Pennsauken Township Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Being diagnosed with a spinal cord injury can be devastating news – not just for the injured individual but also his or her family. Depending on the severity and location of the damage, a spinal cord injury could force someone to live with permanent paralysis. Being paralyzed could, in turn, make it difficult or impossible to perform tasks that one used to take for granted, such as walking, driving a car, getting dressed, or eating food.

If you or someone in your family suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident, do not hesitate to take legal action by contacting a Pennsauken Township spinal cord injury lawyer. Let a catastrophic injury attorney from our firm help you obtain significant monetary damages, including compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, home modification costs, pain and suffering, and more.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

The main function of the spinal cord is to carry signals from the brain to different regions of the body, and vice versa. A lawyer in Pennsauken Township who is familiar with litigating spinal cord injury cases knows that the severity of a claimant’s condition often depends on the exact location of the damage.

Cervical

The cervical section of the spine comprises the seven vertebrae that form the neck. Damage to this segment of the spinal cord could be catastrophic, as it governs a large portion of the body. Cervical spinal cord injuries often result in tetraplegia or paraplegia and can also be fatal.

Thoracic

The 12 vertebrae directly under the cervical spine constitute the thoracic spine. Damage to the spinal cord in this section often causes paraplegia. Someone who has been diagnosed with a thoracic spinal cord injury may still be able to manually operate a wheelchair, drive a modified vehicle, or even walk with the aid of a specialized device.

Lumbar

The five vertebrae beneath the thoracic vertebrae make up the lumbar spine. Damage to this section generally results in loss of hip or leg function, but those with lumbar back injuries are typically able to maintain upper body function.

Sacral

The sacral spine, or sacrum, is the lowest section of the backbone and is made up of five bones that are fused together. Damage to the sacral spine could lead to some loss of hip or leg function, plus bladder or bowel problems.

Compensation Victims Could Be Entitled To

Aside from the devastating physical limitations, a spinal cord injury could have staggering financial consequences as well. In the course of representing a person who has a suffered a spinal cord injury, a Pennsauken Township attorney could pursue compensation for the following:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Loss of sexual function

A spinal cord injury lawyer in the Pennsauken Township area could also seek punitive damages if the circumstances of the accident are particularly egregious. Punitive damages in New Jersey are, however, capped at either $350,00 or five times the compensatory award, whichever is greater.

Speak with a Pennsauken Township Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today

A spinal cord injury could alter the course of your life. If another party is held legally liable for causing your injury, you may be able to obtain monetary compensation for all your losses and expenses, which are likely considerable. Reach out to a Pennsauken Township spinal cord injury lawyer for help with exploring your legal options.