Mike Bottaro car accident attorney

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Rhode Island

The spinal cord relays nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When it becomes damaged, these vital signals can be disrupted, leading to the loss of crucial bodily functions and even paralysis. A significant spinal cord injury could leave a patient unable to work and needing lifelong medical care. 

Mike and his team at Bottaro Law believe no one should have to pay for the devastating consequences of a spinal cord injury someone else caused. We know that you can’t rely on the big insurance companies to do what’s right.

Going up against big insurance companies can quickly become a David vs. Goliath battle. But with Bottaro Law on your side, you don’t have to go into battle alone. Moreover, our exclusive No Fee Guarantee means you do not owe us any upfront fees if we take your case. We will only get paid if we secure the compensation you need to live your fullest life possible.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a Rhode Island spinal cord injury lawyer. We offer 24/7 availability and consistent communication so our clients have peace of mind and can focus on their future.

Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Rhode Island

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries nationwide in a recent year included:

  • Motor-vehicle accidents (about 42 percent of all spinal cord injuries)
  • Falls (about 23 percent of all spinal cord injuries)
  • Physical assaults and other violent acts (about 17 percent of all spinal cord injuries)
  • Sports accidents (about 10 percent of all spinal cord injuries)
  • Medical and surgical complications (about 3 percent of all spinal cord injuries)

Levels, Degrees, and Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

According to the National Institutes of Health, spinal cord injuries can be grouped into several levels, degrees, and types based on the location of the injury, the severity of its effects, and how much sensation remains in the affected area.

A spinal injury’s level is based on where on the spine it occurred. The spine has the following five levels or regions:

  • The cervical spine, which includes seven vertebrae running from the base of the skull to the neck
  • The thoracic spine, which includes 12 vertebrae in the upper back below the neck
  • The lumbar spine, which includes five vertebrae in the lower back
  • The sacrum, which includes five vertebrae between the lumbar spine and the coccyx
  • The coccyx, or tailbone, which includes the four lowest vertebrae in the spine

In addition to the five levels, spinal injuries can be classed in two degrees:

  • A complete spinal cord injury is one that leaves the patient with no feeling or movement below the site of the injury. 
  • An incomplete spinal cord injury leaves a patient with some sensation or motor control below where the spinal cord injury occurred.

There are two primary types of paralysis from spinal cord injuries:

  • Tetraplegia or quadriplegia is a spinal cord injury that leaves a patient with no feeling or motor control below the neck. 
  • Paraplegia leaves a patient with some feeling or motor control in their upper extremities but not their lower ones.

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

According to the Mayo Clinic, some signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

  • Severe pressure in the neck, back, or head
  • Weakness, numbness, paralysis, or lack of coordination in any part of the body
  • Tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation in the toes, feet, fingers, or hands
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Difficulty with walking or balance
  • Trouble breathing after an injury
  • Unusual pain or a stinging sensation
  • Changes in sexual functions, sensitivity, or fertility

If you suspect you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury, see a doctor immediately. Timely medical treatment can prove lifesaving.

What to Do If You Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury

Here are the essential steps to take if you suffered a spinal cord injury in a Rhode Island accident:

  • Seek medical treatment right away. Without immediate medical treatment, a spinal cord injury is more likely to have permanent effects.
  • Keep photos and other evidence from the accident scene. This evidence could be critical to showing how someone else caused your injuries.
  • Save all your medical records, receipts, and pay stubs. These documents are crucial in proving your injuries and financial losses due to the accident.
  • Do not talk to any insurance companies or post on social media. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will use anything they can to minimize what they have to pay out on a claim. Saying the wrong thing to an insurer or in a public forum could negatively affect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.
  • Hire our Rhode Island spinal cord injury lawyers. The sooner you meet with Mike and his team at Bottaro Law, the more we can do to protect your rights and help you secure the money you need.

What Is My Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?

No spinal cord injury lawyer can give you an accurate estimate of the compensation you might receive until they review your case in detail. That said, these cases often result in significant settlements and verdicts because of how extensive the effects of a spinal cord injury are. You could be entitled to compensation for losses such as:

  • Medical bills, including expenses for physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • In-home assistance
  • Physical pain
  • Psychological distress
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Lost wages and future earnings
  • Accessibility modifications to your home and vehicle

The Time Limit for a Spinal Injury Claim in Rhode Island

Rhode Island law gives you three years from the date of a spinal cord injury to file a lawsuit against any liable parties. If you miss this deadline, the courts will likely dismiss your case as untimely, and you could lose your right to compensation. 

Talk to a spinal cord injury attorney at Bottaro Law as soon as possible to avoid any issues with Rhode Island’s statute of limitations. You need immediate legal help to get your claim started now so you can receive compensation faster. It is critical that you call or text Mike and his team as soon as you can.