A spinal cord injury is considered any damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal cord. This can cause permanent damage, i.e. changing in body sensation and changes in bodily function.

You can read more about spinal cord injuries on the National Institute of Health website.

• Loss of movement
• Loss of sensation in any of your limbs
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Spasms
• Pain or stinging sensation
• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme pain from the back, neck, or head
• Incoordination

If you have experienced any injury to your neck, back, or head you should see a doctor immediately to prevent any further damages to your back or spinal cord. By seeing a doctor immediately, you can prevent further damage due to symptoms not seen right away.

• Do not move! Stay still!
• CALL 911!
• Place heavy towels on both sides of the neck to prevent any further injuries
• If possible, provide First Aid if needed

• Becoming paraplegic (This is loss of all or parts of the body’s trunk, legs and pelvic organs.)
• Becoming Tetraplegic (This is loss of all movement of your trunk, legs, arms, and pelvic organs.)

A spinal cord injury can be caused by a blunt force to the spine that may have caused fractures, dislocations, crushes, or compressions of vertebrates. These occurrences can include but are not limited to:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Any types of falls
• Alcohol
• Drugs

• Drive safely
• Prevent falls
• Take precautions when playing sports
• Don’t drink and drive

If someone else’s negligence caused you to have a spinal cord injury, you can claim compensatory damages against the liable party. Compensatory damages include economic and non-economic damages.

An economic damage claim can include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings, home modifications, and non-medical needs.

A non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, damage to reputation, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.

You may also be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages can be recoverable if the liable party acted malice or fraud. Punitive damages may include the liable party being under the influence while driving, fleeing from the police, and/or reckless driving.

As your attorney, I cannot guarantee a certain outcome, but I will guarantee the best possible outcome for your case.

I will be looking at these factors to get the total amount of compensation you are owed:

• The amount spent for your past and future treatment
• The amount of your income that will be lost while you’re recovering
• How much your spinal injury will affect your future
• The affect your spinal injury will have on your relationships with others
• The cost of any home care you are going to need

You may think that those documents or photographs may not strengthen your case, but they actually make your case stronger. It may be obvious that the liable party caused your injury, but you are going to need those photographs and documents to make your case indisputable. Some examples that will strengthen your case are:

• Medical documents
• Any medical imaging
• Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
• Police report
• Proof of loss of benefits
• Any receipts that show any expenses related to your injury

Let me help you get all the compensation you deserve because you don’t deserve anything less!

Contact The Reyes Firm at 813-421-3411

We have the experience to protect your interests and can help get you the recovery you deserve! We are here for you 24/7. Call us today! Above all else—stay safe on the roads!