Spinal cord injuries result in serious, long-lasting consequences for victims and their loved ones. If you or someone you care about sustained a spinal cord injury in an accident or after a traumatic event, you are likely facing mounting medical bills and other financial difficulties, not to mention the immense physical and emotional challenges associated with this type of catastrophic injury.
If you believe your injury was the result of another person or company’s negligence, reach out to Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. to discuss your options with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. By law, you could be entitled to file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party and seek financial compensation for your damages, including your medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, disability, and pain and suffering.
Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. Contact us online or call our office at (775) 284-8888 to speak to one of our spinal cord injury lawyers in Reno about your case today.
Incomplete vs. Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
Generally speaking, spinal cord injuries are categorized in two ways:
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: When a spinal cord injury is incomplete, some connections between the spinal cord and the brain are preserved. Victims will often sustain some degree of function, movement, and sensation, though this may be limited at and below the point of injury.
- Complete Spinal Cord Injuries: In contrast, a complete spinal cord injury occurs when all communication between the spinal cord nerves and the brain is severed. Complete spinal cord injuries often result in partial or total permanent paralysis and loss of sensation/function.
The location of the injury, along with how severe it is, will play a large role in the effects a spinal cord injury victim will experience. However, most victims suffer serious physical pain, numbness or “tingling” of the extremities, loss of sensation, loss of function, and/or paralysis, among other effects.
Common Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can affect the cervical (neck), thoracic (middle), lumbar (lower), or sacral (pelvic) spine. The location of a spinal cord injury is often critical in understanding the symptoms and effects of the injury.
Some examples of common spinal cord injuries include:
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia/tetraplegia
- Slipped discs
- Ruptured or herniated discs
- Spinal concussions and contusions
- Penetrating injuries
- Whiplash
These and other spinal cord injuries often result from car accidents, as well as motorcycle and large truck accidents. Slips, trips, and falls also contribute to numerous spinal cord injuries each year, as do sports-related accidents and acts of violence, such as assault.
What to Do If Someone Else Was at Fault for Your Spinal Cord Injury
If you believe someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct caused your spinal cord injury, it’s important that you reach out to a spinal cord injury attorney in Reno who can help you protect your rights and well-being. After ensuring that you have received proper medical attention, turn to the spinal cord injury lawyers in Reno at Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. for sound legal guidance backed by over 150 years of combined experience.
Our team has successfully secured millions of dollars for injured individuals and families throughout Northern Nevada, and we are ready to fight for you and your recovery, too. By limiting our overall caseload, we are able to provide each of our clients with the care and attention they deserve while still delivering big-firm results.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
Potential damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: This often includes current and future medical expenses, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive equipment such as wheelchairs or home modifications.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If a spinal cord injury stops a victim from returning to work or limits their ability to earn an income, they may be entitled to recover lost wages and the future income they would have earned.
- Pain and Suffering: Spinal cord injuries often result in chronic discomfort, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address these deeply personal losses.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Victims could be compensated for their incapacity to engage in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed because of their injuries.
- Home Care and Long-Term Support: Some individuals may require lifelong assistance with personal care, transportation, and daily living. These costs can be included in a claim.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving particularly egregious conduct—such as drunk driving or intentional harm—punitive damages could be granted to penalize the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Nevada?
Nevada law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. For spinal cord injury claims, the statute of limitations is normally two years from the inital date of the injury. Failure to file within this timeframe could lead to the claim being permanently barred, regardless of the injury's seriousness or the case's strength.
Certain exceptions could apply in specific circumstances, like when the injury was not immediately apparent or when the injured party is a minor. However, relying on these exceptions can be very risky. It is important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Reno Today
When you choose to work with our award-winning team, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your case is in good hands. We prioritize communication and will provide consistent updates regarding your case at each stage of the process.
Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. offers contingency fees, meaning you do not owe any attorneys’ fees unless/until we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free, so there is truly no risk in contacting us to discuss your unique situation.
Call (775) 284-8888 to schedule a complimentary consultation and case evaluation with our Reno spine injury lawyer today.