Omaha Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Legal Representation After a Spinal Cord Injury in Omaha

Spinal cord injuries can happen in a variety of ways, but they all have long-term consequences and may seriously alter the rest of a person's life. Living with a spinal cord injury can be difficult for a victim, as well as family members and friends.

If you suffered an accident that caused a spinal cord injury, don't hesitate to get in touch with an Omaha personal injury lawyer at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. Our personal injury law firm is highly rated by Avvo firm, and we've been helping accident victims in Omaha for over 15 years.

Firm founder and attorney Jason Bottlinger was selected by Expertise.com as one of the Best Personal Injury Attorneys. Jason Bottlinger belongs to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He will sit down with you and go over your options. If another party is liable for your injuries, he'll work to get you the full compensation you deserve.

Give us a call to learn more today: (402) 505-8234.

What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries can vary widely in severity, from causing temporary disability to permanent paralysis. The scope of these injuries encompasses a range of physical systems, potentially affecting mobility, sensation, and even organ function. Spinal cord injuries can happen in many ways.

Frequent causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Auto Accidents: Collisions involving cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles — especially with bicycles and pedestrians — can cause spinal cord injury.
• Sports Accidents: High-impact activities such as football, diving, skiing, and horseback riding can also cause spinal injury.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Slips and falls are among the most common accidents in the U.S., and spinal cord injuries are a common result.
• Assault: Criminal acts, like assault and battery, can cause serious injuries, and use of a weapon such as a knife or gun can completely sever a spinal cord in an instant.
• Workplace Accidents: Being hit or crushed by heavy machinery, such as those used in manufacturing, farming, and construction, can cause catastrophic harm to a person's body and spine.

Who Is Liable for Spinal Cord Injury Accidents in Omaha?

Getting the right legal representation alleviates the burden on you and your family, allowing you to focus on recovery and adjusting to new circumstances. Bottlinger Law L.L.C. deeply understands the legal system and the types of claims that can be pursued. When our investigation is complete, Jason Bottlinger will file a claim or lawsuit against anyone whose negligent actions contributed to your injuries. This may include:

• DUI drivers
• Distracted drivers
• Reckless drivers
• Delivery and trucking companies that hire unsafe drivers
• Manufacturers of defective vehicles
• Businesses that serve alcohol to minors
• Property owners who fail to remove fall hazards

How to Get Compensation in Omaha for Your Spinal Cord Injuries

Navigating the compensation process for spinal cord injuries requires an understanding of what constitutes rightful compensation. This is not just about covering immediate medical bills — it's about ensuring your financial security for the future. Compensation may include medical expenses, both current and anticipated, as well as costs for ongoing rehabilitation, therapy, and necessary medical equipment.

Effective legal representation is crucial for securing the compensation that spinal cord injury victims rightfully deserve. Economic damages include tangible losses. For example, many spinal cord injury victims are unable to return to their previous employment. Compensation will also address the less tangible — yet equally important — non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., Jason Bottlinger will gather the necessary evidence, examine accident photos, interview witnesses, and review surveillance camera and dashcam video to determine who is liable for your injuries. Then, a claim or lawsuit will be filed against all negligent parties.

When Bottlinger Law L.L.C. files a claim or lawsuit for spinal cord injuries, it includes the following types of damages.

• Medical expenses
• Medical devices
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Reduced quality of life
• In-home nursing care
• Wheelchair access for your home
• Rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy

The Possibility of Paralysis

A serious spinal cord injury carries the threat of paralysis. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, paralysis can be temporary or permanent, partial or complete. Two common types are:

• Paraplegia: Paralysis that affects a person's torso, either completely or partially, as well as the legs and pelvic organs. Someone with paraplegia can move his arms and shoulders but has sensory and/or motor function loss in his lower body.
• Quadriplegia: Sometimes called "tetraplegia," this type of paralysis affects a person from the neck down, paralyzing arms, torso, legs, and pelvic organs. Someone may be able to move his head when suffering from tetraplegia, but any lower movement and feeling are lost. This poses serious health risks since paralyzed regions include the heart and lungs.

Spinal Cord Damage Locations

The nature of the spinal cord damage depends on where the injury occurred along that person's spine, which is divided into sections:

• High-Cervical Nerves: This is the uppermost portion of the spine, and an injury to this area causes the most severe paralysis, including the lungs. Categorized as C1 - C4.
• Lower-Cervical Nerves: Just below the upper region, this area controls the arms and hands. Categorized as C5 - C8.
• Thoracic Nerves: This is the middle region of the spine and controls the torso, legs, and pelvic organs. Categorized as T1 - T12.
• Lumbar Nerves: The lower portion of the spinal cord controls the hips and legs, and some pelvic organs. Categorized as L1 - L5.
• Sacral Nerves: This is the very bottom of the spinal cord, and injuries here can result in some loss of function in the hips and legs. Categorized as S1 - S5.

Spinal cord damage is rated as either an incomplete or complete loss. An incomplete loss means a person retains some degree of motor and sensory control or feeling in the area below the damaged nerve. A complete loss means a person has lost all motor and sensory control in the area beneath the damaged nerve.

Lifelong Costs of Spinal Cord Injuries

The long road to recovery or adaptation to a new way of life after a spinal cord injury can be loaded with challenges. The long-term physical consequences of spinal cord injuries are profound and can alter every aspect of daily life.

The loss of sensation and mobility often requires significant lifestyle adjustments. This typically includes physical therapy to maximize functionality and mobility and modifications to living spaces to accommodate wheelchairs or other assistive devices.

Spinal cord injury victims may also experience secondary health issues such as chronic pain, respiratory complications, ulcers, and greater susceptibility to infections. These physical challenges underscore the need for comprehensive legal strategies that account for the full range of medical expenses and life care needs over the individual's lifetime.

Emotional and Psychological Challenges Caused by Spinal Cord Injuries

Beyond the physical implications, spinal cord injuries lead to significant emotional and psychological challenges. Victims may experience a range of feelings, from grief and anger to depression and anxiety. Adequate compensation should reflect the cost of mental health services, counseling, and emotional support, ensuring clients have access to the comprehensive care they need.

The sudden change in one's abilities and lifestyle may be overwhelming, impacting the individual and their loved ones. Coping with the loss of independence and the need for assistance with daily tasks will affect a person's mental health and self-esteem. It's also not uncommon for social isolation to occur, as individuals might feel disconnected from their previous social circles and activities.

You Won't Owe Our Omaha Personal Injury Attorneys Anything Unless We Win

Treatment for a spinal cord injury is lifelong and expensive. If a negligent person caused your accident, they should be expected to pay for it.

Bottlinger Law L.L.C. will come to you if you need us to, and we'll discuss your accident and legal options. If there's compensation available, we'll help you get it. And if we take your case, you don't owe us anything until we get you fair compensation.

Call (402) 505-8234 to schedule your free consultation with our Omaha personal injury lawyer today.

Additional Information

• Injuries of the Spinal Cord and Vertebrae - Merck Manual
• Spinal Cord Injuries - MedlinePlus
• Spinal Cord Injury Information Page - NIH