Las Vegas Spine Injury Lawyers
Committed to Our Clients’ Needs
In a matter of seconds, an electrifying vacation to Las Vegas or even a routine drive to work can turn into the worst moments of your life. A taxicab accident, pedestrian accident, boating accident, or commercial vehicle accident that results in a spinal cord injury or another type of catastrophic injury will put a dramatic halt on your entire life. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the road ahead by pursuing compensation for your injuries while you focus on your medical care and rehabilitation.
Contact the Las Vegas spinal cord injury lawyers at Christiansen Trial Lawyers for a complimentary consultation to discuss your injury, the accident, and how we can help.
Zealous Advocacy for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
We provide zealous advocacy to Las Vegas accident victims suffering from spinal cord injuries resulting in:
- Paraplegia: A significant blow to the back in an attack, car accident, or other accident can leave the accident victim paralyzed from the torso down – paraplegia. Through extensive rehabilitative therapy, people suffering from paraplegia may be capable of learning to work around severe limitations. However, even seemingly simple tasks can seem out of reach when confined to a wheelchair.
- Quadriplegia: Diving into shallow water in the hotel pool, a rollover accident, and many other high impact accidents can lead to the paralysis of the upper and lower extremities – quadriplegia or tetraplegia. A spinal cord injury that leads to such significant paralysis will affect the individual for the rest of his or her life, and place substantial burdens on the family to care for the disabled victim.
Having successfully represented clients suffering from catastrophic injuries, our disabled victim attorneys understand the realities our clients face every day. We are determined to collect the necessary evidence, prepare for trial, and demonstrate to a jury if necessary, the full impact of your injuries. By working with specialists, we effectively express to the insurance company or jury the level of compensation that will be necessary to satisfy your needs. We seek maximum compensation for past, current and future medical costs; rehabilitation expenses; lost wages; medical devices and procedures; loss of enjoyment of life; and pain and suffering associated with the spinal cord injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The Basics
The spinal cord is the brain’s connection to the rest of the body. It acts as a two-way communication link, allowing the brain to control the limbs and organs, while also conveying sensory information from the body and environment back to the brain.
When a spinal cord injury occurs, the brain can no longer communicate effectively with other parts of the body. Depending on the location and severity of a spinal cord injury, it may result in partial or total paralysis, as well as numbness, pain, muscle spasms, and a variety of other symptoms. The symptoms of spinal cord injury may be permanent, or they may improve with time.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
While some spinal cord injuries are the result of diseases such as cancer and arthritis, a vast majority are caused by physical trauma. Motor vehicle accidents alone account for more than 40 percent of new spinal cord injuries each year. Athletic and recreational injuries are also common, especially those involving contact sports, as well as diving and trampoline accidents. Falls are the leading cause of spinal cord injury among those age 65 and older, and are responsible for about one in four spinal cord injuries overall.
Unfortunately, not all traumatic spinal cord injuries are accidental – according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, about 15 percent are the result of violent crimes such as gunshots and knife wounds. Furthermore, alcohol is a factor in about a quarter of all spinal cord injuries.
Preventing Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries
While some accidents are simply unavoidable, the risk of spinal cord injury can be greatly reduced by taking a few simple precautions:
- When traveling by car, always wear a seatbelt and make sure that children are secured in safety seats appropriate for their age and weight. Children under 12 should ride in the back seat to avoid airbag injuries.
- Wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear when participating in sports or recreational activities.
- Be very careful not to dive into water that is too shallow. When in doubt, go feet first.
- Do not mix alcohol or drugs with driving, boating, snowmobiling, or any other potentially dangerous activity.
FAQ for Las Vegas Spine Injury Lawyers
1. What types of accidents commonly lead to spinal cord injuries?
Spinal cord injuries can result from a variety of accidents, including motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian and bicycle collisions, boating accidents, and falls. Additionally, diving into shallow water, sports injuries, and violent attacks involving gunshots or stabbings are also common causes.
2. What is the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia?
Paraplegia is paralysis that affects the lower half of the body, typically due to an injury to the spinal cord in the mid-to-lower back. Quadriplegia (also known as tetraplegia) impacts both the upper and lower limbs and occurs when the spinal cord is injured higher up, in the neck region.
3. How can a Las Vegas spinal injury lawyer help after an accident?
A qualified spinal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process, helping to secure compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury. They will collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, advocate in court to ensure you receive fair compensation.
4. Can compensation cover long-term needs for spinal cord injury victims?
Yes, an experienced attorney will work to secure compensation not only for current expenses but also for anticipated long-term costs, including ongoing medical care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and loss of future earnings.
5. What are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries in older adults?
For individuals over the age of 65, falls are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Maintaining a safe environment, avoiding slip hazards, and using assistive devices can help reduce the risk of these injuries.
6. How are spinal cord injuries treated, and is recovery possible?
Treatment for spinal cord injuries varies depending on the severity. It may include surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation programs, and assistive devices. While complete recovery may not be possible in severe cases, many patients experience some improvement with proper care and therapy.
Call Christiansen Trial Lawyers Today
We represent Nevada residents, Las Vegas tourists, and out-of-state clients traveling through Las Vegas who suffered a serious spinal cord injury.
Contact our Las Vegas spine injury attorneys at (702) 357-9977 to schedule a free initial consultation.