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A spinal cord injury has the power to abruptly alter your life. One moment, you’re carrying on with your daily routine; the next, you’re confronted with a life-altering diagnosis that affects your health, independence, and prospects. If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury resulting from another party’s negligence, you may be grappling with overwhelming emotions, anger, and uncertainty about the next steps to take.
Know that you have important rights and that an experienced Omaha spinal cord injury lawyer can help you through this challenging time. While no amount of money can undo the profound losses caused by a spinal cord injury, pursuing a legal claim can provide vital financial resources and hold the at-fault party accountable. Call Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling at 402-999-9000 for a free consultation.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord forms a critical link in the body’s central nervous system, carrying signals between the brain and the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury (SCI) happens when damage to any part of the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal causes temporary or permanent changes in sensation, movement, and body functions below the site of the injury.
The specific effects of an SCI depend on two key factors: the location of the injury and the level of injury. Generally, the higher the injury on the spinal cord, the more severe the damage. Injuries are referred to by the location of the vertebra that is fractured or dislocated, which include:
- Cervical (neck) SCIs are the most severe and can cause full or partial tetraplegia/quadriplegia (paralysis of the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic region)
- Thoracic (upper back) SCIs can cause paraplegia (loss of feeling and movement of the trunk and legs)
- Lumbar (mid-back) and sacral (lower back) SCIs can cause decreasing degrees of paralysis in the hips and legs
The level of a spinal cord injury is either “complete” or “incomplete.” A complete SCI causes a total loss of feeling and movement below the location of the injury, while an incomplete SCI involves some remaining function.
Some of the potential effects of SCIs include:
- Loss of movement and sensation
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
- Changes in sexual function and fertility
- Muscle spasms
- Pain and intense stinging sensations
- Difficulty with body temperature regulation
Leading Causes of Omaha Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are almost always sudden and unexpected. Some of the most common scenarios that lead to Omaha SCIs caused by negligence include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Workplace accidents, especially in construction and industrial jobs
- Slip and falls due to dangerous property conditions
- Medical malpractice during surgeries or procedures
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Violent acts like shootings or physical assaults
- Sports and recreation accidents due to faulty equipment or improper supervision
If another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct led to the incident that caused your spinal cord injury, you likely have grounds for an injury claim. An Omaha spinal cord injury lawyer can review the details of your case and go over your legal options with you.
The Lifetime Costs of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often result in astronomical financial costs. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the average annual expenses of an SCI vary depending on severity:
- High Tetraplegia (C1-C4) – $1,369,755 the first year, $237,862 each subsequent year
- Low Tetraplegia (C5-C8) – $989,768 the first year, $145,918 each subsequent year
- Paraplegia – $667,569 the first year, $88,433 each subsequent year
- Incomplete Motor Function at Any Level – $447,037 the first year, $54,298 each subsequent year
The estimated lifetime costs of an SCI also depend on age at the time of injury:
- 25 Years Old with High Tetraplegia – $6,077,646
- 25 Years Old with Low Tetraplegia – $4,440,708
- 25 Years Old with Paraplegia – $2,971,942
- 25 Years Old with Incomplete Motor Function at Any Level – $2,030,446
- 50 Years Old with High Tetraplegia – $3,340,171
- 50 Years Old with Low Tetraplegia – $2,731,432
- 50 Years Old with Paraplegia – $1,950,396
- 50 Years Old with Incomplete Motor Function at Any Level – $1,433,145
These figures include direct expenses like hospitalization, medical equipment, home modifications, and personal assistance, as well as indirect costs like lost wages. Health insurance often fails to fully cover the immense long-term costs associated with spinal cord injuries.
Pursuing an Omaha spinal cord injury claim can provide access to financial resources for:
- Past, current, and anticipated future medical bills
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Assistive devices and technologies
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Long-term personal care
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
An experienced Omaha spinal cord injury lawyer can thoroughly assess your case to determine the extent of your losses and fight for the maximum amount in compensation.
What to Do After an Omaha Spinal Cord Injury Accident
In the aftermath of an accident resulting in spinal cord injury, try to take the following steps to the extent possible:
- Seek Emergency Medical Care – Due to the risk of paralysis and other complications, always assume a spinal injury and avoid moving until evaluated by medical professionals.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan – Attend all follow-up appointments, undergo recommended diagnostic tests, take prescribed medications, and participate in therapy and rehabilitation.
- Document Everything – Keep copies of accident reports, photos and videos from the scene, medical bills, insurance communications, and all other records related to your injury.
- Watch What You Say – Do not admit fault or blame for the accident to the other party or an insurance company, as your statements could be used against you.
- Contact an Omaha Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer – The sooner you consult with an attorney, the better they can advise you, gather evidence, and build your case.
Contact an Omaha Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer at Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling
You and your family should not have to bear the devastating burdens of a spinal cord injury alone. At Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling, we have extensive experience successfully advocating for SCI survivors. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront costs or legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
Discover how our dedicated Omaha team can assist you in seeking justice and embarking on the path to recovery following a catastrophic injury. Reach out to us today at 402-999-9000 to schedule a complimentary consultation with an Omaha spinal cord injury lawyer who’s committed to advocating for your future. Let us provide the support and legal guidance you need during this challenging time.