Helping Victims of Spinal Cord Injuries in Charleston, South Carolina
If you or a loved one is suffering from a spinal cord injury in Charleston, South Carolina, you deserve support, answers, and a path forward. Approximately 282,000 people in the United States live with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), and the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center estimates that 17,000 new spinal cord injury cases occur each year. These numbers reveal how widespread and serious these injuries are—and why you should understand the risks, long-term effects, and legal options following spinal trauma.
At the Hughey Law Firm, our Charleston spinal cord injury lawyers are here to help you pursue compensation and take legal action when someone else’s negligence causes you harm.
If you want to speak with an attorney about your rights, we offer a free consultation to help you determine the best next step. Please call our office today to learn more about how we can help you.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries frequently result from sudden trauma or impact to the spine. These catastrophic injuries can happen in a variety of scenarios, and the damage can be life-changing.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of spinal cord damage. Whether you were in a car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident, the spine can suffer crushing or twisting forces that result in severe spinal cord injuries. Accidents involving motorcycles and bicycles carry a particularly increased risk of spine injury because of limited protection.
Falls
Falls are another major contributor to spinal trauma. Falling from ladders, scaffolding, stairs, or rooftops can easily result in a back injury or spinal fracture. Even a fall from ground level can cause a spinal cord injury, especially in older adults.
Sports Injuries
Contact sports like football, wrestling, and hockey can lead to incomplete spinal cord injury or even complete paralysis. When reckless or negligent behavior by another party contributes to a sports-related accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Work-Related and Premises Accidents
Work-related accidents involving heavy machinery, elevated workspaces, or unsafe job sites can cause thoracic spine or lumbar spine injuries. Likewise, premises liability accidents, such as slipping or tripping on dangerous property, may result in spinal cord injuries due to a fall or impact.
Acts of Violence
Gunshots, stab wounds, and blunt force trauma during violent incidents often cause spinal injuries that result in partial or complete paralysis. In these cases, a personal injury lawsuit can help victims seek compensation beyond what criminal prosecution offers.
No matter the cause of your injury, our Charleston spinal cord injury lawyers are here to help you recover compensation.
The Severity and Effects of a Spinal Injury
The effects of a spinal cord injury vary widely depending on the injury site, but they can be devastating. The spinal cord controls motor function, sensory input, and organ systems throughout the body.
When the spinal cord is damaged, communication between the brain and body can be disrupted. This often causes long-term or permanent disabilities, including:
- Loss of movement in the limbs;
- Loss of sensation or numbness;
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction;
- Sexual dysfunction;
- Respiratory difficulties;
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
SCIs fall into two main categories—incomplete and complete injuries. An incomplete spinal cord injury means the spine retains some ability to transmit signals below the injury. Recovery is sometimes possible with physical therapy and medical treatment.
A complete spinal cord injury, however, results in total loss of function or sensation below the injury site. Victims may suffer full loss of motor and sensory function, often from the chest or neck down, depending on whether the cervical spine or thoracic spine was affected.
Spinal cord injury victims often require extensive ongoing medical care, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. Many also struggle with emotional distress, muscle spasms, and a reduced quality of life.
Recovering Compensation for Your Spinal Cord Injury
If someone else’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to compensation. A Charleston spinal cord injury lawyer can help you file an insurance claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future);
- Costs of physical therapy and rehabilitation;
- Lost income and future earning potential;
- Medical documentation and treatment-related costs;
- Emotional distress and mental anguish;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
We gather evidence, work with medical professionals, and fight to recover the most compensation possible for your losses.
New Section: How Spinal Cord Injuries Impact Daily Life
Spinal cord injuries change every aspect of a person’s life—from mobility and independence to emotional well-being. Many individuals require assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, or ventilators. Some may depend on caregivers for daily tasks.
The physical limitations can also lead to social isolation, depression, and loss of employment. The financial burden of a spinal injury can be staggering due to medical costs, lost wages, and modifications to homes and vehicles.
While we realize that no amount of money can fully compensate you for your damages and losses, our goal is to make you “whole” again, or as close to it as possible, with full and fair compensation.
Charleston Spinal Cord Injury FAQ
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury damages the nerves or the cord itself, causing permanent or temporary changes in motor function, strength, and sensation. Many people require ongoing medical care and specialized rehabilitation to regain some independence.
What Are the Different Spinal Cord Injuries?
The spinal cord is made up of four distinct sections: sacral, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical. Each section controls specific parts of the body, which means the effects of an injury vary depending on where the spinal cord is damaged.
- Cervical Injuries: These affect the top portion of the spine, located in the neck. Cervical spine injuries are typically the most severe and may result in tetraplegia or quadriplegia, which limits or eliminates sensation and movement below the shoulders or neck.
- Thoracic Injuries: The thoracic spine runs through the upper chest and middle back. Injuries here often lead to paraplegia, affecting the lower body and legs but sparing arm and hand function.
- Lumbar Injuries: Located in the lower back, lumbar spine injuries usually affect the hips and legs. Individuals may still have full use of their upper body.
- Sacral Injuries: These occur near the tailbone. Damage in this area can cause loss of function in the hips and legs and may affect bowel and bladder control, though walking is sometimes still possible.
Each injury is classified as either complete or incomplete, with incomplete spinal cord injuries often offering better chances of recovery with physical therapy and proper medical treatment.
What Are Some Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Charleston?
Spinal cord injuries frequently result from high-impact events that place sudden stress on the spine. In Charleston, some of the most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian collisions, are a major cause of spinal cord damage. These accidents often involve high speeds or distracted drivers and may occur at dangerous intersections like Ashley Phosphate Road or Interstate 26.
- Falls, especially from elevated surfaces like ladders, roofs, or scaffolding, are another leading cause. Even ground-level falls can lead to serious injuries, particularly in older adults.
- Sports injuries, particularly from contact sports such as football, hockey, or rugby, can cause trauma to the spine. These injuries sometimes result from the negligence of a coach, player, or organization.
- Premises accidents, such as slipping on wet floors or tripping over obstacles, can lead to severe spinal cord injuries if the fall impacts the back or neck.
- Work-related accidents often involve heavy lifting, machinery, or falls from unsafe heights. These incidents can cause damage to the lumbar or thoracic spine and may require long-term treatment.
- Acts of violence, including gunshot wounds or physical assault, also frequently result in partial or complete paralysis due to spinal trauma.
If you sustained a spinal cord injury in any of these circumstances—or others not listed—contact a Charleston spinal cord injury lawyer for a free consultation to explore your legal options.
How Do You Know If You Have a Valid Charleston Spinal Cord Injury Accident Claim?
To determine whether you have a valid legal claim, you must be able to prove that your spinal cord injury occurred due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. Simply being injured is not enough—you must establish legal fault and damages.
Ask yourself the following:
- Did another person, company, or entity act recklessly or negligently and cause the accident?
- Did you suffer actual financial or personal losses as a result of your spinal cord injury?
- Does the at-fault party have insurance coverage or financial means to cover your losses?
- Are you still within South Carolina’s statute of limitations to file a claim (generally 3 years from the accident)?
Because these cases can be complex, it’s best to consult with a Charleston spinal cord injury lawyer who can help evaluate your case, determine fault, and guide you through the next steps in the legal process.
How Much Time Do You Have to File an Injury Claim?
In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for a spinal cord injury. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in your case being dismissed, regardless of how strong your claim is.
However, certain exceptions may apply based on the specifics of your case, such as if a government entity is involved or if the injured person is a minor. That’s why it’s important to consult a Charleston spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Prompt action can help your attorney gather evidence, obtain accurate medical documentation, and protect your right to pursue fair compensation.
What Are Common Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injury victims often experience serious, long-lasting complications that extend far beyond the initial trauma. These issues can arise from damage to the spine’s ability to transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body, disrupting how nerve cells function below the injury site.
Some of the most common complications include:
- Muscle spasms or involuntary movements that affect motor control
- Loss of bladder and bowel control, requiring lifestyle changes and sometimes assistive care
- Joint pain due to altered posture, reduced mobility, or overuse of certain muscles
- Chronic pain from nerve damage or inflammation
- Respiratory complications from injuries to the cervical or thoracic spine
- Sexual dysfunction, including fertility and arousal issues
- Increased risk of infections, pressure ulcers, or blood clots
- Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, or emotional distress
Proper medical treatment, physical therapy, and support from qualified medical professionals are critical to managing these complications. A spinal cord injury lawyer can also help you seek compensation for long-term care needs and any complications that develop over time.
What Types of Damages Can You Pursue?
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in Charleston due to someone else’s actions, you may be entitled to recover multiple forms of compensation. These typically fall into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are measurable financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications
- Ongoing medical care, such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, and assistive devices
- Lost wages from missed time at work
- Loss of future earning capacity if your ability to work has been permanently reduced
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including transportation to medical appointments or home modifications
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify but just as important. These include:
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Mental anguish, anxiety, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
In rare cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages if the responsible party acted with extreme recklessness or malice.
A Charleston spinal cord injury lawyer can evaluate your case, determine all applicable damages, and fight to help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
How Much Is a Charleston Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?
No two spinal cord injury cases are exactly alike, so it’s impossible to assign an exact dollar value without first evaluating the specifics of your situation. However, several key factors can influence how much compensation a victim might receive. For example:
- The severity and extent of your spinal cord injuries.
- Whether the injury led to complete paralysis or partial loss of function.
- The cost of medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
- The amount of lost income and your ability to return to work.
- The presence of clear, compelling medical documentation to support your claim.
- The degree of pain, suffering, and emotional distress you’ve endured.
- How the injury has affected your daily life and long-term independence.
A Charleston spinal cord injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, evaluate these factors, and fight for the full and fair compensation you’re entitled to. Whether through a negotiated insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, our goal is to ensure you’re not left carrying the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.
Should You Hire an Attorney After a Charleston Spinal Cord Injury Accident?
Absolutely. An experienced Charleston spinal cord injury lawyer can guide you through the claims process, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Absolutely. After a spinal cord injury, working with an experienced Charleston spinal cord injury lawyer can make all the difference in your recovery—both financially and emotionally.
A qualified attorney can:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly to identify liable parties;
- Gather evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements;
- Guide you through the complex claims process and legal system;
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim;
- Pursue maximum compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and suffering;
- Prepare your case for trial, if necessary, to secure the outcome you deserve.
The legal process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Let a Charleston spinal cord injury attorney fight for your future while you focus on healing.
A Charleston Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help You
At Hughey Law Firm, our spinal cord injury attorneys in Charleston understand how overwhelming this journey can be. We work hard to remove the stress from your shoulders and take on the legal battle for you.
If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury due to another party’s negligence, don’t wait. Call us today at (843) 806-0979 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
We’re here to help you recover, rebuild, and move forward with the dignity you deserve.