Oklahoma City Spine Injury Attorney
Fighting For Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Oklahoma
At Calvert Law Firm, our Oklahoma City spinal cord injury lawyer has a proven track record of helping individuals who have suffered serious trauma due to the negligence of others. Our team will fight for you and your rights as you recover from your injuries.
To schedule a case evaluation, call (405) 444-8090 or contact us online today to get started with our spinal cord injury lawyer in Oklahoma City.
What Is a Spine Injury?
The spine is the main column of bones that connects your skull, ribs, and pelvis. The spine is made up of multiple bones called vertebrae, which are separated by discs and other connective tissues. The spinal cord runs through the center of the vertebrae, connecting the brain to the rest of the body.
Spinal cord injuries can occur when the spine is injured. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, weakness, and loss of sensation.
Common Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
Recognizing the symptoms early can greatly impact the prognosis and the extent of recovery. Common symptoms include:
- Paralysis: Paralysis is one of the most severe consequences of a spinal cord injury, which can be either partial or complete.
- Chronic Pain: Individuals may experience chronic pain, which can be neuropathic (originating from nerve damage) or musculoskeletal (arising from overuse or injury to the muscles and joints).
- Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control: Injuries to the spinal cord can disrupt the signs between the brain and the bladder and bowel, leading to incontinence or difficulty with bowel movements.
- Respiratory Issues: Higher spinal cord injuries, particularly those affecting the cervical spine, can impair respiratory function, sometimes necessitating mechanical ventilation.
- Spasms and Spasticity: Many individuals with spinal cord injuries experience muscle spasms and increased muscle tone, known as spasticity, which can be painful and limit mobility.
Common Types of Spine Injuries
There are many ways that the spine can be injured, affecting different areas of the spinal cord and causing different symptoms:
- Traumatic brain injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
- Spinal cord contusion is a bruise of the spinal cord. It can cause temporary or permanent loss of function.
- A spinal cord compression occurs when the spinal cord is squeezed between the vertebrae or against a bone or ligament.
- A spinal cord dislocation occurs when the spinal cord is pulled away from the vertebrae.
- A spinal cord avulsion occurs when a part of the spinal cord is pulled away from the spine.
- A spinal cord lesion occurs when the spinal cord is damaged.
In addition to traumatic injuries, spinal cord injuries can also be caused by medical malpractice, pharmaceutical side effects, and defective products. The cause of your spinal cord injury does not matter; you may still have a valid claim for compensation.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
Potential damages that could be recovered could include:
- Medical Expenses: Medical costs associated with spinal cord injuries can be exorbitant. Recoverable expenses may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Medication and medical equipment
- Long-term care or assisted living facilities
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Many spinal cord injury victims are incapable to return to work for an extended period or may never work again.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for pain and suffering address the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Home Modifications and Assistive Devices: Individuals with spinal cord injuries often need to make significant modifications to their homes and acquire specialized equipment to maintain their quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: Spinal cord injuries affect not only the victims but also their families. Spouses may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium, which covers the loss of companionship, adoration, and marital relations.
- Punitive Damages: In instances where the injury resulted from particularly egregious or reckless behavior, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
When you have been injured due to another person or company's negligence, you may be able to file a claim for personal injury. An experienced Oklahoma City spinal cord injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and the legal process.
You may be able to file a claim if you were injured due to:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog bites
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Defective medical devices
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to file a claim for general damages, pain and suffering, loss of support, loss of consortium, or loss of affection. Our spinal cord injury lawyer can help you determine which damages are applicable in your case.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Claim?
There is a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Oklahoma. The time limit for filing a claim for a spinal cord injury in Oklahoma typically is 2 years. Our Oklahoma City spinal cord injury lawyer can help you understand your options and the deadlines for filing a claim.
-
About Our FirmWe're here to help you recover full and fair financial compensation. -
What Our Clients SayOur clients share their stories about what happened and how we helped. -
Get Started TodayThe sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start your case.