When others are negligent, serious accidents and injuries may result. In some cases, accident victims may suffer serious damage to their neck, back, and spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can result in serious medical complications, including fractures and full or partial paralysis.
If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury in a recent accident, you need an experienced legal team advocating for you every step of the way.
The St. Petersburg spinal cord injury lawyers at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys can aggressively fight for your legal interests and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
For your free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced St. Petersburg spinal cord injury lawyer, please contact us for more information.
Why Choose Us for Your St. Petersburg Spinal Cord Injury?
If you or someone you care about suffered a recent spinal cord injury due to another person’s negligence, you need a skilled legal team in your corner fighting for your rights and interests.
In that regard, look no further than the knowledgeable St. Petersburg spinal cord injury lawyers at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys.
Our attorneys know how insurance companies routinely undervalue spinal cord injury cases. We know how to combat their tactics and secure a favorable monetary recovery for our clients, either through settlement or litigation.
Our office is conveniently located at 700 Seventh Avenue North, Suite A, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
How Much Is My St. Petersburg Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?
Determining the worth of a spinal cord injury case in St. Petersburg involves evaluating several factors. Spinal cord injuries can vary widely in severity and long-term effects, making it challenging to estimate an exact value for each case.
The value of a spinal cord injury case depends primarily on the extent of the victim’s injuries and resulting damages. Factors such as the level of paralysis, degree of impairment, and prognosis for recovery play a significant role in assessing the worth of the case.
More severe injuries that result in permanent disability, loss of mobility, and ongoing medical needs are likely to receive higher compensation.
In addition, the economic damages the victim incurred, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income, help determine the value of the case. These tangible losses typically depend on the actual expenses the victim incurred and the projected future costs for medical treatment and care.
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life, also factor into the compensation awarded in a spinal cord injury case. These damages aim to compensate the victim for the physical and emotional toll of the injury and its repercussions on their daily life and well-being.
Furthermore, other factors may influence the value of a spinal cord injury case, such as the age and occupation of the victim, pre-existing medical conditions, and the level of insurance coverage available.
Legal considerations, including the strength of the evidence supporting the victim’s claim, the case jurisdiction, and the experience of the legal representation, also play a role in determining the worth of the case.
Victims of spinal cord injuries in St. Petersburg should always seek guidance from our experienced injury lawyers at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys. We can evaluate your case and advocate for fair compensation.
Types of Accidents That May Cause Spinal Cord Injuries in St. Petersburg
In St. Petersburg, various types of accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, often causing significant and life-altering consequences for the victims.
These accidents include:
- Car Accidents – Collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or pedestrians can result in spinal cord injuries due to the force of impact and the potential for sudden, violent movements of the body.
- Bicycle Accidents – Cyclists are vulnerable to spinal cord injuries when they eject from the bike, collide with obstacles, or when a vehicle strikes them.
- Pedestrian Accidents – Pedestrians may suffer spinal cord injuries from the impact when vehicles strike them while they are walking along roadways or crossing intersections.
- Slip-and-fall Accidents – Falls from heights, slippery surfaces, or uneven ground can cause individuals to land forcefully on their backs or necks, leading to spinal cord trauma.
- Sports Injuries – Participation in contact sports or recreational activities such as football, soccer, diving, or gymnastics can result in spinal cord injuries due to impacts, falls, or collisions with other players or equipment.
- Workplace Accidents – Falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery or equipment in construction sites, factories, or industrial settings can cause spinal cord injuries to workers.
- Diving Accidents – Diving into shallow water or striking submerged objects while swimming or diving can cause spinal cord injuries, particularly when this affects the head or neck area.
- Assaults – Physical assaults, fights, or acts of violence can lead to spinal cord injuries when an individual strikes or pushes the victim or subjects them to traumatic blows to the body.
- Recreational Accidents – Activities such as boating, jet skiing, or riding amusement park rides carry a risk of accidents that may cause spinal cord injuries if individuals eject or collide with objects.
These types of accidents highlight the diverse situations in which spinal cord injuries can occur in St. Petersburg. If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury in one of these occurrences, our legal team at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys can promptly investigate your situation and determine your legal options.
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
In St. Petersburg, accident victims may suffer various types of spinal cord injuries due to someone else’s negligence. These injuries can have profound and lasting effects on the victim’s physical health, mobility, and quality of life.
One common type of spinal cord injury is a fracture, which occurs when one or more of the vertebrae in the spine breaks or cracks. Fractures can result from sudden impacts, falls, or accidents, causing damage to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
Another type of spinal cord injury is a dislocation, where the vertebrae in the spine become misaligned or shifted out of place. Dislocations can occur due to trauma, such as car accidents or falls, and can put pressure on the spinal cord, leading to nerve damage and loss of function.
Compression injuries involve the compression or squeezing of the spinal cord, often due to excessive force or pressure applied to the spine. Compression injuries can result in bruising, swelling, or even damage to the nerve fibers within the spinal cord, leading to loss of sensation or movement.
Contusion injuries typically occur when blunt force trauma or impact bruises or otherwise damages the spinal cord. Contusions can cause swelling and inflammation in the spinal cord, leading to temporary or permanent impairment of nerve function.
Penetrating injuries occur when foreign objects, such as bullets, knives, or shards of glass, penetrate the spinal cord. These injuries can cause significant damage to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, or other neurological deficits.
Finally, incomplete spinal cord injuries occur when there is partial damage to the spinal cord, resulting in some loss of function but not complete paralysis. Incomplete injuries can vary in severity and may cause weakness, numbness, or impaired coordination depending on the location and extent of the damage.
If you suffered one or more of these spinal cord injuries in a recent accident, our legal team can handle the legal components of your claim or lawsuit while you focus your attention on recovering from your injuries.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Spinal Cord Injury in St. Petersburg
The right experienced spinal cord injury lawyer in St. Petersburg can be a vital ally in handling the insurance company on behalf of accident victims pursuing a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Our legal professionals have the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle the insurance claims process and advocate for the rights and interests of our clients.
At Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys, our legal team can handle all communications with the insurance company on behalf of accident victims. This includes submitting the initial claim, providing documentation and evidence to support the claim, and negotiating with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation for the victim’s injuries and losses.
Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, such as disputing liability, downplaying the extent of the victim’s injuries, or delaying the claims process.
Our experienced attorneys know how to counter these tactics and protect the victim’s rights by presenting a strong case supported by evidence, medical records, and expert testimony.
Furthermore, we protect victims’ rights throughout the claims process. This includes advising victims of their legal options, explaining their rights under the insurance policy, and advocating for full and fair financial compensation.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement or disputes liability, we can escalate the matter to litigation and represent the victim in court. We can also file a lawsuit, gather additional evidence, depose witnesses, and argue the case before a judge and jury to seek justice and financial compensation.
In addition, our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers can navigate any legal complexities that may arise during the claims process, such as compliance with statutes of limitations, procedural rules, or evidentiary requirements. We can also help victims understand the potential outcomes of their cases and advise them on making informed decisions about settlement offers or trial strategies.
Hiring our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers from Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys in St. Petersburg can level the playing field against insurance companies and ensure that accident victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
By providing skilled representation and unwavering advocacy, our team can help you rebuild your life and move forward after a devastating spinal cord injury.
Steps to Take After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury
If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, to protect your health, well-being, and legal rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Your health and safety are the top priorities. Seek medical attention right away, even if you do not think your injuries are severe. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment can prevent further complications and document the extent of your injuries for your personal injury claim or lawsuit.
- Document Your Injuries – Keep detailed records of your ongoing medical treatment and take photos of your injuries, if possible, to document their severity and progression over time.
- Preserve Evidence – Keep any evidence related to your accident and injuries, such as witness statements, incident reports, medical records, medical bills, and correspondence with insurance companies. This evidence will be crucial in proving liability and damages in your personal injury claim or lawsuit.
- Consult with a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer – Seek legal guidance from an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer who can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and advise you on the best course of action. Our team can navigate the legal process on your behalf, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations – Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and recommendations for rehabilitation, therapy, and follow-up care. Adhering to your medical treatment can improve your chances of recovery and strengthen your case for compensation.
- Keep Records of Expenses – Keep track of all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, assistive devices, home modifications, and lost income. We will use these expenses to calculate your damages and seek compensation in your personal injury claim or lawsuit.
By taking these important steps after suffering a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you can safeguard your legal rights, strengthen your case, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your accident-related losses.
Consult Our Experienced St. Petersburg Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today
If you sustained a spinal cord injury in a recent accident due to someone else’s careless and reckless behavior, you need to consult with an experienced attorney right away. The knowledgeable legal team at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys can aggressively fight for your legal interests throughout the process and work to secure the justice and financial recovery you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney, please call us at (727) 933-0015 or contact us online for more information.
Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys – St. Petersburg Office
700 7th Ave N Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone:(727) 250-5521