Indianapolis Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Compassionate & Aggressive Legal Representation
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. They often result in permanent paralysis, which can require a lifetime of medical care and treatment. If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At Hovde Dassow + Deets, our Indianapolis spinal cord injury lawyers are committed to helping victims of negligence fight for the justice and recovery they are owed. We understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take on victims and their families, and we are prepared to aggressively advocate for you every step of the way.
Call our office at (317) 576-3241 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is any injury that damages the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of the back and carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, the brain is unable to send signals to the body below the site of the injury, which can result in partial or complete paralysis.
There are two main types of spinal cord injuries:
- Complete spinal cord injuries: These injuries result in a total loss of sensation and movement below the site of the injury. For example, if the injury occurs in the neck, the victim may be completely paralyzed from the neck down.
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries: These injuries result in a partial loss of sensation and movement below the site of the injury. For example, if the injury occurs in the neck, the victim may still have some sensation and movement in the arms but be paralyzed from the waist down.
Spinal cord injuries are classified by the level of the spine at which the injury occur. The higher the injury is on the spine, the more severe the resulting paralysis will be. For example, an injury to the neck (cervical spine) will result in paralysis of the arms, legs, and trunk, while an injury to the lower back (lumbar spine) will result in paralysis of the legs and trunk.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur in a variety of accidents and incidents. In many cases, these injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence. When this is the case, the injured person can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party and seek compensation for their damages.
Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States. These injuries can occur when the victim’s head, neck, or back is jolted or twisted in the crash.
- Falls: Falls are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries among people over the age of 65. They are also a leading cause of these injuries among children. Falls can occur in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, construction sites, and retail stores.
- Acts of violence: Gunshot wounds and knife wounds are among the most common causes of spinal cord injuries resulting from acts of violence. These injuries can also occur when the victim is struck in the head, neck, or back with a blunt object.
- Sports and recreational activities: Spinal cord injuries can occur when athletes are involved in contact sports, such as football, hockey, and rugby. They can also occur when people are involved in recreational activities, such as diving, horseback riding, and skiing.
- Medical malpractice: Spinal cord injuries can occur when doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals make mistakes during surgery or other procedures. They can also occur when these professionals fail to diagnose or properly treat a medical condition, such as a spinal infection or a tumor.
How Do I Know If I Have a Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal cord injuries are not always immediately apparent. In some cases, the symptoms of these injuries may not appear for several hours or even days after the accident or incident that caused them. This is why it is so important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after any accident or incident that involves a blow to the head, neck, or back.
Some of the most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:
- Extreme back pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back
- Weakness, incoordination, or paralysis in any part of the body
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Unusual head position
- Unconsciousness
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident or incident and is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. The sooner a spinal cord injury is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of preventing further damage and complications.
How Are Spinal Cord Injuries Diagnosed?
Spinal cord injuries are typically diagnosed using a combination of imaging tests and other diagnostic tools. The specific tests used will depend on the nature and severity of the injury.
Some of the most common tests used to diagnose spinal cord injuries include:
- X-rays: X-rays can be used to look for fractures, dislocations, and other signs of injury to the spine.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans: CT scans can be used to look for fractures, dislocations, and other signs of injury to the spine. They can also be used to look for bleeding and other signs of damage to the spinal cord.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans: MRI scans can be used to look for bleeding and other signs of damage to the spinal cord. They can also be used to look for tumors, infections, and other conditions that can cause spinal cord injuries.
- Myelography: Myelography involves injecting a dye into the spinal canal and then taking X-rays or CT scans. The dye makes the spinal cord and the nerves at the end of the spinal canal easier to see.
- Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) tests: SSEP tests involve placing electrodes on the skin and then sending electrical signals to the nerves. The electrodes measure how long it takes for the signals to reach the brain. This can help doctors determine the location and severity of a spinal cord injury.
How Are Spinal Cord Injuries Treated?
There is currently no cure for spinal cord injuries. However, there are several treatments that can help victims manage their symptoms and live as independently as possible.
Some of the most common treatments for spinal cord injuries include:
- Medications: Medications can be used to manage pain, muscle spasms, and other symptoms of spinal cord injuries. They can also be used to prevent or treat infections and other complications.
- Surgery: Surgery can be used to remove bone fragments, foreign objects, or herniated disks that are compressing the spinal cord. It can also be used to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation involves working with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to regain lost skills and learn new ways of doing things. It can also involve working with mental health professionals to manage the emotional and psychological effects of a spinal cord injury.
- Assistive devices: Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, canes, and braces, can help victims with mobility issues. They can also help them perform everyday tasks, such as dressing, bathing, and eating.
- Adaptive equipment: Adaptive equipment, such as modified utensils and tools, can help victims perform everyday tasks more easily.
- Home modifications: Home modifications, such as ramps and grab bars, can make it easier for victims to get around and perform everyday tasks.
- Vehicle modifications: Vehicle modifications, such as hand controls and wheelchair lifts, can make it easier for victims to drive or ride in a car.
How Can a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Help?
Spinal cord injury claims are highly complex. They often involve multiple parties, including insurance companies, healthcare providers, and government entities. They also often involve significant damages, including lifelong medical care and treatment.
When you hire our firm, we will conduct a thorough investigation into your case. We will gather all available evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. We will also consult with medical experts, life care planners, and other specialists to determine the full extent of your injuries and your future medical needs.
Our Indianapolis spinal cord injury attorneys will then aggressively negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to seek a fair settlement on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for a favorable verdict.
Choose a Firm with a Proven Track Record
At Hovde Dassow + Deets, we have a long history of success in handling complex personal injury claims. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we are prepared to put our experience and resources to work for you.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Compassionate, personalized legal services: We understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll a spinal cord injury can take on you and your family. We will provide you with the one-on-one attention and compassionate support you deserve during this difficult time.
- Aggressive, results-driven representation: Our attorneys are skilled litigators who are not afraid to take on large insurance companies and corporations. We will fight tirelessly for you in settlement negotiations and in the courtroom.
- Open and honest communication: We believe in keeping our clients informed about the progress of their cases. We will promptly return your calls and emails and provide you with regular updates on your case.
- No fees unless we win your case: We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe us any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Request a Free Consultation Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Indianapolis spinal cord injury lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the maximum recovery you are owed.
Call our office at (317) 576-3241 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
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"We wouldn’t consider using any other attorneys."
Nick Deets has done a wonderful job representing myself as well as two of my daughters in personal injury accidents. We wouldn’t consider using any other attorney. He’s the best of the best. We recommend him to anyone we know who is looking for a personal injury attorney.- Elaine K. -
"The level of communication was outstanding."
Nick Deets was our family’s attorney for my mother’s wrongful death case. Mr. Deets came highly recommended during our family’s search for legal representation. We were very impressed with Mr. Deets during our initial visit and immediately signed up with him. Mr. Deets was available to us as needed while our case was active. He kept us informed every step of the way. The level of communication was outstanding. Without going into detail, there was an aspect to our case that Mr. Deets uncovered. Most attorneys would have never made this discovery- and in the end, it raised the level of the conclusion of our case substantially. This is exactly why we wanted a competent and experienced attorney. Mr. Deets went toe to toe with the opposition at every step of the way. He fought for every inch. You never have to wonder whose side the attorney is on if you hire this firm. Most people only go through a tragedy once in their lifetime. The loss in our case was unfathomable. Our family is so grateful that we didn’t make the situation worse by having a negative experience law firm. Our family was extremely satisfied with the job performance of our attorney, Nick Deets. We pray that we never experience the unfathomable loss that necessitated the need to hire an attorney again. If we should ever have to hire an attorney again, we would hire this law firm again with no hesitation whatsoever. That is probably the strongest recommendation anyone could give. Thanks for everything.- Kenneth E. -
"Highly recommend Hovde Dassow + Deets law team!!!"
Highly recommend Hovde Dassow + Deets law team. This group of individuals practice law with determination and devotion to their clients. Professional attorneys that provided excellent customer service. Educated and respected with years of experience, choose this firm to represent you. I especially want to thank Frederick Hovde for the compassion and empathy provided to my father throughout his legal process.- Heather MMartinsville, IN -
"I can’t thank Nick Deets and his staff enough for assisting me with my personal injury case."
I can’t thank Nick Deets and his staff enough for assisting me with my personal injury case. It was confusing and very emotional in the beginning. Nick was patient, explained how and when to expect the case to play out. Nick and staff were quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had. My case finalized sooner than expected thanks to Nick’s expertise. I was thrilled with the result and settlement of my case!- Beth R.
