Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are usually caused by some sort of accident. These accidents cause life-changing injuries to the victim, often paralyzing or inhibiting their range of motion. Apart from the devastating nature of these injuries, added insult can come when it is caused by another individual, even if by accident. 44% of all spinal cord injuries are caused by car accidents, making it the largest causation category. Other common causes of SCI are slip and fall accidents (22%) and sporting accidents (8%).

A spinal cord injury is the result of a brunt force acting upon the very sensitive nerve column in the back. The strength of this force, which can come from a powerful car crash, a tackle gone wrong, or landing wrong from a fall, can dislocate the vertebrae of the spine. Apart from being immensely painful, the movement of these vertebrae can crush spinal discs and nerves in the spinal cord. These nerves are responsible for carrying important information from areas of the body to the brain. If these nerves or their pathways to the brain are damaged or destroyed, all communication between these parts of the body and the brain can be severed. Spinal cord injuries range from minor nerve damage to complete paralyzation.

Spinal cord injuries are classified into two categories: complete and incomplete. Complete SCIs are incidents where all sensory and motor control is lost below the point of injury, in other words, paralysis. Incomplete SCIs are the result of less serious nerve damage where some to most control is maintained.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the fault of another person, you can use the legal system to help you get the money you deserve to cope with your difficult future situation. While no settlement can reverse an accident or bring full mobility back, it can help you continue on without losing everything. Settlement money is usually paid by the insurance company of the party at fault in the accident and is used to cover medical and other lifetime care expenses and income lost as a result of the accident. This includes medical care and medication, nursing care if necessary, pain and suffering, and loss of income if you can no longer perform the job you held before the accident. Settlements often come in two forms: lump sum or structured settlements. A lump sum settlement gives you the entire amount initially and gives you the freedom to use it as you choose. Unfortunately for some, it means spending it all unwisely, leaving none for the future. Others manage to invest it wisely and end up with enough to cover all the expenses in the long run. A structured settlement gives the victim a fixed amount each month until death, just like a pay check. This amount is usually tax-free and adjusted for inflation and rising cost-of-living. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages and it is a good idea to discuss your options with your Seattle injury attorney when you arrive at that stage of your claim.