By Edvin Jones, Attorney at Law | Edvin Jones Injury Law | spinal cord injury lawyer Nevada
Quick Takes
- Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic outcomes of personal injury accidents, often resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
- The lifetime cost of spinal cord injury care can be substantial, so a claim should account for current and future medical and personal care needs.
- Common causes include motor vehicle crashes, construction falls, diving accidents, sports injuries, and acts of violence.
- Spinal cord injury claims may involve multiple potentially liable parties, including drivers, employers, contractors, manufacturers, property owners, and others.
- Prompt legal action can help preserve critical evidence before it is lost, altered, or destroyed.
Spinal Cord Injuries from Accidents: Understanding Your Legal Options
A spinal cord injury is among the most life-altering injuries a person can sustain. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, the consequences can range from partial loss of sensation or motor function to complete paralysis of the limbs and torso. In an instant, an accident can dramatically affect a person’s independence, livelihood, and quality of life.
If you or a family member has suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s negligence, the legal claim you pursue should account for the full extent of the injury and its long-term consequences. At Edvin Jones Injury Law, we represent spinal cord injury victims throughout Nevada with the seriousness and commitment these life-changing cases demand.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Nevada
- Motor vehicle accidents — car, motorcycle, and truck crashes are a major cause of spinal cord injuries.
- Falls — construction site falls, slip-and-fall accidents, and falls from significant heights can cause severe spinal injuries.
- Diving accidents — striking the bottom of a pool or body of water can cause serious cervical spine injuries.
- Sports and recreational injuries — contact sports and recreational activities can result in traumatic spinal injuries.
- Acts of violence — gunshot wounds and other penetrating trauma can damage the spinal cord.
Understanding SCI Severity: Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are generally classified as complete or incomplete. A complete SCI involves the loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the injury, while an incomplete SCI preserves some degree of function or sensation.
Cervical spine injuries involving the neck can result in quadriplegia or tetraplegia, while injuries to the thoracic or lumbar spine may result in paraplegia. Even incomplete injuries can cause permanent limitations that affect employment, independence, mobility, and daily activities.
The Scope of Compensation in SCI Claims
Spinal cord injury claims may involve a wide range of costs and losses, including:
- Acute medical treatment — emergency surgery, intensive care, hospitalization, and other immediate treatment
- Rehabilitation — inpatient and outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and adaptive training
- Long-term care costs — in-home assistance, nursing care, medical equipment, and continuing treatment
- Home and vehicle modifications — changes needed to accommodate mobility limitations and disability
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity — potentially one of the largest components of a serious SCI claim
- Pain and suffering — including the physical and emotional effects of the injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life — compensation for limitations that affect activities, relationships, independence, and quality of life
A spinal cord injury lawyer Nevada clients can rely on may work with life-care planners, vocational experts, economists, and medical specialists to develop evidence regarding future medical needs, earning capacity, and other long-term losses.
Contact Edvin Jones Injury Law — Free Consultation
No Win, No Fee. We Speak English, Farsi, Turkish, Russian & Arabic.
Address: 818 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: 702-337-3430
Website: edvin.law
Licensed in: Nevada | Arizona | California
Contact Edvin Jones Injury Law — Free Consultation
No Win, No Fee. We Speak English, Farsi, Turkish, Russian & Arabic.
Address: 818 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: 702-337-3430
Website: edvin.law
Instagram: edvinjonesinjurylaw | TikTok: edvin.law
Licensed in Nevada | Arizona | California
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I consult an attorney after a spinal cord injury?
As soon as medically possible. Evidence from the accident scene, surveillance footage, vehicle data, photographs, and witness accounts can be lost or become more difficult to obtain over time. An attorney can begin preservation efforts while you focus on your medical recovery.
What if my employer says workers’ compensation is my only option?
Workers’ compensation may provide important benefits, but it may not be your only potential remedy. If a third party — such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or another company — contributed to your injury, you may have an additional personal injury claim outside the workers’ compensation system.
How long does a spinal cord injury case take to resolve?
Complex SCI cases can take significant time to resolve, particularly when the victim’s long-term medical needs and functional limitations are still developing. A careful evaluation of future medical expenses, earning capacity, and other damages can help prevent a premature settlement that does not adequately account for long-term needs.
