Tampa Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers - Paul Knopf Bigger

Experiencing a spinal cord injury can profoundly change the course of your life. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by mounting medical expenses and unforeseen financial burdens as you adapt to a new way of living. But you could be entitled to monetary compensation for your losses — and a spinal cord injury attorney in Tampa can help you demand it.

Enter the legal team at Paul Knopf Bigger. With a reputation built on trust, diligence, and meaningful case results, we’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars for deserving clients like you. We’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Don’t hesitate to get the help you need. Contact our law firm now to discuss the specifics of your spinal cord injury case in a free, no-obligation consultation.

What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Every year, thousands of Americans suffer spinal cord injuries due to a variety of incidents, such as:

  • Medical complications
  • Industrial accidents
  • Accidents involving heavy machinery
  • Electrical accidents
  • Aircraft accidents
  • Boat and watercraft accidents
  • Work-related accidents
  • Birth injuries

What Are the Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe and life-altering types of injuries an individual can experience. They can profoundly affect mobility, sensation, and overall quality of life. Medical providers categorize these injuries into different types and levels, which include the following:

Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

Complete spinal cord injuries include injuries that result in a total loss of sensation and muscle function below the spine injury site. Both sides of the body are affected equally. Incomplete spinal cord injuries allow the victim to maintain some degree of function below the affected area. The extent of this loss of function can vary dramatically, sometimes affecting each side of the body differently.

Levels of Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Cervical SCIs (C1-C8) – These affect the section of the spine within the neck and are usually the most debilitating. The higher the injury along the spine, the more pronounced the effects, with some impairments even compromising the ability to breathe.
  • Thoracic SCIs (T1-T12) – The thoracic spinal cord spans the upper back. SCIs in this region can lead to paraplegia, which often hampers normal functioning in the trunk and legs. A common challenge arising from thoracic SCIs is compromised balance and difficulty walking unaided.
  • Lumbar SCIs (L1-L5) – The lumbar region of the spine is in the lower back. Lumbar SCIs can also result in paraplegia. Lumbar SCIs frequently affect movement and sensation in the hips and legs.
  • Sacral SCIs (S1-S5) – Sacral SCIs, which affect the base of the spinal cord, can impede the function of the hips, buttocks, and pelvic organs. The resultant functional losses vary, and some patients can even regain some functionality with rehabilitation.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal cord injuries are significant medical events that can manifest in various ways, depending on the injury’s severity and location. Recognizing these symptoms promptly is essential for timely medical care and optimal recovery. Here are some common symptoms associated with spinal cord injuries:

  • Paralysis, either partial or complete
  • Weakness in any part of the body
  • Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch
  • Numbness or tingling in the extremities
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or an intense stinging sensation
  • Muscle spasms or exaggerated reflexes
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Changes in sexual function or sensitivity
  • Difficulty with balance and coordination
  • Twisted neck or back
  • Difficulty walking or moving limbs
  • Chronic pain in the back, neck, or head
  • Loss of muscle tone
  • Abnormal sweating below the level of the injury
  • Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
  • Difficulty swallowing or clearing the throat
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Temperature regulation problems

What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury is not just an immediate medical crisis. Its consequences can reverberate throughout a person’s lifetime. Beyond the immediate symptoms, these injuries can have long-lasting and often profound repercussions, such as the following:

  • Limited Mobility – Paralysis or restricted movement that affects daily activities and independence
  • Chronic Pain – Persistent pain from nerve damage affecting physical and emotional health
  • Respiratory Issues – Breathing difficulties and increased risk of respiratory infections
  • Pressure Sores – Increased risk of pressure sores due to reduced mobility
  • Cardiovascular Challenges – Irregular blood pressure and increased risk of blood clots
  • Temperature Regulation – Impaired ability to sense or adapt to temperature changes.
  • Muscle and Bone Loss – Muscle atrophy and decreased bone density from reduced mobility
  • Sexual Dysfunction – Changes in sexual function, responsiveness, and fertility
  • Psychological Difficulties – Emotional challenges, including depression and feelings of isolation
  • Economic Strain – Potential work limitations coupled with long-term medical expenses

What Are Treatment Options for a Spinal Cord Injury?

The nature of SCI treatments depends on the severity and location of the injury, but the overarching goal is to restore function and improve quality of life. Common treatment options for SCIs include the following:

  • Immediate Immobilization – Stabilizing the spine as soon as possible post-injury can prevent further damage. This often involves the use of braces or traction devices.
  • Surgery – Surgical interventions might be necessary to remove bone fragments, a herniated disk, or foreign objects. Surgery can also stabilize the spine or address any spinal compression.
  • Medication – Doctors might prescribe corticosteroids shortly after an injury to reduce swelling and inflammation or other drugs for pain relief.
  • Physical Therapy – Tailored exercise regimes can help patients regain muscle strength, improve mobility, and adapt to new physical limitations.
  • Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapies allow patients to relearn or adapt to daily tasks, from personal care to household chores, increasing their independence.
  • Assistive Devices – Wheelchairs, braces, and other tools can help SCI patients navigate their environments and perform daily activities unaided.

What Compensation Can I Pursue for a Spinal Cord Injury?

There’s immense value in having a Tampa spinal cord injury lawyer from Paul Knopf Bigger on your side. We can help you calculate the full value of your injury-related losses and demand compensation for things like:

  • Past and future medical costs
  • Travel expenses for medical appointments
  • Lost income from missed work
  • Losses in lifetime earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Diminished quality of life

What Is the Average Settlement for a Back Injury from a Car Accident?

It’s understandable to be curious about the “average” settlement amount for back injury claims, but the truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all payout. Settlements can vary based on numerous factors, including the severity of the injury and the specifics of the accident.

However, what remains consistent is the value of having a seasoned spinal cord injury lawyer in Tampa on your side. At Paul Knopf Bigger, our attorneys will work relentlessly from day one to investigate the unique nuances of your case, advocate on your behalf, and maximize the compensation you receive.

How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Florida?

You have two years from the date of your injury to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Florida. However, this timeline isn’t set in stone, as various exceptions could extend or shorten the filing window. For instance, you might have more time to act if you didn’t discover the injury right away.

Missing a filing deadline could mean losing your right to bring your case to court and recover compensation for your injuries. As a result, prompt action is essential, even if you think you have plenty of time. Preparing and pursuing an injury case requires gathering evidence, consulting experts, and completing legal paperwork, all of which are time-consuming.

That’s why you need a knowledgeable spinal cord and back injury lawyer from Paul Knopf Bigger. Our attorneys will play a key role by helping you pinpoint the exact deadlines applicable to your situation and preparing a compelling case promptly.

How a Tampa Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Can Help with Your Case

By partnering with our law firm, you stand a better chance of recovering the full compensation you deserve for a spinal cord injury. We can support you and your case by:

  • Educating you about your legal rights and potential avenues for seeking compensation
  • Conducting an investigation into the causes and consequences of your spinal cord injury
  • Working with independent experts to determine the long-term repercussions of your injury
  • Collecting and preserving essential evidence to support your spinal cord injury claim
  • Interviewing witnesses who can testify about the injury accident and its aftermath
  • Analyzing accident reports and other official documents to identify discrepancies
  • Consulting with rehabilitation professionals to estimate your future care costs
  • Determining the potential lifetime earnings you could lose due to the injury
  • Challenging any attempts by insurance companies to minimize or deny your claim
  • Negotiating with the responsible party or their insurance for a favorable settlement
  • Representing you assertively in court if a trial becomes necessary

Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Tampa Today

Did you suffer a spinal cord injury in Tampa? Paul Knopf Bigger, your trusted Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Tampa, is ready to stand by your side, fight for your rightful compensation, and help you seize the opportunity to reclaim your life.Reach out to us now for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn your legal options.