Dedicated Spinal Cord & Neck Injury Attorneys in St. George, Utah
At Swenson & Shelley Law, our personal injury lawyers in St. George understand that when our fellow Utah residents suffer spinal cord and neck injuries in accidents caused by negligence, they can significantly benefit from our law firm’s help, as these types of injuries often result in long-term or permanent disabilities, costly medical care, and significant life changes.
Our Washington County spine and neck injury attorneys advocate for our clients by thoroughly investigating the accident, proving negligence, and ensuring the responsible party is held accountable. We can also help injury victims pursue compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Given the complexity of spinal cord and neck injury claims, having our experienced lawyers navigate insurance companies and legal processes is crucial to securing a fair settlement that addresses current and future impacts on our client’s quality of life.
We genuinely want to understand what has happened to you, where you are in your treatment plan, and what you need to move forward so we can provide the legal and personal support you deserve, starting with a free consultation.
When the Worst Has Happened, We Fight for What’s Best for You.
What are the Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord & Neck Injuries in St. George, Utah?
Spinal cord and neck injuries can occur in a variety of situations, often due to accidents or sudden trauma.
The most common causes of these life-changing injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of spinal cord and neck injuries due to the high-impact forces involved in collisions.
- Falls: Slip and fall accidents, especially from heights or on uneven surfaces, can result in severe neck or spinal cord injuries, particularly in older adults.
- Sports and Recreational Activities: High-contact sports like football, hockey, or rugby, as well as activities like diving or skiing, can lead to neck and spinal cord injuries from collisions or falls.
- Violence: Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds or physical assaults, can result in spinal cord damage or neck injuries, often leading to paralysis.
- Workplace Accidents: Jobs involving physical labor, especially in construction or industrial settings, can cause spinal injuries due to falls, heavy lifting, or equipment-related accidents.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Pedestrians or cyclists struck by vehicles can sustain neck and spinal injuries due to the sudden impact and lack of protection.
If you have suffered a spine or neck injury in an accident caused by negligence in Utah, contact our skilled personal injury attorneys in St. George today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue a claim during a free consultation.
What are the Different Types of Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries That Occur in Utah Accidents?
Spinal cord and neck injuries can vary widely in severity, and their impact on a victim’s life can be profound.
To follow are the different types of these injuries and how they affect victims:
- Whiplash: A soft tissue injury to the neck that occurs when the head is suddenly jolted back and forth, often in car accidents. Whiplash can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion, limiting daily activities and requiring physical therapy or medical intervention.
- Herniated Disc: A spinal disc, the cushion between vertebrae, becomes damaged or slips out of place, pressing on nearby nerves. It can lead to severe back or neck pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs, often requiring medical treatment or surgery. It can also interfere with the victim’s ability to work or engage in physical activities.
- Fractured Vertebrae: A break in one or more of the bones in the spinal column, often caused by falls or high-impact accidents. Depending on severity, fractured vertebrae can cause intense pain and spinal instability and may require surgery. This type of injury can lead to prolonged recovery, restricted mobility, and, in some cases, permanent disability.
- Spinal Cord Contusions (Bruising): Bruising of the spinal cord without severing it, typically from a solid blow to the back or neck. This can result in temporary paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired motor function. Recovery may be partial or complete, but it often requires extensive rehabilitation.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: The spinal cord is partially damaged, resulting in some loss of function below the injury site but not a total loss. The extent of impairment depends on the level of the injury. Victims may experience partial paralysis and loss of movement or sensation and require long-term therapy. Some may regain limited function, while others may live with permanent disabilities.
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: The spinal cord is entirely severed or severely damaged, resulting in total loss of function below the injury site. Causes permanent paralysis (paraplegia if below the waist, quadriplegia if below the neck). This often requires lifelong medical care, assistive devices, and significant lifestyle adjustments, including assistance with daily activities and potential loss of independence.
- Cervical (Neck) Spinal Cord Injury: Injuries to the spinal cord in the neck area (C1-C7 vertebrae). Injuries higher up in the cervical spine can lead to complete paralysis (quadriplegia) and affect breathing, requiring a ventilator. Even less severe injuries can cause chronic pain, loss of function, and a significant reduction in quality of life.
- Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord and nerves, sometimes caused or worsened by trauma. This condition can lead to chronic pain, numbness, and weakness, particularly in the legs and arms. It often requires surgery and ongoing pain management.
- Nerve Root Injuries (Radiculopathy): Damage to the nerve roots exiting the spinal cord, often due to trauma or herniated discs, causes sharp, radiating pain, numbness, and limb weakness. Recovery may require medical intervention and physical therapy, with potential long-term discomfort or limited mobility.
These injuries can severely disrupt an accident victim’s life. The physical consequences often limit independence, reduce quality of life, and prevent the victim from working or performing everyday activities. Emotional and psychological effects, such as depression, anxiety, and frustration, are also common, particularly in cases involving permanent disability.
In addition to the personal toll, spinal cord, and neck injuries often lead to significant financial burdens due to medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and loss of income, making it critical for victims to seek compensation for their injuries. We can help.
We Also Focus on the Following Areas in St. George:
- Truck accidents
- Car accidents
- Bus Accident
- Dog Bite Injury
- Bicycle accidents
- E-bike Accident
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- One Wheel Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Uber & Lyft Accidents
- Boating accidents
- Construction accidents
- Slip and falls
- Sex Abuse
- Wrongful Death
Contact Our Spinal Cord & Neck Injury Attorneys in St. George, Utah
Call us today at (435)-228-7647 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. During this consultation, you can learn immediately whether your claim is eligible for legal action.
We do not charge any fees upfront for our services. Instead, you pay us only if we secure payment for you. That makes getting legal help accessible and allows you to focus on your recovery. Contact us now to learn more.
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