A spinal cord injury is a major life-changing event that requires immediate attention and ongoing care. RKPT can help you get the compensation you need after a serious spinal cord injury.
RKPT is proud to represent spinal cord injury victims with powerful, compassionate legal advocacy. Our law firm stands ready to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced team is committed to safeguarding your rights and fighting for the financial recovery you deserve.
Speak To A Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
RKPT: Cincinnati Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Spinal cord injuries can permanently alter your quality of life. Living with a spinal cord injury can be both physically and financially overwhelming, and spinal cord injury lawsuits may face significant legal hurdles. Our personal injury lawyers recognize the immense burden these injuries place on victims and their families. Our team has considerable experience with these complex cases, and is prepared to fight for full, fair compensation.
Our spinal cord injury attorneys provide:
Thorough Investigation
Every spinal cord injury case starts with gathering crucial evidence to uncover how the injury happened. This may involve reviewing medical records, accident reports, and witness accounts, along with consulting medical and accident reconstruction experts. Preserving evidence and relying on specialists allows us to build a powerful case on your behalf.
Establishing Liability
Determining responsibility can be complex in cases involving spinal cord injury. Potentially at-fault parties may include drivers, property owners, employers, or even product manufacturers. Our attorneys take the time necessary to identify all liable parties and pursue accountability under Ohio negligence law. By applying both state and federal regulations, RKPT works to secure maximum recovery for our spinal cord injury clients.
Strategic Negotiation
Insurance companies are known to minimize or delay payouts, particularly in cases involving serious injury. RKPT takes over all insurer communications and fights aggressively against the insurance industry’s deceptive and unfair settlement tactics. We do not rest until we obtain a settlement or verdict that reflects the true extent of your losses.
Trial Representation
When insurers refuse fair settlements, RKPT attorneys stand ready to take your case before a judge and jury. With decades of courtroom experience, RKPT understands how to secure compensation for seriously injured clients. RKPT’s spinal cord injury lawyers are committed to protecting your right to compensation after a serious injury.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most severe types of personal injury. These injuries occur when trauma damages the nerve fibers within the spinal cord. This can result in numbness, pain, and/or paralysis below the site of the injury. Additionally, vital autonomic functions, such as bladder and bowel control, may also be compromised.
Spinal cord injuries are categorized as either complete or incomplete. This determination is based on how much function and sensation remain below the site of the injury. Both types can result in mobility issues, physical discomfort, and a significant loss of enjoyment of life.
A complete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is fully severed or damaged. This results in a total loss of movement and feeling. The brain cannot send signals past the damaged area, and the lower extremities tend to be affected. These injuries can result in chronic pain, paralysis, sexual dysfunction, and more.
An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is only partially damaged. Some nerve signals can still travel between the brain and areas below the injury. People with incomplete injuries may retain varying degrees of sensation, voluntary movement, or both below the affected area. Spinal cord injury recovery will depend on the location and extent of the damage.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Motor vehicle accidents, such as car accidents, truck crashes, and motorcycle wrecks, are a leading cause of spinal cord damage. The force of a serious crash can fracture vertebrae or dislocate the spine, resulting in catastrophic injury. Liability may rest with other motorists, improperly maintained commercial vehicles, or unsafe roadway conditions. Our spinal cord injury attorneys explore every potential cause to strengthen and maximize your case.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Dangerous slip-and-fall incidents, especially on neglected or unsafe properties, often cause debilitating spinal cord injuries. These accidents pose particular risks for older adults. RKPT investigates the circumstances of your fall, gathers evidence, and collaborates with medical specialists to understand your injury. From negotiating with insurers to pursuing damages for care, RKPT manages every stage of your premises liability case.
Medical Negligence
Spinal cord injuries can arise from medical malpractice, including surgical errors, delayed diagnoses, or improper patient care. Nursing home abuse cases may similarly contribute to a spinal cord injury. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will thoroughly review your medical history and consult with experts to identify all responsible healthcare professionals and institutions.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, don’t wait to learn about your legal options. Call RKPT at (513) 721-3330 for a free consultation with a Cincinnati spinal cord injury lawyer.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Frequently Asked Questions
What causes spinal cord injuries?
Spinal cord injuries are commonly caused by traumatic events like motor vehicle accidents, falls, and acts of violence (like gunshot wounds). Non-traumatic causes, such as diseases including cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and spinal inflammation, can also lead to damage of the spinal cord. Pre-existing conditions may increase the risk of spinal cord injury.
What happens after a spinal cord injury?
Immediately following a spinal cord injury, a person may experience numbness and pain radiating from the affected area. Breathing difficulties, bladder/bowel incontinence, and muscle weakness may follow. Within days of the injury, survivors may experience muscle stiffness, spasticity, debilitating pain, infection and pressure sores from immobility. The emotional burden of these affects cannot be overstated.
How are spinal cord injuries treated?
Immediately after a spinal cord injury, medical professionals will stabilize the spine and to prevent further damage. After being released from the hospital, most patients begin rehabilitative care in specialized facilities. Regaining strength, flexibility, and independence is the focus of physical and occupational therapy. The first few months are usually a period of rapid change, with progress and recovery depending on the severity and level of injury.
How long does a spinal cord injury take to heal?
Long-term recovery can vary significantly. Most people with spinal cord injuries continue therapy and monitoring for complications such as muscle spasms, pressure sores, infections, and chronic pain. Ongoing rehabilitation will help maximize function and introduce new ways of performing daily tasks. Mental health counseling is another important consideration, as survivors must adjust to a drastically different lifestyle.
What are the leading causes of spinal cord injuries?
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that most spinal cord injuries occur as a result of:
- Motor vehicle crashes (37.5%)
- Falls (31.7%)
- Acts of violence (15.4%)
- Sports-related incidents (8.0%)
- Surgical errors or complications (3.7%)
- Medical issues such as tumors or infections (under 3.8%)
If your spinal injury was the result of negligence, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Contact RKPT, Cincinnati spinal cord injury attorneys, at (513) 721-3330 to review your case.
I believe I suffered a spinal cord injury. What do I do?
If you or someone you love may have suffered a spinal cord injury, avoid moving as much as possible, and seek medical help right away. Try to keep the neck and back completely still, and do not attempt to reposition or move unless there is immediate danger. Emergency responders will immobilize the spine and transport the victim to the hospital, where doctors will start treatment to prevent further injury. Minimizing movement and calling 911 immediately are critical to preventing permanent damage.
Once you have been stabilized, gather all relevant documentation (police reports, medical records, insurance documents and so forth) and speak with a spinal cord injury attorney to discuss your case. Our spinal cord injury attorneys help you understand your legal options and make sure you act quickly to preserve your case value.
What types of compensation might I receive?
As with any personal injury lawsuit, your compensation may include coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income and reduced earning potential. You may be able to collect compensation for medical bills, long-term care, emotional distress, and even modifications to your home or vehicles. The total amount you may recover depends on how severe your injury is and how it affects your everyday life.
RKPT takes pride in assessing every element of our client’s injuries so your settlement or verdict reflects the full financial impact of your spinal cord injury. To begin the process of filing a claim, call RKPT at (513) 721-3330.
Why should I choose RKPT to represent my spinal cord injury case?
Choosing RKPT as a Cincinnati spinal cord injury attorney gives injured people access to both compassionate support and experienced legal advocacy. Our team understands the unique complexities of spinal cord injury claims, including the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize payouts. With extensive experience handling catastrophic injury cases, we fight for full, fair compensation using every tactic allowed under state and federal law.
RKPT operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect a fee when your case is won, or a settlement is reached. We encourage you to take the first step toward recovery by contacting RKPT for a free consultation. Call (513) 721-3330 to speak with a Cincinnati spinal cord injury attorney.
