A spinal cord injury can impact your life in countless ways for many years, possibly the rest of your life. Depending on the specifics of your injury, you could face profound movement limitations, years of physical and occupational therapy, and onerous medical expenses. You should not have to pay the price of an injury someone else caused.
But you have the right to file a personal injury claim, which would allow you to demand fair compensation from that person. If you or someone close recently suffered a spine injury or neck injury in Baton Rouge, attorney Omar Thibeaux and his team at The Thibeaux Firm can help
Attorney Thibeaux is a Baton Rouge spinal cord injury lawyer with extensive experience, a proven track record of success, and a way of doing business that separates him from other lawyers. As “The 25% Attorney,” he only asks for a flat and fair 25 percent fee on every case he takes. This is considerably less than the industry standard 33 to 40 percent, which means more money goes into your pocket.
Don’t wait another moment to get the legal help you deserve. Let our spinal cord injury law firm work to recover compensation so you can get your life back on track. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free consultation with a respectful and caring back injury lawyer.
How a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Baton Rouge Can Help with Your Case
The aftermath of a severe spine injury can feel overwhelming, but working with a Baton Rouge spinal cord injury attorney can make it far less so.
The Thibeaux Firm can thoroughly investigate the accident to determine who caused your injury and gather evidence to show what that person has cost you. We handle all communication with the insurance companies to protect you from any attempts to minimize your claim. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, diminished quality of life, and pain and suffering.
During your recovery, the last thing you need is the added stress of a legal battle with an insurance company intent on downplaying your claim and paying you less than you deserve. A spinal cord injury lawyer in Baton Rouge can fight that battle for you so that you can focus on healing. Attorney Thibeaux’s experience winning even the most complex claims means you can trust him to handle your spine injury case efficiently and effectively. Further, our compassion and attention to our clients means you can expect regular updates throughout the process.
Reach out to The Thibeaux Firm as soon as possible so you can get started right away with “The 25% Attorney.”
What Compensation Can I Pursue for a Spinal Cord Injury?
The Thibeaux Firm understands the devastating consequences of a spinal cord injury. Let a spinal injury lawyer from our law practice help you seek maximum compensation for your losses, including money for:
- Your past and future medical expenses
- Your lost income
- Your reduced ability to work because of a spinal cord injury
- Your diminished quality of life because of a spinal cord injury
- Your pain and suffering
- Your emotional distress
- Your damaged personal property, if applicable
What Is the Average Settlement for a Back Injury from a Car Accident?
There is no true average settlement for a car accident back injury because every case is different. The amount someone can recover depends on their injuries, lost income, whether they played a role in the crash, and other factors.
What matters is that anyone who suffered a spinal cord injury that was someone else’s fault should work with a capable attorney to recover fair compensation. Without legal representation, spinal cord injury victims are unlikely to recover the resources they need for their medical treatments and other needs after a collision. That’s why it’s important to contact The Thibeaux Law firm right away to learn about your legal options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Louisiana?
According to Louisiana law, the standard deadline to file a spine injury lawsuit is one year from the date of an accident. It takes time to build a strong case and gather the necessary evidence to prove a spine injury claim, so it’s crucial to speak to Attorney Thibeaux — “The 25% Attorney” — immediately. If you wait too long to do so, you could lose your right to compensation or fail to recover the money you need.
What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center tracks the most common causes of spinal cord injuries across the country. According to their research, the five most common causes of spinal cord injuries are:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – High-speed collisions can cause severe trauma to the spine, leading to fractures, dislocations, or compression of the vertebrae. A forceful impact can directly damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Seat belts and airbags help reduce the risk, but the force of a crash can still be devastating. Common motor vehicle accidents include:
- Falls – Falls are another major cause of spinal cord injuries, especially among older adults and those who work from heights, like construction workers. Even a slip-and-fall can lead to spinal cord damage if the person lands awkwardly or hits a hard surface.
- Acts of Violence – A projectile or strong blow to the spine can cause immediate and irreversible damage. These types of injuries often result in permanent paralysis and require long-term care and support.
- Sports Accidents – Sports accidents are a common cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly in contact sports like football, rugby, and wrestling. High-impact collisions and falls during these activities can lead to spinal fractures or dislocations. Extreme sports, such as diving and skiing, also pose a significant risk.
- Medical Complications/Malpractice – Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or improper treatment can result in damage to the spine. For example, a surgeon may inadvertently harm the spinal cord during an operation, or a delayed diagnosis of a spinal condition could lead to worsening injury. These cases often involve complex legal issues best resolved by an experienced attorney.
What Are the Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries come in several different types, based on the location and extent of the damage. Some common types of spinal cord injuries include the following:
- Herniated Disks – The vertebrae of the spinal column are cushioned by disks that provide stabilization and support. These disks can become herniated, meaning the soft, gel-like center pushes through a crack in its outer casing. A herniated disk can compress nearby nerves and the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Breaks – When the spinal cord is only partially broken, impulses can continue to be sent between the brain and the rest of the body, though with some interruption. This type of injury can result in varying levels of movement and sensation loss below the injury site. Some individuals may retain some function, while others might experience significant impairment.
- Complete Spinal Cord Breaks – A complete spinal cord break occurs when the spinal cord is fully severed, leading to total loss of movement and sensation below the injury site. This type of injury typically results in permanent paralysis.
- Spinal Fractures – Spinal fractures occur when one or more vertebrae in the spine break or crack. These injuries can cause instability in the spine and may damage the spinal cord or nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or paralysis.
- Spinal Contusions – A spinal contusion is a bruise on the spinal cord resulting from physical trauma. This injury can lead to swelling and bleeding within the spinal cord, causing temporary or permanent damage.
What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
Quick medical treatment is essential to reducing the potential effects of a spinal cord injury, which include:
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation
- Weakness or paralysis
- Pain or intense, stinging sensations
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in sexual function
- Numbness or tingling
- Balance and coordination issues
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately, then talk to a spinal injury lawyer about your legal options.
What Are Treatment Options for a Spinal Cord Injury?
The first step after a spinal cord injury is for the patient to be stabilized. This may involve immobilizing the spine, administering medications to reduce inflammation, and performing emergency surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Quick and effective medical intervention can help minimize long-term damage and improve prognosis.
Long-term treatments focus on helping patients adjust to their new limitations and improving their quality of life. Rehabilitation is a crucial part of this process and may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve mobility
- Occupational therapy to help patients adapt to daily tasks
- Counseling to address emotional and psychological challenges
- Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, and electronic aids to support independence and functionality
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?
The consequences of a spinal cord injury are often profound, and can include:
- Chronic Pain
- Loss of sensation
- Muscle spasms
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Respiratory issues
- Cardiovascular problems
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Pressure sores
- Emotional and psychological conditions
Contact a Baton Rouge Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
The key to maximizing your spine injury compensation after an accident is to work with an experienced and effective lawyer. The Thibeaux Firm knows what’s at stake for you, and we’re prepared to do everything we can to make your life easier and help you move forward from this traumatic chapter.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation with Attorney Thibeaux — “The 25% Attorney — and get started on your journey toward healing and justice.