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Lebanon Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) often lead to long-term or permanent disabilities. The injuries can significantly impact your quality of life, preventing you from doing the activities you enjoy or even handling personal care and household chores without assistance.

When a person’s reckless actions caused you to sustain debilitating injuries and other losses, you can pursue monetary damages from the responsible party with help from a skilled catastrophic injury attorney. Contact a Lebanon spinal cord injury lawyer at A.W. Smith Law Firm for help with your case.

Common Accidents Leading to Lawsuits

Some of the common accidents leading to personal injury lawsuits include the following:

  • Car crashes are the most significant cause of catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage leading to disabilities
  • Falling from heights or slipping on hazardous or defective walkways
  • Surgical mistakes and other cases of medical malpractice
  • Physical assault and other acts of violence, such as gunshot stab wounds or strangulation
  • Motorcycle accidents, particularly when the sudden forceful jolt ejects the operator from the bike
  • Defective and hazardous products, such as car parts, can lead to severe and life-altering injuries

While not all SCIs are catastrophic or permanent, there is currently no medical cure, and even if they heal on their own, this often takes time, plenty of rest, and lots of patience. However, medical researchers and scientists are always searching for technological advancements.

Consequences of SCIs

The consequences of SCIs depend on the severity of damage the organ sustains, such as whether it is damaged or completely severed, and the location of the injury. Paralysis is a primary concern for SCI patients and can range from partial or complete loss of function and movement ability in the affected area. Paralysis may occur in the arms, legs, face, and trunk.

The trauma damages the organ’s nerve fibers, which carry signals between the brain and body. The paralysis affects body parts below the site of spinal cord damage. Loss of sensation is another symptom, causing numbness and partial or complete loss of feeling, affecting body temperature regulation and pain perception in affected limbs. Many people with SCI have lifelong, debilitating, chronic pain.

Secondary Health Conditions

Sadly, SCI patients commonly suffer from the direct symptoms caused by the injury and secondary health conditions, including:

  • Breathing and respiratory issues
  • Inability to control their bladder and bowel
  • Skin damage and infections from pressure ulcers are typical for those with limited mobility
  • Blood clots from lack of movement and circulation
  • Autonomic dysreflexia, an uncommon but dangerous condition causing blood pressure to rise suddenly and without reason
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Sepsis and other infections
  • Contractures, which is muscle rigidity that reduces joint movement ability

Depression and other mental health issues are common for patients after sustaining an SCI, leading to paralysis. Recognizing the symptoms when they appear and promptly seeking treatment from a healthcare professional is essential. Our Lebanon spinal cord injury attorneys at A.W. Smith Law Firm understand your challenges, could help you through the legal process, and could provide available treatment and support services options.

Deadline for Seeking Monetary Damages

Knowledge of state personal injury laws, such as the civil statute of limitations deadline, is vital to obtaining compensation successfully. Under the rules stated in Revised Statutes of Missouri § 516.120, the injured person has five years from the accident date, leading to a SCI to petition the court and commence legal action.

If they were minor when the event occurred, they have five years from the day they turn 18. Our spinal cord injury lawyer in Lebanon could review the applicable rules and statutes during the consultation and answer your specific questions.

Schedule to Meet with a Skilled Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Lebanon

A sudden and sudden accident leaving you with catastrophic injuries is among some of the most challenging times people ever face. You do not have to handle it alone. A settlement could help with finances significantly, and available support services can help guide you through resources.

While there is no cure currently, new and improved technology is entering the market regularly to improve mobility, overall health and well-being, and quality of life. Speak with a compassionate Lebanon spinal cord injury lawyer at The AW Smith Law Firm to learn more and schedule a consultation.