A quiet evening drive home on Highway 17 Business. A day out on a boat near the jetties. A routine shift at a restaurant along the Murrells Inlet marshwalk. In an instant, a sudden accident can cause a spinal cord injury, completely changing the trajectory of a person’s life and that of the people closest to them.
When a spinal cord injury results from someone else's negligence, the physical, emotional, and financial toll may be overwhelming. Victims and their families suddenly face a maze of medical treatments, mounting bills, and difficult questions about the future.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injury Accidents
A spinal cord injury occurs when trauma damages the vertebrae, ligaments, or disks of the spinal column or damages the spinal cord itself. These injuries may result in permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other bodily functions below the point of impact. The severity depends on the location and extent of the damage, with injuries higher on the spine typically causing more widespread paralysis.
In Murrells Inlet, as in the rest of the country, some spinal cord injuries may stem from sudden, traumatic accidents, such as:
- Motor vehicle crashes. Accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles are possible causes of spinal cord trauma. For example, high-speed collisions may generate enough force to fracture, compress, or dislocate vertebrae.
- Falls. Slips and falls on ground level or from heights may cause serious injuries.
- Violence. Acts of violence such as gunshot or knife wounds can directly traumatize the spinal cord, leading to permanent paralysis.
- Sports and recreation. Given the area's abundant waterways, diving accidents are a particular concern. Striking the bottom in shallow creeks or swimming pools can cause catastrophic cervical spine injuries.
These catastrophic events share a common thread: they are frequently caused by the careless, reckless, or intentional actions of another party.
Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury Accident
It can be hard to know what to do after a serious injury like a spinal cord injury. However, if possible, the following actions should be considered:
- Seek emergency medical treatment. The priority is the injured person's health and safety.
- Get rehabilitation therapies. Participating actively in physical and occupational therapy may help a person adapt to their new circumstances.
- Document the impact. Keeping a detailed journal of medical appointments, daily life challenges, emotional struggles, and milestones in recovery may paint a vivid picture of the injury's impact.
- Preserve evidence from the scene. If possible, and if it does not interfere with emergency responders, gather photos and videos of the accident scene. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
- Direct insurance companies to legal counsel. Insurance adjusters may reach out quickly, often seeking recorded statements. People represented by counsel have the right to direct insurance companies to their lawyers.
- Consult a legal professional. Reaching out to an experienced Murrells Inlet spinal cord injury lawyer early in the process allows the legal team to begin preserving evidence and building a case while the victim focuses on healing.
While the days following an accident may be challenging, taking these actions can be beneficial.
Possible Compensation in Spinal Cord Injury Claims
The financial burden of a spinal cord injury is staggering. When another party's negligence causes an accident, the law allows victims to pursue compensation for damages. Possible compensation can include:
- Past and future medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and medical equipment such as wheelchairs and ventilators
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity for the income the victim can no longer earn due to permanent disabilities
- Physical pain and suffering resulting from the trauma of the injury and ongoing chronic pain
- Emotional distress, including the mental anguish of adjusting to a new way of life
- Loss of consortium, or the loss of companionship and intimacy, for the spouse of the injured person
- Home and vehicle modifications, such as ramps, widened doorways, and accessible vans, as well as costs for in-home care
Together, these damages may help a spinal cord injury victim move forward.
Choosing a Murrells Inlet Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
The attorney-client relationship in these cases is a partnership that often extends for months or years, requiring trust, communication, and a shared commitment to the client's future.
When evaluating legal representation, victims and their families can consider anything important to them, including but not limited to:
- Experience
- Investigative resources
- Reputation and local knowledge
- Compassion and communication
Suffering a spinal cord injury is a life-altering event that can bring immense physical, emotional, and financial strain. No legal outcome can undo the damage, but holding the responsible party accountable may provide valuable resources.
