How to receive maximum compensation for your spinal cord injuries in Tampa
Most people don’t give much thought to their spinal cord—until an accident changes everything. A spinal cord injury can disrupt every aspect of life, from mobility and independence to financial stability and emotional well-being, and they’re more common than you might think.
According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, an estimated 300,000 people in the U.S. are currently living with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), and every year, another 18,000 people injure their spinal cords in accidents. With the average costs for those living with these injuries ranging from around $42,000 to more than $180,000 a year, it’s essential that anyone who’s suffered a spinal cord injury due to negligence understand their rights to compensation under Florida law.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in an accident in Florida, contact the experienced Tampa spinal cord injury attorneys at Lorenzo & Lorenzo to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
What are the four types of spinal cord injuries?
The spinal cord is divided into 4 distinct sections. Each one protects a different set of nerves that, in turn, control other functions of the body. Doctors typically classify injuries based on the area that’s damaged:
- Cervical spinal cord injuries. These occur in the neck region, affecting the topmost vertebrae (C1-C7). Injuries here can cause complete or partial loss of motor function and sensation in the arms, legs, and torso and may also impact breathing if the injury is near the upper cervical spine. Paralysis from these injuries is often referred to as tetraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Thoracic spinal cord injuries. These impact the middle of the spine, specifically the T1-T12 vertebrae. Injuries in this region can cause paraplegia, affecting movement and sensation in the lower body while typically leaving arm and hand function intact. Thoracic injuries may also result in challenges with core stability and balance.
- Lumbar spinal cord injuries. These injuries affect the L1-L5 vertebrae in the lower back. They often lead to partial or full loss of mobility and sensation in the legs and lower body, while upper body function remains unaffected. Depending on the severity, individuals may require a wheelchair or braces to assist with mobility.
- Sacral spinal cord injuries. These injuries occur in the sacral region (S1-S5) at the base of the spine. They can affect the hips, buttocks, and legs and may cause issues with bladder, bowel, and sexual function. Sacral injuries are less likely to result in total paralysis but can still significantly impact mobility and daily activities.
Complete vs. incomplete spinal injuries
A spinal cord injury can be further classified into 1 of 2 categories: complete and incomplete.
An incomplete spinal injury is one in which there is only partial damage to the spinal cord. This can result in numbness, pain, and a limited range of motion, among other things.
A complete spinal cord injury occurs when there is permanent damage to a particular area of the spinal cord. This can result in severe disabilities such as paraplegia or tetraplegia.
Common signs of a spinal cord injury
Symptoms of spinal cord injury can occur immediately after an accident, or they may take hours or days to fully surface. Immediate symptoms are considered emergencies and indicate a direct need for medical attention. They include:
- Paralysis in any part of the body (This can be a sign of bleeding around the spine.)
- Difficulty breathing normally after the accident
- Extreme pain or pressure in the back
- Lack of bladder control
Even if everything appears fine after an accident, other symptoms of spinal cord injury can show up later and can indicate a potentially worsening condition. The following symptoms may appear gradually but still require immediate medical attention:
- Loss of sensation in any part of the body (This includes the inability to feel heat, cold, or touch.)
- Tingling or numbness in any part of the body, especially the extremities
- The inability to control the bowels or bladder
- Extreme spasms or reflex contractions
- Changes in sexual function
- Growing pain or stinging sensations (This can indicate nerve damage.)
- Difficulty breathing or an increase in coughing
Ignoring these common symptoms of a spinal injury can pave the way for severe progressions and potentially permanent damage. It’s always recommended that you seek medical attention immediately following any accident to rule out serious internal injuries.
Calculating the Cost of Your Personal Injury Claim
Learn how damages are calculated so you understand what your personal injury claim is worth.
What are the most common causes of spinal cord injury in Florida?
Spinal cord injuries can result from various types of accidents, many of which involve unique risks that make them especially dangerous for the spine. Below are some of the most common causes of SCIs in Florida personal injury cases:
- Car accidents. Car accidents and high-speed crashes, in particular, often generate significant force, which can cause the body to twist unnaturally or be subjected to crushing impacts. Rear-end accidents (especially pile-ups) commonly lead to whiplash and compression fractures in the spine, while head-on collisions may result in catastrophic spinal injuries from the sudden deceleration.
- Motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, leaving their bodies exposed during an accident. Being thrown from the motorcycle or colliding with other vehicles can lead to severe spinal cord trauma, particularly in the cervical or thoracic regions.
- Truck accidents. The size and weight of commercial trucks create devastating impacts in accidents. Spinal injuries are common when passenger vehicles are crushed under the force of a truck (i.e., underride accident) or during rollovers. These injuries are often compounded by the force of cargo shifting or falling during the crash.
- Plane accidents. Although less frequent, plane crashes can be catastrophic due to the high-altitude impacts or emergency landings. Passengers often experience extreme forces during impact, which can compress or fracture the spine. Even survivable accidents can result in serious spinal injuries from severe turbulence or improper crash positions.
- Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians hit by vehicles are at significant risk of spinal cord injuries, especially if struck at high speeds. The force of the collision often throws the pedestrian to the ground or against the vehicle, leading to fractures or nerve damage in the spinal column. These injuries are more severe when heavy vehicles, like trucks, are involved.
- Slip and fall accidents. Especially for those over 65, slip and fall incidents are a major cause of spinal cord injuries. Falls from ladders, stairs, or uneven surfaces can cause significant damage to the spine, especially when landing on the back or neck.
- Sports and recreational injuries. Sports like football, hockey, or rugby, as well as high-impact recreational activities such as skiing, diving, or horseback riding, can lead to SCIs. Contact youth sports can be particularly dangerous, with injuries often resulting from improper equipment, unsafe conditions, or lack of supervision.
- Acts of violence. Violent crimes, including shootings or stabbings, can damage the spinal cord if the injury occurs near the spine. These cases often involve additional legal complexities when intentional harm is involved.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in any of these scenarios because of someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified Tampa injury lawyer to begin exploring your legal options for compensation.
How much are spinal cord injuries worth in Florida?
Spinal cord injuries are often considered catastrophic injuries because they lead to long-term or even lifelong medical care and treatment. In addition to significant medical costs, you may be left unable to work and provide for your family. Personal injury lawsuits are designed to provide accident victims with the financial support they need to rebuild their lives.
Compensable damages can be divided into 2 main categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages. These cover measurable financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses. Current and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices
- Lost wages. Income lost due to an inability to work during recovery
- Loss of earning capacity. Compensation for the impact on your ability to work and earn in the future
Non-economic damages. These address the personal and emotional impact of your injury, including:
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain and discomfort caused by the injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Impact on your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed
- Emotional distress. Psychological effects, such as depression or anxiety
- Loss of consortium. The impact on your relationships with loved ones, including loss of companionship, support, or intimacy with a spouse or partner
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault party.
The exact amount of compensation depends on factors like the severity of the injury, long-term impact, and the circumstances of the accident. Consulting with a local Tampa spinal injury attorney can help you determine the full value of your claim.
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Was negligence a factor?
Negligence often plays a role in the development of an SCI. To determine negligence, Florida courts consider the following 4 elements:
- Duty of care. Did the other person have a duty to act responsibly toward the injured party?
- Breach of duty. Was there an actual breach in the duty of care?
- Causation. Did the breach of duty directly lead to the spinal cord injury?
- Damages. Did an individual suffer actual damages as a result of the injury?
Some examples of negligent behavior that could lead to a spinal cord injury include:
- Driving while distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to keep sidewalks in good repair or not removing snow or ice from walkways
- Failing to clean up spills or wet floors at grocery stores, restaurants, spas, and more
- Allowing people to participate in sports or recreational activities without the proper protective gear
- Failing to enforce safety rules at amusement parks, water parks, swimming pools, or similar venues, leading to accidents on rides or attractions
- Manufacturing or selling defective products, including faulty airbags, car seats, or sports equipment that lead to injury
- Overloading commercial vehicles or improperly securing cargo, leading to accidents
If you or a loved one are an accident victim, don’t wait until the bills begin piling up to get help. The sooner you reach out to an experienced Florida personal injury attorney, the better your chances are of building a successful case.
Where can I find an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer in Tampa, FL?
Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering, leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional challenges that are difficult to navigate alone. At Lorenzo & Lorenzo, we understand the toll this takes on you and your loved ones, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced Tampa personal injury attorneys will take the time to listen to your story, investigate every detail of your case, and identify all potential sources of compensation. From working with medical experts to demonstrate the full extent of your injuries to negotiating aggressively with insurance companies, we’ll build a strong case to maximize your claim.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious spinal cord injury or wrongful death after an accident in Florida, you don’t have to face this alone. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Contact Lorenzo & Lorenzo today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help with your Florida spinal cord injury claim.
References
Costs Of Living With A Spinal Cord Injury | Reeve Foundation. (n.d.). Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/costs-and-insurance/costs-of-living-with-spinal-cord-injury/
Spinal Cord Injury Prevalence In The U.S. | Reeve Foundation. (n.d.). Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/paralysis-help-overview/stats-about-paralysis/
