Suffering any injury in an accident can be life-altering, but a spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating outcomes an accident victim can face.
The spinal cord plays a critical role in your capacity for mobility and sense perception, as it is the part of the central nervous system that connects the brain with the rest of the body. When an injury interrupts the signals that travel along the spinal cord, the consequences for your physical, professional, emotional, and social well-being can be catastrophic.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in Glastonbury due to someone else’s negligent, careless, or intentional actions, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. The experienced Glastonbury spinal cord injury attorneys at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, have over 55 years of combined experience in fighting to secure the maximum compensation injured people deserve. Let us use our skills and knowledge to stand up for your rights.
Call us today or fill out our online form for a free consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Glastonbury.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when trauma damages the spinal cord, disrupting the communication between the brain and the body. An SCI can result in loss of sensation, motor function, or both below the level of injury.
SCIs fall into two main types:
- Complete spinal cord injury – All sensory and motor function below the injury site is lost
- Incomplete spinal cord injury – Some function remains below the injury level
The severity and effects of an SCI depend on its location along the spinal cord:
- Cervical spinal cord injury (C1-C8) – Affects the portion of the spinal cord within the neck and often results in quadriplegia (tetraplegia)
- Thoracic spinal cord injury (T1-T12) – Affects the section of the spinal cord connected to the ribcage, potentially causing paraplegia
- Lumbar spinal cord injury (L1-L5) – Affects the hips and legs
- Sacral spinal cord injury (S1-S5) – Impacts the bowel, bladder, and sexual function
What Are the Main Causes of Glastonbury Spinal Cord Injuries?
In Glastonbury, as in many other areas, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Car crashes, motorcycle collisions, and truck accidents
- Falls – Particularly among older adults and in workplace settings
- Sports injuries – High-impact and extreme sports accidents
- Medical malpractice – Surgical errors or mistakes during medical procedures
- Defective products – Consumer products with dangerous designs or manufacturing flaws
- Acts of violence – Gunshot wounds or assault
What Are Some Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
Symptoms of SCIs depend on the severity and location of the damage. Common signs of a spinal cord injury include:
- Loss of movement or paralysis below the injury site
- Altered sensation, including the inability to feel heat, cold, or touch
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing the upper respiratory system
- Intense pain or stinging sensation caused by nerve damage
- Changes in sexual function, sensitivity, and fertility
- Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
How Can Spinal Cord Injuries Be Treated?
While there is currently no way to reverse damage to the spinal cord, treatment focuses on preventing further injury and empowering people with SCIs to lead productive, independent lives. Treatment options include:
- Immediate immobilization to prevent additional damage
- Surgery to remove bone fragments, foreign objects, or fractured vertebrae
- Medications to control pain and inflammation
- Rehabilitation therapy, including physical therapy, to maintain and strengthen muscle function
- Occupational therapy to develop fine motor skills and learn adaptive techniques
- Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, computer adaptations, and electronic aids
- Counseling to help patients and loved ones cope with the emotional challenges of SCIs
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we understand the profound impact spinal cord injuries can have on victims and their families. Our experienced attorneys work diligently to help SCI victims seek comprehensive compensation to cover all aspects of their treatment and ongoing care.
Can a Victim of a Spinal Cord Injury Accident Be Compensated for Their Injuries?
When you sustain a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s wrongdoing, Connecticut law allows you to seek compensation from the at-fault party. The financial award you are entitled to will depend on factors such as the nature of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and their impact on various aspects of your life.
The skilled attorneys at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, can maximize your chances of receiving full compensation for losses such as:
- Medical bills, including past, present, and future SCI-related healthcare and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages for any work time your injuries have forced you to miss
- Reduced earning capacity if paralysis or disability forces you to take a lower-paying job than you held before the accident
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from taking part in your favorite activities or social events
Due to the nature of many spinal cord injuries, claimants often can recover significant financial awards. Our attorneys can calculate the total value of your losses and work tirelessly to secure the justice you deserve.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases places a two-year limitations period on your right to file a spinal cord injury claim against the at-fault party. If you do not initiate legal action within two years of the accident date, the court will most likely bar you from seeking the compensation you deserve through a lawsuit.
While two years might sound like a long time, the claims process for spinal cord injuries can be complex. Seeking legal advice as soon as possible is essential to ensure you do not miss this crucial deadline.
Contact a Glastonbury Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
After suffering a spinal cord injury, many people feel as though their lives have become unrecognizable. The physical pain, emotional upheaval, and financial stress can make it impossible to know how to move forward. The compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, understand how lonely these moments can feel, and we want to do everything in our power to help our clients with SCIs rebuild their lives with purpose and dignity.
If you sustained an SCI in an accident someone else caused, call us. Our skilled Glastonbury personal injury lawyers will investigate the incident that caused your injury, identify all liable parties, negotiate aggressively with insurance adjusters, and take your case to court if necessary. Let us take care of the legal work while you focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced spinal cord injury attorney in Glastonbury.