Since 1966, the attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have fought for the rights of people who’ve suffered spinal cord injuries throughout Alabama. Our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle even the most complex cases, which is crucial when dealing with potentially life-altering injuries like those resulting from spinal cord damage.
If someone else’s carelessness caused your spinal cord injury, you have the right to seek substantial compensation from the at-fault party. We are ready to demand the full and fair compensation you deserve. Let our Alabama spinal cord injury lawyers handle the difficulties of pursuing a legal claim so that you can focus on your recovery and on getting back to life following your spinal cord injury.
Contact Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., for a free case evaluation today. You can discuss your claim in greater detail with one of our experienced attorneys and learn more about how our firm can help you pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries in Alabama
Spinal cord injuries are categorized as either incomplete or complete injuries:
- An incomplete spinal cord injury means the spinal cord has not been completely severed. Incomplete spinal cord injury victims typically retain some feeling and function below the injury site.
- A complete spinal cord injury means the spinal cord has been fully severed, and an injury victim will lose all feeling and function below the injury site.
Spinal cord injuries are also classified by their location on the spinal column:
- Lumbar spinal cord injuries, which occur in the lower back and affect the legs and pelvis
- Thoracic spinal cord injuries, which occur in the mid to upper back and can affect the legs, pelvis, abdomen, and potentially the upper chest and hands
- Cervical spinal cord injuries, which occur in the neck and shoulder area and affect all parts of the body below the shoulders
Spinal cord injuries typically lead to paralysis.
Types of paralysis include:
- Paraplegia, or paralysis of the lower torso
- Quadriplegia (tetraplegia), or paralysis of the lower and upper torso
- Hemiplegia, or paralysis on either the left or right side of the body
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Alabama
Accidents in Alabama that can lead to spinal cord injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- ATV accidents
- Boating accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Defective products
- Construction accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falls from heights, including scaffolding or ladder accidents
- Impacts from falling objects
- Swimming pool accidents, including slip and falls and diving accidents
- Animal attacks
Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Injuries
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury that you may experience following an accident include:
- Severe pain and pressure in the head, neck, and back
- Weakness and paralysis
- Numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation
- Difficulty with balance and walking
- Impaired breathing
- Odd positioning or twisting of the neck and back
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
The Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
Long-term, spinal injuries may cause complications and effects such as:
- Paralysis
- Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel touch, heat, and cold
- Spasms
- Changes in sexual function and sensitivity
- Difficulty breathing and coughing to clear the lungs, which can increase the risk of respiratory infections
- Loss of bladder and bowel control, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems, kidney stones, or urinary tract infections
- Difficulty maintaining heart rate and blood pressure
- Increased risk of pressure ulcers due to lack of movement
- Increased risk of obesity and related complications such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes due to a sedentary lifestyle
- Loss of bone density and muscle tone
- Chronic stinging and burning pain near the site of the injury
- Mental health issues, including depression and anxiety
Compensation in a Spinal Injury Lawsuit
A spinal cord injury lawsuit can provide you with financial recovery for expenses and losses you incurred due to your injury. Our firm is prepared to fight to maximize your compensation for losses such as:
- Costs of medical treatment and recovery, including hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, vocational therapy, prescriptions, and mobility equipment
- Costs of long-term care such as home health services, housekeeping services, home renovations to install disability accommodations, and in-patient nursing care
- Loss of income if you miss work while treating and undergoing rehab
- Loss of future earning potential if disabilities prevent you from returning to work
- Physical pain, emotional trauma, and distress
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life when you can no longer perform daily tasks or participate in activities you previously enjoyed
- Loss of consortium, or compensation provided to your spouse for the loss of your companionship and society
How Our Lawyers Help People in Alabama with SCI Lawsuits
At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our legal team of experienced spinal cord injury attorneys can help you seek justice. When you turn to us for help with your case, you can expect our firm to fight for the best possible results for you, whether at the negotiating table or in court. You can rest assured that we will handle every aspect of your claim, including:
- Thoroughly investigating the accident that led to your spinal cord injury to recover evidence we can use to build your case
- Identifying the parties responsible for causing your injuries and liable for the losses that you have suffered – as well as all applicable insurance coverage
- Documenting your injuries and expenses, including future anticipated needs and losses, to calculate the compensation you deserve
- Collaborating with accident reconstruction experts and medical, financial, and vocational experts to help build a compelling, persuasive case on your behalf
- Filing insurance claims and legal demands on your behalf to begin pursuing your financial recovery
- Vigorously negotiating for a fair and full settlement of your case, or going to trial to demand justice for you
Contact Our Alabama Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Contact Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., if you suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s careless actions. Our Alabama spinal cord injury lawyers have what it takes to make a difference in your case.
Contact us now for a 100% free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your rights and legal options.
