Spinal cord injuries can affect movement, sensation, independence, and the ability to work. Some cause permanent paralysis, while others result in varying degrees of impairment or require extensive rehabilitation. When another party’s negligence causes this type of harm, our Tucson catastrophic injury lawyers can investigate what happened and help you pursue compensation for your current and future losses.
The Mercaldo Law Firm has represented seriously injured people throughout Arizona for more than 40 years. Call (520) 624-1400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Tucson spinal cord injury lawyer.
Why Choose Us for a Tucson Spinal Cord Injury Case?
For decades, the legal team and staff at the Mercaldo Law Firm have been advocating for catastrophic injury victims with a dedication to hands-on legal representation by an attorney who takes the time to get to know you and witness the impacts of the injury on your life. With our team on your side, you’ll have the following:
- A free consultation and contingency-based payment, so you only pay for our services after we’ve recovered compensation for you in your case
- An individualized strategy with your compensation as our highest priority
- Access to medical experts and occupational therapists to support your case
Our over 40-year history of success, with over $400 million recovered for clients, lends a powerful voice to your claim.
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury In Tucson
The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The effects of an injury depend on its location and whether it is complete or incomplete. Cervical injuries may affect all four limbs, while thoracic or lumbar injuries may primarily affect the lower body. Some people retain partial movement or sensation, while others require mobility equipment, home modifications, and ongoing assistance.
According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the estimated lifetime costs of paralysis range from $1,578,274 for a low-level spinal cord injury to $4,724,181 for tetraplegia.
What Causes Spinal Cord Injury In Tucson Catastrophic Injury Claims?
Blunt force trauma to the spinal column can cause the protective bony vertebrae to break, sometimes damaging or severing the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can also result from puncture wounds or a powerful back-and-forth jarring motion. According to data from the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls from heights
- Contact sports injuries
- Recreational injuries from skiing, skating, diving, and horseback riding
- Acts of violence, including gunshots and explosions
- Medical malpractice
The full effects of a spinal cord injury are not always immediately apparent. In some cases, inflammation and infection can cause additional damage in the days or weeks following the initial trauma.
Proving Liability for a Spinal Cord Injury In Tucson
To recover the compensation you deserve after someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing causes a spinal cord injury, you must first prove their liability for your damages. The evidence presented in the case must show the following:
- The responsible party owed a legal duty of care to the injury victim, such as a driver’s duty to follow traffic laws
- They breached their duty of care through negligence
- The breach of duty caused the injury
- The injury victim suffered damages from the injury
Damages in spinal cord injury claims are often extensive and lifelong.
Recoverable Damages In Tucson Spinal Cord Injury Cases
A spinal cord injury claim against the at-fault party provides the financial compensation an injury victim needs to access the best medical care and relieve financial hardship. A successful claim recovers compensation such as the following:
- Past and future medical expenses and costs for adaptive equipment and physical therapy
- Reduced earning capacity
- Compensation for pain and suffering
If a spinal cord injury resulted in the loss of a loved one, our Tucson wrongful death lawyers can explain your family’s legal options and help you pursue accountability.
Contact Our Tucson Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
You don’t have to add the distress of a complex legal process to your life while also dealing with the life-altering impacts of a spinal cord injury. Call the Mercaldo Law Firm at (520) 624-1400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Tucson spinal cord injury lawyers.