Jacksonville Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys 

Compassionate Representation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Duval County 

Any kind of spinal cord injury can have a dramatic impact on someone’s life. These injuries often result in permanent, life-changing consequences, such as loss of movement, sensation, and function below the location of the injury. Such a drastic shift can impact not only the physical capacities of the individual but also their mental and emotional state, leading to significant changes in every aspect of their daily life – from their ability to work and earn a living to their interpersonal relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life.

If you've suffered a spinal cord injury because of the negligent actions of another party, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. Our Jacksonville spinal cord injury lawyers can help you explore your legal options and fight to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Our accomplished team at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. has over 150+ years of combined legal experience, a track record of exceptional resorts at the state and national levels, and a commitment to personalized and results-oriented representation. We are ready to listen to your story and craft a personalized legal strategy to hold responsible parties accountable and deliver the compensation you need to move forward.

Call Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. today at (904) 295-1050 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our spinal cord injury attorney in Jacksonville!

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are generally categorized into two types: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord Injury results in absolute loss of function below the level of the injury. This means there is no sensation, and voluntary motor movement is impossible on both sides of the body. The severity of a complete injury often depends on which section of the spinal cord is impacted. A higher injury can potentially affect the ability to breathe independently and necessitate the use of a ventilator.

An incomplete spinal cord injury, on the other hand, allows some function below the level of the injury. The degree of function varies based on the extent of the injury. A person with an incomplete injury may be able to move one limb more than another, have more functionality on one side of the body, or have some sensation in parts of the body that cannot be moved. These types of injuries can further be classified as tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia), which can result in loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs, and paraplegia, resulting in loss of movement and sensation in the lower half of the body. 

Ultimately, even “minor” spinal cord injuries will radically transform a victim’s life. You should not wait to discuss your situation with our Jacksonville spinal cord injury attorneys if you sustained any type of spinal cord injury due to negligence.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Many spinal cord injuries are the result of negligent actions. When you are injured because of negligence in a situation where the negligent party owes you a duty of care, the negligent party becomes liable for damages, and you have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them. Our Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. team is ready to review your circumstances and determine whether you have a case. 

Various types of negligence can result in spinal cord injuries, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents: The extreme forces involved in car and truck crashes, particularly high-speed collisions, can cause severe trauma to the spinal cord. Such trauma can result in fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae, the bone discs that make up the spine and protect the spinal cord. You may have a case if you suffered a spinal cord injury due to a collision caused by another driver’s negligence. This disregard might involve reckless driving, drunk driving, or failing to obey traffic laws. 
• Medical malpractice: Spinal cord injuries can tragically occur as a result of errors during surgical procedures, improper handling of a patient's spine, incorrect administration of spinal injections, or failure to diagnose a condition that leads to spinal cord damage. In some cases, a healthcare provider might fail to monitor a patient's condition properly, neglect to provide necessary treatment, or fail to follow up properly after a procedure, all situations which can lead to further damage to the spinal cord. These negligent actions can have devastating consequences, leading to injuries that could have been prevented with proper care. When medical malpractice is suspected, we can work with medical experts to analyze your medical records, identify any breaches of standard care, and build a strong compensation case.
• Workplace accidents occur when employers fail to maintain a safe working environment, particularly in hazardous industries like construction. A lack of proper safety equipment, insufficient training, or enforcement of safety regulations can all lead to accidents. You may obtain compensation through the workers’ compensation system in these cases. If a workplace accident was caused by the negligence of a third party (someone other than your employer or a fellow employee), you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them. 
• Premises liability: Property owner negligence can be another cause of spinal cord injuries. In these cases, injuries occur due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Property owners must maintain their premises safely and warn visitors of hazards. Property owners may be held liable for any resulting injuries if they fail to uphold this duty of care. Examples of premises negligence may include wet floors without posted warning signs, poorly maintained staircases, uneven surfaces, uncovered swimming pools, or inadequate security leading to assault. 
• Product liability: Spinal cord injuries can also occur when a product is designed, manufactured, or labeled in a way that makes it unsafe. For example, a defect in a car's safety features like seatbelts, airbags, or brakes can lead to catastrophic accidents and severe spinal cord injuries. In these and other cases, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer can potentially be held liable for the injuries caused by the defective product.

The Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can lead to a wide range of long-term effects that significantly alter an individual's quality of life. These effects can include:

• Physical Consequences:
  • Paralysis: Loss of movement in certain body parts, depending on the injury's location.
  • Loss of Bowel and Bladder Control: Challenges with daily bodily functions requiring ongoing management.
  • Chronic Pain: Persistent pain can severely impact daily activities and overall well-being.
• Emotional and Psychological Struggles:
  • Depression: Feelings of sadness and hopelessness that may arise from the injury's impact on life.
  • Anxiety: Increased stress and worry regarding future health and lifestyle changes.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Psychological trauma from the injury or the circumstances leading to it.
• Lifestyle Adjustments:
  • Extensive Rehabilitation: Continuous physical therapy and rehabilitation efforts to regain as much function as possible.
  • Ongoing Medical Care: Regular medical appointments and treatments to manage the injury's effects.
  • Assistive Devices: Use wheelchairs, walkers, or other aids to enhance mobility and independence.
  • Home Modifications: Alterations to living spaces to accommodate physical needs, such as ramps and accessible bathrooms.

Understanding these long-term impacts is crucial for victims and their families, as they can influence the type and amount of compensation sought in a personal injury claim. Our team is here to provide not just guidance, but also unwavering support, helping you navigate the complexities of these challenges as you seek justice.

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Florida

You must act quickly to secure compensation for spinal cord injuries caused by negligence, as the state of Florida enforces time limits on personal injury and medical malpractice lawsuits. How long you will have to start the legal process depends on how you were injured, but it is always in your best interest to get legal advice as soon as you can to avoid missing a deadline and losing your right to recover damages. 

Our Jacksonville spinal cord injury lawyers are prepared to fight to get you full and fair compensation for all losses, including:

We are ready to walk you through how the legal process will work and how much you can expect to recover from your spinal cord injuries. Contact us online or call (904) 295-1050 today!