How Do I Know If I Have a Spine Injury Case?

A spine injury can be life-altering. Whether it’s caused by a car accident, a slip and fall, or a workplace incident, these types of injuries can have long-lasting and devastating effects on a person’s quality of life. If you or a loved one has suffered a spine injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, know that you have legal recourse. What causes and determines a spine injury, and how can you be compensated for your injury? 

What to Know About Spine Injuries 

A spine injury refers to any damage to a person’s vertebrae, ligaments, discs, or the spinal cord itself. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves housed within the vertebral column (the spine), and since it carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body, damage to the area can disrupt communication between the brain and the body. This can lead to impaired movement, impaired sensation, paralysis, and many other medical conditions. 

Spine injuries are typically categorized into two broad types: 

1. Incomplete spinal injuries, where some function remains below the site of the injury. 
2. Complete spinal injuries, where there is total loss of function below the injury site, often resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. 

Other spine injuries may involve the vertebrae or discs, such as herniated discs or fractured vertebrae, which can cause intense pain, nerve damage, and mobility issues. 

What Causes a Spine Injury? 

Spine injuries can occur due to trauma or a degenerative condition. Some of the most common causes include: 

• Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents are the leading cause of spine injuries, often resulting from the sudden impact or whiplash associated with the crash. The force exerted on the neck and back during a collision can result in severe injury to the spinal cord and surrounding vertebrae. 
• Falls: Slip and fall accidents, especially from heights, are another leading cause of spine injuries. These incidents can occur in unsafe workplaces, on poorly maintained properties, or in any area where hazards are present and not properly marked. 
• Sports injuries: High-impact sports like football, wrestling, or rugby put participants at a greater risk for spinal injuries. In some cases, improper coaching, inadequate protective gear, or faulty equipment can result in serious harm. 
• Workplace accidents: Construction workers, warehouse employees, and other labor-intensive professions face the risk of spine injuries due to lifting heavy objects, falls, or equipment malfunctions. 

When someone else’s negligence or recklessness contributes to an accident, they may be held legally responsible for the injuries sustained. Common personal injury cases involve property owners who may be liable if a slip and fall occurs on their premises due to a failure to address dangerous conditions. Similarly, in car accidents, a negligent driver who caused the collision may be held liable for the resulting spinal injuries. 

The Lifelong Effects of Spine Injuries 

Spine injuries can have a significant and permanent impact on a person’s life. Some of the lifelong effects include: 

• Paralysis: Depending on the location and severity of the injury, individuals may lose mobility in the lower part of the body (paraplegia) or both the arms and legs (quadriplegia). 
• Chronic pain: Spine injuries often lead to long-term or permanent pain that can impact every aspect of daily life, requiring ongoing medical treatment and pain management. 
• Reduced independence: Many individuals with severe spine injuries require assistance with basic activities, such as dressing, bathing, and eating. They may also need long-term care or physical therapy to maintain some level of mobility. 
• Mental health impacts: Coping with a spinal injury can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues due to the profound changes in lifestyle, loss of independence, and chronic pain. 
• Reduced life expectancy: Individuals with severe spine injuries, particularly those with complete spinal cord damage, may face a reduced life expectancy due to complications such as infections, respiratory issues, or other related health problems. 

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Personal Injury Case Involving a Spine Injury? 

Victims of spine injuries caused by another party’s negligence can seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The damages that may be recovered include: 

• Medical expenses: Compensation for both immediate medical costs and long-term care needs, including surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, braces). 
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: If the injury prevents the victim from working, they may be compensated for lost income and any future wages they would have earned if not for the injury. 
• Pain and suffering: Spine injuries often result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation can be awarded to address these non-economic damages. 
• Rehabilitation costs: Ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, or home care assistance may be necessary, and these expenses can be included in a settlement or award. 
• Home modifications: Injured individuals may need to make modifications to their homes to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility aids, such as installing ramps, wider doorways, or accessible bathrooms. 
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If the injury has diminished the quality of life or restricted the ability to engage in hobbies, social activities, or family life, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for this loss. 

In severe cases, families may also seek compensation for the emotional distress of caring for a loved one with a spinal injury, or if the injury results in a wrongful death, for the loss of companionship and financial support. 

Get Legal Help for Your Spine Injury Today 

Spine injuries are among the most devastating and life-altering injuries a person can experience, often requiring significant medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments. If you or a loved one has suffered a spine injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to seek legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Morelli Law, our legal team and skilled attorneys will help you find those responsible for your injury and fight for your family to get the compensation you deserve. We have the resources needed to manage your case, no matter how complex, and we’re ready to fight for you. Get in touch with us for a free consultation today.