Fort Lauderdale Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Here for You

A spinal cord injury has the potential to lead to devastating consequences. Depending on where on the spinal cord the injury occurs, the result can be paraplegia, quadriplegia, or some degree of reduced motor function. It could mean lifelong pain. It could affect your ability to speak, move, or care for yourself independently. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you need guidance from an experienced Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury lawyer who understands what you’re facing and how to help you move forward.

At Coffey McPharlin, we know how quickly life can change after a spine injury. Our legal team is here to help victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost income, long-term care, and emotional suffering. A trusted spinal cord injury lawyer can make all the difference in securing justice and protecting your future.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Understanding spinal cord injuries is crucial when evaluating the impact on a victim’s life. These injuries can be classified into different types based on severity and location along the spinal column:

• Complete spinal cord injuries: Involve a total loss of sensory and motor function below the site of the injury. Victims may experience paraplegia, which affects the lower half of the body, or quadriplegia, which results in paralysis of all four limbs.
• Incomplete spinal cord injuries: In these cases, some motor or sensory function remains below the injury site. In these cases, the level of impairment varies, and outcomes depend on the extent of the damage and how quickly treatment is administered.

Spinal Cord Injury Classifications by Location

• Cervical spine injuries: These occur in the neck and are often the most severe type of spinal cord injury. They can lead to complete paralysis, breathing difficulties, and loss of motor control in the arms and legs.
• Thoracic spine injuries: These affect the mid-back region and often result in paraplegia. While victims may retain arm and hand function, they typically lose movement and sensation in the lower body.
• Lumbar spine injuries: These occur in the lower back and can impair function in the legs and hips. Though less severe than cervical injuries, lumbar injuries frequently require assistive devices such as wheelchairs or braces for mobility.

Common Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

Depending on where the injury occurs and how severe it is, symptoms may be immediate or develop gradually over time. Common signs include:

• Loss of movement or paralysis in any part of the body
• Numbness or tingling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
• Pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
• Difficulty with coordination or balance
• Trouble breathing, coughing, or clearing secretions from the lungs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms after an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can prevent complications and also establish a record of your injuries, which can be vital in a legal claim.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

• Car Accidents: High-speed collisions often result in significant spinal trauma.
• Truck Accidents: Larger vehicles pose a higher risk of catastrophic injuries. Victims are encouraged to consult a spinal cord injury lawyer for assistance.
• Slips and Falls: Common in the workplace or unsafe premises incidents.
• Sports Accidents: High-impact sports and diving incidents frequently damage the spinal cord.

Spinal cord injuries can happen in an instant, but the effects often last a lifetime. No matter the cause, these injuries tend to be sudden, traumatic, and life-altering. In many cases, the accident that caused the injury could have been prevented if someone else had acted responsibly—whether that’s a reckless driver, negligent property owner, employer, or product manufacturer. When another party’s negligence plays a role, the injured individual has the legal right to pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering.

At Coffey McPharlin, we’ve helped clients recover after spinal cord injuries resulting from a wide range of incidents. Our legal team thoroughly investigates each case to identify the responsible party, gather evidence, and build a strong claim that reflects the full scope of your losses—both now and in the future. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s actions, it’s important to take legal action as soon as possible. A spinal cord injury attorney from our firm will guide you through every step of the process and fight for the recovery you deserve.

Long-Term Consequences of a Spinal Cord Injury

The effects of a spinal cord injury often go far beyond the initial hospitalization. Many victims face lifelong challenges—physically, emotionally, and financially. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may lose the ability to walk, care for yourself, or return to your previous career. Even with partial mobility, chronic pain and muscle weakness can severely limit your daily activities.

Beyond the physical limitations, spinal cord injuries can lead to long-term emotional struggles such as depression, anxiety, or social isolation. Families often take on caregiving roles, resulting in financial strain and emotional exhaustion. Homes may need to be remodeled for accessibility. Transportation may require specialized vehicles. Future care needs can include:

• In-home nursing or personal care attendants
• Assistive technology or mobility equipment
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Long-term therapy or counseling

These are not short-term expenses—they’re lifelong considerations. At Coffey McPharlin, we ensure that every future need is factored into your claim so you’re not left struggling later.

Steps to Take If You Have a Spinal Cord Injury

If you or a loved one sustains a spinal cord injury, taking immediate action can significantly impact recovery and legal options:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Immediate diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing further damage.
2. Preserve Evidence: Document the accident scene, gather witness statements, and keep medical records.
3. Follow Treatment Plans: Adhering to therapy and rehabilitation programs is essential for recovery.
4. Consult a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney: A skilled spinal cord injury attorney can help determine fault and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
5. Assess Long-Term Needs: Victims often require specialized care, assistive equipment, and ongoing therapy, all of which a back injury lawyer can help calculate for a fair settlement.

Taking these steps ensures you’re protecting your health and your legal rights.

What Are My Legal Rights After a Spinal Cord Injury?

If your spinal cord injury was caused by another person’s negligence—whether from a car crash, slip and fall, or unsafe property—you have the legal right to seek compensation. That includes the right to hold the responsible party accountable and recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Physical pain and emotional suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Home modifications, mobility aids, and caregiving support

Florida law imposes a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, on how long you have to file a personal injury claim—typically two years from the date of the injury. Working with a spinal cord injury attorney as early as possible ensures your case is properly documented and filed on time. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s carelessness.

Dealing with the Insurance Company After a Spinal Cord Injury

Insurance companies don’t always have your best interests at heart—especially in high-value spinal cord injury claims. They may attempt to delay your claim, downplay your injuries, or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t begin to cover your long-term needs. It’s important not to speak with or accept an offer from the insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

Our legal team at Coffey McPharlin is well-versed in handling negotiations with insurance providers. We work with medical experts, life care planners, and financial professionals to present a clear picture of how your injury has impacted your life—and what it will continue to cost. We manage every aspect of the claims process so that you can focus on healing. And if the insurer refuses to settle fairly, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

You Require Strong Representation. We Deliver It.

Our trial attorneys consult with experts of all types and use technology to help the jury understand your case. We use 3D models and surgical animations to create a clear picture of your situation. Moreover, our lawyers understand the medicine behind a spinal cord injury diagnosis; we can explain how your injury translates to your disability or impairment without having to use technical jargon. If you have experienced significant paralysis as a result of your spinal cord injury, the life in front of you will be very different from the life you’ve already lived. After more than 20 years of handling claims such as these, our Fort Lauderdale spine injury lawyer knows how to skillfully convey exactly what that means and how much it will cost you over your lifetime. For instance, you may be unable to work while also requiring around-the-clock care, special medical equipment, and ongoing treatment and therapy.

Call Our Fort Lauderdale Attorneys for a Free Consultation

At Coffey McPharlin, our South Florida attorneys work with experts such as surgeons, neurologists, life care planners, and economists who can explain how much the spinal cord injury has affected you physically, emotionally, and mentally. They will also define how much it has cost you in lost income and increased costs of living. To learn more about how we prepare spinal cord injury cases, give us a call at (954) 289-6316. We will schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury attorneys, during which we will discuss your options for seeking compensation.

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