Premier Lehigh Valley Spinal Injury Lawyers
A spinal injury or paralysis can dramatically alter your life. Whether caused by a car accident, medical error, or workplace incident, the consequences can be devastating. Victims often face a lifetime of physical limitations, emotional distress, and overwhelming financial burdens. If you or a loved one has suffered spine injuries or paralysis due to someone else’s negligence, it is essential to understand your legal rights. Our spinal injury lawyers in the Lehigh Valley are committed to helping injury victims seek justice and fair compensation for the challenges they face. These injuries are not just painful and life-altering—they can lead to significant financial hardships. The costs of medical care, therapy, adaptive equipment, and lost wages can be substantial. If your injuries were caused by the negligence or wrongful actions of another party, you may be entitled to compensation that can help alleviate some of the burdens associated with your recovery. Our spinal injury attorneys in the Lehigh Valley can guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that you are fully informed and supported
Our Lehigh Valley Spinal Injury Attorneys Explain: Claims, Types of Damages, & Common Causes
A spinal injury claim is a type of lawsuit that seeks to hold a responsible party accountable for the damages caused by spine injuries. These injuries typically involve damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, chronic pain, and other serious consequences. Many spinal injuries are caused by preventable accidents that only occurred because of someone else’s negligence.
The foundation of the claim focuses on proving that the defendant’s actions—or lack of action—led directly to the harm. These claims can be complex and require a thorough understanding of both medical issues and the law. Our experienced Lehigh Valley spinal injury lawyers can review your case, gather evidence, and help you pursue compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
1. Who Can File a Lawsuit
In this kind of case, the person who sustains the injury is the primary party who can file a lawsuit. If the injured individual is incapacitated, a family member or legal guardian may be able to file on their behalf.
Spine injuries or paralysis can have a profound impact on your life, and the compensation available through a lawsuit addresses both tangible and intangible losses. Common damages sought in this kind of claim include:
- Medical Expenses
Spinal injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, pain management, and ongoing care. Victims may also need medical equipment like wheelchairs or walkers, prosthetics, and home modifications to accommodate their new physical limitations, such as ramps or guiderails. Rehabilitation therapies—such as physical, occupational, and psychological therapy—are essential for long-term recovery and adjusting to life after an injury. The cost of all medical treatments, past and future, should be included in your claim.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity
Victims often cannot return to work, particularly if their job is physically demanding. If you cannot work due to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for wage loss during your recovery, as well as for long-lasting financial losses caused by your inability to work at full capacity. In severe cases, where the injury leads to permanent disability, compensation for future earning potential may also be sought.
- Pain and Suffering
Suffering these injuries often causes severe physical pain and emotional suffering. Victims may experience acute pain from the injury itself and chronic pain afterward. Emotional distress—such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—is also common for victims. Pain and suffering damages aim to compensate victims for the enduring physical and emotional toll of their injury.
- Loss of Mobility and Independence
For many victims of a spine injury, the loss of mobility or independence is one of the most challenging aspects of their new reality. If the injury results in paralysis, victims may face lifelong limitations that affect daily activities like dressing, bathing, cooking, and driving. The loss of mobility can lead to profound emotional consequences, including depression and frustration. Compensation for these losses addresses the drastic changes to the victim’s quality of life.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
Victims often require extensive and costly rehabilitation and therapy. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling are essential for adjusting to life with spine injuries. These therapies help victims regain physical function, manage pain, and cope with emotional challenges. The costs of rehabilitation and therapy should be included in your injury claim.
- Adaptive Equipment and Home Modifications
People with spinal injuries may need specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, or assistive devices, to maintain their independence. These items are costly and often require replacement or upgrades over time. Additionally, victims may need to modify their homes to make them accessible, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, or adding grab bars. The cost of these modifications and adaptive equipment can be significant but are necessary for living with the aftermath of your injury
2. Common Causes of Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries can occur in many situations, often as a result of preventable accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
- Car Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of spinal injuries. High-speed crashes, rear-end collisions, and accidents involving large trucks or motorcycles often result in severe spinal trauma. Whiplash, herniated discs, and vertebral fractures are common spinal injuries in car accidents. If your injury was caused by another driver’s negligence—such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence—you may have grounds for a personal injury claim
- Workplace Accidents
Spinal injuries are common in certain work environments, especially those involving manual labor or heavy machinery. Construction workers, factory employees, and others in physically demanding jobs face a higher risk of falls, lifting accidents, and equipment malfunctions. In many cases, workers’ compensation benefits may cover medical expenses and lost earnings, but if the injury was caused by an employer’s negligence, additional compensation may be available through a personal injury lawsuit
- Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls, especially from heights like ladders or scaffolding, can cause significant spinal injuries. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises, and when they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries that result. Slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained stairways can also lead to spinal trauma
How Can A Lehigh Valley Spinal Injury Lawyer Help With My Claim?
Filing this kind of claim includes several important steps. To ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation, it’s crucial to work with an experienced spinal injury attorney in the Lehigh Valley. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
1. Investigation of the Incident
Our team will begin investigating the circumstances surrounding your injury. We start by getting medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions, if needed for your case. Your spinal injury lawyer in the Lehigh Valley will also assess the extent of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the potential for future medical expenses
2. Filing the Lawsuit
If the investigation shows that another party is at fault for your injuries, our spinal injury attorneys in the Lehigh Valley will file a lawsuit. In Pennsylvania, your claim must be filed within two years of the injury. It’s essential to act quickly to avoid missing the statute of limitations.
3. Negotiations and Settlement
Most of these kinds of cases are resolved through negotiation or settlement discussions with the defendant’s insurance company or legal team. Our team will work to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.
4. Trial
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. At trial, both sides will present evidence, and a judge or jury will decide whether the defendant is liable for your injuries. If the defendant is found liable, the jury will award damages based on the severity of your injury and other factors.
Why You Should Hire One of The Best Spinal Injury Lawyers in the Lehigh Valley?
These kinds of cases are complex, and the stakes are high. Here’s why it’s essential to work with our experienced Lehigh Valley spinal injury attorneys:
1. Expertise
An experienced Lehigh Valley spinal injury lawyer understands the medical and legal complexities involved in these cases. They will have the knowledge and resources to build a strong case on your behalf.
2. Maximizing Compensation
An insurance company will often try to minimize payouts. Our team will fight for your right to fair compensation and ensure you receive the maximum amount that you deserve.
3. Emotional Support
Dealing with your injuries can be emotionally challenging. A compassionate Lehigh Valley spinal injury attorney provides the support you need throughout the legal process, ensuring that you are never alone
4. Long-Term Focus
Spinal injuries often require lifelong care. A spinal injury attorney in the Lehigh Valley will work to secure compensation that will help you manage the costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other long-term needs.
Call A Top Spinal Injury Lawyer in the Lehigh Valley Today!
If you or a loved one has sustained spine injuries or paralysis, it is crucial to seek legal help as soon as possible. Don’t wait—contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how you can pursue justice for your injuries. Let a compassionate and skilled Lehigh Valley spinal injury attorney fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need for your recovery and future care.