New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury From Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accidents Resulting in Spinal Cord Injuries

After a New Jersey car accident, you may experience a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor to very serious. Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe type of accident-related injuries because they tend to not only cause debilitating pain but can also have lifelong impacts on your life. Car accidents are responsible for nearly 40 percent of all spinal cord injuries, making them the leading cause of spinal cord damage in the United States. It is estimated that upwards of 300,000 people live with permanent spinal cord injuries. The experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm aggressively represent car accident victims who suffered back injury or spinal cord damage. We recognize what these injuries mean for you and your ability to live your life the way you intended, and we will do everything we can to ensure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve in the wake of a serious accident.
 
The Functions of the Spinal Cord
 
The spinal cord is one of the most crucial structures in the human body. It is responsible for transmitting nerve signals from the brain throughout the body. The spinal cord is made up of nerve fibers that, on their own, are soft and pliable. However, the spinal cord runs through the spine, a system of 24 small bones called vertebrae. Each vertebra has a hole in its center, which allows the spinal cord to pass through. 
 
When the spinal cord is damaged in a car accident, it often results in permanent injury. Depending on the extent of the damage, spinal cord injuries may include:
 
• Loss of bladder control
• Changes in sexual function
• Nerve pain
• Loss of sensation throughout the body
• Temporary or permanent paralysis
 
Typically, spinal cord injuries affect the area of the body below the injury site. Thus, if you suffer injury to the lumbar (lower) portion of your spine, you will likely notice symptoms in the lower half of your body. The most serious spinal cord injuries involve the cervical spine, which is located near the base of the neck. When the cervical spine sustains an injury, it can result in quadriplegia, paralysis of all four limbs. 
 
Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury
 
Spinal cord injuries are some of the most expensive injuries to treat. They often involve extensive surgery in the immediate aftermath, as well as ongoing medical attention—possibly for the rest of your life. 
 
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the average hospital stay following a spinal cord injury is 11 days. After discharge from the hospital, injury victims face, on average, 31 days of rehabilitation. Many accident victims face a lifetime of medical expenses and physical limitations after a spinal cord injury. On average, the first year of medical treatment and costs for those experiencing paraplegia costs approximately $567,000 and an additional $75,000 for each subsequent year. If an accident victim became paralyzed at the age of 25, this would result in a lifetime cost of over $2.5 million. The lifetime cost for those suffering from quadriplegia is even higher, reaching as high as $5 million for accident victims whose injury occurred by the age of 25. 
 

Contact an Experienced New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury Car Accident Lawyer

 
If you, or a loved one, suffered a serious spinal cord injury in a New Jersey car accident, the dedicated personal injury lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm are here to help. For more than 30 years, we have been helping clients who have been seriously injured in all types of accidents. We are a five-star rated law firm, recovering a total of more than $100 million on behalf of our clients. We will do our best to hold the negligent driver fully accountable for their actions and get you the justice you deserve.
 
We recognize the challenges you face as a result of a serious motor vehicle crash and are uniquely positioned to help you through the recovery process of your spinal cord injury. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation, give us a call today at 973-920-7900. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win your case. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown.