A spinal cord injury can derail your life, leaving you facing severe physical limitations, emotional struggles, and financial burdens. A spinal cord injury lawyer guides victims like you through this challenging process, helping you pursue compensation and justice from those responsible for causing such a tragic outcome.
Omaha Lawyer for Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are one of the most serious types of injuries to receive – and can often lead to lifetime pain or paralysis. However, proving the extent of the injury caused can be challenging.
That’s where an experienced personal injury attorney comes in. PI lawyers help the court see how much you have been injured and fight for your right to compensation, including monetary and medical compensation.
The dedicated personal injury attorneys at Liberty Law Group are experienced in working with clients with a wide range of injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured and are suffering pain or motor loss as a result, contact our firm immediately at (402) 865-0501 or fill out our online contact form.
Our firm proudly serves the communities of Omaha in Douglas County, Lincoln in Lancaster County, Papillion in Sarpy County, and across the neighboring counties of Dodge, Cass, Washington, Saunders, and throughout Eastern Nebraska.
We also represent those charged in Iowa, including the communities of Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and surrounding areas.
- Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Potential Liable Parties for Spinal Cord Injuries
- Legal Options for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
- Potential Damages in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
- Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury
- How a Nebraska Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help You
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Resources
- Hire a Lawyer for Spinal Cord Injuries in Douglas County Nebraska
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site. No motor or sensory function remains, often leading to significant lifestyle changes. Victims usually require extensive long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Some function remains below the injury site. The degree of retained function varies; some individuals may regain partial movement or sensation.
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Loss of function in both arms and legs caused by damage to the cervical spinal cord. It can result in partial or complete paralysis of the limbs and torso. Victims may face additional complications such as respiratory issues affecting breathing and overall quality of life.
- Paraplegia: Loss of function in the lower half of the body, including legs. It results from injuries to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral spine. While arm function is retained, paraplegia can impact mobility, bladder control, bowel control, and sexual function.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-impact car accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. These injuries range from minor to severe and can significantly alter the victim’s life, requiring long-term challenges that affect work and independent living.
- Falls: Particularly common among older adults, slip and fall incidents in public or private spaces can result in serious spinal injuries.
- Acts of Violence: Injuries from gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other violent incidents can severely damage the spine, often requiring immediate medical intervention.
- Sports Injuries: High-contact sports like football, rugby, and wrestling can cause spinal injuries due to sudden impacts or falls during activities, leading to lifelong impairments.
- Medical and Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery or medical procedures can result in spinal cord damage, leading to medical malpractice cases.
- Industrial Accidents: Spinal cord injuries may occur due to falls, machinery accidents, or unsafe conditions in workplaces such as construction sites or manufacturing facilities.
Potential Liable Parties for Spinal Cord Injuries
- Negligent Drivers: If a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver results in a spinal cord injury, that driver may be held accountable.
- Employers: Workplace injuries may entitle the victim to workers’ compensation. In some cases, liability could fall on third parties such as contractors working with the employer.
- Property Owners: Under Nebraska premises liability laws, property owners are required to maintain safe environments. If an individual is injured due to hazardous conditions on someone’s property, the owner could be held liable for damages.
- Product Manufacturers: If a defective product causes a spinal cord injury, the manufacturer may be held accountable under Nebraska product liability laws. This could include defective car parts, faulty medical equipment, or other products where the design or manufacturing process was flawed.
- Medical Professionals: If medical malpractice leads to a spinal cord injury, the responsible healthcare provider may be liable. Liability for medical negligence requires proof that the doctor or other professionals did not meet the appropriate standard of care.
Legal Options for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
- Insurance Claims: Victims may file an insurance claim, especially if the injury resulted from an accident. Negotiations with insurance companies may be required to secure fair compensation.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: Filing a personal injury lawsuit in Nebraska courts is an option if insurance claims do not provide adequate compensation.
- Workers’ Compensation Claims: If the injury occurred on the job, the victim may file a workers’ compensation claim, though benefits may be limited compared to personal injury lawsuits.
Potential Damages in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
- Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: If the injury impacts future earning capacity, additional compensation may be awarded for future lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological effects of living with a spinal cord injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Spinal cord injuries can limit the ability to participate in activities once enjoyed.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a spinal cord injury results in death, the victim’s family can pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship under Nebraska’s wrongful death laws.
Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prompt medical treatment can reduce the severity of the spinal cord injury and improve recovery chances.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of the accident scene, gather witness statements, and keep detailed records of medical care.
- Contact a Lawyer: Consulting a spinal cord injury lawyer can help victims understand their legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.
How a Nebraska Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help You
- Handling Legal Aspects: Your lawyer will handle the legal aspects of your case, gathering evidence, filing paperwork, and negotiating with insurance companies.
- Maximizing Compensation: Your lawyer will work to secure compensation available under Nebraska law, negotiating with insurance companies to avoid lowball settlements.
- Court Representation: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to a judge or jury.
- Support: By handling the legal process, your lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while ensuring you receive the financial support necessary for medical care and daily living expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a spinal cord injury? A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord, causing loss of function such as mobility or sensation.
- Can I file a lawsuit for a spinal cord injury? Yes, if another party’s negligence caused your injury, you can file a lawsuit for compensation.
- What compensation can I get for a spinal cord injury? Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs.
- How long do I have to file a claim? Nebraska law generally allows four years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit and two years for a medical malpractice suit.
- Do I need a lawyer to file a spinal cord injury claim? While not required, a lawyer can improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
- How much is my spinal cord injury case worth? The value depends on factors like the severity of your injury, medical costs, and impact on your life.
- Will my case go to trial? Many cases settle out of court, but if a fair settlement isn’t reached, the case may go to trial.
- What if the injury was partly my fault? Nebraska follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault.
- What should I do immediately after a spinal cord injury? Seek medical attention, document the incident, and contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Additional Resources
- Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries – This resource from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides information about spinal cord injuries (SCI). It details what SCI is, the causes, symptoms, and both current treatments and ongoing research.
- Spinal Injury Resulting from Car Accident: Focus to Prevention – This article from the National Library of Medicine discusses patterns of spinal injury from car accidents and prevention strategies. It covers a six-year study on spinal fractures resulting from car accidents, showing common injury patterns and advocating for better preventive measures to reduce the incidence of those injuries.
- Deadline for Filing Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Nebraska – This is Nebraska’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims in the state. Victims should discuss their situation with a lawyer, who can file the appropriate paperwork on time.
- Psychosocial Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review – This review from the National Library of Medicine covers the psychosocial impacts of spinal cord injuries. It discusses how SCI affects personal identity, family dynamics, mental health, and social participation.
Hire a Lawyer for Spinal Cord Injuries in Douglas County, Nebraska
The dedicated personal injury attorneys at Liberty Law Group are experienced in working with clients with a wide range of injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured and are suffering pain or motor loss as a result, contact our firm immediately at (402) 865-0501 or fill out our online contact form.
Our firm proudly serves the communities of Omaha in Douglas County, Lincoln in Lancaster County, Papillion in Sarpy County, and across the neighboring counties of Dodge, Cass, Washington, Saunders, and throughout Eastern Nebraska.
We also represent those charged in Iowa, including the communities of Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and surrounding areas.
