Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Lexington, Kentucky

The spinal cord is one of the most important and vulnerable parts of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, the consequences can be devastating and permanent. While the effects of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) vary depending on the severity of the damage, they have the potential to be physically, emotionally, and financially disastrous.  

At Wilson & McQueen, PLLC, we understand the life-changing nature of injuries to the spinal cord. Our spinal cord injury attorneys in Lexington, Kentucky, have nearly 100 years of combined experience in helping injured victims and their families navigate legal challenges and find peace of mind. We are ready to work on your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track as much as possible. From our office in Lexington, we also serve the surrounding areas, including Georgetown, London, Nicholasville, and Richmond.  

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries  

A study published in the National Library of Medicine estimated that between 250,000 and 500,000 people in the world are affected by spinal cord injuries every year. In the United States, the leading cause of spinal cord injuries is motor vehicle accidents, accounting for an estimated 38% of new SCI cases every year.  

Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include: 

• Car accidents 

• Truck accidents 

• Pedestrian accidents 

• Bicycle accidents 

• Motorcycle accidents 

• Airplane accidents 

• Product liability 

• Dog bites 

• Slip and fall accidents 

• Trip and fall accidents 

• Elevator and escalator accidents 

• Workplace accidents 

In most cases, a spinal cord injury is the result of a sudden and traumatic blow to the ligaments, discs, or vertebrae in the spinal column or other trauma to the spinal cord.  

Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury 

Spinal cord injuries can be broken down into two types: 

1. Complete SCI. A victim suffers a complete SCI when they have no sensation or control over the motor function below the site of the injury.  

2. Incomplete SCI. If the victim still has some sensation or control over the motor function below the site of the injury, the SCI is considered incomplete.  

In most cases, the location of the injury determines which parts of the body are affected by the SCI. Generally, the higher the site of the injury, the more severe the consequences will be. For example, injuries to the lower parts of the spine may affect the function of the bladder, lower extremities, and other organs/structures below the site of the injury.  

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury 

While there is a wide range of symptoms that may indicate a spinal cord injury, it is important to remember that some symptoms may not be apparent immediately after the incident. Common types of symptoms of a SCI include but are not limited to: 

• Numbness or tingling in the extremities 

• Loss of sensation in the extremities  

• Loss of coordination  

• Weakness in the arms or legs 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Loss of bladder or bowel control 

A doctor may order imaging tests, including an X-ray, MRI, or CT, if they suspect a spinal cord injury. In many cases, spinal cord injuries can be difficult to detect, which can complicate both the recovery process and the victim’s ability to seek compensation.  

Available Compensation 

Spinal cord injuries can result in a lifetime of medical expenses. It is not uncommon for people diagnosed with SCI to never fully recover. The costs associated with the treatment and rehabilitation can place a substantial financial burden on the victim and their family, not to mention that the injury may leave the victim permanently unable to work.  

If the traumatic event resulting in your spinal cord injury was the result of someone else’s negligent or reckless conduct, the victim may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Depending on the injury and its impact on the victim’s life, recoverable damages may include: 

• Medical bills, both past and future 

• Loss of income 

• Loss of earning capacity 

• Pain and suffering 

• Emotional distress 

• Loss of enjoyment of life 

Our spinal cord injury attorneys in Lexington, Kentucky, can help you hold the negligent/reckless party accountable to provide you with the financial compensation to which you are entitled. At Wilson & McQueen, PLLC, we understand what you are going through and can take care of the legal process on your behalf so that you can focus on your treatment and moving through the next chapter of life.