Lawrence Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries are rarely minor. The impact they have on your life can be devastating. As dedicated injury attorneys in Lawrence, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal representation to individuals who have suffered spine injuries due to the negligence of others.

We work to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve to facilitate your recovery and adaptation to new circumstances.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most severe and life-altering injuries one can experience. They occur when damage to the spinal cord results in a loss of function, such as mobility or sensation. The severity of an SCI can vary, but it often leads to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can occur in an instant, but their effects can last a lifetime. As Lawrence spinal cord injury lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how these injuries often result from sudden, traumatic events—many of which could have been prevented.

Understanding how spinal cord injuries occur is not only crucial for awareness and prevention, but it also plays a central role in determining liability and the path forward in a personal injury case.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

By far, the most common cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States is motor vehicle accidents. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) reports that nearly 38% of SCIs result from car, truck, and motorcycle crashes.

In Lawrence, IN, where highways like I-465 and I-70 bring significant traffic through the area, high-speed collisions and rollover accidents frequently contribute to severe spine trauma.

Whiplash, vertebral fractures, and spinal cord compression are common injuries sustained during vehicle accidents. When another driver is speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent, their actions can permanently change another person’s life in the blink of an eye.

Slip and Falls

Falls are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries and are particularly common among older adults. NSCISC data shows that more than 30% of SCIs are caused by falls. A slip on a wet floor, a tumble down unsafe stairs, or a fall from a ladder can result in broken vertebrae or damage to the spinal cord.

As injury attorneys in Lawrence, we regularly help clients pursue premises liability claims when property owners fail to maintain a safe environment. Whether it’s a poorly lit stairwell in an apartment building or a spill left unattended in a grocery store, negligence that causes someone to fall can—and should—be grounds for legal action.

Acts of Violence

Unfortunately, violence is another leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Gunshot wounds, knife injuries, and assaults can all damage the spinal cord, often resulting in paralysis. These types of injuries account for about 15% of all SCIs nationally. Victims of violent acts not only face long physical recoveries but also emotional and psychological trauma.

We understand how complex and sensitive these cases can be. Whether the injury occurred during a domestic dispute, a robbery, or another violent incident, we work to help victims hold the responsible parties accountable—both criminally and civilly—whenever possible.

Sports and Recreational Injuries

Engaging in sports and recreational activities is part of a healthy lifestyle, but these pursuits also carry a risk of spinal cord injury. Approximately 7.6% of SCIs in the U.S. are related to sports. High-impact activities like football, wrestling, diving into shallow water, or riding ATVs can all result in devastating spine trauma.

As spine injury lawyers in Lawrence, IN, we often see these injuries affecting younger clients who were active and athletic before their accidents. In some cases, negligence—such as faulty equipment or inadequate supervision—may be a contributing factor, allowing victims to pursue a legal claim for damages.

Medical or Surgical Errors

While less common, some spinal cord injuries result from medical malpractice. Errors during surgery, incorrect anesthesia administration, or misdiagnosis of spinal conditions can all lead to permanent injury. These cases require a deep understanding of both medical and legal standards, and we work closely with experts to investigate potential malpractice and advocate for our clients.

No matter how your spinal cord injury occurred, we are here to investigate the circumstances, identify the responsible parties, and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

The Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

The consequences of a spinal cord injury can be devastating and far-reaching. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, individuals may experience:

• Paralysis: Partial or complete loss of motor function, including paraplegia (affecting the lower limbs) or quadriplegia (involving all four limbs).
• Sensory Loss: Diminished or complete loss of sensation below the injury site.​
• Chronic Pain: Persistent pain that can significantly affect quality of life.​
• Respiratory Issues: Difficulty breathing if the injury is high on the spinal cord.​
• Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Loss of control over bladder and bowel functions.​

These challenges often necessitate ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices, leading to substantial financial burdens.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

Legal Rights and Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Indiana

As experienced spine injury lawyers in Lawrence, IN, we know Indiana’s personal injury laws and how they apply to spinal cord injury cases. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for past, present, and future medical treatments related to the injury.​
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work.​
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.​
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on relationships with spouses or family members.​
• Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses related to physical therapy and other rehabilitation services.​
• Home and Vehicle Modifications: Costs associated with adapting living spaces and vehicles to accommodate mobility limitations.​

Indiana’s Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including spinal cord injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation.

However, certain circumstances can alter this period, so it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable Lawrence personal injury attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner.​

How We Can Help

At Vaughn Wamsley Attorney at Law, we take a personalized approach to each case, understanding that every client’s situation is unique. Our comprehensive legal services include:

• Case Evaluation: Assessing the details of your injury and determining the viability of your claim.
• Investigation: Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting medical experts to build a strong case.​
• Negotiation: Involves insurance companies and opposing parties to seek a fair settlement.​
• Litigation: Representing you in court if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached.​
• Support and Guidance: Providing ongoing support and keeping you informed throughout the legal process.​

Our goal is to alleviate the legal burdens so you can focus on your recovery and rehabilitation.

Indiana’s Support for Spinal Cord Injury Research and Treatment

Indiana has established the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Fund to support research and treatment related to these injuries. The fund is used for establishing and maintaining a state medical surveillance registry, funding research on treatment and cures, and supporting post-acute extended treatment and services for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to improving outcomes for spinal cord injury victims and underscores the importance of seeking specialized legal and medical assistance following such injuries.​

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Lawrence, IN

How long does a spinal cord injury lawsuit take in Indiana?

Each case is unique, but spinal cord injury lawsuits often take several months to over a year to resolve. Complex cases involving permanent injuries, significant medical treatment, and disputed liability may take longer, especially if they go to trial. We always aim to resolve your case efficiently while fighting for the maximum compensation.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. Indiana follows a comparative fault rule under Indiana Code § 34-51-2. You may still recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your final award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

What types of experts are used in spinal cord injury cases?

We regularly work with a range of professionals to support spinal injury claims. These include neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, vocational rehabilitation experts, life care planners, and economists. Their testimony helps demonstrate the severity of your injury and the long-term financial impact on your life.

Is emotional distress considered in a spinal cord injury case?

Yes. Emotional trauma, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life, can be included in your damages. A spinal cord injury affects more than just your physical abilities—it can profoundly impact your mental health and quality of life.

What if the at-fault party doesn’t have enough insurance?

If the negligent party lacks sufficient insurance coverage, we may explore other avenues—such as your underinsured motorist coverage or additional liable parties (e.g., an employer or product manufacturer)—to pursue full compensation.

Do you have more questions? Contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Vaughn Wamsley Attorney at Law

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. As dedicated injury attorneys in Lawrence, we are here to help you navigate this challenging time and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us use our experience and dedication to help you on the path to recovery and secure the resources necessary for your future well-being.