Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Spokane, Washington

Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Spokane Providing Legal Support for Spinal Injury Victims

Spinal cord injuries can change lives in an instant, with effects felt not only by the victim but also by their loved ones. These injuries have severe consequences, affecting daily life and legal rights.

If you are dealing with a spinal cord injury caused by the negligence of another party, a spinal cord injuries attorney in Spokane can help you pursue compensation for financial recovery.

At Albrecht Law PLLC, we are committed to providing accident victims with the help they need to pursue compensation and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Contact us by calling (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 or by filling out our contact form to schedule a FREE consultation. Discuss your case with a severe back injury attorney in Spokane and learn about your legal rights, damages, and time limits.

Key Takeaways

• Spinal cord injuries are a type of catastrophic injury
• Various incidents lead to spinal cord injuries in Spokane
• A spinal cord injury can lead to severe health and financial consequences for the victim and their family, including loss of motor function and extensive medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Proper legal representation from a personal injury lawyer helps victims pursue fair compensation and handle complex claims processes
• Comprehensive evidence gathering and expert testimonies strengthen spinal cord injury cases in Spokane
• Local support groups and resources provide valuable assistance to families affected by spinal injuries
• Home adaptations and vocational rehabilitation help victims regain independence after a spinal injury
• Spinal cord injury victims in Spokane, Spokane Valley, and surrounding areas throughout Eastern Washington can schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer at Albrecht Law PLLC to review their case for a personal injury lawsuit to pursue financial compensation

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Spokane

In Spokane, spinal cord injuries are a type of catastrophic injury often caused by various incidents that can lead to significant pain and damages, including:

• Vehicle collisions on major highways like I-90
• Workplace accidents in construction or industrial settings
• Recreational activities like skiing at Mt. Spokane
• Violent acts or assaults in urban areas
• Surgical errors or delayed diagnosis in healthcare facilities

These injuries may occur due to negligence, in which the person who caused the injury failed to uphold their duty of care (their responsibility to avoid harming someone else). Examples of negligence include poorly maintained premises leading to slip and fall accidents or reckless driving on Spokane’s roads.

Unfortunately, driving under the influence of alcohol is a major contributor to motor vehicle accidents, causing nerve damage in the spinal cord and injuries in the central nervous system from the neck through the vertebral column. In many severe motor vehicle accidents, these may also lead to traumatic brain damage or a wrongful death claim.

A spinal cord injury patient may be bound to a wheelchair due to loss of motor control, representing a significant reduction in their quality of life. Spinal injury victims often also face a lower life expectancy due to complications from their injuries. A personal injury lawyer at Albrecht Law PLLC can guide you in uncovering the cause of the injury, which is vital for victims seeking compensation and holding responsible parties accountable.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Legal Implications in Spokane

A spinal cord injury is always a medical emergency. An injured victim needs immediate medical attention, ongoing care, rehabilitative support, and financial compensation to provide for themselves and their loved ones. In this guide, our Spokane personal injury lawyers explain what you need to know about spinal cord injuries and spinal cord injury claims in Washington.

Spinal Cord Damage is a Catastrophic Injury

The spinal cord plays a central role in running the body. As such, there is no such thing as a minor spinal cord injury. Any injury to the spinal cord is a catastrophic injury that can have severe physical and psychological effects. The complications from a spinal cord injury may include any or all of the following:

• Severe pain and suffering
• Reduced muscle control
• Loss of range of movement
• Loss of sexual function and/or bladder and bowel control
• Cognitive impairments
• Partial or total paralysis

How Common are Spinal Cord Injuries?

Sadly, spinal cord injuries are far more common than many people realize. Approximately 18,000 new cases occur annually in the United States. As spinal cord damage almost invariably causes some degree of permanent disability or impairment, there are approximately 300,000 Americans who are currently fighting through the after-effects of a spinal cord injury.

Holding Negligent Defendants Accountable for Your Injuries and Losses through a Catastrophic Injury Claim

Our catastrophic injury attorneys at Albrecht Law PLLC seek to maximize compensation for injury victims according to the liability of defendants under the law. The standard of liability will depend on the underlying nature of the accident. As an example, a person who suffered spinal cord damage in a car crash must bring a claim under Washington’s auto accident laws. Regardless of the cause of the accident, victims must seek to maximize their financial compensation.

You may seek to recover damages for:

• Emergency medical care
• Current and future medical bills
• Rehabilitative services and physical therapy
• Mental health counseling
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Loss of consortium
• Caregiver service expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Mental distress
• Long-term disability
• Loss of quality of life

In a spinal cord injury claim, victims need to be able to access full and fair financial compensation for their ongoing and future medical bills and the intangible damage to their lives. These are complicated cases; defendants and insurance companies often try to undervalue the damages. You should work with a Spokane catastrophic injury lawyer who has the experience to handle a spinal cord injury claim.

The Severity Levels of Spinal Cord Damage

Spinal cord injuries vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe, with each level impacting a person’s life differently. The level of severity of the injury will determine the type and level of medical care required, potential recovery, and legal claims. Recognizing the distinctions in severity is essential for pursuing justice and fair compensation, as the severity directly influences medical costs, long-term care needs, and potential legal fees, as outlined in the table below.

How Spinal Cord Injuries Impact Daily Life

Spinal cord injuries profoundly affect daily life, often requiring extensive therapy and adaptation. Victims may face challenges in mobility, self-care, and employment, potentially leading to wage loss and the need for ongoing medical support. These injuries can also impact cognitive functions, sometimes leading to brain-related complications.

As victims handle their new reality, they may need to prepare for potential trials to pursue compensation for their altered lifestyle and long-term care needs. The following table outlines the various aspects of daily life affected by spinal cord injuries, the specific impacts experienced, and the associated legal considerations:

Legal Rights of Spinal Cord Injury Victims

Spinal cord injury victims in Spokane have specific legal rights that protect their interests and seek fair compensation. These rights include the ability to file a personal injury claim within the statute of limitations, typically three years from the date of the accident in Washington.

Victims can seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, especially in cases involving truck or vehicle accidents. Injured parties must gather all relevant information and consult a knowledgeable attorney before accepting settlement offers. Legal rights of spinal cord injury victims include:

• Right to pursue compensation for medical bills and ongoing care
• Eligibility to seek lost wages and future earning capacity
• Ability to claim damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Right to hold negligent parties accountable, including vehicle manufacturers or trucking companies
• Access to legal representation for negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation

Liability in Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Assessing liability in spinal cord injury cases involves a thorough investigation of the accident’s circumstances and potential responsible parties. A severe back injury attorney in Spokane can help victims handle complex legal processes, especially when dealing with product liability issues or cases requiring extensive surgery.

In Spokane, community resources and health professionals often play an important role in supporting victims and providing evidence for liability claims. Determining fault may involve examining multiple factors, including:

• Driver negligence in vehicle accidents
• Property owner responsibilities in slip and fall cases
• Employer liability in workplace injuries
• Manufacturer fault in defective product incidents
• Medical professional negligence in healthcare-related injuries

Time Limits for Filing Spinal Cord Injury Claims

In Spokane, WA, victims of spinal cord injuries must be aware of the strict time limits for filing claims. Washington state law generally allows a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including those involving premises liability.

The severe back injury attorneys at Albrecht Law PLLC recognize the importance of acting promptly. Gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time. Victims should contact a spinal cord injuries attorney in Spokane as soon as possible.

Pursuing Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Spokane

Types of Damages Available in Injury Claims

Spinal cord injury victims in Spokane may be eligible for various forms of compensation:

• Economic Damages: These include tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer, though these are uncommon in Washington state

Accurately calculating both economic and non-economic losses is essential for pursuing fair compensation. A spinal cord injuries attorney in Spokane can assist in comprehensively assessing these damages, considering each aspect of the injury’s impact.

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Compensation Claim

Gathering supporting evidence substantiates a compensation claim for a spinal cord injury in Spokane:

• Medical Records: Detailed documentation of diagnoses, treatments, and prognoses
• Accident Reports: Official records detailing the incident
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from individuals who observed the accident or its aftermath
• Photographic Evidence: Images of the accident scene, injuries, and the recovery process

An attorney can also secure expert testimonies from medical professionals and accident reconstructionists to strengthen the claim’s validity.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies and Preparing for Possible Court Proceedings in Spokane

Effective negotiation with insurance companies is key in seeking fair compensation. Attorneys can handle complex discussions, countering low settlement offers and emphasizing the full extent of the victim’s losses. Presenting a well-documented case can lead to favorable settlements without court proceedings.

However, preparing for court proceedings becomes necessary if a settlement cannot be reached. This preparation involves thorough organization and legal proficiency, including:

• Gathering the required documentation, such as medical records and evidence of financial losses
• Preparing the victim for depositions and potential trial testimony
• Helping the victim understand the court process
• Effectively communicating the victim’s experiences to a judge or jury

Collaborating with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Spokane provides support throughout this challenging journey.

Steps to Strengthen a Spinal Cord Injury Legal Case in Spokane

Building a compelling legal case for a spinal cord injury in Spokane involves several critical steps:

• Gather Comprehensive Medical Documentation: Assemble all pertinent medical records, including diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and billing information. This evidence is vital in illustrating the severity of the injury and its impact on daily life.
• Collect Witness Testimonies: Identify and obtain statements from individuals who witnessed the incident. Their accounts can provide valuable insights into the circumstances leading to the injury.
• Preserve Accident Scene Evidence: Document the scene through photographs, note environmental conditions, and secure any physical evidence. This information can be critical in establishing fault.
• Consult with Expert Witnesses: Engage professionals such as medical experts in neurology and accident reconstruction specialists to provide authoritative opinions supporting the claim.
• Adhere to Legal Filing Deadlines: File all legal documents promptly to comply with Washington’s statutes of limitations and preserve the right to seek compensation.
• Maintain Open Communication with Legal Counsel: Stay informed about the case’s progress, understand legal procedures, and actively participate in decision-making.

By diligently following these steps, victims can construct a compelling case to pursue fair compensation. Partnering with an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer in Spokane offers essential support throughout this challenging process.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Profound and Life-Altering

The spinal cord is integral to the body’s functionality, and injuries to it are invariably severe, leading to significant physical and psychological challenges. Potential complications include:

• Intense pain
• Diminished muscle control
• Restricted mobility
• Impaired sexual function and loss of bladder or bowel control
• Cognitive deficits
• Partial or complete paralysis

Holding Negligent Parties Accountable: Pursuing Full Compensation

The basis for liability varies depending on the specifics of the incident. For instance, a spinal cord injury resulting from a vehicular accident falls under Washington’s traffic laws. Regardless of the nature of the incident, victims need to pursue comprehensive compensation. Recoverable damages may encompass:

• Immediate medical treatment
• Ongoing and future healthcare expenses
• Rehabilitation services
• Psychological counseling
• Lost income
• Diminished earning potential
• Physical and emotional suffering
• Emotional distress
• Long-term disabilities
• Reduced quality of life

In spinal cord injury claims, victims need to pursue fair compensation for both future medical needs and non-economic damages. These cases are intricate, and opposing parties often attempt to minimize payouts. Collaborating with an adept spinal cord injury lawyer in Spokane can be instrumental in pursuing favorable compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Severe Back Injury Attorney in Spokane

At‌ ‌Albrecht‌ ‌Law‌ ‌PLLC, our Spokane personal injury lawyers have the skills and experience to handle the full range of catastrophic injury claims. If you or your family member suffered a serious spinal cord injury, a Spokane injury attorney at our firm can help.

Severe back injuries are often catastrophic injuries with lifelong consequences. These injuries affect not only the victim but also their loved ones. At Albrecht Law PLLC, we are committed to helping accident victims pursue fair compensation and holding negligent parties accountable.

Schedule a FREE consultation with a severe back injury attorney in Spokane from our law firm by calling (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 or filling out our contact form.

Albrecht Law PLLC — Our Clients Are More Than Just Cases