Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Miami, Florida

Whether caused by a car accident, workplace injury, or another form of trauma, a spinal cord injury can mean permanent disability and complex, long-term medical needs.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice. Flaxman Law Group is dedicated to helping victims of spinal cord injuries secure the compensation they need. We don’t represent defendants and insurance companies—only those who have been injured. To find out how we can help you, contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Miami spinal cord injury lawyer.

Understanding Miami Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most serious injuries someone can experience. The spinal cord is the central communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body, and when it is damaged, it can result in a wide range of physical impairments.

In Miami, spinal cord injuries often occur in traumatic accidents, such as motor vehicle collisions, falls, workplace accidents, or violent incidents. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, an SCI can lead to partial or total paralysis, affecting one’s ability to move, feel, or even breathe.

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries. A complete injury means there is no sensation or movement below the level of the injury. This typically results in paralysis of the lower body (paraplegia) or paralysis of both arms and both legs (quadriplegia). With an incomplete injury, some degree of sensation or movement is still possible below the level of injury, although how much varies widely.

Another way to classify a spinal cord injury is based on where the injury occurs along the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), and sacral (tailbone). The higher up the injury occurs, the more severe the consequences:

• C1 injury. The C1 vertebra is located at the top of the spinal cord, so an injury at the C1 level typically results in quadriplegia or tetraplegia, where both the arms and legs are paralyzed. This injury can also affect the ability to breathe and move the head. Respiratory failure is common, and patients often require mechanical ventilation to breathe. Individuals with C1 injuries often require round-the-clock care and assistance with all daily activities. They may also need a ventilator for the rest of their lives.
• C2 injury. A C2 injury is similar to a C1 injury, resulting in quadriplegia. The main difference is that individuals with C2 injuries may have slightly more movement in their neck or head. Like C1 injuries, C2 injuries can impact breathing, and a ventilator is usually needed. Life expectancy can be significantly impacted with this injury, and C2 injury patients may need 24-hour care for the rest of their lives.
• C3 injury. Injuries at the C3 level often result in quadriplegia and severe restrictions in movement. Patients may have limited control over their neck muscles and facial muscles but usually can’t move their arms or legs. C3 injuries require intensive medical care and long-term assistance with all activities of daily living. Many individuals will require a ventilator to aid in breathing, especially in the first few weeks after the injury. Some patients may eventually be able to breathe on their own.
• C4 injury. A C4 injury usually leads to quadriplegia but patients may have some ability to breathe on their own if there isn’t severe damage to the diaphragm. Individuals may have limited or no movement in their arms, legs, and torso but might retain some control of their head and neck. People with C4 injuries may require ventilator support, especially in the immediate aftermath. They will likely need full-time help for mobility and daily activities.
• C5 injury. A C5 spinal cord injury can result in quadriplegia, but with some shoulder and elbow movement. Individuals with a C5 injury often retain the ability to bend their elbows, which may help with some basic tasks such as feeding or pushing a wheelchair. Though individuals may have some arm function, they still require extensive assistance for mobility and daily activities. They often need adaptive devices to live independently.
• C6 injury. A C6 injury results in quadriplegia, but individuals may have ability to move their wrists and potentially grip with some assistance. This gives them more independence than individuals with higher-level injuries. They may be able to perform some tasks with adaptive devices, though they will usually still need assistance with complex tasks. They may also require a wheelchair and specialized equipment.
• C7 injury. A C7 injury often results in quadriplegia, but individuals may be able to move their upper body to a greater degree. They may be able to straighten their arms and perform some daily tasks without assistance. However, they still face challenges related to mobility and may need a wheelchair for longer distances.
• C8 injury. Patients with a C8 injury typically retain full upper body movement and the ability to use their arms and hands, although they may experience limited finger dexterity. While they may still need assistance for some activities, many C8 injury patients can return to work and perform daily tasks with the help of adaptive devices and physical therapy.

Each level of injury comes with its unique challenges and varying degrees of impairment. Even two patients with the same kind of injury (for example, a C6) may have different levels of independence, sensation, and mobility.

For the best medical outcome, it is important for anyone who may have sustained a serious spinal cord injury to get help right away. Unfortunately, medical malpractice can delay diagnosis or lead to errors during surgery. If you are not getting the help you need or if you feel you are experiencing a negative medical outcome when you should be getting better, seek a second opinion and consult with a personal injury attorney to find out about any compensation that can help you pay for quality care.