Facing the life-changing consequences of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. When you need a compassionate and experienced legal advocate, turn to Murphy Trial Law, your trusted Seattle spinal cord injury lawyer.
Attorney Jason Murphy is a trusted Seattle personal injury lawyer, dedicated to guiding you through this challenging journey and helping you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
How can Murphy Trial Law’s spinal cord injury lawyers help?
At Murphy Trial Law, we understand that spinal cord injuries often come with profound and lasting effects. Our team of skilled brain injury lawyers specializes in spinal cord injury cases, ensuring you receive comprehensive legal support.
We are committed to your well-being and will leverage our legal expertise to advocate for your rights and financial recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer serving Seattle, call (425) 835-2614
Laws relating to spine injuries in Seattle, Washington
A complex web of laws and regulations governs spinal cord injuries in Seattle, Washington. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial when pursuing a spinal cord injury claim. Murphy Trial Law’s attorneys are well-versed in the intricate legal framework surrounding spinal cord injuries in Seattle.
We will ensure that your case is handled meticulously, complies with all relevant laws, and provides you with the best possible legal representation.
Seattle Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Near Me (425) 835-2614
Causes of spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from various causes, each with its own set of challenges. Understanding the root causes is vital for prevention and legal action.
Below are some common causes of spinal cord injuries:
Falls
Accidental falls are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. These injuries can occur in various settings, such as slips and falls in public places, workplace accidents, or falls from heights. When negligence or unsafe conditions contribute to a fall, it may warrant legal action.
Motor vehicle accidents
Motor vehicle accidents, including car crashes, motorcycle collisions, and truck accidents, are a significant cause of spinal cord injuries. When another driver’s negligence leads to such injuries, legal action may be required to secure compensation for medical expenses.
Sports injuries
Participation in sports and recreational activities carries inherent risks, including the potential for spinal cord injuries. Collisions, tackles, and high-impact accidents can lead to severe spinal cord damage. In such cases, determining liability and pursuing compensation may be necessary.
Acts of violence
Acts of violence, including assaults and physical altercations, can result in spinal cord injuries. Victims of violence may have legal recourse to seek compensation from the responsible parties, which may include assailants or property owners where the incident occurred.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as spinal tumors, infections, or degenerative diseases, can also lead to spinal cord injuries. When a healthcare provider’s negligence is a factor, it may be necessary to explore legal options for damages.
Work-related accidents
Spinal cord injuries can occur in workplace accidents, particularly in jobs involving construction, manufacturing, or heavy machinery operations. When employer negligence or unsafe working conditions contribute to the injury, workers’ compensation or legal action may be pursued.
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Forms of spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries come in various forms, each with its implications for the affected individual. Understanding these forms is crucial for both medical treatment and legal evaluation.
Below are some common forms of spinal cord injuries:
- Complete spinal cord injury: In this form, there is a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. It typically results in complete paralysis below the injury site.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: Incomplete injuries result in partial sensory or motor function loss below the injury site. The degree of impairment varies depending on the severity of the injury.
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Tetraplegia affects all four limbs and the trunk due to a spinal cord injury in the cervical (neck) region. This condition can have profound effects on an individual’s daily life.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia involves the loss of function in the lower half of the body, typically due to a spinal cord injury in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral region.
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Common signs and symptoms of spinal cord injuries
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury is critical for prompt medical attention and legal assessment.
Common indications of a spinal cord injury include:
- Loss of sensation: Numbness or tingling in the extremities.
- Loss of motor function: Partial or complete paralysis in specific body parts.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: Difficulty controlling urination or bowel movements.
- Breathing difficulties: Impaired respiratory function, particularly in high cervical injuries.
- Pain: Severe pain or pressure in the neck, back, or head after an accident.
- Difficulty walking: Inability to walk or maintain balance.
Determining liability for your injuries
When pursuing a spinal cord injury claim, determining liability is a critical step.
Several parties may be liable, including:
- Property owners: The property owner may be held responsible if the injury occurred on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions.
- Product manufacturers: In cases involving defective products or equipment contributing to the injury, the manufacturer may be liable.
- Vehicle drivers: Negligent drivers responsible for motor vehicle accidents resulting in spinal cord injuries can be held accountable.
- Employers: In work-related accidents caused by employer negligence or unsafe conditions, the employer may bear liability.
- Medical professionals: The healthcare provider may be liable if medical malpractice leads to a spinal cord injury.
- Assaulters: In cases of violent acts leading to spinal cord injuries, the assailant may face legal consequences.
Determining liability involves a thorough investigation, evidence gathering, and legal analysis. Seeking the assistance of experienced spinal cord injury lawyers at Murphy Trial Law is essential to ensure that all liable parties are held accountable and receive the compensation they deserve.
Recoverable damages in spinal cord injury case in Seattle, WA
In the aftermath of a spinal cord injury, understanding the potential recoverable damages is crucial.
When pursuing a spinal cord injury case in Seattle, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for past and future medical bills, including surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the injury, including future earning potential if your ability to work has been impaired.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life resulting from the injury.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for property damage, such as damage to your vehicle in a motor vehicle accident.
- Home modifications: Coverage for necessary home modifications to accommodate your new circumstances.
- Assistive devices: Compensation for adaptive equipment and devices needed for daily life.
- Long-term care: Coverage for ongoing care and assistance required due to the injury.
The specific damages you can recover will depend on the circumstances of your case. An experienced Seattle personal injury attorney from Murphy Trial Law will work diligently to ensure that all potential damages are considered, and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Steps to follow after a spinal cord injury
Experiencing a spinal cord injury can be life-altering, and knowing what steps to take afterwards is essential for your well-being and legal recourse.
Here are important steps to follow after a spinal cord injury:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Your health is paramount. Seek medical treatment promptly, and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
- Document the injury: Keep records of your medical diagnosis, treatment, and expenses. This documentation will be crucial for your case.
- Consult an attorney: Contact an experienced Washington personal injury attorney at Murphy Trial Law to discuss your case and understand your legal options.
- Build a strong legal case: To build a strong legal case against responsible parties, gather evidence such as police and accident reports, medical records, and accident scene evidence. Our legal team will guide you through this process.
- Communicate with insurance companies: Be cautious when dealing with insurance companies. Consult with your attorney before providing statements or accepting settlements.
- Consider rehabilitation: Depending on the severity of your injury, rehabilitation and therapy may be essential for your recovery.
- Explore financial assistance: Investigate potential financial assistance programs or disability benefits you may be eligible for.
Building a strong legal case against responsible parties
Building a robust legal case after a spinal cord injury is essential to secure the compensation you deserve. Gathering pertinent evidence and documentation is crucial to construct a compelling argument in your favor.
Here’s how specific elements can contribute to building a strong legal case:
- Police and accident reports: Obtaining official police reports and accident documentation is critical. These reports often contain crucial details, witness statements, and preliminary findings that can establish the facts surrounding the incident. Your attorney will use these reports to determine liability and negligence.
- Medical records: Comprehensive medical records are the foundation of your case. They detail the extent and nature of your injuries, the treatment received, and the prognosis for your recovery. These records help quantify your medical expenses and provide evidence of the impact of the injury on your life. They are instrumental in determining the value of your claim.
- Accident scene evidence: Evidence from the accident scene can be invaluable. Photographs, video footage, and physical evidence (such as damaged vehicles or hazardous conditions) can help reconstruct the events leading to the injury. This evidence can support your version of events and strengthen your case against responsible parties.
- Witness statements: Statements from eyewitnesses to the accident or individuals who know the circumstances leading up to it can be persuasive. Witness accounts can corroborate your story and provide additional liability perspectives.
- Expert testimony: Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, may be enlisted to provide expert opinions. Their testimony can lend credibility to your case and help establish liability.
By meticulously gathering and presenting this evidence, your attorney at Murphy Trial Law can craft a compelling narrative of the events that led to your spinal cord injury. This evidence not only bolsters your compensation claim but also demonstrates the negligence or misconduct of responsible parties.
Building a strong legal case is a pivotal step in pursuing justice and securing the financial resources you need to move forward after a spinal cord injury.
Begin your path to justice with Murphy Trial Law today
At Murphy Trial Law, we understand the challenges of spinal cord injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered such an injury in Washington, our expert spinal cord injury lawyers are here to help you seek justice and fair compensation.
Begin your path to justice by contacting Murphy Trial Law for a consultation with our dedicated legal team, or you can fill out the consultation form.
Call or text (425) 835-2614 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form