Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Serving Las Vegas & Nevada

It is important to consult a spinal cord injury lawyer if you suffered a serious neck or back injury through no fault of your own. Spinal cord injuries can lead to significant disability—up to and including paralysis. A knowledgeable attorney can help you pursue fair compensation for your losses.

Burg Simpson has extensive experience, resources, and a history of success representing the victims of catastrophic injury. We understand the complexities of spinal cord injuries and what it takes to represent you effectively.

Call Burg Simpson at 702-668-2070 today for a FREE and confidential case evaluation. Our Las Vegas spinal cord injury lawyers serve clients throughout Nevada and nationwide.

How Much Can You Get for a Spinal Injury?

The financial ramifications of a spinal cord injury can be immense. According to a study published in the Global Spine Journal, the cost of medical care alone can total more than $1.15 million for the first year and over $250,000 annually for each subsequent year.

Of course, these numbers vary widely from case to case. Factors such as the location of the spinal injury, the severity of the trauma, and the required medical treatments can all affect the cost of a spinal cord injury. Additional considerations include the victim’s ability to work and take care of themselves.

Every spinal cord injury claim is unique. Accordingly, an attorney will identify all of the damages specific to your case. These may include:

Your current medical expenses, including the cost of emergency room treatment, surgery, etc.
Hospitalization, rehabilitation, and therapy
Assistive devices
Modifications to your home and/or vehicle
Home-based medical care and household services
Lost wages
Future medical expenses
Loss of future income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Disability
Inconvenience
Loss of the enjoyment of life

You only have one opportunity to obtain compensation for a spinal injury. It is crucial to account for all current and future losses and pursue all available legal remedies. A spinal cord injury lawyer can prepare a strong claim on your behalf and aggressively seek the maximum compensation you deserve.

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How Serious Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

There are two important factors to consider when evaluating the seriousness of a spinal cord injury. The first is the degree of damage to the spinal cord:

An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is only partially damaged. Victims may maintain some mobility and sensation below the site of the injury.
A complete spinal cord injury, meanwhile, leads to permanent and irreversible damage. Mobility and sensation are lost below the injury site.

Another important consideration is the location of the damage to the spinal cord. The spine is divided into four different sections:

The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1–C7) in the neck.
The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae (T1–T12) in the back.
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae (L1–L5) in the lower back.
The sacral spine is made up of five vertebrae (S1–S5) at the bottom of the spinal column.

Damage to any level of the spinal cord can permanently alter one’s life. However, injuries to the cervical spine are considered especially serious.

In addition to tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia, or paralysis of the body from the neck down), cervical spinal injuries may result in respiratory complications and disruption of the body’s autonomic functions (such as blood pressure, temperature regulation, and bladder and bowel control). People with high spinal cord injuries generally require 24-hour care.

Spinal cord injury lawyers will review your medical records, work with your doctors, and hire expert witnesses to understand the severity of your spinal cord injury. This understanding is crucial for making an effective personal injury claim.

What Are the Causes of a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury has many potential causes. To seek compensation for the injury, you will need to prove that the negligence of another caused the incident that led to your injury.

Burg Simpson has extensive experience advocating for those who suffer spinal cord injuries as a result of the following:

The cause of the accident has a significant impact on the legal remedies available to you. Our spinal cord injury attorneys will investigate promptly to determine what happened and who is at fault, then strive to hold all parties accountable.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

If you suffer an injury to the head, neck, or back, you should seek medical attention immediately. Spinal cord injuries are not always apparent right away, so it is important to get a full diagnosis before complications may arise.

Early warning signs of a spinal cord injury after a traumatic incident (such as an auto accident, a fall, etc.) may include:

Pain in the injured area (i.e., the head, neck, and/or back)
Difficulty walking
Numbness or tingling sensation in the extremities
Breathing problems
Loss of bowel or bladder control

People who suffer a spinal cord injury may experience a wide range of symptoms. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, these may include:

Loss of sensation, including a decreased ability to feel touch, temperature, pain, or pressure
Paralysis of the lower body (paraplegia) or upper body (quadriplegia/tetraplegia)
Muscle weakness
Sexual dysfunction
Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
Alterations in reflexes
Pain in and around the spine
Muscle spasms
Incontinence of the bladder or bowels
Trouble breathing, speaking, and/or clearing obstructions from the airway
Changes in blood pressure and heart rate

In the United States, 18,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year. And yet, no two spinal injury cases are exactly alike. Doctors and other medical professionals will work with you closely to develop a personalized care plan based on your specific needs.

What Are the Treatments for a Spinal Cord Injury?

The goal of spinal cord injury treatment is to help patients regain function and adapt to their change in circumstances. Once the injury is stable, potential treatments may include:

Immobilization (also known as traction)
Surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, remove bone fragments, fuse damaged vertebrae, and more
Medication to manage inflammation
Physical, occupational, and vocational therapy
Assistive devices (such as a wheelchair, orthotic, crutches, etc.)
Functional electrical stimulation
Psychological counseling and therapy
Electronic and computer aids
Clinical trials and experimental treatments

Spinal cord injury treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other specialists. These individuals can help with multiple aspects of your recovery, from promoting functional improvements to providing supportive care.

Can You Fully Recover from a Spinal Cord Injury?

With the right therapy and treatments, people with incomplete spinal cord injuries may be able to recover some mobility and function. But, according to the Shepherd Center, “only a small fraction of individuals sustaining a spinal cord injury recover all function.”

Unfortunately, recovery from a complete spinal cord injury is not possible. There is no “cure” for damage to the spinal cord, which means the limitations faced after a complete injury are permanent.

Recovery from a spinal cord injury is physically and emotionally daunting. It is also extremely expensive. While it is important to focus on your rehabilitation, you should not lose sight of your ability to make a claim for compensation against the party or parties responsible for your injuries. Speak to a spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible.

How Do I Prove a Spinal Cord Injury?

Compelling medical evidence is required to establish the full extent of a spinal cord injury. Doctors may order X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other imaging to assess the damage. In addition, all medical treatments you undergo must be thoroughly documented (including surgeries, medications, physical therapy regimens, etc.).

Medical records and reports are often supported by opinions from experts in spinal cord injuries. Burg Simpson has relationships with leading experts in a number of different fields who can provide detailed insights into the injury, its impact on your life, and the prognosis for recovery.

Additional evidence that can be used to support a spinal cord injury claim includes:

Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
Video footage that captured the accident (if available)
Eyewitness testimony
Official accident reports
Bills, receipts, and other documentation of damages

Proof of negligence is required to recover compensation for a spinal cord injury. The evidence above can help demonstrate that the injury was caused by another party’s negligence, as well as the resulting losses you have sustained.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date the plaintiff was injured. This is not a lot of time. If you suspect that someone is responsible for an accident in which you suffered a spinal cord injury, you should not wait to begin exploring your legal rights and options.

Generally speaking, personal injury claims are resolved via out-of-court settlement. It is not always necessary to file a lawsuit. However, spinal cord injury claims can be complicated due to the complexity of the injury, the amount of damages sought, and potential disputes concerning liability for the accident.

Hiring an experienced trial lawyer ensures that you have a capable advocate who can file suit and represent you in the courtroom as needed. Burg Simpson has a number of award-winning trial attorneys on staff who have received national recognition for their service to plaintiffs in complex personal injury cases.

How Our Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Can Help

Burg Simpson was founded in 1976. For more than 45 years, we have been helping people throughout the country recover the full compensation they deserve for serious injuries stemming from negligence.

With offices in multiple states, we are capable of representing clients nationwide. Each office is led by attorneys with an in-depth knowledge of the legal landscape in the state and local community. For example, our Las Vegas office is led by Jack F. DeGree, an elite litigator who has been recognized by multiple legal organizations in Nevada.

Key ways our spinal cord injury attorneys can help with your case include:

Legal Counsel and Guidance: A spinal cord injury lawyer has in-depth knowledge of personal injury law, including the specific laws and regulations relevant to spinal cord injuries in your jurisdiction. We can provide you with qualified advice on your legal rights, options, and potential courses of action.
Case Evaluation: Your initial consultation is FREE and 100% confidential. The purpose of the initial meeting is for us to determine whether you have a case based on the circumstances of the injury, the extent of the damages, and the potential liability of parties involved. It is also your opportunity to get to know the people at our firm and how we can help you.
Investigation: Our spinal cord injury lawyers often work with investigative teams to gather evidence, interview witnesses, review medical records, and reconstruct the accident scene. This comprehensive investigation is crucial for building a strong case.
Legal Strategy Development: Based on the evidence, your spinal cord injury lawyer can develop a strategic approach tailored to your specific situation. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve negotiation, mediation, and/or litigation.
Insurance Negotiations: Most incidents that lead to spinal cord injuries are covered by some form of insurance. Our lawyers can navigate the complex process of dealing with insurance companies on your behalf, advocating for a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other losses.
Maximizing Compensation: In addition to compensation for your current expenses, our spinal cord injury lawyers will work to ensure you receive recompense for future medical costs, ongoing care, and other long-term effects. A settlement may cover these losses, or it may be necessary to file a lawsuit and (ultimately) go to trial.
Expert Testimony: Our attorneys often call upon medical specialists and other experts to provide testimony that supports your case. Expert testimony can aid us in establishing liability and proving your right to damages.
Assessing Settlement Offers: If the other side offers to settle the case, we work with you to determine if the settlement is fair and meets your current and future needs. Our experience representing seriously injured people enables us to offer sound advice concerning whether the offered amount compensates you fairly and fully.
Representation at Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a spinal cord injury lawyer can represent you in court. We will present your case, call witnesses, cross-examine opposing witnesses, and argue on your behalf to seek a favorable judgment.
Compassionate Support: Dealing with a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming, both emotionally and physically. Our team can provide not only legal support but also emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process.

Do not try to handle the aftermath of a spinal cord injury on your own. Our lawyers have the skills and experience to fight for the best outcome in your case. We can navigate the legal complexities on your behalf, protect your rights, and work to secure the compensation you deserve to support your recovery and future well-being.

Contact a Las Vegas Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today

If you were in an accident and you suffered a neck or back injury, you should be evaluated for trauma to the spinal cord as soon as possible. You may be entitled to substantial compensation if you suffer paralysis and other life-changing effects due to someone else’s negligence.

Learn how a spinal cord injury lawyer in Las Vegas can help. Call 702-668-2070 today for a FREE and confidential case review with Burg Simpson.

Las Vegas Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers