How Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore Can Help After a Spinal Cord Injury

At Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, a premier spinal cord injury lawyer firm, we understand the severe impact an injury can have on every aspect of your life.With decades of experience representing injury victims throughout Florida, we have the knowledge and resources necessary to handle complex spinal cord injury cases.

Our Tampa spinal cord injury attorneys will work closely with you to investigate, identify the responsible parties, and build a strong case. A dedicated spinal cord injury lawyer is essential to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Areas We Serve

Our spinal cord injury lawyers are based in Tampa; however, we handle cases against medical professionals throughout the state, including in the following cities:

  • Clearwater
  • St. Petersburg
  • Ft. Lauderdale
  • Bradenton
  • Key West
  • Brandon
  • Orlando
  • Sarasota
  • Boca Raton
  • Lakeland
  • Naples
  • Fort Myers
  • Cape Coral
  • Miami
  • West Palm Beach
  • Jacksonville

Spinal Cord Injury Categories

A spinal cord injury can lead to significant and permanent changes in your body’s ability to function. These injuries are typically classified into two categories:

  1. Complete spinal cord injuries result in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the injury.
  2. Incomplete spinal cord injuries may result in some preserved sensation or movement below the injury site.

Depending on the severity, individuals with spinal cord injuries may experience paralysis, chronic pain, loss of mobility, or other serious health complications. Our Tampa spinal cord lawyers will work with medical experts to fully assess the extent of your injury and its long-term impact on your quality of life.

Examples of Spinal Cord Injuries

Some specific types of spinal cord injuries include:

  • Compression fractures
  • Herniated discs
  • Injuries to the front of the spinal cord (Anterior Cord Syndrome)
  • Injuries to the back of the spine (Posterior Cord Syndrome)
  • Paralysis in one or more limbs
  • Tetraplegia
  • Hemiplegia

Types of Compensation in Tampa Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Victims of spinal cord injuries may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. A skilled lawyer for spinal injuries can help you pursue:

Economic Damages

These damages cover the out-of-pocket expenses associated with your injury, including:

  • Medical expenses: This includes the cost of emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for the income you’ve lost while unable to work, and in severe cases, compensation for future lost earning potential.
  • Home modifications and care: If your injury requires home adaptations like ramps or specialized medical equipment, or if you need long-term in-home care, you may be compensated for these expenses.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more difficult to place a value on because they do not represent direct monetary loss. However, you are entitled to compensation for non-economic damages such as disfigurement, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life experienced in the past and to be experienced in the future.

How Long Do You Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Tampa?

In Tampa, as in the rest of Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including spinal cord injury cases, is generally two years from the date of the accident or injury. This means that if you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you must file your lawsuit within two years.

Failing to do so can result in losing your right to seek compensation, which is why you should consult with an experienced Tampa spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.

Proving Liability in a Spinal Cord Injury Case in Tampa

To successfully recover compensation, your attorney must prove that someone else’s negligence caused the injury. This involves establishing that the at-fault party breached their duty of care, directly resulting in your spinal cord injury.

Whether the accident occurred in a car crash, workplace accident, or as a result of medical negligence, our back injury lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.

FAQs About Spinal Cord Injuries

What’s the average cost for a spinal cord injury?

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the average first year cost for someone with hemiplegia is about $537,271. For someone with tetraplegia, they could experience up to $1,102.403 in their first year. For each subsequent year, they could spend about $71,172 or $191,436, respectively.

What other symptoms can a spinal cord injury cause?

Paralysis is one of the most well-known symptoms of SCIs, but a victim could suffer mobility issues, trouble using the restroom alone, bedsores, or breathing problems. Someone suffering a spinal cord injury could be forced to go to the hospital multiple times in their life.

Is paralysis permanent?

In most cases, some form of paralysis will remain with the person suffering a spinal cord injury. However, research into spinal cord injury recovery has found some treatments that are promising. There are no surefire cures for paralysis, but there have been great strides in therapy and medicine to help victims adapt and recover.

Why You Need a Tampa Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Spinal cord injury cases are often complicated, requiring extensive evidence, expert testimony, and a clear understanding of Florida’s personal injury laws. A knowledgeable Tampa spinal cord injury attorney can navigate the legal process for you, ensuring that all necessary documentation is filed correctly and handling your case with the utmost care.

At Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, we’ve helped numerous clients recover compensation for catastrophic injuries, and we can do the same for you. We offer personalized representation and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every client.

Did You Suffer a Spinal Cord Injury in Tampa? Call Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore Today

Contact Our Florida Civil Litigation Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury, don’t wait to seek legal help. A delay in filing a claim could impact your ability to recover compensation. Contact the skilled Tampa spinal cord lawyer team at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore to schedule a free consultation.

We will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you get on the path to recovery.

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