An injury to the spinal cord is one of the most catastrophic events a person can experience. In a single moment, a life can be changed forever. Each year in Wisconsin, more than 200 people join the ranks of those living with a spinal cord injury, a condition that often leads to some form of paralysis. When this life-altering injury is the result of a preventable accident, the physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be overwhelming.
If you or a family member is grappling with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury, it is important to know that you are not alone and that you have legal rights. The compassionate and experienced spinal cord injury lawyers at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC are dedicated to helping victims in Wisconsin secure the resources they need to live with dignity and the best possible quality of life.
The Fragile Spine: How These Devastating Injuries Occur
The spinal cord is the central communication highway of the body, carrying signals from the brain to the rest of the body. When this delicate structure is damaged, those signals can be disrupted or cut off entirely. The most common causes of these traumatic injuries are not rare diseases, but everyday accidents.
In Wisconsin, the leading causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Motor Vehicle Crashes: The violent forces in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident are a primary cause of spinal cord damage.
- Falls: A serious fall, whether from a height at a construction site or a slip on an icy sidewalk, can easily lead to a spinal injury, especially in older adults.
- Recreational Activities: High-impact sports like football, diving, and gymnastics carry an inherent risk of spinal cord injury.
The Reality of Paralysis: Life After a Spinal Cord Injury
The most profound consequence of a spinal cord injury is paralysis, the loss of function and sensation below the level of the injury. The extent of the paralysis is determined by where the spinal cord is damaged.
- Quadriplegia (or Tetraplegia): An injury high up in the neck (cervical spine) can result in paralysis of the entire body from the neck down, affecting all four limbs.
- Paraplegia: An injury to the mid or lower back (thoracic or lumbar spine) typically results in paralysis of the legs and lower body.
But paralysis is just the beginning. A spinal cord injury affects nearly every system in the body, leading to a lifetime of secondary health complications. These can include chronic pain, respiratory problems, loss of bladder and bowel control, and a high risk of serious infections. The emotional and psychological toll, including depression and anxiety, is also immense.
The Staggering Cost of a Lifetime of Care
The financial cost of a spinal cord injury is astronomical. The first year of treatment alone can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Over a lifetime, the costs for medical care, assistive devices, home modifications, and personal care attendants can reach into the millions. No family is prepared for this kind of financial devastation.
This is why a personal injury claim is so important. It is not about getting a windfall; it is about securing the necessary funds for a lifetime of essential care. A comprehensive legal claim seeks compensation for:
- All past, present, and future medical expenses
- Lost income and the inability to work in the future
- The cost of wheelchairs, accessible vehicles, and home modifications
- The expense of in-home nursing or personal care
- The immense physical pain and emotional suffering endured
Why You Need a Specialized Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Spinal cord injury cases are among the most complex and high-stakes personal injury claims. They require a law firm with a deep understanding of the medicine, the long-term care needs, and the legal strategies necessary to win.
The attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC have the experience and the resources to handle these challenging cases. We assemble a team of experts, including life care planners, medical specialists, and economists, to create a comprehensive picture of your future needs. We use this to build a powerful and persuasive case for the maximum possible compensation.
We know that no amount of money can undo the damage that has been done. But we also know that a fair settlement or verdict can provide the security and peace of mind that comes from knowing your future care is provided for.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Wisconsin, please contact us for a free, confidential consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you. You will pay no attorney fees unless we secure a recovery for you.