Spinal cord injuries are catastrophic injuries. This is because these injuries are not only severe but also have a permanent effect on the victim’s life. These injuries are life-altering. Victims may require long-term care which may cost millions over their lifetime. The situation is made even worse by the fact that many victims are unable to earn a living.
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If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of the reckless or negligent actions of another party, you should hold that party responsible for their actions. An experienced South Bend spinal cord injury lawyer from Blackburn Romey can possibly help you recover the financial resources you need. We have the skills and resources to handle these often complex matters. We’ll fight for the best outcome and help you begin to pick up the pieces.
Understand Comparative Fault: Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault rule, allowing an injured party to recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. If they are found to be 51% or more at fault, they are ineligible for compensation.
Gather Evidence: Collecting evidence to establish the other party’s liability is critical. This evidence may include:
1. Police Reports: Official documentation of the incident, which can provide crucial details about fault and circumstances.
2. Witness Statements: Testimonies from individuals who observed the accident can help substantiate your account.
3. Photographic Evidence: Photos of the scene, injuries, and contributing conditions (e.g., weather, road conditions) are valuable for illustrating fault.
Consult Medical Professionals: A thorough medical evaluation is essential to document the extent of the spinal cord injury and its life impact. Diagnostic tools, such as MRI and CT scans, can visually demonstrate the severity of the injury.
Document Everything: It is crucial to maintain detailed records of medical treatments, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes due to the injury. This documentation supports your claim and illustrates the injury’s physical, emotional, and financial impact.
Engage a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced personal injury attorney with knowledge of Indiana’s laws can be invaluable. They assist in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and effectively presenting the case to maximize potential compensation.
Following these steps will help build a compelling case to establish fault for a spinal cord injury in Indiana.
Spinal cord injuries can occur in various ways. Some of the most common types of accidents that can cause spinal cord injuries include:
The team at Blackburn Romey will investigate your case thoroughly to determine the cause of your injuries. We work with experts in various fields including healthcare. We will identify the party or parties that ought to be held liable for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable South Bend spinal cord injury lawyer from our law firm.
Our team has combined decades of experience handling all types of injury cases, both with insurance companies and in civil court. We bring all that we know about injury law to the table in each and every case.
We have many satisfied clients who were able to move forward with their lives in a better financial position following a serious accident and injuries. We can discuss our past results with you during your free consultation.
We are dedicated to our clients and communities in Indiana. Our goal is to provide comprehensive and compassionate legal services to injured and grieving individuals. We work hard to obtain the money you need so you can focus on recovery instead of worrying about medical bills, insurance claims, or lawsuits.
Spinal cord injuries vary in severity and location. The severity and location of the injury determine the effects of the injury. Spinal cord injuries can be categorized as:
These are the most serious types of spinal cord injuries. These types of injuries are indicated by a complete loss of sensory and motor functions below the site of the injury. The victim, therefore, loses function in the limbs and even some of the organs below the site of the injury. These injuries often have permanent effects on the victim.
These are spinal cord injuries that result in a reduced ability of the brain to send or receive signals from parts of the body below the site of injury. The sensory and motor function below the site of the injury is reduced. The victim therefore still maintains some sensation and function in the parts of the body below the site of the injury.
Quicker response times and better treatment can help accident victims avoid complete spinal cord injuries. Incomplete spinal cord injuries have therefore become more common than complete spinal court injuries. While incomplete spinal cord injuries are still serious injuries, the decreased occurrence of complete spinal cord injuries points to progress in treatment and rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries.
Spinal cord injuries can also be categorized based on the number of limbs affected and the nature of the impact of the injury on the limbs. The most common types of spinal cord injuries based on their nature include:
This is an injury that affects all four limbs. The degree of paralysis however may vary. These injuries are also often referred to as quadriplegia. Depending on the severity of damage to the spinal cord, the injury can affect the function of internal organs too. For example, the victim may experience difficulties with respiration, bowel movements, and bladder control.
These are injuries that result in the loss of sensation and movement in the lower half of the body. Paraplegia injuries are a result of damage to the spinal cord in the thoracic spine region. Only the legs are affected. However, organs in the lower half of the body can also be affected. Victims may therefore also experience loss of function including difficulties in bowel movement or loss of bladder control.
These injuries affect three limbs, in most cases both legs and one arm. They are the result of an incomplete spinal cord injury higher along the spinal column.
While some spinal cord injury victims are able to recover from their injuries, full recovery is often not possible when it comes to these types of injuries. This is because damage to the spinal cord is irreversible. The nerve cells that make up the spinal cord are complex. They may not fully regenerate after being damaged. A full recovery is therefore not possible.
Spinal cord injuries can result in long term or permanent:
While complete recovery may not be possible, victims can recover to some extent. The extent to which you recover from a spinal cord injury will depend on various factors including:
Some conditions can make the recovery process harder. For example, if you had osteoporosis or arthritis, you may have a difficult time recovering from your injuries as these conditions affect the integrity of the bones.
It is best to receive treatment for your injury as soon as possible after it has occurred. Treatment for spinal cord injuries often includes surgery, medication and physical therapy. Getting the right treatment in good time will help you recover more fully.
Treatment is only designed to support your body’s natural healing mechanisms. If your body responds positively to treatment, you may be able to get back on your feet in a matter of months. However, if this is not the case, you may never be able to have an independent life or resume many of the activities you once participated in.
It is important to seek financial compensation for a spinal cord injury when your injury is the result of the negligence or reckless actions of another party. This will help you to access the treatment you need. It will also help to relieve the economic pressure on you and your loved ones when you are unable to return to work.
A South Bend spinal cord injury lawyer from Blackburn Romey will represent you and fight on your behalf. We will work to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Spinal damage, especially from spinal cord injuries (SCI), can deeply affect many aspects of a person’s life:
Physical Limitations: Those affected may experience paralysis, reduced mobility, and challenges with everyday tasks like dressing, bathing, and cooking, often requiring the use of adaptive equipment or assistance from others.
Medical Complications: SCI frequently results in serious health complications, such as respiratory issues, loss of bladder and bowel control, and chronic pain, all of which may require consistent medical care and rehabilitation.
Emotional and Mental Health Effects: Many individuals experience mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and PTSD as they adjust to life changes. The emotional toll of SCI can strain personal relationships and diminish overall quality of life.
Financial Impact: Victims and their families are faced with large hospital bills owning to the need for extensive medical treatment. Victims may also require in-home care, physical therapy, ventilators, wheelchairs, and other equipment. These expenses can add up quickly and last for the victim’s lifetime. Many spinal cord accident victims aren’t able to return to work following their injuries. They are not only faced with more expenses but are also not able to work and make a living. This can be a great loss to the accident victim as well as their loved ones especially if they were the primary breadwinner.
Social Consequences: Adjustments in social relationships are common, as people may become more dependent on others for support. This change can lead to feelings of isolation and disrupt family dynamics and routines.
Overall, spinal damage can result in profound and lasting impacts, influencing nearly every area of an individual’s life. If your spinal cord injury was the result of the reckless or negligent actions of another party, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries. Contact Blackburn Romey and schedule a consultation with an experienced South Bend spinal cord injury lawyer and learn whether you have a valid claim. Our team will represent you through every stage of the process of seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
We’ve been standing up for the rights of injury victims in Indiana for decades. Our team has the expertise and resources to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.❞
Call Blackburn Romey today before the evidence is gone. We will work for you.
It is important that you get started working on your spinal injury claim as soon as possible after your accident. While you probably have a lot to deal with, time is running out. The statute of limitations on filing a personal injury claim in Indiana is only 2 years. This period begins on the date of the injury. If you fail to file your claim within this period, you may not be able to recover the much-needed financial resources from the liable party.
At Blackburn Romey, we offer a free initial consultation for spinal cord victims and their loved ones. Our attorneys are ready and willing to discuss your case in depth with you. We will help you learn about your rights and the options available to you. If you choose our law firm to represent you in your case, we will get started with working on your claim right away. We will handle every aspect of the claims process and allow you to focus on your recovery. Our team won’t settle for anything less than what we believe is just compensation.
Contact us now to schedule your free initial consultation with a South Bend spinal cord injury lawyer from our law firm and learn about how we can help.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us in South Bend, Indiana
Everyone at Blackburn Romey treated us with the utmost respect and compassion. We cannot say enough positive things about our relationship with Chad Romey—he is soft-spoken but commands attention during his negotiations. Chad fought hard for us and came through with astonishing results.
Blackburn & Romey was caring, professional, and explained in detail what to expect during the process. Barb Smith, Paralegal, was exceptional and always had a smile on her face. She lifted my spirits and always made me feel better in a difficult time.
Blackburn Romey has a dedicated focus on spinal cord injury cases, providing experienced legal support to help victims pursue compensation for their injuries.
Success rates can differ among firms and cases, but many seasoned lawyers have a history of achieving settlements or favorable verdicts for their clients. It’s recommended to ask the lawyer directly about their past results in similar cases.
When selecting a lawyer for a spinal cord injury case, prioritize those with specific experience in this area, strong client feedback, a proven record of successful results, and free consultation options. Also, ensure they communicate clearly and have a solid understanding of Indiana law.
Most spinal cord injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay if they win your case. In that case, their payment comes from your settlement – never out of your own pocket.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.
