Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Lee’s Summit, MO
Seasoned counsel for spinal cord injury victims in Missouri
Like a command center or a cell phone, the spinal cord is a group of nerves that transfers messages back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body. Now, imagine if your service provider cut your cell phone off; even though you could still communicate with people from the outside world, the tether that kept you connected to your family and friends has been severed, making communication difficult. This is like how spinal cord damage affects a victim’s body. While the damage has already been done, the responsible parties who caused you or your loved one’s spinal cord injury should still be held responsible.
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our Lee’s Summit spinal cord injury lawyers have been advocating for victims in Missouri for over three decades. Many spinal cord injury (SCI) patients can never return to the work they did before the accident or enjoy life the way they did beforehand. Our seasoned lawyers work with investigators and use the discovery process to determine how the accident caused your injuries, and who is responsible. We work with your medical team to show how serious and restricting your injuries are, and how your spinal cord injuries have changed your life. Our team is ready to help you fight for all the compensation you deserve.
How many Americans are living with spinal cord injuries?
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCIS), the estimated number of people living with SCI in the United States is 296,000. Since 2015, males accounted for 78 percent of new SCI cases.
What happens when a person’s spinal cord endures trauma?
The spinal cord can endure trauma from a penetrating injury, such as when pieces of vertebrae shred into the bundle of nerves, affecting the spinal cord’s ability to carry signals to the brain. Even though the spinal cord endures damage that causes it to stop functioning, it does not mean that the cord has been severed. The cord is still intact, but the damage taken to the nerves prevents the spinal cord from functioning properly. Compression of the nerves can also be traumatic.
In other cases, the spinal cord can be severed completely. When this occurs, any body parts below the point of the severed cord will be paralyzed.
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What are the types of paralysis?
Paralysis can be temporary or permanent, complete or incomplete. Temporary paralysis will eventually resolve, though it may be incurable, like Bell’s palsy. Permanent paralysis is forever. While there are extraordinary studies and trials being done, there is no cure for permanent paralysis. Cleveland Clinic categorized paralysis in the following ways:
- Diplegia: Paralysis occurs on the same area on both sides of the body. For example, paralysis affects both arms, both legs, or both sides of the face.
- Hemiplegia: Paralysis affects one side of the body (an arm and a leg on the same side).
- Monoplegia: You can’t move one limb (arm or leg).
- Paraplegia: Paralysis affects both legs and sometimes the torso.
- Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Paralysis involves all limbs. People with quadriplegia may have little or no movement from the neck down.
What are the symptoms of quadriplegia and paraplegia?
Victims with quadriplegia experience symptoms like:
- Paralysis of the arms and legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of feeling in the body
- Bowel dysfunction
Victims with paraplegia experience symptoms like:
- Impaired mobility
- Chronic pain
- A loss of sensation in the lower body
- Phantom points of pain or sensation in the lower body
What is life like for a spinal cord injury victim?
Although spinal cord injury victims can still live a fulfilling life after being injured, there are some major changes that victims must adjust to. Depending on the nature of the injury, some victims must move into a rehabilitation program after being stabilized. While attending the rehab center, victims will learn how to adjust emotionally, mentally, and physically to their new life.
Some victims may learn techniques such as walking with crutches, learning new breathing exercises, transferring between a wheelchair and another location, and managing the bowel and bladder. The purpose of rehab is to teach the victim how to become as independent as possible while adjusting to the injury.
What is life like for the caregiver of a spinal cord injury victim?
During rehab, the caregiver of the spinal cord injury victim – whether it be a family member or life partner – also learns how to adjust to life with the spinal cord injury. Even though other medical professionals are teaching the victim how to adjust, the caregiver also learns how he or she will assist the victim during recovery.
Some of the caregiver’s responsibilities include helping the victim in learning new skills, discovering the different independent tasks that the victim can perform, and learning what the caregiver and the rest of the family can do once the victim returns home. Even before the victim returns home, the family must make the important decision of who will be the main caregiver.
What are the causes of SCI?
Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of injury (38.2%), and falls are the second leading cause (32.3%). Other causes of SCI include:
- Sports and recreation accidents
- Acts of violence
- Being hit by falling objects
- Being crushed by objects
- Acts of medical negligence
- Spinal epidural injuries
Certain types of workers may be at greater risk of SCI. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable, but so are restaurant workers who are forced to move quickly on wet surfaces. Manufacturing and warehouse workers may also be at risk.
Who is liable for a spinal cord injury?
Our Lee’s Summit SCI attorneys hold responsible parties accountable for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, the following parties may be liable for a spinal cord injury:
- The driver who caused a collision
- The manufacturer whose product was unsafe
- The employer who did not provide safety equipment or whose worksite was unsafe
- The nursing home staff who did not protect your loved one
- The property owner who failed to warn of dangers
- The medical professional who was negligent during your care
If another person caused your catastrophic injury, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. These damages include your economic losses, like lost wages and medical bills, as well as non-economic losses such as loss of consortium, and pain and suffering. If your loved one dies as a result of his or her injuries, we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Do you have a spinal cord injury lawyer near me?
Our Lee’s Summit office is located at 200 NE Missouri Rd Suite 200. Please call for an appointment. Our law firm also has offices throughout Missouri and Kansas.
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we fight to secure every dollar that you deserve. Victims of spinal cord injuries have the right to compensation for any rehabilitative services, their pain and suffering, and other losses. We understand that spinal cord injuries are permanent, and that you or your loved one’s life is impacted forever because of someone else’s negligence. We work with investigators and experienced medical professionals to examine the full range of medical treatments and devices you’ll need, and just how much your pain is preventing you from living your full life. We demand compensation from the people who caused your spinal cord injury, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.
Speak with a Lee’s Summit spinal cord injury attorney today
Our Lee’s Summit spinal cord injury attorneys are dedicated to strong representation. We understand the tricks and defenses insurance companies and their lawyers use to try to delay, defend, and deny your rights. To discuss your spinal cord injury claim, call Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 816-290-7621 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.