Florida Back Injury Lawyer Representing the Victims with Injured Spinal Cords & More

If you have suffered a back injury in an accident, it is important that you speak with a personal injury attorney. A back injury can change your life forever, and the financial and non-financial costs can be devastating. At Searcy Denney, we have decades of experience representing accident victims with catastrophic back injuries, and you can contact us 24/7 to speak with a Florida spinal cord injury lawyer about your legal rights.

Types of Back Injuries

We represent individuals who have suffered all types of back injuries in vehicle collisions and other accidents. This includes truck accidents, falls, and other traumatic events in which someone else is to blame. If you, your spouse or child, or another loved one has been diagnosed with any of the following, our attorneys can make sure you receive the financial compensation you deserve:

• Back sprain
• Back strain
• Full or partial paralysis
• Nerve damage
• Pinched or compressed nerve
• Ruptured disc
• Slipped or herniated disc
• Spinal fracture

Florida Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Explains Paralysis

Among all of the various potential effects of being involved in a serious accident, few consequences are more devastating than paralysis. Paralysis is a condition that results in immobility as a result of a back injury affecting the muscles and nerves in the spine.

Due to the anatomy of the spine, paralysis affects the muscles and nerves below the location of the injury. Thus, the higher on the spine the injury occurs, the greater the risk of full paralysis. This condition, known as quadriplegia (or tetraplegia), can affect the legs, arms, torso and neck, while paraplegia affects only the lower body.

In some cases, accident victims will experience complete paralysis, which results in total loss of motor and sensory function. In other cases, accident victims will experience incomplete paralysis, which results in some motor and sensory function being maintained. In addition to physical mobility and sensory inputs, paralysis can also result in:

• Inability to regulate blood pressure
• Incontinence
• Respiratory dysfunction
• Sexual dysfunction

Our Personal Injury Lawyer Understands How Your Life Changes After a Spinal Cord Injury

Like other types of catastrophic injuries, a spinal cord injury can change your life in the blink of an eye. Even if you do not suffer the extreme consequences of paralysis, a spinal cord injury can still lead to physical limitations, substantial medical expenses, time missed from work, chronic pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. In order to ensure that you are able to cope with these consequences effectively, you will need to hire a lawyer to seek just compensation on your behalf, and at Searcy Denney we are prepared to do whatever it takes to help you recover your losses.

Understanding Your Spinal Cord Injury

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs from the skull to the lower back. It is a key component of the central nervous system, which is essential to our mobility, cognition, and many of our bodily functions. It is protected by the spine. The spine consists of 33 vertebrae that are mostly separated by discs, and it is divided into five regions:

• Cervical Spine – The cervical spine consists of the C1 to C7 vertebrae. It is the uppermost portion of the spine.
• Thoracic Spine – The thoracic spine consists of the T1 to T12 vertebrae. It sits below the cervical spine and makes up the majority of the middle back.
• Lumbar Spine – The lumbar spine consists of the L1 to L5 vertebrae. It sits below the thoracic spine in the lower back.
• Sacrum – The sacrum consists of the S1 to S5 vertebrae. It is the lowest region of the spine above the tailbone.
• Coccyx – The coccyx, or tailbone, consists of four vertebrae that are fused together. It is located at the base of the back behind the hips.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can occur in all regions of the spine. They can result from a wide range of accidents and incidents; and, while many serious spinal cord injuries result from violent collisions, it doesn’t take much to damage the spinal cord under the right set of conditions. Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Car, truck, and other vehicle accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycling accidents
• Golf cart and scooter accidents
• Falls (including slips, trips, and falls from heights)
• Sports collisions
• Playground accidents
• Twisting, bending, lifting, and other work-related activities

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

If you have been involved in any type of accident and have concerns about a possible spinal cord injury, it is important that you see a doctor right away. This is especially true if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

• Back or neck pain
• Chronic or severe headaches
• Decreased range of motion or strength
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty with bowel or bladder movements
• Numbness
• Loss of fine motor skills
• Partial or intermittent paralysis
• Stiffness or soreness

These are all possible signs of a spinal cord injury; and, if left undiagnosed, they could potentially lead to chronic or permanent effects. Obtaining care promptly can mitigate the risks associated with spinal cord injuries, and treatment can often prevent lingering or long-term consequences. Seeing a doctor as soon after your accident as possible will also greatly improve your chances of recovering just compensation.

When you see a doctor for treatment, your doctor may order X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan in order to diagnose your condition. If you receive copies of any of these scans, you should bring them with you to your free initial consultation—along with any other records, photos, or documentation you have related to your accident. Your lawyer will use these records to assess your legal rights and provide a preliminary assessment of your claim’s value.  

Contact a Florida Back Injury Lawyer Today

Have you or a loved one suffered a life-altering back injury in a traumatic accident? If so, our team of highly-experienced attorneys is here to help. To discuss your legal rights with a Florida spinal cord injury attorney in confidence, call us at 800-780-8607 or request a free initial consultation online today.