Des Moines Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Fighting For Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Iowa

At Hope Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact a spinal cord injury can have on your life. These injuries are often life-changing, leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else's negligence, our experienced Des Moines spinal cord injury lawyers are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. We are committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and your future is secure.

Call (515) 298-5056 or complete our online contact form today to schedule a free case evaluation with our spinal cord injury lawyer in Des Moines.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or sensation. The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system, acting as a conduit for messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is injured, these messages can be disrupted or completely blocked, leading to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other serious complications.

Spinal cord injuries are classified into two main categories: complete and incomplete. A complete injury results in a total loss of function below the level of the injury, meaning no sensation or voluntary movement is possible. An incomplete injury means that some function remains below the level of the injury, which could include varying degrees of sensation or movement.

What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury

These steps may include:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Prompt medical care is crucial. Spinal cord injuries can worsen without proper treatment. Whether or not symptoms appear immediately, seeing a doctor ensures your condition is properly diagnosed and documented.
• Follow all medical advice: Complying with your healthcare provider’s recommendations helps establish a clear record of your condition and demonstrates your commitment to recovery. Insurance companies may use gaps in treatment to minimize your claim.
• Preserve evidence: If possible, collect evidence at the scene. This may include photos of the accident, contact information for witnesses, and written accounts of what happened. If you could not gather evidence due to the seriousness of your injury, a lawyer can help investigate on your behalf.
• Avoid speaking with insurers: Insurance companies may contact you soon after the incident, often with a settlement offer. Speaking with a lawyer before discussing the case or signing anything is in your best interest. Early settlement offers are usually far below the full value of your claim.
• Contact a Des Moines spinal cord injury lawyer: Getting legal counsel early on is essential. We can help protect your rights, collect the necessary documentation, and begin building a strong case for compensation.

Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are categorized based on the location of the injury along the spine and the severity of the damage. The types of spinal cord injuries include:

• Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries occur in the neck area and are the most severe, often resulting in complete paralysis below the injury site (quadriplegia or tetraplegia). Individuals with cervical SCI may lose the ability to move their arms and legs and may also experience difficulty breathing without assistance.
• Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries affect the upper and mid-back area. While they may cause paralysis of the legs (paraplegia), individuals often retain full use of their arms and hands. Thoracic injuries can impact the muscles of the trunk, affecting balance and posture.
• Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries: Occurring in the lower back, lumbar injuries typically result in some degree of paraplegia. While individuals may lose function in the legs and lower body, upper body movement is generally unaffected.
• Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries occur in the sacral region, just above the tailbone. They can result in loss of function in the hips, legs, and lower body, but the individual may retain some degree of movement and sensation.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result from various types of trauma, and understanding the cause is crucial for pursuing a personal injury claim. Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. The force of a collision can result in significant trauma to the spinal column, leading to severe injuries.
• Falls: Falls, particularly from heights or on slippery surfaces, are a major cause of spinal cord injuries. Elderly individuals and workers in hazardous environments are especially vulnerable to fall-related SCIs.
• Sports and Recreational Activities: High-impact sports, such as football, rugby, and diving, pose a risk for spinal cord injuries, particularly when proper safety precautions are not taken.
• Acts of Violence: Spinal cord injuries can also result from violent acts, such as gunshot or knife wounds that penetrate the spinal column.
• Medical Malpractice: In some cases, spinal cord injuries occur due to medical negligence, such as surgical errors or mismanagement of spinal conditions.

Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries

Treatment for spinal cord injuries is often complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The immediate focus is on stabilizing the patient and preventing further injury. This may involve surgery to remove bone fragments, herniated discs, or other items compressing the spine, as well as immobilization techniques to prevent movement.

Once stabilized, long-term treatment typically includes:

• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery for spinal cord injury patients. It often involves physical therapy to maintain and strengthen remaining muscle function, occupational therapy to help with daily activities, and counseling to address emotional and psychological challenges.
• Medication: Medications may be prescribed to manage pain, muscle spasticity, and other complications associated with spinal cord injuries.
• Assistive Devices: Depending on the severity of the injury, patients may require assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, or other mobility aids.
• Home Modifications: Patients with significant mobility impairments may need modifications to their homes, such as ramps, wider doorways, and specialized equipment to improve accessibility.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

Damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical expenses such as emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications. Many spinal cord injury victims demand lifelong care, making future medical costs a critical component of compensation.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury has forced you to miss work or prevents you from returning to your previous profession, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. If your earning capacity is permanently diminished, you may also be compensated for the loss of future income.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional trauma associated with a spinal cord injury can be immense. Damages for pain and suffering seek to compensate you for the non-economic impact on your quality of life.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Spinal cord injuries could limit your ability to participate in the activities and hobbies you once enjoyed. Compensation may be available to reflect this loss of life satisfaction.
• Loss of Consortium: Spouses of spinal cord injury victims may suffer a loss of companionship, affection, and support. These damages are intended to acknowledge how an injury can affect a marital relationship.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing, punitive damages could be granted. These damages are meant to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

The Legal Process of Filing a Spinal Cord Injury Claim

Filing a spinal cord injury claim involves several critical steps, and having an experienced Des Moines spinal cord injury lawyer by your side is essential. At Hope Law Firm, we guide our clients through every stage of the legal process, including:

1. Case Evaluation: We start by evaluating the circumstances of your injury to determine the viability of your claim. This involves reviewing medical records, accident reports, and any other relevant documentation.
2. Investigation: Our team conducts a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties, whether it's a negligent driver, property owner, manufacturer, or another entity.
3. Negotiation: We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to seek a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
4. Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Des Moines Today

Choosing the right lawyer to represent you in a spinal cord injury claim is crucial. At Hope Law Firm, we have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in complex personal injury cases. Our compassionate approach ensures that we take the time to understand your unique needs and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Des Moines, don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team. Contact Hope Law Firm today for a free consultation with our experienced Des Moines spinal cord injury lawyer.