Spinal Injuries

We Help Accident Victims Who Have Suffered Spinal Injuries in All Florida Counties

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that leads to a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. Such injuries affect nearly all facets of a victim’s life, and the lives of the victim’s family. The spinal cord does not have to be severed for a loss of functioning to occur; even a bruise can cause significant damage. A spinal cord injury can alter the way others view you, and even your self-perception. Here at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, our spinal injury attorneys completely grasp the unforeseen and transformative impact a spinal cord injury can have on your future dreams, your everyday life, your expenses, and your financial status. We help spinal injury victims in Florida seek monetary compensation to account for their extensive losses and expenses due to the carelessness of another party.

Brain and spine injuries often lead to very serious and complicated cases, which is why they require experienced lawyers who know how to navigate the courtroom and seek appropriate recovery. Our trial lawyers will strategize, investigate, and pursue a plan to seek maximum compensation and secure your future in the face of uncertainty.

SCIs are often caused by accidents that could have been prevented, such as car crashes, falls, or sports injuries. The purpose of a spinal cord injury claim is to seek to cover the multitude of losses incurred following an SCI due to the reckless or erroneous actions of another party.

Our Florida spinal cord injury attorneys at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers can work to pursue appropriate compensation for the many damages related to a spinal cord injury. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We are prepared to provide invaluable support to guide you through the complex legal processes and fight for the compensation you need.

Key Takeaways on Spinal Injuries in Florida We Address Below

• The impact of a spinal cord injury on a victim’s life and relationships
• Common spinal injuries and accident scenarios leading to SCIs
• The importance of prompt and thorough medical treatment and documentation to your spinal injury claim and your recovery
• Elements of a spinal injury case and the steps to prove your claim
• Types of damages you may be able to seek in a spinal cord injury case
• The statute of limitations for a spinal injury case in Florida (the deadline to file your claim)
• Spinal injury types, symptoms, and life consequences for an injury victim
• How a Florida spinal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation

How a Spinal Cord Injury Can Affect Your Life and Your Relationships

The impact of a spinal cord injury on an individual’s life can be profound and multifaceted, including:

• Physical Impacts: Loss of mobility (paraplegia or quadriplegia/tetraplegia), loss of sensation, and loss of bodily functions (such as bladder and bowel control).
• Health Impacts: Hypertension, harmful effects on blood pressure and heart rate, and potentially deadly conditions can develop in relation to some spinal cord injuries.
• Emotional and Psychological Impacts: Increased risk of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
• Social Impacts: Changes in relationships, social isolation, and challenges with community integration. Despite many efforts to accommodate people with disabilities, victims may be unable to access some locations or events.
• Financial Impacts: High hospital bills, other medical bills, ongoing care costs, loss of income, and the need for modifications to living spaces.

When a spinal cord injury is due to another person’s negligence or carelessness, seeking compensation is critical. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. To ensure your rights are protected, it’s important to work promptly with an experienced attorney who can:

• Investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury.
• Collect and review evidence to establish fault.
• File a claim well before the statute of limitations expires.

The profound impact of a spinal cord injury on an individual’s life cannot be overstated. The scope of your losses and expenses may be accounted for in your damages when you seek compensation through an injury claim. Prompt legal action in cases of negligence is not only a legal right; it’s a crucial step toward securing a semblance of justice and navigating the long road to adjustment and recovery.

Our dedicated team of Florida-based spinal cord injury lawyers is unwavering in their commitment to assist victims of spinal cord injuries and their families in fighting for just and comprehensive compensation. Let’s address your next steps and build your legal strategy during your free consultation.

Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Florida

In Florida, the statute of limitations plays a critical role in spinal cord injury cases, setting a strict deadline for when an injured party can file a lawsuit against those responsible for their injuries. Understanding this timeframe is essential for anyone considering legal action seeking to recover compensation for a spinal cord injury.

In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, starting the legal process as soon as possible is crucial to preserve evidence and strengthen your case. Be aware that Florida personal injury law changed significantly in 2023, reducing the statute of limitations for many types of injury claims.

These deadlines can vary, based on the facts of your case:

• General Personal Injury: For the majority of personal injury cases in Florida, including those who sustain spinal cord injuries due to negligence, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident.
• Medical Malpractice: If the spinal cord injury involves medical malpractice, the injured patient generally has two years from the date the injury was discovered, or should have been discovered with due diligence.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where the spinal cord injury leads to the death of the victim, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death.

The Importance of Acting Quickly in a Spinal Injury Case

By taking prompt action in coordination with a Florida spinal injury attorney, you can benefit your case in a number of ways:

• Evidence Preservation: Gathering evidence promptly is crucial, as it can become more difficult to collect over time. Immediate action helps ensure that relevant information, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, is accurately collected and preserved.
• Legal Strategy Development: Consulting with an attorney early allows for the development of a strong legal strategy tailored to your case’s specifics. An experienced lawyer can navigate the complexities of Florida law to build a compelling case on your behalf.
• Filing Ahead of the Deadline: To avoid losing your right to seek compensation, it’s imperative to file your lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations. An attorney can work with you to ensure that the necessary documents and filings are completed accurately and submitted well before the deadline. Don’t delay.

The complexities of spinal cord injury cases and the strict deadlines imposed by Florida law make it imperative to consult with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible after the injury occurs. An attorney can provide guidance on the legal process, help gather essential evidence, and work to seek the compensation you need. We can identify your next steps during your free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Spinal Injuries in Florida

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in Florida commonly occur due to a variety of causes, affecting individuals in profound ways. Some of the leading causes of these injuries include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: The leading cause of SCIs in Florida, involving collisions between cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, often due to high-speed impacts or rollovers.
• Slip and Fall Incidents: Particularly common among older adults, slip and fall accidents can occur on wet floors, on uneven surfaces, or due to poor lighting, often leading to severe spinal injuries.
• Elevator and Escalator Accidents: Injuries involving escalators or elevators usually occur on commercial property, and they often involve failure to keep proper maintenance standards.
• Workplace Accidents: These incidents often happen in construction, at industrial settings, or in places where physical labor is required. These accidents may involve falls from heights, machinery accidents, or being struck by heavy objects.
• Sports and Recreational Activities: Engaging in high-impact sports or recreational activities without proper safety gear or precautions can lead to traumatic spinal cord injuries.
• Violence: Gunshot wounds and assaults are significant causes of SCIs, particularly in urban areas. Violent attacks contribute to a portion of spinal injury cases each year.
• Defective or Dangerous Products: Product liability cases can involve a variety of circumstances that may lead to spinal cord injury.

Understanding these common causes underscores the importance of safety measures and preventive actions to minimize the risk of spinal cord injuries. Instances in which proper safety measures were not taken may indicate negligence and possible liability. For individuals affected by SCIs due to others’ negligence, it is crucial to seek legal assistance to assess the events surrounding the accident and seek to recover damages through a personal injury claim. We invite you to discuss the unique details of your case during a free consultation.

Thorough Medical Assessment, Treatment, and Documentation Following Spinal Injuries

The importance of a thorough medical assessment, prompt treatment, and meticulous documentation following spinal injuries cannot be overstressed, both for the well-being of the injured individual and the strength of any potential legal case against those parties responsible for the injury.

Prompt and thorough medical treatment promotes your health interests:

• Immediate Assessment: Early and comprehensive medical evaluation is crucial to accurately diagnose the extent of the spinal injury. An initial assessment helps in determining whether the spinal cord injury is complete or incomplete, which significantly influences treatment plans and health improvement.
• Prompt Treatment: Immediate intervention following spinal injuries can prevent further damage and improve recovery prospects. Interventions may include surgical procedures to stabilize the spine or medication to reduce inflammation around the spinal cord.
• Continuous Care: Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation play a critical role in maximizing an individual’s functional recovery. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

Pursuing timely and detailed medical treatment also supports and protects your injury claim:

• Documentation: Thorough documentation of all medical assessments, treatments, and prognoses establishes a clear link between the injury and the accident. This documentation is vital for proving the extent of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.
• Evidence of Damages: Detailed medical records serve as evidence of the injuries sustained and the costs incurred, both immediately following the incident and in the long-term. This includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary modifications to living arrangements.
• Supporting Compensation Claims: Comprehensive medical evidence strengthens the case for compensation by illustrating the severity of the injuries and their consequences. This evidence is crucial when negotiating settlements or presenting the case in court.

Given the complexities involved in spinal injury cases, it’s imperative for individuals to not only seek immediate and ongoing medical care, but also to consult with an experienced attorney. Your lawyer can seek to ensure that all medical treatments and their impacts are thoroughly documented and effectively used to support the legal claim. This dual approach — prioritizing health recovery while pursuing legal representation — provides the right foundation for addressing the challenges posed by spinal injuries.

Proving a Spinal Injury Case in Florida

Proving liability in a spinal cord injury case revolves around establishing negligence. This legal concept is crucial in Florida personal injury claims. Below, we will provide a concise overview of the elements required to prove liability and the steps to follow immediately after sustaining a spinal injury:

Legal Elements Required to Prove Liability

Florida requires you and your attorney to demonstrate the following elements when seeking to prove the liability of a party and recover compensation for injuries and losses:

1. Duty of Care: Show that the defendant had a legal obligation to act with a certain level of care towards the injured party. This is foundational in establishing liability.
2. Breach of Duty: Demonstrate that the defendant failed to meet this obligation by acting negligently or failing to act in a way that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances.
3. Causal Link: Establish a direct connection between the defendant’s breach of duty and the spinal injury suffered by the claimant. This means proving that the injury was directly caused by the defendant’s actions or inaction.
4. Damages: The injured party must have suffered actual damages due to the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Steps to Prove a Spinal Injury Case in Florida

Taking the right steps immediately following a spinal cord injury is critical for building a strong case:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize medical treatment to document the extent of the injuries and their impact on your life. Information on a patient from the emergency department and follow-up treatments can inform future medical care, patient prognosis, and additional services that may be necessary due to the condition. This documentation is vital for proving damages.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible related to the accident, including photographs, witness statements, and any other documentation that can support your claim of negligence.
3. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident. This information will be crucial when calculating monetary damages.
4. Consult a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer: Engage a lawyer experienced in Florida spinal cord injury cases. Our experienced spinal injury attorneys will guide you through the complex legal process, help gather additional evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies or represent you in court, as necessary.
5. File Your Claim Within the Statute of Limitations: In Florida, personal injury claims, including spinal cord injuries, must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Failing to do so can cause you to lose the right to seek compensation.

Knowing and following these steps can help you navigate the legal system more effectively as you and your attorney seek to recover damages.

Types of Compensation You Can Seek in a Florida Spinal Injury Case

In Florida, individuals who have suffered spinal injuries due to the negligence of others can seek compensation through personal injury lawsuits. The types of compensation that may be available in these cases are broadly categorized into economic damages and non-economic damages, each addressing different aspects of the spinal injury victim’s losses and suffering.

Economic Damages in Florida Spinal Cord Injury Claims

Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses due to the injury. These are intended to cover the costs directly associated with the injury and its aftermath. Examples of economic damages you might seek to recover may include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, medical equipment, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to time off work for recovery and treatment. This also covers loss of earning capacity if the injury affects the victim’s ability to work in the future.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses related to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation necessary for recovery and long-term management of conditions caused by the injury.

Non-Economic Damages in Florida Spinal Injury Cases

Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses that are not easily quantified. These address the emotional, psychological, and quality-of-life impacts of the injury. Examples of noneconomic damages can include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical discomfort and emotional distress you have suffered and may continue to suffer due to the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to enjoy hobbies and activities that were part of your life before the injury.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impacts you may suffer, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD stemming from the injury and its consequences.

Florida law acknowledges the profound impact spinal injuries can have on an individual’s life, and it provides mechanisms for victims to seek fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. It’s crucial for those affected to consult with a knowledgeable Florida spinal cord injury lawyer to help them seek the comprehensive compensation they need.

Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms, Types, and Consequences

SCIs can have profound impacts on an individual’s physical capabilities and overall quality of life. The symptoms and consequences of these injuries largely depend on the specific region of the spinal column affected and the nature of the injury itself — whether it is complete or incomplete.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

The degree of injury to an accident victim’s spine can have a significant impact on one’s life and one’s injury claim. Spinal cord injuries are divided into two categories: Complete spinal cord injuries and incomplete spinal cord injuries.

• Complete Spinal Cord Injuries: A total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: Partial damage to the spinal cord, where some function or sensation remains below the injury site.

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms among those who suffer SCIs can vary significantly, but often include:

• Loss of bladder control
• Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia/tetraplegia)
• Loss of sensation in the limbs
• Reduction or absence of some reflexes
• Numbness, tingling, or changes in sensation
• Muscle spasms
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back.
• Effects on neural control of cardiovascular function, potentially affecting blood pressure and heart rate.

The National Library of Medicine indicates that SCI victims may experience severe hypertension, cardiac dysrhythmia, and even life-threatening autonomic dysreflexia (AD). Your medical professionals can diagnose and document your specific condition and the potential life implications related to blood pressure, heart rate, and reflexes in your body due to the accident. Your attorney can then coordinate with your doctors and draw upon this information to project your future losses and expenses.

Some spinal cord injuries may require surgery to address fractured backbones, to release pressure, or to otherwise attend to issues caused by the accident. Medical professionals focusing in neurological and orthopedic medicine can assess what surgery or other treatments may be appropriate in light of your specific circumstances and your needs and goals towards recovery and long-term management of your condition.

Regions of the Spinal Column

The spinal column is divided into several key regions:

• Cervical: The neck area, which includes seven vertebrae (C1-C7). Injuries in the cervical region can affect both arms and legs, leading to quadriplegia (also known as tetraplegia). Cervical spinal cord injuries make up more than half of all SCIs.
• Thoracic: The upper back area, consisting of twelve vertebrae (T1-T12). Injuries in the thoracic region typically affect the chest and legs.
• Lumbar: The lower back area, with five vertebrae (L1-L5). Injuries in the lumbar region can lead to paraplegia, affecting the legs and lower extremities.
• Sacral: The base of the spine, comprising five fused vertebrae (S1-S5). Damage in the sacral region may impact hips, thighs, buttocks, and pelvic organs. Individuals with Sacral SCIs are likely to experience bowel and bladder problems.

Syndromes Associated with Partial Damage to the Spinal Cord

A spinal injury victim’s symptoms and experience may match a number of recognized syndromes:

• Central Cord Syndrome: Occurring in 15% to 25% of traumatic SCIs, Central Cord Syndrome is common among the elderly who suffer a traumatic fall. Affecting the exchange of info between the cerebral cortex and the spinal cord, it is often characterized by greater loss of function in the upper limbs than in the lower limbs. However, the lower body may be affected, potentially including loss of bladder control.
• Anterior Cord Syndrome: Occurs due to damage to the front of the spinal cord, leading to impaired motor function and loss of pain and temperature sensation, while touch and position sense are preserved.
• Posterior Cord Syndrome: This is caused by damage to the back of the spinal cord, leading to loss of light touch sensation. However, the ability to sense movement, pain, and temperature remain.
• Brown-Séquard Syndrome: Occurs due to damage to one side of the spinal cord, causing weakness or paralysis on that side (often with a vibrating sensation), but pain or loss of sensation (especially the ability to sense temperature) on the opposite side. It is often caused by a traumatic SCI involving a bullet or knife wound.
• Cauda Equina Syndrome: Affects the bundle of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord, leading to lower limb paralysis, loss of sensation in the pelvic area, and possible loss of bladder and bowel control.
• Conus Medullaris Syndrome: Caused by lesions around the vertebral L2 level, this syndrome’s symptoms include sudden severe back pain, perianal anesthesia (loss of sensation to the buttocks, perianal space, and thighs), symmetric lower extremity motor weakness with hyperreflexia (overactive or increased reflex response), and early onset bladder dysfunction.

Each type of injury and syndrome has unique challenges and implications for treatment and recovery. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for seeking optimum compensation and managing the long-term effects of spinal cord injuries.

How a Florida Spinal Injury Attorney Can Help

A spinal cord injury can have life-altering consequences for the victim and their family. In Florida, a spinal cord injury attorney plays a crucial role in helping victims navigate the legal system to seek compensation for one’s spinal injuries. A spinal cord injury often may not consist of a completely severed spinal cord, but there are degrees of injury and varying life implications for such conditions. Below are some key points regarding how our injury attorneys at Britto & Herman can assist you and what injured parties need to know:

• Experienced Legal Guidance: Our Florida spinal cord injury attorneys apply their vast knowledge of laws and regulations applicable to personal injury cases, ensuring victims understand their rights and their legal options.
• Case Evaluation: We provide comprehensive case evaluations to determine the viability of your claim and the right strategy for pursuing compensation, often during a free initial consultation.
• Investigation and Evidence Collection: Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to gather crucial evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, in order to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Our experienced lawyers negotiate with insurance companies to help spinal cord injury victims seek fair compensation for their injuries and expenses, navigating complex settlement discussions on their behalf.
• Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to represent you in court, advocating for your rights and seeking the justice you need.
• Seeking Maximum Compensation: Our lawyers work diligently to seek compensation for all appropriate damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
• Statute of Limitations Awareness: Florida has specific time limits for filing a spinal cord injury claim. Our attorneys seek to ensure that the necessary legal actions are taken promptly to comply with these deadlines, protecting your right to pursue appropriate compensation.
• Personalized Legal Strategy: Our spinal cord injury attorneys tailor legal strategies to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each case, providing personalized attention and support throughout the legal process.

For anyone who has suffered a spinal cord injury in Florida, it’s crucial to promptly seek the assistance of a qualified attorney . Our spinal cord injury attorneys’ knowledge strengthens one’s ability to seek fair compensation, as we draw upon assessments of the paralysis, trauma, and life implications.

We are devoted to providing invaluable support during a challenging time, allowing you or your loved one to focus on recovery. We begin with a free consultation, where we review the details of your case and your condition in order to determine the appropriate legal strategy for your needs and your future.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today With Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers in Jupiter, Florida to Discuss Your Spinal Injury Claim

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, our priority is seeking justice for accident victims. For over a decade, we have consistently made positive differences in the lives of our personal injury clients in Florida. Our dedicated team based in Jupiter draws upon many resources to pursue spinal injury claims, and we are ready to assist you in any county throughout Florida.

We invite you to schedule a free consultation with Britto & Herman today by reaching out to us at (561) 835-5555(561) 835-5555 or completing our online form. Let us fight passionately on your behalf to seek the compensation and justice you need.

Our dedicated team has recovered millions for Florida residents through claims for personal injuries. Unlike many other Florida personal injury law firms, we are also well-prepared to represent you in a personal injury lawsuit in court if it is necessary. We are available 24/7 to fight for you. Let us advocate for your rights.

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