Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Call a lawyer who gets meaningful results for SCI victims in Palm Beach Gardens
Suffering a spinal cord injury (SCI) in a car accident can be life-altering, leading to paralysis and other severe and permanent symptoms. Rebuilding your life after such an accident is an uphill battle. However, the right spinal cord injury lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, we are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve for your spinal cord injury. Among his notable case results, Mr. Shomo has achieved the following outcomes involving spinal cord injuries and car accidents:
- $1,000,000 – For a motor vehicle collision that resulted in spinal cord injuries and surgeries.
- $1,000,000 – For a motor vehicle crash that resulted in spinal surgeries.
- $950,000 – For a motor vehicle collision that resulted in spinal surgeries.
- $685,000 – For a motor vehicle accident that resulted in spinal cord injuries with surgery.
- $450,000 – For a motor vehicle collision that caused spinal injuries.
- $425,000 – For a motor vehicle crash that resulted in spinal injuries.
- $400,000 – For a motor vehicle accident that caused spinal injuries.
With a track record of recovering over $85 million for his clients, Mr. Shomo knows how to get results that matter for victims of life-altering injuries. Our law firm is here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help. We offer legal representation to SCI victims in Palm Beach Gardens and throughout Florida.
“Casey’s office has handled 2 very tough cases for our family. We can’t say enough about how well we felt we were treated and represented. Casey and his entire staff (TY Joanne) were fantastic supports and resources through the entire process. We were kept informed and given realistic expectations throughout. Both cases were very complex and involved specialized legal, medical and insurance expertise. Casey and his team stayed completely on top of things throughout the whole proceeding. In both cases, the outcome was the best that could be obtained.” - Charles M.,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Google Rating: 5/5 stars, 45 reviews
Spinal Cord Injury After a Car Accident FAQs
- How do car accidents result in spinal cord injuries?
- What are the two categories of spinal cord injuries?
- Are there common symptoms of a spinal cord injury?
- What are the consequences of car accident spinal cord injuries?
- What types of damages can be recovered for a spinal cord injury after a Florida car accident?
- Can a spinal cord injury occur even without broken bones or visible trauma after a crash?
- What are the most common crash scenarios in Florida that lead to spinal cord damage?
- How do doctors diagnose spinal cord injuries after a car accident in Florida?
- What role does delayed diagnosis play in spinal cord injury claims?
- How can a Florida car accident lawyer help build a strong spinal cord injury case?
How do car accidents result in spinal cord injuries?
During a car accident, the sudden impact can put tremendous force on the body, especially the neck and back. This force can cause the spine to bend or twist in ways it's not meant to, leading to injuries to the spinal cord. For example, in a rear-end collision, the head may snap back and then forward rapidly, causing hyperextension and hyperflexion of the neck, which can injure the spinal cord. Similarly, in a side-impact or T-bone collision, the force can jolt the spine sideways.
Additionally, objects inside the vehicle or even parts of the vehicle itself can become projectiles during a crash, striking occupants and potentially causing spinal cord injuries upon impact. In rollover accidents, the body can absorb multiple forces from different directions, which can be too much for the spinal cord.
What are the two categories of spinal cord injuries?
Spinal cord injuries are categorized into two types: Complete and Incomplete.
- Complete spinal cord injury: Occurs when the spinal cord is fully severed, resulting in a total loss of function and sensation below the injury site.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: Involves partial damage to the spinal cord, allowing for some preservation of function and sensation below the injury site.
Are there common symptoms of a spinal cord injury?
Getting immediate medical attention after a car accident is crucial, especially when it comes to potential spinal cord injuries. Some symptoms may not manifest immediately, and delayed pain could be a sign of a serious problem. Here are common symptoms that may signal a spinal cord injury after a car accident:
- Neck or back pain: Persistent pain in the neck or back, which may worsen over time.
- Difficulty breathing: Impaired respiratory function or difficulty breathing after the accident.
- Numbness or tingling: Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations in various parts of the body.
- Weakness or paralysis: Partial or complete loss of muscle strength, affecting mobility.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control: Inability to control bowel or bladder functions.
- Difficulty with balance: Impaired coordination, balance issues, or difficulty walking.
- Headaches: Persistent headaches, especially those worsening over time.
- Spasms: Involuntary muscle spasms or uncontrolled movements.
- Changes in sensation: Altered perception of temperature, pressure, or touch in affected areas.
What are the consequences of car accident spinal cord injuries?
Experiencing a spinal cord injury due to a car accident can have life-altering consequences such as paralysis. When the spinal cord is damaged, it disrupts the brain's communication with the body, leading to a loss of function below the injury. This can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting either the lower half (paraplegia) or both arms and legs (quadriplegia).
The effects of paralysis reach beyond the individual, impacting their families and loved ones. Everyday tasks become more challenging, and it is physically and emotionally draining.
Adjusting to life with paralysis requires significant support and adaptation, affecting every aspect of daily living. Getting dressed, eating, or just moving around independently becomes challenging.
A spinal cord injury can also lead to financial problems. Medical bills, rehabilitation, and assistive devices all add up, putting a strain on both the individual and their family. Additionally, there are other costs to consider, such as making changes to the home, transportation expenses, and the loss of income if the individual is unable to work due to their disability. Fortunately, through legal action with the help of a spinal cord injury lawyer, these damages may be recovered.
What types of damages can be recovered for a spinal cord injury after a Florida car accident?
Suffering a spinal cord injury in a car accident can have lasting impacts on different aspects of your life. Seeking compensation for these injuries is crucial to help you cope with the challenges you may face ahead. Through seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury, you may be able to recover numerous types of damages, including but not limited to:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Disability accommodations: Covers the costs associated with necessary adjustments and modifications to accommodate the disability.
- Medical treatment and expenses: This should include compensation for all medical treatments, surgeries, medications, and related expenses.
- Physical therapy: Reimbursement for ongoing therapies aimed at recovery and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the impact on your ability to work and earn a living in the present and future.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Addresses the specific loss of joy and fulfillment experienced as a result of the injury.
Can a spinal cord injury occur even without broken bones or visible trauma after a crash?
Yes. Spinal cord injuries can occur without fractures when the force of a crash causes the spine to twist, compress, or stretch, which is common in rear-end and T-bone collisions on roads like I-95, Okeechobee Boulevard, or Military Trail. Injuries such as spinal cord contusions or herniated discs pressing on the cord may not show obvious external signs at the scene. Insurance companies often argue that the absence of broken bones means there was no serious injury, but medical imaging and neurological exams can prove otherwise. A lawyer can help connect crash mechanics to internal spinal damage and counter attempts to downplay the injury.
What are the most common crash scenarios in Florida that lead to spinal cord damage?
Spinal cord injuries often result from violent trauma, and certain crash types are more likely to exert the kind of force that leads to these injuries. Florida’s mix of urban congestion, high-speed highways, and distracted drivers creates conditions where these crash scenarios happen far too often. Understanding what types of collisions most frequently cause spinal cord damage can help clarify fault and build a stronger case. Common crash scenarios that lead to spinal injuries in Florida include:
- High-speed rear-end collisions: Sudden and forceful impacts, especially at traffic lights on roads like Okeechobee Boulevard or Southern Boulevard, can violently compress the spine.
- T-bone crashes at intersections: Broadside collisions on busy cross streets such as Military Trail and Forest Hill Boulevard often result in lateral spinal trauma, especially when one vehicle runs a red light.
- Rollovers on highways: Accidents on I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike frequently involve SUVs and trucks rolling over at high speed, putting extreme torque on the spine.
- Head-on collisions: These are less common but often deadly, especially on two-lane rural roads like US-441 or SR-80.
- Crashes involving motorcycles or pedestrians: Riders and pedestrians lack the protection of a vehicle frame, so spinal damage can occur even in low-speed collisions.
If you have been hurt in one of these types of crashes, a lawyer can help determine whether another driver’s actions or a vehicle defect contributed to the injury, and pursue compensation accordingly.
How do doctors diagnose spinal cord injuries after a car accident in Florida?
Prompt and accurate diagnosis of a spinal cord injury is crucial. In Florida, where medical care after a car crash is governed by both emergency protocols and personal injury protection (PIP) rules, knowing what diagnostic steps doctors take can help ensure you receive proper treatment, and build clear medical documentation to support a legal claim. Doctors typically use the following methods to diagnose spinal injuries:
- Initial physical exams and reflex testing: Emergency responders and trauma physicians assess mobility, pain response, and reflexes at the scene and in the ER.
- Imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs: These are standard at Florida trauma centers like St. Mary’s Medical Center or Delray Medical Center for evaluating spinal damage, swelling, or disc herniation.
- Neurological assessments: Detailed evaluations help determine if there is damage to the spinal cord.
- Monitoring over time: Some spinal cord symptoms do not appear immediately. Repeated evaluations ensure subtle signs, like tingling or numbness, are not missed.
Documentation from these tests plays a key role in proving the injury’s severity. A car accident lawyer can help obtain, interpret, and present this medical evidence effectively when dealing with insurance adjusters or opposing attorneys.
What role does delayed diagnosis play in spinal cord injury claims?
Delayed diagnosis is common in spinal cord injury cases because symptoms like numbness, weakness, or loss of coordination may worsen over time rather than appear immediately. In Florida, insurers frequently use gaps in treatment to argue that the injury was not caused by the crash, especially after accidents on busy corridors like US-1 or Southern Boulevard. Medical records showing progressive symptoms and follow-up imaging are critical to rebut these claims. A lawyer can work with treating physicians and specialists to establish that the delayed diagnosis is medically consistent with spinal trauma and protect the value of the claim.
How can a Florida car accident lawyer help build a strong spinal cord injury case?
Spinal cord injury cases are some of the most complex in Florida personal injury law. They often involve permanent disability, long-term medical needs, and significant financial losses. A lawyer who understands the medical and legal challenges of these cases can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation. Ways a car accident lawyer can help with your spinal cord injury case include:
- Investigating fault and liability: Whether your crash occurred on I-95, Dixie Highway, or a side street in West Palm Beach, your lawyer will examine traffic camera footage, crash reports, and witness statements to prove who caused the crash.
- Coordinating expert medical evaluations: Lawyers often work with neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehab specialists to document the full extent of the injury and the prognosis.
- Calculating long-term damages: A strong claim includes future treatment, lost earning potential, assistive equipment, and home modifications, not just current bills.
- Challenging lowball insurance offers: Florida insurers often try to undervalue spinal cord injuries by blaming preexisting conditions or downplaying long-term impact. A lawyer knows how to push back with proper evidence.
- Pursuing litigation if needed: If insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, your lawyer can file suit and present your case to a jury.
A spinal cord injury affects every part of life. The right lawyer helps ensure your case reflects that reality, and that your future needs are accounted for from the start.
Seek justice for your spinal cord injury with an experienced lawyer
Debilitating and life-altering spinal cord injuries from car accidents are not to be taken lightly. Coping with paralysis, physical limitations, and emotional strain requires support from wherever you can get it. Seeking the assistance of a knowledgeable spinal cord injury attorney can make all the difference.
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., Mr. Shomo and his dedicated legal team can advocate for proper medical care and rehabilitation, and fight for the compensation needed to alleviate your financial burdens. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury after a car accident in Palm Beach Gardens, contact us today for compassionate and experienced legal guidance. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore legal options best suited for you.