Rhode Island Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Secure the Compensation You Need for a Full Life - Call (401) 200-4059

Spinal cord injuries are the result of traumatic events that can cause varying degrees of permanent and disabling conditions. They are almost always tragic and life-altering, leaving the victim and his or her loved ones responsible for a variety of needs, including hospitalization, rehabilitation, medical care and expenses for the remainder of the victim’s life; counseling or psychiatric care, lost wages; and much more.

Medical expenses and other necessary costs incurred when a spinal cord injury is suffered are generally high, and most individuals are unable to pay for them personally.

Our Rhode Island spinal cord injury attorneys can provide the seasoned counsel you need. Call (401) 200-4059 to learn more.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs from the base of the brain down the back, and it plays a crucial role in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is injured, these signals may be disrupted, leading to a variety of impairments.

Common types of spinal cord injuries include:

• Complete Spinal Cord Injury: This occurs when the spinal cord is fully severed, leading to a total loss of function below the injury site.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In this type, some communication between the brain and the body is still possible. The extent of impairment can vary widely, and individuals may retain some sensory or motor function below the injury level.
• Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): This type of injury affects the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord, resulting in partial or total paralysis of all four limbs and the trunk.
• Paraplegia: This injury occurs in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord, leading to paralysis of the lower half of the body, including the legs.
• Central Cord Syndrome: Typically associated with damage to the center of the spinal cord, this type of injury can result in weakness or paralysis, particularly in the arms.

The severity and long-term effects of a spinal cord injury can vary depending on factors such as the location and extent of the damage. Rehabilitation, medical interventions, and assistive devices may be used to manage the effects of spinal cord injuries and improve the individual's quality of life.

Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Traumatic Injuries: The majority of spinal cord injuries are caused by trauma resulting from accidents or falls. This can include motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, sports-related injuries, and other traumatic incidents.
• Diving Accidents: Diving into shallow water or hitting the bottom of a pool or lake can cause spinal cord injuries, especially if the water is not deep enough to cushion the impact.
• Acts of Violence: Gunshot wounds, knife injuries, and other acts of violence can lead to spinal cord damage.
• Sports Injuries: Certain sports, particularly those with a high risk of collisions or falls, can result in spinal cord injuries. Examples include football, rugby, and gymnastics.
• Medical Conditions: Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries can also occur due to medical conditions such as tumors, infections, inflammation, and degenerative diseases affecting the spinal cord.
• Cervical Hyperextension: Whiplash injuries, often associated with car accidents, can cause hyperextension of the cervical spine, potentially leading to spinal cord damage.
• Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like transverse myelitis and multiple sclerosis involve inflammation of the spinal cord, which can result in injury and impairment.
• Birth Injuries: In some cases, infants may sustain spinal cord injuries during the birthing process, particularly if there are complications during delivery.

How Common are Spine Injuries?

Every year, there are approximately 12,000 cases of spinal cord injuries in this country, and more than 90% of those injuries are caused by trauma. Motor vehicle accidents account for 43% of all spinal cord injuries. Falls account for 27.1%, violence 15.3%, and sports injuries 7.4%. They can also be caused by a surgical error, although this is rarer. While some accidents are preventable, they are often due to the fault of a reckless driver or an employer’s disregard for workplace safety.

How Can I Recover Compensation After a Spinal Cord Injury?

When a spinal cord injury happens, you may need the assistance of a professional and experienced lawyer to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

A personal injury lawsuit offers the opportunity to pursue financial compensation for any and all expenses and losses associated with the injury.

In this type of case, the injured person brings a lawsuit on his or her own behalf. These claims can also include compensation for the burden placed on a spouse because of the injury.

Benefits of Hiring Our Firm

Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. diligently and successfully pursue compensation for spinal cord injury victims. While no amount of money can reverse the damage spinal injuries often cause, large settlements are often imperative to provide victims with critical lifelong care.

Our lawyers have extensive experience with personal injury actions involving spinal cord injuries. We have successfully negotiated and litigated numerous multi-million-dollar recoveries for our clients, and we have a history in this complex field that spans well over 40 years.

Our firm offers:

• Free Consultations
• Over $1 Billion Recovered
• A Track Record of Success
• 200+ Years of Combined Experience

Get Started on Your Case Today

Spinal injuries can dramatically affect the lives of victims and their families. In many cases, these injuries leave victims permanently disabled, or in need of months, years, and in some instances, even a lifetime of rehabilitation, therapy, and care.

When spinal cord injuries are caused by negligence or other forms of wrongdoing, our civil justice system offers a way to recover damages from the at-fault party or parties. Our experienced team is ready to fight for you! Don't wait to get help, contact our firm today.

From our offices in Providence, we represent clients across Rhode Island in spinal cord injury cases. Call (401) 200-4059 to arrange a free consultation with one of our lawyers.