A spinal cord injury is one of the most painful and debilitating injuries that a person can suffer. Even with treatment, the condition can leave you permanently disabled and unable to return to the life you once knew.

If an accident caused by someone else’s negligence left you with a spinal cord injury, you need an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you put the financial pieces of your life back together.

The Tulsa spinal cord injury attorneys at Edwards & Patterson Law are known for the results we have obtained on behalf of our clients. We have been recognized by well-respected organizations, such as Super Lawyers and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. We hold Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating of AV Preeminent in legal ability and ethical standards.

Our highly knowledgeable injury attorneys in Tulsa are ready to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call or contact us online now for a free and confidential consultation.

How Can a Spinal Injury Impact Your Life?

The consequences of a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be devastating and extremely costly. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), the life expectancy of a person with an SCI is significantly lower compared to someone without an SCI.

Also, the estimated lifetime costs when someone is injured at 25 years old can easily run millions and millions of dollars. However, that only accounts for healthcare costs and living expenses. It does not include indirect costs like lost wages and fringe benefits.

However high the monetary costs of having an SCI can be, the cost to the victim’s quality of life can be even greater. The physical and emotional impact of their injury may include:

  • Chronic pain – Since the injury involves the back, it can cause a lot of pain which often cannot be easily alleviated. Even with surgery and recovery, the victim may still face chronic pain.
  • Nerve damage – The spinal cord is essentially a bundle of nerves that connects to and can affect the rest of the body. That includes the arms, hands, legs, feet, and torso. When injured, it can cause nerve damage that can lead to lost or decreased sensation and pain in the area connected to the injury.
  • Difficulties in movement or paralysis – SCI can cause lost sensation and pain that makes movement difficult. In some cases, it can even cause paralysis to areas below the injury.
  • Bladder and bowel problems – Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim may also suffer some bladder and bowel problems. That will most likely require constant monitoring and assistance.
  • Fitness and general health – Limited mobility and physical activity may put a victim at risk of certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  • Mental health disorders – The emotional impact of an SCI can also be life-changing. Victims of an SCI may suffer depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.

What Are the Most Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Disabled man with partial analysis with his wheelchair.According to the NSCISC, the three most common spinal cord injuries are incomplete tetraplegia, followed by incomplete and complete paraplegia. Altogether, they account for 87 percent of all SCIs.

A complete injury means that all sensation and movement beneath the location of the damage is gone. On the other hand, someone with an incomplete injury will still have some feeling and mobility.

Tetraplegia, which is more commonly known as quadriplegia, affects all four limbs and the torso. Paraplegia, which is also known as partial paralysis, affects only the lower extremities.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

The two most common causes of SCI are traffic accidents and falls:

What to Do If You’ve Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury in Tulsa Due to Someone Else’s Negligence

Here’s what you can do in the days and weeks following your spinal cord injury caused by someone else’s negligence:

  • Get medical treatment. Get a complete diagnosis and begin your treatment plan as soon as possible. Immediate treatment for your physical injuries may prevent further injury and complications.
  • Gather evidence. Collect all documentation relating to the accident. That includes photos and videos of the accident scene, contact information from witnesses and other parties involved, as well as documentation, such as police reports, medical records, and medical bills.
  • Keep a pain journal. Track the challenges that you face daily because of your personal injuries. That can help further illustrate the extent of the pain and suffering you have endured since the accident.
  • Get an attorney. A highly skilled personal injury attorney who understands your injuries can help you build your case to secure the highest compensation possible.

How Our Tulsa Personal Injury Attorneys Help Spinal Cord Accident Victims

When you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, you must focus on your recovery. The thought of taking on a complicated personal injury claim may feel daunting, but a skilled spinal cord injury attorney at Edwards & Patterson Law can handle every step of the process for you. We’re ready to help you seek financial recovery by:

  • Meticulously investigating your accident, including working with accident reconstruction and engineering experts to identify the cause of the accident and the at-fault parties.
  • Documenting your losses and calculating the total value of the compensation you’re owed.
  • Handling all communication with the insurance companies to protect your rights and best interests.
  • Filing your injury claim and negotiating aggressively for the financial recovery you’re owed.
  • Being fully prepared to take your case to court, if necessary, to advocate on your behalf and fight for the verdict you need.

Get a Free Consultation with a Tulsa Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

If you suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault, call Edwards & Patterson Law now. You can get a free consultation with a Tulsa spinal cord injury lawyer who can answer all your questions and analyze your best legal options. We are ready to fight aggressively to seek the best outcome possible for your financial future.

Our firm’s slogan directs our commitment to our clients: “We care. We fight. We win.” That’s our pledge to our clients. We will give our best to you because we care and our best produces results.

Call or contact us online today.

Visit Our Tulsa Spinal Injury Law Office