Charlotte Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury from Negligence?

A spinal cord injury is a severe and life-altering event. Injuries to the spine disrupt the flow of information between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to permanent paralysis and loss of motor function, sensation, and even organ function.

At Shane Smith Law, we understand the challenges faced by people with spinal cord injuries and their families. That is why we provide aggressive representation in personal injury cases, including those involving spinal cord injuries.

We work with medical experts to determine the full extent of injuries and their long-term effects. We also work with vocational experts to help clients understand the financial impact of an injury and how it will affect their lives.

Do not wait to contact our firm if you or a loved one has been injured by a spinal cord injury. Call (980) 246-2656 or contact us online for a case evaluation.

What Causes Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a wide range of accidents. The most common cause of spinal cord injuries is a car accident.

Auto accidents, especially high-impact collisions, can cause spinal cord injuries due to the force and trauma involved. The sudden impact can result in the spine being compressed, fractured, or dislocated, leading to damage to the spinal cord. The injury may occur if the spine hits a hard surface or if there is a sudden jerking motion that overstretches or tears the spinal cord.

The following accidents can also cause spinal cord injuries:

• Falls: Falls from heights, such as slipping and falling from a ladder, rooftop, or stairs, can cause spinal cord injuries. When someone falls, they may land on their back or head, which can result in the spine absorbing the impact. Depending on the force and angle of the fall, the spinal cord can be damaged, leading to partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation below the injured area.
• Violent Crimes: Spinal cord injuries can occur during violent crimes that involve physical assault or intentional acts of violence. Gunshot wounds or stabbings that affect the spinal cord directly can lead to severe damage. Additionally, blunt force trauma, such as a severe blow to the back or neck, can cause spinal cord injuries in cases of physical assault.
• Defective Products: Defective products, such as faulty equipment or machinery, can lead to accidents that result in spinal cord injuries. For example, if a safety mechanism fails or a product malfunctions during use, it can cause a person to fall or be involved in an impact that damages the spinal cord.
• Workplace Accidents: Workplace accidents, particularly those that involve heavy machinery, construction sites, or hazardous environments, can pose a risk of spinal cord injuries. Accidents like being struck by falling objects, being caught in machinery, or falling from heights can all potentially result in spinal cord trauma. Work-related spinal cord injuries may occur due to negligence, inadequate safety measures, or unsafe working conditions.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?

The severity of a spinal cord injury is typically classified by the lowest level of function lost. The three levels of spinal cord injuries are:

• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Incomplete
• Complete

A person with a cerebrospinal fluid leak has the least amount of function lost. This person will suffer from numbness or weakness in certain areas of the body and may require surgery to repair the leak. An incomplete injury will result in partial paralysis and partial loss of function. A complete injury will result in total paralysis and total loss of function. The level of injury will affect the victim's life and their ability to seek compensation for their injuries.

The loss of motor function can impede the ability to walk, breathe, or even eat. The loss of sensation makes the person unable to feel pain, which can lead to infections and other serious complications. The loss of organ function can result in the inability to control the bladder or bowels, or even the ability to regulate body temperature.

After a spinal cord injury, the victim will be forced to adjust to life with these limitations. The victim will need the help of an experienced spinal cord injury attorney to fight for them in court and to negotiate a fair settlement. We can help you obtain the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a spinal cord injury.

We are ready to fight for you. Our Charlotte spinal cord injury lawyer can aggressively represent you in all phases of your case, from the initial investigation to the negotiations and courtroom battles.

Contact us today at (980) 246-2656 to request a free case review.