SPINAL CORD INJURY

Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Every year James H. Brown and Associates represent numerous individuals who have suffered a tragic life-changing spinal cord injury. Our firm is a leader in spinal cord injury litigation having achieved some of the largest motor vehicle accident settlements in Alberta. Our primary goal is to ensure every accident victim recovers sufficient funds to allow them to live an independent lifestyle and receive the care they will require. Spinal cord injury claims almost always exceed $1 million. Drivers rarely have more than $1 million in liability insurance. Thus, we are almost always faced with the task of trying to find additional sources of funds to meet the needs of our clients.

Upon being retained, our Alberta spinal cord injury lawyers will immediately send out expert accident reconstruction engineers and private investigators to determine the exact cause of the accident. This helps us determine whether there may be other parties whose actions may have contributed to the accident, exposing them to potential liability for the damages suffered by our client. As an example, if the design or maintenance of the roadway was faulty or not up to required specifications it could expose a municipality or provincial government to liability for our client’s injuries. Early accident reconstruction and investigation is absolutely critical in uncovering these additional defendants in order to receive the largest settlements for our clients.

When a person’s future is at stake recovering sufficient funds to provide for their lifelong needs is critical. James H. Brown and Associates is proud to have achieved some of Alberta’s largest spinal cord injury settlements. When it comes to representing those who have suffered a spinal cord injury, our professional legal team is second to none.

James H. Brown & Associates is a major supporter of Spinal Cord Injury Alberta (SCI Alberta) (formerly Canadian Paraplegic Association). In addition to funding the SCI Alberta telephone help-line, James H. Brown and Associates sponsor the Resilience Kit. In both 2003 and 2009, James H. Brown & Associates received the Canadian Paraplegic Association’s Corporate Leadership Award.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A traumatic accident that causes fracturing or dislocation of vertebrae results in a spinal cord injury. The damage is caused by ligaments tearing or when displaced bone fragments or disc material tear into spinal cord tissue. A spinal cord injury can damage the extensions of nerve cells that carry signals from the brain, down the spinal cord, and to the rest of the body. While some accidents of this category can allow for recovery, many others result in partial or complete paralysis.

Personal Impact of Spinal Cord Injury

Depending on the type and severity of the spinal cord injury, the effects can be categorized into complete and incomplete injuries. When there is no sensation, voluntary movement, or function below the level of the injury, it is classified as a complete spinal cord injury, whereas an incomplete injury may retain some limited movement or feeling.

The extent and classification of a spinal cord injury will have a significant influence on the medical costs associated with the injury, the compensation the person who suffered from the injury is entitled to, and the true impact the spinal cord injury has on those affected.

Costs Associated with Spinal Cord Injury

Medical costs in excess of one million dollars are often the case for serious spinal cord injuries, although the precise cost associated with a spinal cord injury largely depends on many variables such as how severe the sustained injury is and the number of medical services required after the injury. Some of the costs related to spinal cord injuries can include spinal cord surgery, trauma care (such as a ventilator), rehabilitation, physical therapy, speech therapy, mental health counselling, long-term care, medical equipment such as wheelchairs, and medication.

Furthermore, there is an array of other expenses related to spinal cord injuries that do not seem as obvious as medical care and equipment. Costs such as hospital visits and the associated costs therein (parking, food, entertainment), as well as the loss of wages, employment, and savings. Also, externalities like home modifications can accrue a significant financial burden on those affected by spinal cord injuries.

This is why James H. Brown and Associates recognize the importance of recovering sufficient funds for those who have suffered a spinal cord injury. Our injury law firm can provide consultation in serious cases of spinal cord injuries and utilize our resources to ensure litigation results in an injury settlement for our clients.

When to Hire an Injury Lawyer

For spinal cord injuries, there are many details to consider and research before a case is formally filed. That is why James H. Brown and Associates immediately send out expert accident reconstruction engineers and private investigators to determine the exact cause of the accident and determine whose actions may have contributed to the injury and thus be exposed to potential liability. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to hire an injury lawyer at the soonest possible convenience after an injury or accident has occurred. Recovering compensation for spinal cord injuries can be a long and arduous task and the sooner James H. Brown and Associates can provide our expertise and help, the better it is for an individual experiencing a spinal cord injury due to an accident. Contact James H. Brown and Associates for experienced injury lawyers in Alberta.