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A human’s back is resilient but often is damaged in vehicle accidents. This is fairly common in Florida vehicle accidents and can go undiagnosed. Fort Myers Paralysis Lawyer Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. urges accident victims to seek medical attention after being injured in a Florida vehicle accident. The sooner injuries are diagnosed and treated, the more quickly an accident victim may recover, or not experience further complications. This is particularly true of spinal cord injuries where paralysis may occur.

The spine, or backbone, is the central support system for the body. It has three natural curves and is made up of vertebrae, facet joints, intervertebral disks, the spinal cord and nerves, and soft tissues, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Paralysis may be caused by pressure on the spinal nerves. Accident victims may be advised to have spinal decompression surgery. Cleveland Clinic says that spinal cord injuries are classified as complete or incomplete.

• Complete: A complete injury causes total paralysis (loss of function) below the level of the injury. It affects both sides of the body. A complete injury may cause paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia) or the lower half of the body (paraplegia).
• Incomplete: After an incomplete injury, some function remains on one or both sides of the body. The body and brain can still communicate along certain pathways.

The symptoms of spinal cord injuries differ depending on whether the injuries are complete or incomplete. They may include:

• Weakness in the arms and/or legs.
• Decreased sensation in the arms andor legs.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Severe pain or pressure in the neck or back.
• Unusual lumps along the spine.
• Difficulty breathing.

Living with Paralysis Caused By Spinal Cord Injuries

Vehicle accident victims who suffer severe spinal cord injuries causing paralysis have a life-long condition that can make it difficult not only for the accident victim but also for their families. Many adjustments may be needed in everyday life including, but not limited to:

• Physical therapy
• On-going medical treatment
• Housing changes to accommodate the accident victim
• Transportation changes including wheelchairs and retrofitting a vehicle for mobility
• Modification of work schedules, tasks, and environment

Paralysis Victim’s Rights Following an Accident

Under Florida law, vehicle accident victims have the right to seek compensation for:

• Present and future medical care associated with the accident
• Prescription medications
• Other out-of-pocket costs
• Loss of earnings
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of companionship, consortium, and enjoyment of life 

24-Hour Legal Assistance is Available 

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in an accident, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. is available 24/7 to assist you. You may contact us at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com.

We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you.

When our Fort Myers paralysis lawyers take your case, we will conduct a thorough investigation to prepare your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue resolutions up to, and including, going to trial.

Here is what one client had to say about working with our legal team:

Spivey Law Firm has helped my family with several cases and has always taken great care of and looks over everything with great care. With this law firm in your corner, you always know you are in good hands, and they will do everything in their power. Highly recommend! - CHLOE M.