’s so important for spinal cord injury victims to work with the knowledgeable attorneys at LawtonCates who can pursue fair compensation for their losses.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Back Injury from a Car Accident?

There is no such thing as an average settlement for a car accident back injury, as every case has different factors. The amount of spine injury compensation you can recover will vary considerably depending on factors like:

• Injury Severity – The more severe your spinal cord injury, the more compensation you might need to demand. Severe injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to permanent disabilities. These factors increase medical expenses and the need for ongoing support, significantly increasing the value of your claim.
• Impact on Your Ability to Work – Your ability to work and earn an income after your injury is another significant factor affecting the value of your case. If the injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or working at all, you could be owed substantial compensation for lost wages, lost earning capacity, and future income losses.
• Impact on Your Quality of Life – A spinal cord injury can dramatically change your way of life, affecting your ability to enjoy hobbies, activities, and daily tasks. The loss of enjoyment of life and any emotional distress you experience can increase the overall value of your claim, as these impacts are compensable losses.
• Quality of Legal Representation – Having an experienced lawyer on your side can significantly affect the value of your claim. Lawyers know how to evaluate your claim, negotiate effectively, gather compelling evidence, and present your case persuasively. Their job is to protect your interests and maximize your compensation payout.

When you meet with the spinal cord injury law firm of LawtonCates, we can make a better assessment of your case and how much compensation you might be able to expect.

Contact a Jefferson, Wisconsin, Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today

If you’re grappling with the consequences of a spine injury, you deserve an attorney who will fight for you. Look no further than LawtonCates. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Jefferson spinal cord injury attorney and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.