Wesley Chapel, FL, Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Did you or someone close suffer spinal damage due to someone else’s negligence? The Wesley Chapel, FL, spinal cord injury lawyers at Zervos & Calta understand the catastrophic effects of these injuries and can help you demand fair compensation for what you’ve suffered. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience and have recovered millions for our clients, so you can trust us to aggressively pursue maximum justice on your behalf.

Learn more about what a Wesley Chapel spinal cord injury lawyer can do for you. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation case review.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Spine Injuries in Wesley Chapel?

Any severe accident can cause a spinal cord injury, but certain incidents are more likely to cause these injuries. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries nationwide are as follows:

• Vehicle Crashes (37.5%) – Car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and truck collisions are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. The high speed and impact involved in these crashes often result in severe trauma to the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis in many cases.
• Falls (31.7%) – While falls are more common among older adults, they can happen to anyone. Whether from slipping on a wet surface, falling from a height, or stumbling down stairs, these accidents can cause catastrophic spinal cord damage.
• Acts of Violence (15.4%) – Violent altercations, including gunshot wounds and physical assaults, account for a significant portion of spinal cord injuries. These injuries often result in life-altering disabilities that require long-term medical care.
• Sports and Recreation (8%) – High-impact sports like football, diving, and skiing carry a significant risk of spinal cord injuries. Even activities like cycling or running can lead to falls or accidents resulting in spinal trauma.
• Medical/Surgical Complications (3.7%) – Some spinal cord injuries occur during medical procedures or due to complications following surgery, leading to lasting damage for injured patients.

What Are the Different Levels of a Spinal Cord Injury?

Doctors classify spinal cord injuries in different ways depending on the severity and location of the injury. Understanding these classifications is important because they help determine the level of function a patient may retain and the kind of medical care they will need.

First, a spinal cord can be either complete or incomplete. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that the spinal cord is only partially damaged. Someone with an incomplete spinal cord injury may retain some movement or sensation below the injury site. Incomplete injuries vary greatly depending on how much of the extent of the damage to the spinal cord. A complete spinal cord injury, on the other hand, means that the spinal cord is fully severed or severely damaged, resulting in no sensation or movement below the injury site.

Doctors also classify spinal cord injuries by the level or site of the injury along the spine:

• Cervical Injuries (C1-C8) – Injuries to the neck area can result in tetraplegia (also called quadriplegia), meaning the person may lose movement and sensation in all four limbs.
• Thoracic Injuries (T1-T12) – Injuries to the upper and mid-back typically affect the trunk and legs, causing paraplegia that leaves arm function intact.
• Lumbar and Sacral Injuries (L1-S5) – Injuries to the lower back may result in some loss of function in the legs and hips but often leave the upper body unaffected.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal cord injuries can result in many different symptoms, and recognizing them is crucial for proper medical treatment and keeping the injury from worsening. Common spinal damage symptoms include:

• Loss of movement
• Loss of sensation (including the ability to feel heat, cold, or touch)
• Intense stinging or pain resulting from nerve damage
• Difficulty in breathing
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Changes in sexual function, fertility, or sensitivity
• Difficulty in maintaining balance or walking
• Uncontrollable muscle spasms

What Is Needed to Prove Who Is Liable for the Spinal Injury?

Proving liability for your spinal cord injury is essential for recovering fair compensation. While the specific evidence depends on the type of accident and other factors, some common types of evidence in these cases include:

• Medical Records – Detailed medical records can show the extent and nature of a spinal cord injury.
• Accident Reports – Official reports from law enforcement or workplace supervisors made in the immediate aftermath of the accident could show initial assessments of fault.
• Photographic Evidence – Photos of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage can provide valuable visual evidence to support your claim.
• Eyewitness Accounts – Statements from people who saw the accident could corroborate crucial details and provide unbiased context about how the accident occurred.
• Surveillance Footage – Video evidence from nearby security cameras or dashcams could provide an irrefutable account of events.
• Expert Testimony — Accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals can review other evidence and synthesize it so that non-experts can understand its implications.

What Compensation Could You Receive in a Wesley Chapel Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?

Your compensation in a spinal cord injury lawsuit depends on your medical bills, lost income, how much your injury affects your daily life, and other factors. The key to maximizing your compensation is to hire a capable lawyer, who can help you claim compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life
• Damaged personal property, if applicable

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?

Under most circumstances, Florida law gives you two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit against any potentially liable parties. If you miss this deadline, you will most likely lose your chance to claim compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait to talk to a lawyer about your case.

Contact a Wesley Chapel Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

The sooner you contact the Wesley Chapel spinal cord injury attorneys at Zervos & Calta, the more we can do to help you recover fair compensation. Call our office today or reach out online for a free, no-obligation consultation.