Ohio Spine Injury Lawyer

A spinal cord injury can have debilitating effects on nearly every aspect of your life, including your ability to care for yourself, earn a living, and do the activities you love. But depending on how you were injured, either the party who hurt you or the workers’ compensation system may owe you compensation.

The Ohio spinal cord injury lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law know how to pursue the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses. And we’re ready to help you demand it. Get started today by contacting our team for a free consultation.

What Compensation Can You Receive from a Spinal Cord Injury Settlement?

The compensation you could receive after a spinal cord injury depends on how you suffered the injury in the first place. If you sustained a spine injury after an accident at work, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault. These benefits cover all reasonable medical treatment and some of your lost wages related to the injury.

However, if you suffered a spinal cord injury because of another party’s negligence or misconduct, you could be entitled to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against them. Doing so could provide you with compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
• Any lost wages from missed work
• Reduced income because of disabilities
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Spinal Stenosis After a Car Accident

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces in the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal stenosis can result from blunt-force trauma, such as in a car accident, or slowly over time due to cysts or tumors, congenital defects, or simply age-related wear.

Those who’ve suffered spinal stenosis because of trauma in a car accident might experience the following symptoms:

• Pain or stiffness in the neck
• Pain radiating through arms or legs
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
• Burning sensation in the neck or limbs
• Pain or discomfort along the spine
• Sudden bladder or bowel dysfunction

Spine Injury from Work

According to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), some of the most common injuries that cause workers to lose time at work involve the spine. They are:

• Lumbar sprain or strain — The lumbar region comprises the lower back. A sprain or strain may occur when extra pressure is placed on the back, such as when a worker lifts a heavy object.
• Neck sprain or strain — The neck can suffer a sprain or strain when the head and neck are jerked around violently or put in a stressful position for a prolonged period.
• Lumbosacral sprain or strain — The lumbosacral region runs from the small of the back to the pelvis. Strains or sprains can occur from stretching or tearing of muscles or ligaments supporting the area.
• Thoracic sprain or strain — The thoracic region is the upper area of the back between the neck and the lower back, consisting of 12 vertebrae. It may be sprained through excessive pushing or pulling motions or because of sudden trauma, such as in a car accident.
• Lumbar disc displacement — Also called a herniated disc, a lumbar disc displacement occurs in the lower back. It’s caused when an intervertebral disc experiences a deformity where the soft nucleus pushes through the protective outer layer.

Spine Injuries from Slips, Falls, and Other Accidents

Spinal cord injuries can occur from slips, falls, or similar accidents. These injuries can range from mild to severe and from temporary to permanent.

Common injuries after slip-and-fall accidents include the following:

• Compression fracture — A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when a vertebra breaks or cracks, resulting in severe pain and limited mobility.
• Herniated disc — When the spine twists during a fall, a disc between the vertebrae could suffer a tear in the outer layer and cause a painful herniated disc.
• Sprains or strains — It’s not uncommon for someone who’s slipping and falling to brace for their impact with the ground, which can cause a sprain or strain if they land awkwardly. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the band of tissue connecting bone to bone. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which attaches muscles to bone.
• Tailbone injury — These injuries typically occur after a slip-and-fall accident where the victim lands on their coccyx, the bony structure located at the bottom of the vertebral column, causing it to bruise or fracture.
• Whiplash — This injury occurs when the neck suddenly and rapidly snaps back and forth, causing trauma to the neck’s soft tissues.

Steps to Recovery After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury

Recovery after a spinal cord injury is different for every patient and depends on the type and severity of the injury they suffered.

However, there are three general stages to the recovery process:

• Critical stage — This typically occurs in the hospital immediately following the accident. A doctor will stabilize the patient and perform diagnostics to determine the extent of the spinal cord injury. Over the next several days, doctors will try to limit the damage and risk of complications.
• Rehabilitation stage — This stage can last for several months or even years. It typically involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative treatments. In some cases, patients may be able to regain some bodily function within 18 months of the accident. In rare cases, some people recover limited function years after the injury.
• Long-term management stage — Patients learn how to manage life with a spinal cord injury. They may need to learn new ways of doing things and use medical devices or equipment to help with daily activities. They may also have to manage secondary health conditions such as pressure ulcers, muscle spasms, chronic pain, and depression.

How Can an Ohio Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Help with Your Case?

If you suffered a spinal cord injury, the Ohio personal injury lawyer at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law can evaluate your legal options, advocate for your needs, and pursue the compensation you could be entitled to. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with an experienced spine injury lawyer.