Cape Girardeau Spinal Cord Injury Guide

• Why Choose Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz
• What is a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?
• What is Your Spinal Cord Injury Worth?
• Where Do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur in Cape Girardeau?
• Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
• Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering an SCI
• What to Do After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury
• Contact a Cape Girardeau Spinal Cord Injury Attorney at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz Today

Why Choose Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz

At Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, we have a stellar reputation in Cape Girardeau for our skills in personal injury law and our dedication to our clients. With more than 100 years of combined trial experience, our spinal cord injury lawyers team has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Our client-centric approach drives our success. We prioritize clear communication, understanding your unique needs, and tailoring our strategies to achieve the best possible results for you. When you choose us as your legal representation, you can expect the following:

Experience and Resources

We have the experience and the resources to pursue the compensation you deserve. Our team of seasoned spinal cord injury lawyers has successfully recovered millions of dollars for our previous personal injury clients. We deeply understand the legal process and know how to effectively manage spinal cord injury cases to build a strong claim on your behalf.

No Fees Unless We Win

We understand that facing a spinal cord injury can bring financial burdens. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay any fees unless we win your case. It means you can focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal costs. Our dedication to our clients is reflected in our commitment to only get paid if you win.

Treat You Like Family

We believe in building solid client relationships based on trust and respect. When you choose Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, you become part of our family. We will be by your side every step of the way, providing compassionate support and guidance. We understand your emotional and physical challenges and are here to provide the strength you need to speak out and fight for justice.

Our Cape Girardeau office is conveniently located just across from the Osage Center and northwest of Southeast Missouri State University at:

1610 N. Kingshighway

Suite 201

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

What is a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?

A spinal cord injury, often abbreviated as SCI, is a catastrophic event that can have lasting consequences. The spinal cord serves as the main pathway for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can result in a loss of sensation and motor function below the site of the injury.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can occur as a result of various accidents and incidents. Some of the most common causes include:

• Car accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. The impact of a crash can exert extreme force on the spine, causing fractures or damage to the spinal cord.
• Falls: Falls from heights, such as from ladders or rooftops, can result in spinal cord injuries. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these injuries due to a higher risk of falls.
• Sports injuries: Sports activities that involve high-impact collisions or falls, such as football or rugby, can lead to spinal cord injuries. Athletes participating in contact sports should take precautions to minimize the risk of such injuries.
• Acts of violence: Stab wounds, gunshot wounds, and other violent acts can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, leading to long-term complications.
• Workplace accidents: Various workplace accidents, such as falls from heights or the use of heavy equipment, put workers at greater risk for spinal cord injuries.

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The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage. In some cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, loss of bladder and bowel control, difficulties with breathing, and other complications. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming, which is why it is imperative to seek legal representation to help recover the compensation you deserve.

What is Your Spinal Cord Injury Worth?

Determining the value of a spinal cord injury claim is a complex process that requires a thorough analysis of various factors. The compensation you may be entitled to depends on the following:

Medical Expenses

Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, rehabilitation services, and assistive devices. Your compensation should account for both past and future medical expenses associated with your injury.

Lost Earnings and Future Earning Capacity

Suppose your spinal cord injury has resulted in temporary or permanent disability. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for the earnings you have lost and will continue to lose due to your inability to work. Additionally, if your injury affects your future earning capacity, you can seek damages for the potential income you would have earned if not for the injury.

Pain and Suffering

Spinal cord injuries can cause significant physical and emotional pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide solace for the physical discomfort, emotional anguish and diminished quality of life experienced due to the injury.

Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices

Recovering from a spinal cord injury often involves extensive rehabilitation and the use of assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, and other adaptive equipment. Your compensation should include the costs associated with these necessary resources.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

A spinal cord injury can impact your ability to engage in activities and hobbies that once brought you joy. Compensation for loss of enjoyment of life aims to provide financial restitution for the limitations imposed on your ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed.

Where Do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur in Cape Girardeau?

Spinal cord injuries can happen anywhere in Cape Girardeau and its surrounding areas. Whether it’s a car accident on William Street, a fall at one of the local businesses, or a sports-related injury at a local park, the consequences of a spinal cord injury can have a significant impact on your life. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in Cape Girardeau, it is in your best interest to consult with a skilled spinal cord injury lawyer at our firm who understands the local legal landscape and can fight for your rights.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can range in severity and can be classified into several categories, including:

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

A complete spinal cord injury occurs when there is a total loss of sensory and motor function below the site of the injury. It means the individual has no sensation or movement in the affected areas.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

An incomplete spinal cord injury is characterized by partial loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. The individual may retain some sensation or movement in the affected areas.

Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia)

Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, is paralysis affecting both the upper and lower limbs and the torso. It is usually the result of a high-level spinal cord injury.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia refers to paralysis affecting the lower limbs and, in some cases, the lower torso. It is typically caused by a spinal cord injury at the thoracic or lumbar levels.

The specific type of spinal cord injury will determine the appropriate legal strategies for your case. Consulting with one of our knowledgeable spinal cord injury lawyers will help identify the best course of action.

Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering an SCI

After suffering a spinal cord injury, dealing with the insurance company can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often focus on minimizing their payouts and may use tactics to undervalue or deny your claim. It is important to remember that insurance companies are businesses primarily concerned with their profits. They may try to take advantage of your vulnerability during this challenging time.

Hiring an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can level the playing field and protect your rights. A skilled attorney will:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly and gather evidence to support your claim.
• Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and handle all negotiations.
• Build a strong case to demonstrate the liability of the responsible party.
• Work with medical professionals to assess the full extent of your injuries and calculate the compensation you deserve.
• If necessary, take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.

Don’t face the insurance company alone. Let Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz handle your spinal cord injury claim and advocate for your best interests.

What to Do After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury

Suffering a spinal cord injury is a life-altering event, and your immediate actions can significantly impact your recovery and legal claim. Here are some critical steps to take after a spinal cord injury:

Continue with Necessary Follow-Up Medical Appointments

Adhering to your doctor’s recommended medical treatment and attending follow-up appointments is vital. It ensures that your injuries are properly documented and helps establish a clear link between the accident and your spinal cord injury.

Adhere to Your Doctor’s Instructions with Work and Activities

Following your doctor’s instructions and restrictions regarding work and activities is necessary for your physical well-being and legal claim. Pushing yourself too hard or engaging in activities that may worsen your injury can have serious consequences.

Preserve Evidence

Preserving evidence after a spinal cord injury is important to build a strong legal case. Here are some actions you can take:

• Obtain a copy of any police or incident reports related to the accident.
• Take photographs of any visible injuries you have and any property damage—such as damage to your vehicle, clothing, or jewelry.
• Keep any medical records and bills related to your spinal cord injury.

Be sure to take all of your evidence to your Cape Girardeau spinal cord injury attorney, even if you don’t think it’s important.

Keep Detailed Records

Keeping detailed records of all expenses and losses related to your spinal cord injury is helpful for your claim. It includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost earnings, transportation expenses, and any other out-of-pocket expenses you incur due to the injury.

Consult a Seasoned Cape Girardeau Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Consulting with a seasoned spinal cord injury attorney is essential to protect your rights and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation. An experienced lawyer will assess the unique circumstances of your case, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. You will find that lawyer at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz.

Contact a Cape Girardeau Spinal Cord Injury Attorney at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz Today

Contacting a skilled Cape Girardeau personal injury lawyer is the first step towards obtaining a fair settlement for your losses. During this consultation, the lawyer will listen to your story, assess the merits of your case, and provide you with valuable legal advice. They will explain your rights and options, giving you the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about your case.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Cape Girardeau, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz at (573) 335-6651 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers. We will provide you with the compassionate support, personalized attention, and aggressive representation you need during this difficult time. Let us fight for your rights and help recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today to take the first step towards justice.

Testimonial:

I had never worked with lawyers, and at first I was scared, not knowing what to expect. When I first met with Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, I immediately breathed a sigh of relief. I’m a shy person, and they gave me confidence to speak out. The experience was very good. If you are in a similar situation, I highly recommend them. They’ll take care of everything. – Laura A.