Spine Injury Attorney

If you have a spinal cord injury (SCI), it's crucial to take immediate and long-term steps to protect your health, legal rights, and financial well-being. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Call 911 or get to a hospital as soon as possible to ensure your health and safety—as well as to establish an official medical record of your injury. Avoid moving your spine or neck to prevent further damage. Follow doctors’ recommendations for treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation.

2. Follow Your Treatment Plan

Work with specialists, such as neurologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. The more treatment you follow through with, the more value you can add to your personal injury claim. Be sure to use assistive devices as prescribed (wheelchairs, braces, etc.), and consider pain management strategies and mental health support.

3. Document Everything

Keep records of medical visits, treatments, and prescriptions. Save any bills, insurance claims, and receipts for expenses, and note how the injury impacts your daily life and ability to work.

4. Explore Financial & Insurance Options

File for workers’ compensation if the injury occurred on the job, and apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you can’t work. You can also review your health insurance policy to understand coverage for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

5. Contact Morgan & Morgan

If your injury was due to negligence (such as a car accident, medical malpractice, or unsafe property), you deserve justice and may be entitled to compensation. 

Morgan & Morgan has decades of experience fighting for spinal cord injury victims to recover maximum compensation victims need and deserve. With a free case evaluation, you can discuss potential lawsuits for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can happen in various ways, but some causes are more common than others. Here are the leading causes of spinal cord injuries:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are the most common cause of SCIs. High-impact collisions can result in severe spinal damage, especially if the spine absorbs the force of impact.

Falls 

Slip and falls, workplace falls, and falls from heights (such as ladders or stairs) are a leading cause of spinal injuries, particularly among older adults.

Acts of Violence 

Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other violent assaults can penetrate or damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.

Sports & Recreational Activities 

High-contact sports (football, wrestling, rugby) and extreme activities (diving, skiing) pose a significant risk for spinal injuries, especially when proper safety gear isn’t used.

Medical or Surgical Errors

Some SCIs occur due to medical malpractice, such as surgical mistakes, misdiagnosed infections, or complications from spinal procedures.

Workplace Accidents

Construction workers, warehouse employees, and industrial laborers face a higher risk of SCIs due to falls, falling objects, or machinery-related accidents.

Diseases & Conditions

Certain medical conditions, like osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, or tumors, can weaken the spine and increase the risk of spinal cord damage.

The symptoms of a spinal cord injury (SCI) depend on the severity and location of the damage. Here are the key signs to watch for:

Loss of Movement & Paralysis

Losing the mobility and motor function of certain parts of the body is one of the most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury. Conditions can be categorized as one of the following:

• Paraplegia: Loss of movement in the legs and lower body.
• Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Loss of movement in all four limbs.

Loss of Sensation or Numbness

Tingling or complete loss of feeling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet or an inability to feel temperature, pain, or touch can be key signs of a spinal injury.

Intense Pain or Pressure in the Spine

These spinal injury symptoms can include severe pain in the neck, back, or head—or pressure or stiffness that worsens with movement.

Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control

A spinal injury can also cause difficulty urinating or having bowel movements, as well as accidental leakage (incontinence).

Difficulty Breathing or Speaking

Shortness of breath, trouble coughing, or weakness in the chest muscles that affect lung functioning can result from a spinal injury.

Unusual Posture or Weakness

Twisted or unnatural positioning may occur after an accident. Weakness or inability to move certain parts of the body are also known symptoms.

Spasms or Exaggerated Reflexes

A spinal injury can also cause uncontrolled muscle movements or increased reflex responses.

Changes in Sexual Function

Loss of sensation or ability to engage in sexual activity can also be caused by a spinal injury.

What to Do if You Experience These Symptoms

If you or a loved one experiences any of these signs after an accident, seek immediate medical attention. A spinal cord injury can worsen if not treated quickly.

If your injury was caused by an accident, medical error, or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages. Contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation today.

A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack or tear in its tough outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.

Common causes of a herniated disc can include:

• Aging & Wear and Tear (Degenerative Disc Disease): Over time, spinal discs lose water content, making them less flexible and more prone to tearing. Everyday movements and minor injuries can cause small cracks that eventually lead to herniation.
• Lifting Improperly: Bending at the waist instead of the knees when lifting heavy objects can put excessive strain on the spine. Twisting while lifting increases the risk of disc damage.
• Sudden Injury or Trauma: Car accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause a disc to rupture suddenly. High-impact activities can create forceful pressure on the spine.
• Repetitive Movements & Strain: Jobs or activities that involve constant lifting, pulling, pushing, or twisting can wear down discs over time.
• Excess Body Weight: Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on the spine, especially in the lower back.
• Genetic Factors: Some people are predisposed to weaker discs due to hereditary factors.

Symptoms of a slipped disc can include:

• Back or Neck Pain: Lower back pain (if the herniation is in the lumbar spine) and/or neck pain (if it’s in the cervical spine). Pain worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing.
• Numbness & Tingling: A herniated disc can compress nearby nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
• Muscle Weakness: Affected nerves may cause weakness in the legs, feet, arms, or hands, making it difficult to lift objects or walk properly.
• Sciatica (Leg Pain from a Herniated Disc in the Lower Back): Pain that radiates from the lower back down one or both legs, as well as burning or shooting pain along the sciatic nerve.
• Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control (Severe Cases): A rare but serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention, as it may indicate a condition called cauda equina syndrome.

A spinal fusion injury occurs when complications arise from spinal fusion surgery, a procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine. While the surgery is intended to relieve pain and improve stability, it can sometimes lead to new injuries, chronic discomfort, or mobility issues.

One of the most common causes of a spinal fusion injury is surgical error, which can result in nerve damage, infections, or improper fusion of the vertebrae. If the bones fail to heal correctly, a condition known as nonunion can develop, leading to ongoing pain and instability. In some cases, the hardware used in the procedure—such as screws, rods, or plates—may shift, break, or loosen over time, causing further complications.

Another potential issue is adjacent segment disease (ASD), where the fusion places extra strain on the surrounding vertebrae, accelerating their degeneration and leading to new spinal problems. Patients may also experience chronic pain, stiffness, or a reduced range of motion, making daily activities difficult. Additionally, post-surgical risks such as blood clots, excessive bleeding, or poor healing can create further medical challenges, especially for those with underlying health conditions.

If you or a loved one has suffered complications from a spinal fusion surgery, it’s important to seek medical attention and explore legal options. If the injury was caused by surgical negligence or a defective medical device, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Morgan & Morgan is here to help—contact us today for a free case evaluation.

A bulging disc injury occurs when a spinal disc extends beyond its normal boundary but remains intact. Unlike a herniated disc, where the inner gel-like material leaks out, a bulging disc means the disc has protruded outward due to pressure or degeneration. This condition can irritate nearby nerves and lead to pain, numbness, or weakness, though some cases may not cause noticeable symptoms.

Bulging discs often develop due to age-related wear and tear, as spinal discs naturally lose water content and flexibility over time. However, other factors like poor posture, repetitive strain, heavy lifting, obesity, or sudden trauma (such as a car accident or fall) can accelerate the process. If the disc presses against a nerve, it can cause localized pain in the back or neck, radiating discomfort in the arms or legs, muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and even reduced mobility.

Treatment for a bulging disc may include physical therapy, pain management, chiropractic care, or, in severe cases, surgery. If the injury resulted from an accident, workplace incident, or medical malpractice, you might be entitled to compensation.

When a spinal cord injury (SCI) is suspected, doctors use a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and neurological assessments to determine the severity and location of the injury.

A neurological exam is typically the first step, where doctors check for movement, sensation, and reflexes. If an injury is suspected, imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are used to get a detailed look at the spine. X-rays help detect fractures or dislocations, CT scans provide a more detailed cross-section of the spine, and MRIs show damage to soft tissues, including the spinal cord itself. In some cases, additional tests like electromyography (EMG) may be performed to assess nerve function.

Treatment for a spinal cord injury depends on its severity and whether it is complete (total loss of function) or incomplete (some function remains). Immediate medical care focuses on stabilizing the spine, preventing further damage, and managing pain. This may involve the use of immobilization devices, medication to reduce swelling (such as corticosteroids), or emergency surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Long-term treatment often includes physical therapy, rehabilitation, assistive devices (such as wheelchairs or braces), and pain management techniques. Some patients may require ongoing care to manage complications like infections, muscle spasticity, or loss of bladder and bowel control. In recent years, experimental treatments like stem cell therapy, nerve stimulation, and robotic-assisted rehabilitation have shown promise in improving recovery outcomes.

If a spinal cord injury resulted from an accident, medical negligence, or workplace injury, legal options may be available.

The cost of spinal cord therapy varies widely depending on the severity of the injury, the type of treatment needed, and the duration of care. In the United States, expenses can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars over a lifetime.

For initial hospitalization and acute care, the cost can be extremely high. The first year of treatment for a severe spinal cord injury, such as quadriplegia, can cost over $1 million, while less severe cases may still range between $300,000 and $750,000. Ongoing therapy, rehabilitation, and assistive devices add to these costs, with annual expenses ranging from $40,000 to $200,000 depending on the level of care required.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized treatments like robotic rehabilitation or nerve stimulation can cost $100 to $500 per session, with many patients needing multiple sessions per week. Medications, home modifications, mobility aids, and long-term nursing care can further drive up expenses.

Because spinal cord injuries can lead to lifelong costs, securing compensation through a legal claim may be necessary if the injury was caused by an accident, medical malpractice, or workplace incident. Morgan & Morgan has experience fighting for spinal injury victims—contact us today for a free case evaluation.

If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) due to an accident, medical malpractice, or someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation. These injuries often lead to lifelong medical costs, lost wages, and reduced quality of life, so financial recovery is crucial for covering ongoing expenses.

Medical Expenses

You can recover costs for hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices (such as wheelchairs), medications, and long-term care. Since spinal cord injuries often require ongoing treatment, compensation may also include future medical expenses.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be compensated for lost wages and future income. This includes the loss of potential promotions, career advancement, and benefits.

Pain and Suffering

SCI victims often experience chronic pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. Compensation can cover both physical pain and psychological impact, such as depression, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Home and Vehicle Modifications

Many SCI patients need to modify their homes with ramps, lifts, or accessible bathrooms and their vehicles for wheelchair access. These costs can be included in your claim.

Loss of Consortium

If your injury has impacted your relationships, marriage, or ability to maintain companionship, your spouse or family members may be entitled to compensation for these losses.

Punitive Damages

If the injury resulted from gross negligence or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and prevent future misconduct.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of experienced attorneys has successfully represented countless clients in similar situations, securing millions in compensation. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with over 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

Don’t bear the burden of your injuries on your own because of someone else’s negligence. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

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Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney who will oversee your case and ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

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