Bensalem Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Bensalem, Pennsylvania is an enchanting town situated on the edge of the Delaware River. It’s home to the historically significant Growden Mansion, where Benjamin Franklin famously conducted his kite and key experiment. The town’s picturesque parks, such as Neshaminy State Park, provide tranquil retreats and recreational activities for visitors. From its rich history to its charming landscapes, Bensalem beckons travelers to explore its treasures.

In Bensalem, Pennsylvania, someone might suffer a spinal cord injury due to reasons like car accidents, workplace incidents, slip and fall mishaps, or recreational activities gone awry. The bustling traffic and varied activities in the town increase the risk for its residents.

If you or your loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, contact a Bensalem spinal injury lawyer at Munley Law today. One of our experienced personal injury lawyers will walk you through the claims process during a free initial consultation. Do not hesitate – reach out today so we can get to work on your case and recover the compensation you deserve.

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. The spinal cord doesn’t have to be severed for a loss of functioning to occur. In fact, in most people with SCI, the spinal cord is intact, but the damage to it results in its inability to properly convey messages to the brain.

Types of spinal cord injuries

• Complete Injury: No sensation or voluntary movement below the level of the injury, both sides of the body are equally affected.
• Incomplete Injury: Some sensation or movement function below the level of the injury remains.
• Tetraplegia (or Quadriplegia): Injury is in the cervical region, affecting arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs.
• Paraplegia: Injury is either at the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions, affecting all or part of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs.
• Central Cord Syndrome: Specifically damages the corticospinal tracts of the cervical region of the spinal cord.
• Anterior Cord Syndrome: Injury damages the front of the spinal cord, leading to impaired temperature, touch, and pain sensations below the injury.
• Brown-Séquard Syndrome: Injury is usually on one side of the spinal cord.

Spinal cord injury statistics in Bensalem Pennsylvania

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are approximately 17,810 new SCI cases occur each year in the United States. As of 2021, around 296,000 Americans were living with some form of spinal cord injury.

Although the Pennsylvania Department of Health does not have exact numbers on how many Pennsylvanians live with an SCI, a $1 million grant was given to six recipients focused on SCI research in 2021.

What types of accidents cause spinal cord injuries?

The most common causes of spinal cord injuries are:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Falls
• Violence
• Sports and Recreation Injuries
• Workplace Accidents
• Medical/Surgical errors
• Alcohol consumption

The cost of living with spinal cord injuries

The financial cost of living with a spinal cord injury largely depends on the severity of the injury and the victim’s needs. According to data from the NSCISC, the financial costs are:

• First-year costs for paraplegia (without complications) average about $537,271. Each subsequent year averages about $71,172.
• For low tetraplegia, the average first-year cost is around $769,351, with each subsequent year costing about $113,423.
• For high tetraplegia, the first-year costs can soar to about $1,102,403, with each following year averaging $191,436.

These figures encompass medical bills, living adjustments, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

Emotional Tolls of Living with a Spinal Cord Injury:

Of course, the burden of living with an SCI is not only financial, but emotional as well – on both the victim and their family.

Many victims feel an extreme loss of independence after suffering a serious injury. They may need assistance with daily tasks, which can lead to feelings of dependence and loss of autonomy. The sudden change in physical capabilities often results in a grieving process similar to experiencing the loss of a loved one. During that grieving period, it’s common for those with SCIs to suffer from depression, anxiety, or both, grappling with their new reality and uncertain future.

Reduced mobility or fear of going out might lead to isolation from social events or activities they once enjoyed. Finally, changes in physical appearance or abilities can lead to self-esteem and body image issues. These emotional problems are ongoing and can plague the victim for the rest of his or her life.

A family member of an SCI victim may also experience emotional distress following the accident. Taking care of someone with an SCI can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. Caregivers often report feeling overwhelmed and fatigued. Witnessing a loved one go through such a profound change can elicit grief and sorrow. The dynamics of personal relationships might shift, with partners, children, or close friends taking on caregiving roles. Like the injured individual, their loved ones may need to adjust social activities or routines to accommodate new physical realities.

How will I pay medical bills until I receive my settlement?

Awaiting a settlement from a personal injury lawsuit can be stressful, especially when you’re faced with mounting medical bills and living expenses. This is why it is in your best interests to contact a Bensalem personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. The faster we get started on your personal injury claim, the faster you can recover compensation for your losses.

Your personal injury lawyer will help you with resources to pay your bills while the claim is in process. We will speak to your insurance company, help you navigate Medicare/Medicaid, file for workers’ compensation, help you take advantage of pre-settlement loans, state disability programs, or Social Security disability insurance.

At Munley, our Bensalem personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means all costs of building your case will be on us. We do not collect a dime from our clients until a settlement or verdict is won in your favor.

How much can I get for a spinal cord injury lawsuit?

The potential compensatory damages an SCI victim might receive in a personal injury case depends on a multitude of factors. There isn’t a fixed amount for spinal cord injuries; instead, the compensation is typically determined based on:

• Severity of the Injury
• Current and future medical costs
• Lost earnings and earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering
• Wrongful death
• Loss of Consortium
• Life-Care Needs
• Punitive Damages

Comparative Negligence in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule when it comes to personal injury cases. This rule can impact the amount of compensation a plaintiff can receive if they are found to be partly at fault for their injury. Rest assured, even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident or injury, you can still recover damages. However, the amount of damages you can receive is reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, let’s say you have been awarded $100,000 in damages for an injury, but you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident that caused the injury. In Pennsylvania, your damages would be reduced by 20%, or $20,000, leaving you with a total award of $80,000.

The 51% Rule

If you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the injury or accident, you cannot recover any damages. This is what makes Pennsylvania’s system a “modified” comparative negligence system. Some states allow recovery no matter the percentage of fault (pure comparative negligence), while others bar recovery if you’re even 1% at fault.

During your free consultation with one of Munley Law’s top personal injury lawyers, we will provide clarity on how the rule might apply to a specific situation.

Pennsylvania personal injury law statute of limitations

In Pennsylvania, as with many other personal injury claims, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for a spinal cord injury is two years from the date of the injury. This means that if you do not file your lawsuit within this two-year window, you may be barred from pursuing compensation in court for the injury.

This time restriction is one of the main reasons it is crucial to consult with a PA personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a spinal cord injury to ensure your rights are preserved and to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific circumstances.

Call a Munley Bensalem Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today

When you face life-changing injuries, you don’t want to face them alone. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you secure the highest amount of compensation possible. We deeply understand what our injured clients are going through and we know we’re meeting you at possibly the worst moment in your lives. We can’t take back what happened, but we can help provide financial relief and a sense of justice.

Call today for your free case evaluation where you will speak to a compassionate personal injury lawyer who will take the burden of the claims process off your shoulders so you and your family can start on the road to recovery.