Seattle Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Representing Accident Victims in Washington State

Lehmbecker Law is a leading legal firm in Seattle committed to providing exceptional legal representation for victims of severe injuries, including spinal cord damage and paralysis. Our attorneys possess a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that accompany such injuries and ensure that every client receives dedicated support.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition that occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, the bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of the back and transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body. This type of injury can result from a direct blow to the spine, a sudden, forceful twist, or compression of the spinal column.

Depending on the severity and location of the damage, the effects of a spinal cord injury can vary widely but often include partial or complete loss of motor control and sensation below the site of the injury. In more severe cases, it can lead to paralysis, which may be either paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs).

Types of Paralyzing Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are classified into several types based on the severity of the injury and the area of the spine affected. Here are the main types of spinal cord injuries:

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

This occurs when there is no sensory or motor function preserved below the level of the injury. Complete injuries result in a total loss of function below the site of injury, and recovery prospects are generally limited.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

In an incomplete spinal cord injury, some functions remain below the primary level of the injury. Types of incomplete spinal cord injuries include:

• Anterior Cord Syndrome: Damage to the front of the spinal cord, affecting motor and sensory pathways but possibly sparing some sensation.
• Central Cord Syndrome: Typically results from neck hyperextension injuries, causing greater impairment in the arms than in the legs.
• Brown-Sequard Syndrome: Results in loss of movement on the injured side but pain and temperature sensation loss on the opposite side.

Patients may have some movement or sensation, and the degree of recovery can vary significantly.

Paraplegia

This form of paralysis affects the body below the waist, commonly involving the legs and lower body. It is often a result of injuries to the thoracic or lumbar spine.

Quadriplegia (or Tetraplegia)

This type of paralysis impacts all four limbs and typically results from injuries to the cervical (neck) region of the spine. It can also affect bodily functions like breathing as well as bowel and bladder control.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Paralysis and Spinal Cord Injury?

Paralysis and spinal cord injuries can be caused by a variety of incidents and conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

• Vehicle Accidents: Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents and pedestrian accidents are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries, often due to high-impact forces.
• Falls: Slips, trips, and falls, and falls from significant heights, such as from ladders, are common causes of spinal cord injuries.
• Violence: Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other forms of assault can directly damage the spinal cord, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis.
• Sports and Recreation Injuries: Activities that involve significant physical contact and risk of collision, such as football, rugby, skiing, and diving, frequently result in injuries.
• Diseases: Certain diseases, such as polio, spina bifida, and some cancers, can lead to paralysis by affecting the nerves in the spinal cord.
• Work-Related Accidents: Industrial and construction accidents can also cause spinal injuries due to falls, being struck by heavy objects, or accidents involving machinery.
• Medical or Surgical Complications: Less commonly, spinal cord injuries can result from complications during surgeries that involve the spine or spinal cord.

Our team will work diligently to understand the details of your injury and pursue damages from every liable party.

What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

Victims may be entitled to recover several types of damages, which can be categorized into economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Economic damages provide financial compensation associated with the injury, including:

• Medical Bills and Expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, medical equipment, and ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to time away from work.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for a victim’s reduced earning potential if the injury affects their ability to work in the future.
• Home Modification Costs: Expenses related to modifying a home to accommodate a disability, such as wheelchair ramps and widened doorways.

Non-economic damages address the non-financial impacts of an injury, such as:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to engage in hobbies and other activities you once enjoyed.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact of the injury, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation awarded to the spouse or family members for the loss of companionship and support.

Although less common, punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious. These are intended not as compensation but as a punishment for the wrongdoer and a deterrent to prevent similar conduct in the future.

Time Limits to File Paralysis Injury Lawsuits in Washington State

The standard statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Washington State, including those involving paralysis due to spinal cord injuries, is three years. This means that you must file your lawsuit within three years of the date the injury occurred.

There are a few exceptions that can alter this time frame. For instance, if the injury was not discovered right away, the statute of limitations may begin from the date the injury was or should have been discovered rather than the date of the actual incident.

Additionally, if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations typically does not begin until the minor reaches the age of 18.

Proving Liability in Paralysis Injury Claims

Proving liability in paralysis injury claims is crucial to securing compensation for damages. Establishing who is at fault typically involves demonstrating negligence or wrongdoing on the part of another party. Here are key elements that must be established to prove liability in such cases:

Duty of Care

The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed them a duty of care. This means that the defendant had a responsibility to act in a way that would prevent harm to others. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely to avoid causing accidents.

Breach of Duty

Once the duty of care is established, it must be shown that the defendant breached this duty through action or inaction. In the case of a car accident, a breach might involve violating traffic laws such as speeding or driving under the influence.

Causation

The breach of duty must be directly linked to the injury sustained. This is known as causation, and it must be proven that the defendant's actions (or lack thereof) were a substantial factor in causing the injury. For instance, if a property owner fails to fix a known hazard that led to someone's fall and subsequent paralysis, that failure is the causative factor.

Damages

Finally, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they suffered actual losses as a result of the injury. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses directly related to the injury.

Proving these elements typically requires gathering substantial evidence, such as:

• Medical records that detail the extent and nature of the injuries.
• Witness statements that corroborate the plaintiff’s account of the incident.
• Expert testimony, possibly from medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, to explain how the incident caused the paralysis.
• Photos or video footage of the incident or accident scene to support claims of negligence.

Washington State follows a comparative fault rule, which means that if the injured party is found partially at fault for their injury, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Because paralysis injury claims can be complex and require detailed evidence, working with an experienced attorney is essential to navigate the legal intricacies and effectively prove liability.

Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Case?

Choosing Lehmbecker Law for spinal cord injury cases offers numerous benefits that underscore our commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for our clients:

Coping with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury is enough to deal with; let us handle the rest. From medical record acquisition to expert witness coordination, we manage every detail so you can focus on recovery.