Cleveland Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

The impact of a spinal cord injury reaches into every part of your life, financially, emotionally, and physically. If the accident that caused you harm was caused by someone else’s negligence, it is your right to hold them accountable. At Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., our attorneys have over 80 years of combined personal injury law experience and a track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements for our clients. Our Cleveland, OH spinal cord injury lawyer wants to hear your story and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Let us take on the legal battle while you focus on getting better.

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Cleveland, OH

The most common causes of spinal cord injuries are motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports, violence, and medical malpractice. Trauma to the spine can range in severity and affect the mobility of the neck, chest, and lower back. In severe cases, victims can lose motor functions and become completely paralysed. Some spinal cord injuries are permanent, and others can improve with surgery or physical therapy. Regardless of what your diagnosis is, our Cleveland spinal cord injury lawyer will make a case for compensation against the person who caused the accident that led to your injuries.

Recoverable damages in personal injury cases involving spinal cord trauma fall into two categories: economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages are tangible expenses like medical bills, income you have lost from being unable to work, the cost of healthcare equipment, and more. Non-economic damages address the emotional and mental impact of the accident, like pain and suffering and emotional distress. Our personal injury attorney will carefully calculate the value of your claim to make sure that the settlement addresses your current and future needs.

Our team of skilled negotiators will take on the at-fault party’s insurance company, presenting a strong case for compensation rooted in facts. By thoroughly investigating your accident and consulting third-party experts, we increase the chances of delivering a positive outcome in your case. Many catastrophic injury claims are settled out of court, but our attorneys will take your lawsuit to trial if a fair agreement cannot be reached. While this avenue to justice takes longer, it also often results in a larger monetary award, especially if we can make an argument for punitive damages to the judge and jury.

Why Experience Matters In Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Because of the severity of most spinal cord injuries, it is all the more vital to work with an attorney who has experience handling catastrophic accident claims. Your future medical needs are likely extensive, whether that is additional surgeries, long-term rehab or physical therapy, assistive medical equipment, or at-home care. Plus, your ability to support yourself may be vastly different now, specifically if you are unable to continue your career because of mobility challenges. These big changes can also affect your relationships.

Our attorney takes all of these factors into account when determining a fair compensation amount. We don’t just look at your past expenses or immediate needs because we understand that the consequences of your injury could last a lifetime. The negligent person who caused the accident is financially responsible under the law, and we will work tirelessly to make sure justice is served.

Our personal injury team brings legal excellence, skill, and personal commitment to every spinal injury case we take on, backed by:

• 80 years of combined experience
• Client advocacy awards, including an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
• Over $300 million secured in settlement awards and verdicts
• Free consultations
• No legal fees unless we win your case

The outcome of your personal injury claim can make all the difference in your quality of life post-accident. Our Cleveland spinal cord injury lawyer will do everything possible to deliver a positive case result. From filing your claim to investigating the accident and negotiating with insurers, our team at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. will be by your side through every step of the legal process. Discover what options you have to hold the negligent party accountable by scheduling a free case review today.

Cleveland Spinal Cord Injury Infographic

Cleveland Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are significant medical conditions that impact thousands of individuals annually in the United States. Understanding the statistics surrounding SCI can provide insight into its prevalence, causes, and the demographics most affected.

• Annual Incidence: Approximately 18,000 new cases of traumatic spinal cord injury occur each year in the United States, equating to about 54 cases per one million people.
  Total Prevalence: An estimated 302,000 individuals are living with spinal cord injuries in the U.S., with estimates ranging from 255,000 to 383,000.
  Gender Disparity: Males account for approximately 79% of new SCI cases, highlighting a significant gender disparity in the incidence of these injuries. 
• Age at Injury: The average age at the time of injury has increased from 29 years in the 1970s to 43 years in recent years, reflecting demographic shifts and possibly improved survival rates. 

Spinal Cord Injury Glossary

If you’re looking for a Cleveland, OH spinal cord injury lawyer, you may come across legal and medical terms that aren’t always easy to understand. This glossary is here to clarify common terminology used in spinal cord injury cases so you can feel more confident discussing your situation with your legal team. Below are five key terms that are often relevant in these cases, each with an expanded explanation based on how they apply in the context of serious injury claims.

Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury refers to a severe physical injury that results in long-term or permanent functional disability or disfigurement. In spinal cord injury cases, this generally involves a complete or incomplete loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site. The term “catastrophic” is used in legal and insurance settings to indicate that the injury will have lifelong implications, often requiring significant medical care, rehabilitation, and home adjustments. In the context of spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries frequently involve paralysis (either paraplegia or tetraplegia), extensive loss of mobility, and long-term health complications.

These cases often justify higher settlements or awards because of the increased need for ongoing care, specialized equipment, and potential loss of income over a lifetime. When working with a spinal cord injury lawyer, they may use this term when presenting the medical consequences of your injury to insurance providers, courts, or other parties involved.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

An incomplete spinal cord injury is when the spinal cord is only partially damaged, meaning that some sensation or motor function is still present below the level of the injury. This differs from a complete injury, where there is a total loss of function and feeling. The extent of functionality that remains can vary widely from person to person and may include movement in one limb, sensation in part of the body, or intermittent control over certain bodily functions.

In legal cases, it’s crucial to document the specific effects of an incomplete injury because they will significantly influence the kind of compensation a person may require for future care and support. Treatment and therapy outcomes for incomplete injuries are often unpredictable, which makes legal planning and accurate representation essential.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) includes devices or tools used in daily life that assist with basic bodily functions after a spinal cord injury. Examples include power wheelchairs, standing frames, and shower chairs. While some health insurance plans offer partial coverage for DME, most limit reimbursement amounts or deny coverage for items they consider non-essential or excessive.

The cost of DME can become a central part of a legal claim, especially when someone with a spinal cord injury is seeking compensation for future needs. A spinal cord injury lawyer may include projected DME costs in a claim to help cover out-of-pocket expenses not reimbursed by insurance providers.

Rehabilitation Services

Rehabilitation services are therapies designed to help spinal cord injury patients regain independence and improve their physical function over time. These services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and respiratory therapy, depending on the nature and extent of the injury. Many people need long-term access to these services, and insurance plans often limit how many sessions are covered.

In legal proceedings, documentation from rehabilitation professionals is often used to demonstrate how the injury has impacted a person’s life and to support a claim for extended care. A Cleveland-based spinal cord injury lawyer will work with medical providers to show that therapy is not optional but vital for maintaining or improving quality of life.

Accessible Vehicle Modification

Accessible vehicle modification refers to the custom design and retrofitting of vehicles so that someone with a spinal cord injury can drive or be transported safely. Modifications might include hand controls, wheelchair lifts, and lowered floors. These adaptations are expensive and usually not covered under standard health insurance or auto insurance policies.

Because these costs can be extensive-often reaching $80,000 or more for a new accessible van-lawyers often include them in compensation claims. The purpose is to allow spinal cord injury victims the ability to regain a measure of independence and return to everyday activities like work, school, or errands.

Let us help you move forward after a serious injury. At Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., we know how critical the right legal support can be after a spinal cord injury. Contact us to speak with a Cleveland, OH spinal cord injury lawyer who can guide you through the steps toward recovery and resolution.

Contact A Lawyer Today

You need to reach out to a spinal cord injury lawyer in Cleveland, OH from Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co, LPA right away so that you do not miss the statute of limitations for filing. The sooner you reach out, the more likely you will be able to gather evidence from the scene and get compensation for your case.