Spinal cord injuries can result in catastrophic consequences, such as paralysis, loss of sensation and function of the arms and legs, and the inability to breathe independently. Many spinal cord injury victims sustain permanent disabilities, are unable to return to work, and may even need lifelong medical care The physical, emotional and financial burden arising from this type of injury can be overwhelming, which is only compounded when another party’s negligence caused the injury. Ultimately, it takes a highly skilled personal injury lawyer to help spinal cord injury victims recover meaningful compensation.
Hunt Law Firm is a premier personal injury practice serving clients throughout Northern New Mexico. We have extensive experience handling spinal cord injury cases arising from all types of negligence, such as:
- Car accidents — Car accidents and motorcycle accidents are the cause of most spinal cord injuries, which can also occur as a result of truck accidents, pedestrian accidents and construction accidents.
- Falls — Falls from ladders, scaffolding and other heights (e.g. construction accidents), as well as slip and fall accidents on private, commercial and public property, cause numerous spinal cord injuries in New Mexico.
- Violent crimes — Assault, battery and other acts of violence account for many spinal cord injuries, often as a result of gunshot or knife wounds
- Sports and recreation injuries — Contact sports (e.g. football, soccer, wrestling), other athletic activities, or diving into shallow water contribute to numerous spinal cord injuries.
We have the skills and resources to try spinal cord injury cases in New Mexico courts and have a proven track record of winning substantial jury awards. When you work with our legal team, we will help you obtain the medical care and compensation you need and deserve. Our practice is dedicated to litigating personal injury cases so that injury victims have the care and resources they need now and in the future.
What is a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury may involve damage to the spinal cord, nerves in the spinal canal, as well as vertebrae, ligaments, or discs of the spinal column. Spinal cord injuries are frequently the result of a traumatic impact on the spine or a violent severing of the spinal cord; bleeding, swelling and fluid buildup in the spinal cord can also occur. Finally, when nerve fibers in the spine are damaged, all the muscles and nerves below the injured area may be impaired.
A severe injury can result in complete paralysis, while less severe spinal damage can result in partial loss of movement and sensation. Additionally, a neck injury may adversely impact the arms and upper body as well as the ability to breathe. An injury to the chest area or lower back can impact the torso, legs, bladder and bowel function and sexual function.
Unfortunately, most spinal cord injuries are life-altering and irreparable. There is hope in experimental treatments, however, and medical advances and innovative assistive devices are enabling spinal cord injury victims to function more and more independently.
Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified by the degree to which the victim loses the ability to control his or her limbs. A complete spinal cord injury is one in which all feeling and ability to control movement below the injury are lost. A spinal cord injury is classified as incomplete if partial motor or sensory function below the affected area perists; there are varying degrees of incomplete spinal cord injuries.
The most severe spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis — quadiplegia and paraplegia:
- Quadriplegia — The arms, hands, legs, trunk and pelvic organs are all affected
- Paraplegia — Paralysis to all or part of the trunk, legs and pelvic organs
Spine Injury Symptoms
The symptoms of spinal cord injuries include
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation
- Pain or intense stinging sensations
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Changes in sexual function
- Extreme back pain
- Pressure in the neck, head or back
- Weakness, lack of coordination or paralysis in any part of the body
- Difficulty balancing and walking
- Twisting of the neck or back
Given how debilitating a spinal cord injury can be, it is crucial for victims to have sophisticated legal representation from an experienced trial lawyer like Lee Hunt. His practice is focused exclusively on personal injury law; he believes that spinal cord injury victims should never settle for less when they can win more. Lee Hunt is highly regarded for his tactical courtroom skills as well as his passionate pursuit of justice for the injured.
Contact Our Santa Fe & Albuquerque Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
At Hunt Law Firm, we are keenly aware that spinal cord injury victims face an uncertain future, the need for long-term medical care and mounting medical costs. Often, family members step into the role of caregivers, which can take an emotional toll. Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping spinal cord injury victims and their loved ones obtain the medical care, support services, and most of all, the compensation they need and deserve.
Damages that a jury may award in a spinal cord injury lawsuit include lost wages, loss of future earnings, medical expenses, and the cost of long-term care, rehabilitation, assistive devices (e.g. braces, crutches, wheelchairs) or required modifications to a residence.
Above all, we believe that no one should be forced to suffer from a spinal cord injury that was caused by another party’s negligence and dedicate ourselves to holding responsible parties accountable. Please contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.
Hunt Law represents clients in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Raton, Roswell, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Las Vegas, and throughout the state of New Mexico.