North Miami Beach Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Approximately 8,000 Americans are diagnosed with spinal cord injuries each year. More than 80% of these injuries occur in men between the ages of 16 and 30. Currently, there are more than 450,000 individuals living in the United States living with spinal cord injuries. Regardless of the cause of spinal cord injuries, they are often devastating and come with substantial costs. You need not fight to recoup for your losses alone because a North Miami Beach spinal cord injury lawyer can help you hold those responsible for your injuries financially accountable.
The knowledgeable attorneys at Gerson & Schwartz, PA have the experience necessary to fight for the compensation that you deserve. You can contact us today by calling (305) 371-6000 to schedule your free case evaluation.
What Constitutes a Spinal Cord Injury?Spinal cord injuries are generally serious and complicated to treat. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves located in the backbone. The spinal cord relays messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
If the spinal cord is damaged, an accident victim can experience either partial or total loss of motor control or sensation. Paraplegia refers to a condition involving the loss of sensation in a person's torso and legs, while quadriplegia refers to paralysis involving both a person's arms and legs. Spinal cord injuries often leave victims facing large medical bills, as well as cost associated with home modifications and long-term daily care.
There are many different ways to injure your spinal cord. The following are some of the categories into which your spinal injury may fall:
- Cervical spinal cord injury C-1 to C8. Injuries to this part of the spinal cord are viewed as some of the most deadly. Damage to this area can cause paralysis to the torso, arms, legs, and impact a person's ability to breathe on his or her own.
- Lumbar spinal cord injury L-1 to L-5. This area consists of the larger bones in the lower back that support the weight of a person's torso. Injuries to this area can result in the loss of motor control of the bowels, hip, and legs.
- Thoracic spinal cord injury T-1 to T-12. These injuries extend from the base of a person's neck to the abdomen. Injuries to this area often impact a person's legs, but can also cause loss of bladder control and sexual function.
- Sacral spinal cord injury S-1 to S-5. Located closer to the end of the spinal column, this area is made up of five vertebrae that are situated directly above the tailbone. Damage to this area may disrupt the nerves that control the bladder, bowel, and sex organs.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a debilitating spinal cord injury, a spinal cord injury lawyer in North Miami Beach, Florida can help. We will perform an initial review of your case and help you determine what legal options are available to pursue the compensation you deserve.
How do Spinal Cord Injuries Typically Occur?People who negligently cause accidents are liable for any resulting injuries. Some of the most common types of accidents known to cause spinal cord injuries include the following:
- Household accidents. When spinal cord injuries are the result of household accidents like slips and falls, the owner of the property can be held responsible for compensating the victim for the resulting damages. Homeowners in Florida have a duty of care to guests that they invite onto their property. This duty also requires homeowners to warn guests of any known and hidden dangers that could cause injuries.
- Medical malpractice. When doctors fail to provide adequate care, victims can end up with spinal cord injuries. Medical professionals owe patients a standard of care to act as reasonably prudent as a medical professional with similar training and experience would. Medical professionals who fail to meet this standard can be held liable for patient injuries. While any personal injury claim can be difficult to pursue an injury attorney in North Miami Beach that handles spinal cord injuries can help you seek the justice you deserve.
- Slip and fall accidents. Besides homeowners, the owners of other properties can be held liable for damages when spinal cord injuries occur at businesses or in public places. Store owners have a higher duty of care than homeowners because they invite people onto their premises for the purpose of doing business. As a result, the owners of stores and public places have a duty to inspect the premises and make them safe for the public. For example, if you have been injured at the Arena Shops, Aventura Mall, the Mall at 1623rd, or the 123rd Shopping Center, we can help you hold the responsible property owner accountable.
- Car accidents. Drivers who negligently cause collisions or other types of accidents that injure other motorists are legally obligated to compensate victims for the resulting damage.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a spinal cord injury, our attorneys know how serious it is that you receive the compensation you are owed. At Gerson & Schwartz, PA, our attorneys will review your case during your free evaluation and help you determine what legal strategy is best. Do not hesitate to contact our law office today at (305) 371-6000 or toll free at (877) 475-2905 to schedule your free evaluation.