Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Alabama

Spinal cord injuries (or SCIs) are among the most devastating of injuries, often leaving patients with severe mobility limitations and in need of intensive medical care. The initial costs of an SCI are estimated to be in the six to seven figures, with subsequent annual costs of between $40,000 and $100,000, depending on the extent of damage. That’s to say nothing of the psychological and emotional burden of living with an SCI. No one should have to bear these costs alone — especially not when someone else is responsible for causing their injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Alabama and believe someone else is to blame, Collins Law wants to hear from you. Led by Attorney April H. Collins, our law firm is committed to empowering injured Alabamans to get the money they need to live their fullest lives possible.

Let Attorney Collins, a reputable Alabama spinal cord injury lawyer, represent you with the integrity, honesty, and compassion you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Alabama Spinal Cord Injury Attorney?

If you or someone you love has recently suffered a spinal cord injury, the last thing on your mind right now should be pursuing a legal claim. Unfortunately, this might be the only way to get the financial security you need and deserve for what you’ve suffered. How can you assert your rights when just getting through the day is challenging enough? The answer is to call Collins Law right away.

Our spinal cord injury law firm understands what you’re going through and wants to get you the money you need for your care. We’ll go about this by:

• Working hard to reduce your accident-related medical bills after your case is resolved — a service that is rare in the legal industry but one we believe is critical to your recovery
• Investigating the incident thoroughly to determine everyone who could be liable for your spinal cord injury
• Calculating the lifetime costs of your SCI in both financial and personal terms so that we pursue maximum compensation on your behalf
• Filing your claims with relevant insurance policies and communicating with adjusters on your behalf
• Preparing your case for trial to strengthen our bargaining position during negotiations
• Negotiating with at-fault parties and insurers in pursuit of a fair settlement
• Going to court if it is the best way to get you the full amount you’re owed
• Never charging any fees unless we win your case — and never taking home any more than you do

We know how important the outcome of your case is to you, which is why it’s so important to us, too. Contact Collins Law today for a free consultation, and let an Alabama spinal cord injury attorney from our firm give you help you need during this challenging time

What Compensation Can You Pursue for a Spinal Cord Injury?

The financial and personal costs of a spinal cord injury are considerable. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury for which someone else is to blame, they should have to cover these costs for you.

Your spine injury compensation could include money for your:

• Past and future medical treatment, including hospitalizations, surgeries, physical and occupational therapy, and specialized care
• Lost income and diminished earning potential for the ways your SCI affects your career
• Diminished quality of life, for the way your SCI impacts your ability to care for yourself and take part in favorite activities and hobbies
• Loss of consortium, for the effects the SCI has on your ability to provide love, care, affection, and support for your spouse

What Is the Average Settlement for a Back Injury from a Car Accident?

There is no generally accepted average settlement for a car accident back injury. For one, there are too many variables for an average to be instructive. The cost of repairing and rehabbing a herniated disk is far different from the costs of treating a severed spinal column. In addition, settlements are not generally matters of public record, making it difficult to compile even a misleading statistic from them.

That said, the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham estimates that the lifetime expenses of an SCI that affects motor function are between $1.4 and $6.1 million. Any spine injury claim should take these long-term consequences into account.

If you have questions about how much your settlement might be worth, it’s best to ask an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer in Alabama, like Attorney Collins.

How Long Do You Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Alabama?

In general, Alabama’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims gives you two years from the date of injury to file your spine injury lawsuit. While there are exceptions to this rule, if you attempt to file outside the deadline that applies to your case, the court will likely dismiss your suit as untimely filed. Don’t lose your right to seek fair compensation for your injuries. Instead, contact an experienced spinal injury lawyer to start work on your claim right away.

What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

According to the NSCISC, the leading causes of traumatic spinal cord injuries (tSCIs) are as follows:

• Motor vehicle accidents, which account for 37.5 percent of tSCIs
• Falls, which account for 31.7 percent of tSCIs
• Acts of violence, which account for 15.4 percent of tSCIs
• Sports accidents, which account for 8 percent of tSCIs
• Medical or surgical mistakes, which account for 3.7 percent of tSCIs

A further 3.8 percent of tSCIs were classified as “other.”

What Are the Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries affect the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body via the spinal cord, the bundle of nerves that runs along the spine from the base of the brain to the pelvis. As such, medical professionals separate them into two general types:

• Incomplete SCIs, in which some signals are still able to pass along the spinal cord
• Complete SCIs, in which there is no nerve communication beneath the site of injury

In addition to these general types, SCIs are classified by the level of injury on the spine as follows:

• Cervical injuries, affecting the seven vertebrae in the neck
• Thoracic injuries, affecting the 12 vertebrae located in the upper back
• Lumbar injuries, affecting the five vertebrae of the lower back
• Sacral injuries, affecting the five fused vertebrae of the sacrum
• Coccyx injuries, affecting the four vertebrae that form the tailbone

An injury in the mid-thoracic region or below may result in paraplegia, a loss of movement and sensation in the trunk or legs, depending on the site of injury. An injury in the upper thoracic region or higher may result in tetraplegia or quadriplegia, a loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the most common symptoms of a spine injury are:

What Are Treatment Options for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Treatment for spinal cord injuries primarily focuses on preventing further injury and enabling patients to return to an active and productive life within the scope of their capabilities. Immediately after the injury, emergency interventions will involve stabilizing the spine to prevent shock and additional damage. Treating physicians may also explore surgical options to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, remove fragments, or stabilize the spine.

Long-term treatment involves a combination of rehabilitation therapies, which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling to help the patient make psychological adjustments. Technological aids such as wheelchairs and computer adaptations can assist with mobility and daily activities. Furthermore, research scientists are continuing to explore treatments like stem cell therapy and neuroprotection drugs. This cutting-edge technology holds promise for future advancements in spinal cord injury recovery.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?

The long-term effects of a spinal cord injury can vary considerably depending on the severity and location of the injury. That said, even relatively minor SCIs can cause profound changes in a patient’s physical functioning and quality of life.

Common physical challenges include partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and difficulties with bladder and bowel control. Many individuals may also experience chronic pain and an increased susceptibility to respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Beyond physical effects, spinal cord injuries can have a serious effect on a patient’s mental well-being, potentially causing depression and anxiety. Social and occupational challenges are also common, as individuals may struggle to return to work or take part in social activities they once enjoyed. Long-term care may involve adapting living environments for accessibility, ongoing rehabilitation, and support from a range of healthcare professionals.

Contact an Alabama Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today

Have you or a loved one suffered a head injury, neck injury, or spine injury in Alabama? If so, don’t attempt to handle your spine injury case yourself. Instead, trust Attorney Collins and the rest of the team at Collins Law to pursue compensation and justice on your behalf.

Let us empower you to get the money you need to move forward with your life. Contact us today to speak with a back injury lawyer in Alabama.