Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are some of the most severe injuries a person can experience. They can lead to a lifetime of impairment and medical treatment. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, you should work with the team at Sweet James to pursue financial compensation.
Our spinal cord injury lawyers in Phoenix have over 25 years of experience helping injury victims. We understand the long-term impacts of spine injuries and can work to seek money for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
Contact us today to request a free consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Arizona.
Reasons to Work With Our Spine Injury Lawyers
Spinal cord injury claims are difficult to navigate because of the long-term costs associated with an SCI. Victims may experience losses in their lifetime earning potential and atypical expenses, like vehicle and home modifications. Insurance companies are sure to scrutinize these types of claims heavily.
Our spinal cord injury lawyers have experience working with spine injury victims and understand the stakes at play in these types of cases. We can advocate on your behalf and push back against insurer attempts to downplay your condition or question the veracity of your injuries.
We have more than 400 legal professionals under our employ and have data from thousands of personal injury cases to fine-tune your claim. Our law firm won’t rest until we’ve exhausted every avenue toward a successful resolution.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be divided into two main types: complete and incomplete. Complete injuries leave no feeling or mobility below the injury site, while incomplete injuries leave partial feeling and functionality.
Spinal injuries can also be divided based on the location of the damage:
- Cervical spine injuries are localized in the upper spine, near the neck and base of the skull. They may affect movement and sensation in a patient’s arms and legs.
- Thoracic spine injuries are injuries to the middle of the back that can affect motor function from the chest down.
- Lumbar spine injuries are in the lower back that may affect control of the legs and can cause loss of bladder and bowel control.
Regardless of the type of injury you have, you need to see a doctor. Getting medical attention creates a paper trail of medical records you’ll need to submit as evidence in your claim.
Common Causes of Spine Injuries
Most SCIs are the result of traumatic events. Sufficient force to the spine causes damage to the spinal cord, leading to accompanying symptoms. Some of the most common causes we see in our practice include:
- Vehicle accidents. Car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, and other motor vehicle accidents commonly cause spine injuries due to the high forces involved.
- Slip and falls. Even a fall from a small distance can cause herniated discs and vertebral fractures, leading to spinal cord contusions.
- Medical malpractice. Surgical mistakes, prescription errors, or a failure to diagnose can lead to spinal cord injuries.
- Workplace accidents. Workers in heavy industries like construction, forestry, manufacturing, and transportation are at a higher risk of traumatic spine injuries.
- Recreational accidents. A significant portion of spinal cord injuries come from recreational activities, like sports injuries.
- Intentional actions. Injuries from intentional violence, like gunshot wounds or stab wounds, can cause severe spinal cord damage.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
A spinal cord injury lawyer from our firm can pursue compensation for the following types of economic and non-economic damages:
- Emergency medical costs and future necessary medical expenses
- Lost wages and other forms of employment income (e.g., bonuses, tips, commissions, etc.)
- Lost earning capacity due to permanent disability
- Cost of in-home care and replacement household services (e.g., housekeeping)
- Medical devices and mobility assistive devices
- Miscellaneous injury-related expenses
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Mental anguish from loss of life enjoyment
What Is My Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?
The value of your specific case depends on many factors, making each case unique. The value depends on the severity of your injury, the cost of your past and future medical care, your lost income, and the impact on your quality of life.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Phoenix will consider all these elements to arrive at a comprehensive figure that reflects the true cost of your injury over a lifetime.
Do I Have To Go to Court for My Spine Injury Claim?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, your lawyer may take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you need.
The personal injury attorneys at Sweet James are highly experienced in taking claims to trial and won’t hesitate to use our full resources to support you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
Per Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542, Arizona’s personal injury statute of limitations typically gives you a maximum of two years to file a lawsuit. The two years generally start counting from the day you sustained your injuries or discovered that you had them. If two years pass before you take legal action, you’ll lose your chance to file a lawsuit.
A skilled attorney from Sweet James can pursue your claim efficiently and reduce the chances of payment delays. Waiting to start your case makes it harder to gather evidence, so don’t hesitate to call an attorney today.
Why Should I Hire a Phoenix Spine Injury Lawyer if the Insurance Company Already Made an Offer?
Insurance companies often make a quick, low settlement offer to close a case before the full extent of your injuries and long-term needs are known. An initial offer is almost always far less than what your claim is actually worth.
Our Phoenix spine injury lawyers understand how to calculate the true value of your case and will fight to secure a settlement that covers your lifelong needs, not just your immediate bills.
Contact a Phoenix Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer from Sweet James
After a spinal cord injury, you may be struggling to make ends meet and earn a living. We believe injury victims deserve a chance to recover their losses so they can rebuild their lives. The team at Sweet James will be your legal advocate and work to secure the long-term care and financial compensation you need.
Contact our offices online or call today to speak to a spinal cord injury lawyer in Phoenix. We offer free initial consultations.
