A spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating events a person can experience. In a single moment, an accident can change your life forever, affecting your ability to work, move freely, and enjoy the activities you love. If you or a loved one suffered a spine injury due to someone else’s negligence in St. Louis, you do not have to face the future alone.

At The Super Lawyer, we understand that a catastrophic injury impacts more than just your physical health—it threatens your financial stability and emotional well-being. Our dedicated St. Louis spine injury lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal system, stand up to insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you need to secure your future.

Understanding Spine and Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is the main pathway for information connecting the brain and peripheral nervous system. When the vertebrae, discs, or the cord itself are damaged, the results are often catastrophic. Unlike minor injuries that heal with time, damage to the spinal cord can result in permanent loss of function, sensation, and independence.

Victims often face a lifetime of medical treatments, rehabilitation, and the need for assistive devices. The emotional toll of adjusting to a new way of life—often involving paralysis or chronic pain—is immense. We recognize that every injury is unique, and we build our cases to reflect the specific impact the injury has had on your daily life.

Common Causes of Spinal Injuries in St. Louis

Spinal injuries can happen anywhere, but they are frequently caused by preventable accidents. In St. Louis and the surrounding Missouri areas, we commonly see these injuries result from:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are leading causes of spinal damage due to the high force of impact.
• Slip and Falls: Dangerous conditions on private or public property can lead to severe falls that fracture vertebrae or damage the spinal cord.
• Workplace Accidents: Construction sites and industrial jobs pose significant risks, including falls from heights or being struck by heavy objects.
• Sports and Recreation: High-impact sports or recreational accidents can lead to sudden trauma to the neck and back.
• Acts of Violence: Gunshot wounds and physical assaults are also tragic causes of spinal cord injuries.

Types and Severity of Spinal Cord Injuries

The severity of a spine injury usually depends on where the trauma occurred along the spinal column and whether the cord was fully or partially severed. Medical professionals generally categorize these injuries into two main types:

Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries

An incomplete spinal cord injury means the spinal cord is able to convey some messages to or from the brain. The victim may retain some sensation or motor function below the injury site. A complete spinal cord injury results in a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury.

Levels of Paralysis

• Paraplegia: Paralysis that affects all or part of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. This usually results from injury to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral spine.
• Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Paralysis that affects the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. This is typically caused by damage to the cervical spine (neck area).

Other serious spine injuries include herniated discs, spinal fractures, and compression fractures, which can cause debilitating chronic pain and neurological impairment even without total paralysis.

Compensation and Damages in Missouri Spinal Injury Cases

Because the costs associated with a spinal injury are astronomical, securing full compensation is critical. In Missouri, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages:

Economic Damages

These are financial losses that can be calculated with receipts and expert projections:

• Medical Bills: Covers emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, and medication.
• Future Care Costs: Includes long-term rehabilitation, physical therapy, and in-home care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while recovering.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If you cannot return to your previous job or work at all, you can claim the difference in future earnings.
• Home Modifications: The cost of ramps, widened doorways, and accessible vehicles.

Non-Economic Damages

These cover the intangible impacts on your life:

• Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed.
• Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to a spouse for the loss of companionship and support.

Missouri Laws Affecting Your Claim

Navigating the legal landscape in St. Louis requires knowledge of specific Missouri state laws. Two key regulations can significantly impact your case:

Statute of Limitations

In Missouri, there is a strict deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation. It is vital to speak with a lawyer immediately to ensure your claim is filed on time.

Comparative Fault

Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially to blame for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, you will receive 80% of the awarded damages. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to you to lower their payout, which is why having a lawyer is essential.

Proving Liability and Negligence

To win a spinal injury case, we must prove that another party acted with negligence. This involves demonstrating four key elements:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a responsibility to act safely (e.g., a driver following traffic laws).
2. Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet that standard (e.g., driving drunk or speeding).
3. Causation: Their breach directly caused your accident and subsequent injury.
4. Damages: You suffered actual losses (medical bills, pain, paralysis) as a result.

Our team conducts thorough accident investigations, reviews medical records, and consults with experts to build a solid foundation for your claim.

Why Hire a St. Louis Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?

Spinal cord injury cases are complex. They require more than just legal knowledge; they require an understanding of long-term medical needs and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.

When you hire The Super Lawyer, you gain an advocate who will:

• Investigate the Accident: We gather police reports, video footage, and witness statements to prove liability.
• Calculate True Case Value: We work with life care planners and economists to ensure your settlement covers a lifetime of needs, not just today’s bills.
• Handle Insurance Companies: Insurers often try to pressure victims into quick, lowball settlements. We handle all communication to protect your rights.
• Litigate if Necessary: While many cases settle, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial to ensure we are ready to fight for the maximum verdict.

What to Do After a Spinal Injury

The steps you take immediately after an accident can impact your health and your legal claim:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Your health is the priority. Follow all doctor instructions and attend every follow-up appointment.
2. Document Everything: Keep a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects your daily life. Save all medical bills and correspondence.
3. Avoid Social Media: Do not post about your accident or injuries online. Insurance adjusters can use your photos or comments to argue that your injuries aren’t severe.
4. Contact a Lawyer: Before giving a recorded statement to an insurance company, consult with a specialized attorney.