Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering events, often resulting in long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to seek the assistance of a qualified Duncanville spinal cord injury lawyer. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the importance of hiring an experienced attorney, the types of spinal cord injuries, and what to expect during the legal process.
Why Hire a Duncanville Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
Spinal cord injuries are complex cases that require a high level of expertise in both legal and medical matters. A skilled and experienced Duncanville spinal cord injury lawyer can help you navigate the complicated legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Here are a few reasons why hiring a Duncanville spinal cord injury lawyer is essential:
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Expertise in spinal cord injury cases: An experienced attorney will have a deep understanding of the medical and legal aspects of spinal cord injury cases, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and precision.
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Access to medical experts: A reputable attorney will have connections with medical professionals who can provide expert opinions and testify on your behalf during trial.
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Negotiation skills: Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlement offers to save money. A skilled attorney will be able to negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair compensation package.
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Litigation experience: If your case goes to trial, a seasoned attorney will be able to present a compelling case in court, increasing your chances of obtaining a favorable verdict.
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Emotional support: Suffering a spinal cord injury can be an incredibly overwhelming experience. A compassionate attorney can provide emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be classified into two main categories: complete and incomplete injuries. Here’s a closer look at each type:
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury results in the total loss of function below the level of injury. This means that the affected individual is unable to move or feel sensations below the injured area. There are three main types of complete spinal cord injuries:
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Tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia): This injury affects all four limbs and the torso, resulting in paralysis from the neck down.
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Paraplegia: This injury affects the lower half of the body, including the legs and pelvic region. The arms and hands remain functional.
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Triplegia: This injury affects three limbs, typically one arm and both legs, leaving one arm functional.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when there is some degree of function or sensation below the level of injury. The severity of an incomplete injury can vary greatly, ranging from minor sensory or motor impairments to near-complete paralysis. Some common types of incomplete spinal cord injuries include:
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Anterior cord syndrome: This injury affects the front of the spinal cord, often resulting in impaired motor function and partial or complete loss of pain and temperature sensations.
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Central cord syndrome: This injury affects the center of the spinal cord, causing varying degrees of weakness or paralysis in the arms and legs.
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Brown-Sequard syndrome: This injury affects one side of the spinal cord, leading to paralysis on one side of the body and loss of sensation on the other side.
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Cauda equina syndrome: This injury affects the bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord, often causing severe lower back pain, loss of bowel and bladder control, and weakness or paralysis in the legs.
Legal Process for Spinal Cord Injury Cases
The legal process for spinal cord injury cases typically involves the following steps:
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Consultation with a Duncanville spinal cord injury lawyer: During the initial consultation, your attorney will review the details of your case, assess its viability, and discuss potential legal strategies.
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Investigation: Your attorney will gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.
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Filing a lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
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Discovery: During the discovery phase, both parties will exchange relevant information and evidence, including interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
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Mediation: Before going to trial, both parties may attempt to resolve the case through mediation, a process in which a neutral third party facilitates negotiations.
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Trial: If mediation is unsuccessful, the case will proceed to trial, where your attorney will present evidence and argue on your behalf.
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Verdict and appeals: After the trial, the judge or jury will render a verdict. If either party disagrees with the outcome, they may choose to appeal the decision.
Conclusion
A spinal cord injury can have a devastating impact on your life, but with the help of a skilled Duncanville spinal cord injury lawyer, you can pursue the compensation you deserve. The team at Joe I. Zaid & Associates, Houston Personal Injury Attorneys Committed to Your Case, is ready to help. With years of experience and a deep understanding of spinal cord injury cases, we’ll work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you. Contact us today at (346) 756-9243 or visit our office at 4710 Vista Rd. Suite E Pasadena, TX 77505 to schedule a consultation.
