New Orleans Back And Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Severe back and spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis, herniated discs and fractured vertebrae. The adverse effects of a back or spinal cord injury can last a lifetime. In New Orleans, motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of back and spinal cord injuries. When another driver’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Louisiana law allows those who’ve suffered personal injuries the right to bring a lawsuit against the person whose negligence caused their injuries.

Our Trial Ready Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

It is essential to hire skilled legal representatives after you’ve suffered a back or spinal cord injury. Our law firm understands that those with spinal cord injuries often face significant medical bills and financial pressure. Recovering compensation in a personal injury lawsuit might be someone’s only chance to recover the damages they’ve suffered.

At Koch & Schmidt, our experienced lawyers have over 60 years of combined litigation experience. One of our founding partners received an invitation to join the National Institute for Trial Advocacy faculty in recognition of his trial skills and is on the faculty of Tulane Law School as an instructor of trial skills. Personal injury lawsuits can require significant time and resources. At Koch & Schmidt, our clients can rest assured knowing that our law firm has the necessary resources and connections. Contact our New Orleans personal injury law firm as soon as possible to schedule your initial consultation as soon as possible.

Common Causes Of Spinal Cord Injuries

Back and spinal cord injuries happen in several different ways. Damage to the ligaments, vertebrae, or discs of the spinal column or spinal cord can cause spinal cord injuries. Sudden traumatic blows to the spine can cause damage to one or more spinal vertebrae.

Non-traumatic incidents can also cause spinal cord injuries. Arthritis, inflammation, disk degeneration, and infections can also cause spinal cord injuries. The most common causes of back and spinal cord injuries to include the following:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Acts of violence to include knife or gunshot wounds
  • Recreational and sports injuries, including diving into shallow waters
  • Alcohol features as a prominent factor in many spinal cord injuries
  • Diseases such as osteoporosis and cancer

Who Is Responsible For A Back And Spinal Cord Injury?

The plaintiff in a spinal cord injury lawsuit must prove that someone else’s negligence caused his or her injuries. Under Louisiana law, when a person’s negligence causes another person’s injuries, he or she is liable for the damages caused by the injury. The plaintiff must prove that the other party acted negligently by failing to meet a legal duty.

Determining who is at fault for the victim’s spinal cord injury is the first step in bringing a personal injury lawsuit. Some of the most common defendants in lawsuits involving spinal cord injuries include the following:

  • A driver whose negligence caused the accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury
  • Medical professionals whose negligence caused or worsened a spinal cord injury
  • Businesses that manufactured a defective device, such as a seat belt that malfunctioned
  • Companies that fail to provide a safe environment for customers
  • Workplaces that fail to provide their employees with a safe work environment
  • A person who intentionally causes a spinal cord injury through a violent act
  • A health care worker’s negligence makes an existing back injury worse

Common Back Injuries Resulting From Accidents

Back and neck injuries are common, yet they can be incredibly painful for extended amounts of time. Additionally, back and neck injuries can cause other physical challenges due to a lack of mobility. Common neck and back injuries include the following:

  • Fractured vertebrae
  • Herniated discs
  • Back and neck strains or sprains
  • Spinal cord compression
  • Vertebrae dislocation

Spinal Cord Injuries Can Result In Quadriplegia And Paraplegia

Some spinal cord injuries can result in serious injuries, including quadriplegia and paraplegia. Paraplegia involves paralysis of both of the victim’s legs. Quadriplegia, also called tetraplegia, can result in paralysis of both the arms and the legs. The location of the spinal cord injury will determine the extent of paralysis the person experiences.

Complications Can Arise From A Back And Spinal Cord Injury

Individuals with spinal cord injuries often experience full or partial paralysis and require partial or full-time living assistance. In addition to paralysis, an individual with a spinal cord injury can experience the following complications:

  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
  • Urinary tract infections that result from bladder control changes
  • Lost skin sensation which can result in pressure sores
  • An inability to regulate one’s temperature
  • Circulatory problems including low blood pressure and swelling
  • The risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism
  • Life-threatening increases in blood pressure
  • Respiratory challenges that make it difficult or impossible to breathe and cough
  • Uncontrolled tightening of the muscles or low muscle tone
  • Muscle atrophy and weight loss
  • Significant muscle or joint pain

Mental Health Challenges Caused By A Back And Spinal Cord Injury

In addition to physical complications, those with spinal cord injuries can also suffer from mental health challenges. Chronic back pain can cause significant mental health challenges. Additionally, people who have suffered spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis often experience anxiety and depression. A new study published by General Hospital Psychiatry reported that individuals who suffer from back pain are more likely to suffer from the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress sensitivity
  • Sleep problems
  • Psychosis

Contact Our New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyers

New Orleans back and spinal cord injury victims have extensive rights. At Koch & Schmidt, we fight for the rights of our clients. We understand that severe back and spinal cord injuries can cause significant financial and emotional strain on you and your loved ones. That’s why we fight so hard to help our clients obtain compensation for their medical expenses, property damage, lost time at work, and their pain and suffering. Contact our New Orleans personal injury lawyers today to schedule your initial consultation.

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