A spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating and life-changing events a person can experience. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to another party’s negligence, you may be facing a long and difficult road ahead. From the physical pain and emotional trauma to the financial strain of medical bills and lost income, the impact is enormous.
Spinal cord injuries can happen in many ways, often during sudden, violent events. These include high-impact car crashes, falls from heights, being struck as a pedestrian, or being crushed in a workplace accident. They may also occur during sports or recreational activities, particularly in contact sports or diving accidents. In some cases, medical negligence during surgery or spinal treatment can also lead to irreversible damage. Regardless of how the injury occurs, the consequences can be catastrophic and permanent.
At Schafer and Schafer LLP, we understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to help. Our experienced Northwest Indiana spinal cord injury lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged by trauma or disease, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This damage can lead to partial or complete loss of movement and sensation, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Spinal cord injuries are categorized as either complete or incomplete. In a complete injury, all function is lost below the level of injury. In an incomplete injury, some motor or sensory function remains.
These injuries can be caused by a sudden impact, penetrating injury, or even complications from surgery or medical treatment. Recovery is often long and uncertain. Many victims require surgery, extended hospitalization, rehabilitation, and lifelong care.
When a spinal injury is sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence, the injury falls under the complicated set of rules and regulations called personal injury law and the help of an experienced spinal cord accident lawyer is needed to pursue fair compensation.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are frequently the result of serious accidents or negligent acts. Some of the most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle collisions
- Falls, particularly from significant heights or due to unsafe property conditions
- Pedestrian accidents involving reckless or distracted drivers
- Workplace accidents, including construction site injuries or heavy machinery incidents
- Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds or physical assaults
- Sports and recreational accidents, especially in contact sports
- Medical errors, including surgical mistakes or delayed diagnosis of spinal conditions
If your spinal cord injury was caused by any of these events, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options and build a case for the compensation you need.
The Physical, Emotional, and Financial Toll
Spinal cord injuries affect every part of a person's life. Physically, victims may experience paralysis, chronic pain, muscle spasms, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Some individuals lose the ability to walk or care for themselves independently. Others may need assistance with basic daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. These are catastrophic injuries that will require substantial changes to how a person goes about their daily lives.
Emotionally, the toll can be equally devastating. Many spinal cord injury victims experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. The sudden change in lifestyle, independence, and career prospects can create long-term psychological challenges.
The financial burden is also staggering. Victims often face:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Ongoing physical and occupational therapy
- Durable medical equipment and home modifications
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- In-home care and long-term assistance
The average settlement for a spinal cord injury can vary greatly based on the severity of the injury and the circumstances surrounding the case. For those with complete paralysis or quadriplegia, lifetime care costs can exceed millions of dollars.
A knowledgeable spinal cord accident attorney will be able to give you an estimate as to the full compensation your particular injury might require but there are no guarantees.
Your Legal Rights After a Spinal Cord Injury
In Indiana, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit if your injury resulted from someone else’s wrongful actions. Whether that’s a reckless driver, a property owner neglecting safety, an employer failing to maintain a safe workplace, a negligent healthcare provider, or a manufacturer of a defective product, the attorneys at Schafer and Schafer LLP are here to help.
When You Can File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim
Under Indiana law, individuals who suffer a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act may pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This may apply to situations involving:
- A driver who caused an accident by speeding, texting, or driving under the influence
- A property owner who failed to repair or warn of a hazardous condition
- An employer who failed to maintain a safe workplace
- A manufacturer who released a defective product
- A healthcare provider whose negligence resulted in avoidable harm
- A large truck accident involving an independently contracted or employed truck driver
In most personal injury cases in Indiana, victims have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Failing to act within this time frame may result in losing your right to compensation. It is critical to consult a qualified spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.
Proving Liability in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
To recover damages, your legal team must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injury. This process involves collecting and presenting strong evidence, including:
- Accident reports and police documentation
- Medical records and expert testimony
- Witness statements
- Photographs or video footage from the scene
- Testimony from economists or life care planners to calculate long-term damages
Schafer and Schafer LLP has the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate your case and identify all potential sources of liability. We build legal strategies designed to secure full compensation for your injuries.
How a Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help
Insurance companies will do anything to keep their profits intact, even if that involves fighting hard to keep fair compensation out of the hands of those that need it most. Spinal injuries are traumatic and life changing, but insurers tend to only see the amount it will cost them. You need a lawyer well versed in personal injury claims to make sure your rights are protected and you’re treated fairly. At Schafer and Schafer LLP, we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.
Our process includes:
- Conducting a detailed case evaluation and legal analysis
- Gathering and preserving key evidence
- Coordinating with medical and financial experts to assess damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if a trial becomes necessary
We have handled cases involving spinal cord injury rehabilitation, spinal cord injury surgery, and long-term disability. Whether your injury occurred in a car accident, truck accident, or pedestrian incident, our goal is to ensure you receive the medical care and financial support you need to move forward.
Why Choose Schafer and Schafer LLP for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
Our team atSchafer and Schafer LLP has built a reputation as one of Northwest Indiana’s trusted personal injury law firms. Our team has decades of combined experience handling serious injury cases, including catastrophic injuries and spinal cord trauma. We understand that no two cases are alike, which is why we provide personalized, one-on-one attention to every client.
Here is what sets our firm apart:
- Proven success in spinal cord injury lawsuits and high-value settlements
- Deep knowledge of Indiana personal injury law
- A team of experienced trial lawyers ready to fight in court
- A compassionate, client-first approach focused on your recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
Contact a Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a spinal cord injury alone. Schafer and Schafer LLP is ready to stand with you and your family during this difficult time. Whether you are just beginning to explore your legal options or are ready to file a claim, we are here to help you every step of the way.
If we are not able to secure fair compensation through negotiation, we will gladly step into the courtroom and work hard to make sure your rights are observed. We know how painful and life-changing spinal cord injuries are, and we won’t rest until you receive the fair treatment you deserve.
Get Legal Help After a Life-Changing Injury
Contact us at (219) 947-1911 to schedule a free consultation and let one of our experienced Northwest Indiana spinal cord injury lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
