Richmond Spinal Cord Injuries Attorney
Here at the Richmond law offices of MichieHamlett, our compassionate Richmond spinal cord attorneys have helped numerous spinal cord injury victims receive the crucial financial compensation they require to carry on with their lives. Spinal cord injuries are extremely expensive, both in terms of medical costs as well as lost earning capacity and increased cost of living for those who suffer permanent paralysis. If you are the victim of a traffic collision, work accident, or other incident that was caused by another party’s careless or reckless actions, we can help.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Occur
The majority (36 percent) of spinal cord injuries are caused in traffic collisions, according to research. The second leading cause is falls, followed by violence and sports. All spinal cord injuries are caused by the same mechanism: damage to the spinal cord, which is used by the brain to send signals to the rest of the body. Any damage to the spinal cord interferes with these electric signals, and can cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, loss of dexterity, and paralysis to the hands, feet, arms, legs, or any part of the body below the head. Spinal cord injuries can also be fatal.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
There are two types of spinal cord injuries: partial and complete. A partial injury is a partial laceration of the spinal cord, which runs in between the spinal column from the base of the skull to the tailbone at the lower back. A partial injury may lead to partial loss of movement, numbness, and weakness. A partial injury may improve with time; some victims of incomplete spinal cord injuries make full or close-to-full recovery. A complete spinal cord injury results in full paralysis to the affected area. No treatment can return the function of the leg, arm, or other body parts that the spinal cord used to send signals to. In terms of paralysis, there are four types of locational paralysis, according to Healthline:
- Monoplegia—Affects only one arm or leg;
- Hemiplegia—Affects an arm and the leg on the same side of the body;
- Paraplegia—Affects both of the legs; and
- Quadriplegia (also called Tetraplegia)—Affects both arms and both legs.
The degree of movement and touch sensation depends on the degree of the injury (partial or complete).
Damages You Can Sue For
- Medical expenses;
- Projected medical costs over your lifetime;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of joy of life;
- Emotional distress;
- Lost income and earning ability;
- Expenses related to increased childcare and housekeeping services;
- New vehicle adapted for a wheelchair;
- Medical equipment;
- Adaptations to your home;
- In-home nursing care; and
- More;
Call Our Richmond Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Today
Any type of spinal cord injury is incredibly serious. In terms of the injury’s financial burden, you may not know the outcome of your recovery process for many months. It is important to work with an experienced attorney who will be there with you every step of the way, and will look out for your best interests. Call the Richmond spinal cord injury attorneys at MichieHamlett today to schedule a free consultation.
