Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal and it often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury.  Often every aspect of your life will be affected.

Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that fractures or dislocates your vertebrae, the bone disks that make up your spine.  Most injuries don’t sever your spinal cord.  Instead, they cause damage when pieces of vertebrae tear into cord tissue or press down on the nerve parts that carry signals.  In a complete spinal cord injury, the cord can’t relay messages below the level of the injury.  As a result, you are paralyzed below the level of injury.  In an incomplete injury, you have some movement and sensation below the injury.

A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency.  Immediate treatment can reduce long-term effects.  Later treatment usually includes medicine and rehabilitation therapy.

The leading causes of spinal cord injuries vary by age.  Among persons under age 65, automobile and other motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause.  Among persons over 65, falls cause most spinal cord injuries.  Other causes include:

• Workplace accidents
• Diving accidents
• Electric shock
• Bullet or stab wounds
• Extreme twisting of the trunk
• Sports injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be severe and life altering.  Our firm understands that your immediate goals after going through such trauma are to get your medical bills paid and covered, make sure you do not suffer financially through any lost wages, and make sure your insurance company will pay for future treatment relating to your injuries.  We will discuss your situation and go over the options available to you, as well as work with insurance companies and other parties involved in your case to make sure all your needs are handled quickly and appropriately.

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.  Contact the Law Office of Paul W. VanDerwerken today at 702-385-5050 for a free legal consultation.  Our attorneys will evaluate your claim with no cost to you.

In a spinal cord injury lawsuit, an attorney will help you recover the following damages:

• Medical bills – plaintiffs can recover money for any medical bills resulting from the injury, including hospital bills, prescription drugs, doctor visits and rehabilitation, as well as any future medical expenses.
• Lost wages – compensation for time spent away from work, as well as a loss of earning capacity may also be rewarded.
• Pain and suffering – when an individual suffers a spinal cord injury, they can experience lasting physical and emotional pain  These victims can receive monetary damages for this pain and suffering.
• Wrongful death – when a spinal cord injury results in death, the victim’s family may be able to sue the negligent party.  In these cases, the family may be eligible for damages based on the pain and suffering of the victim, as well as money to ease the financial burden left by their loved one’s absence.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury, you know that the future will be permanently altered forever.  The experienced spinal cord injury attorneys at the Law Office of Paul W. VanDerwerken are happy to assist you get the compensation you are legally entitled to for your medical expenses and other expenses that occur as a result of the injury.  Contact our office today at 702-385-5050 for a free legal consultation.  We are located in Las Vegas and serve clients throughout Nevada.