Akron Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Akron Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)

The Cleveland Clinic defines a spinal cord injury as damage to the spinal cord, vertebrae, or nerves, which can disrupt movement, sensation, and bodily functions.

Common Spinal Cord Injuries

• Complete Spinal Cord Injury – Causes total loss of movement and sensation below the injury site, leading to paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia).
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury – Some function and sensation remain, with recovery potential depending on severity.
• Herniated Discs – Bulging or ruptured spinal discs that cause chronic pain, numbness, and nerve compression.
• Fractured Vertebrae – Broken spinal bones that may require surgical stabilization.
• Spinal Contusions & Compressions – Bruising or swelling of the spinal cord, causing temporary or permanent damage.
• Nerve Damage & Spinal Stenosis – Injuries that restrict nerve function and mobility.

What Causes Akron Spinal Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries can happen in various situations. Some of the most common causes in Akron and Summit County include:

• Car Accidents – High-speed collisions on I-76, Route 8, and Main Street frequently result in spinal trauma.
• Motorcycle & Bicycle Accidents – Riders face a high risk of back and neck injuries, even with protective gear.
• Truck Accidents – The size and weight of semi-trucks can cause severe spinal cord damage.
• Pedestrian Accidents – Being struck by a car in Downtown Akron or near The University of Akron can lead to serious spinal injuries.
• Slip & Falls – Falls at shopping centers, apartment complexes, or icy sidewalks often result in back and spinal injuries.
• Work Accidents – Construction workers in Summit County frequently suffer fall-related spinal injuries.
• Sports & Recreational Accidents – Football, gymnastics, diving, and skiing can result in spinal cord trauma.
• Defective Products – Malfunctioning helmets, seatbelts, or airbags can fail to protect users from spinal injuries.

Signs of Spinal Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering, but the symptoms may not always be immediately obvious. While severe trauma can cause instant paralysis or loss of function, other cases may develop gradually, with pain, weakness, or neurological issues worsening over time.

Identifying early signs of a spinal cord injury is crucial for prompt medical intervention and preventing further damage.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paralysis or Loss of Mobility – Partial or complete loss of movement in the legs (paraplegia) or all four limbs (quadriplegia).
• Loss of Sensation – Numbness or reduced ability to feel touch, temperature, or pain below the injury site.
• Tingling or Burning Sensations – Persistent nerve pain, pins-and-needles feelings, or unusual hypersensitivity in the back, arms, or legs.
• Weakness in the Back or Limbs – Reduced muscle strength, difficulty standing, or sudden instability.
• Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control – Difficulty urinating, constipation, or incontinence, indicating nerve damage.
• Limb Incoordination – Trouble walking, clumsiness, or an inability to control fine motor movements.
• Chronic Back Pain – Severe, localized pain in the spine that worsens over time or with movement.
• Impaired Breathing – Difficulty taking deep breaths, shortness of breath, or needing a ventilator for support.

Even mild spinal injuries, such as herniated discs or nerve compression, can cause chronic pain and mobility issues. If left untreated, minor spinal trauma can progress to permanent disability.

Medical Care in Akron for Spinal Injuries

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Akron has several top medical centers specializing in spinal cord injury treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation.

• Summa Health Spine and Neuroscience Center – Offers advanced spinal cord injury treatment, physical therapy, and pain management.
• Cleveland Clinic Akron General Spine Center – Provides surgical and non-surgical spinal care, specializing in neurosurgery and rehabilitation.
• Northeast Ohio Spine Center – Focuses on diagnosing and treating spinal disorders, including nerve compression, herniated discs, and fractures.
• University Hospitals Rehabilitation Center – Akron – Specializes in spinal cord rehabilitation and adaptive therapy for long-term recovery.

How Spinal Cord Injuries Change Your Life

A spinal cord injury can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial hardships, including:

• Loss of Mobility – Many victims experience paralysis or reduced motor function, requiring assistive devices.
• Chronic Pain – Spinal damage often leads to severe nerve pain, stiffness, and discomfort.
• Loss of Independence – Many individuals need daily assistance for routine tasks.
• Mental & Emotional Struggles – Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common after life-altering spinal injuries.
• Financial Burden – The cost of surgery, rehabilitation, and home modifications can be overwhelming.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, call KNR at (330) 869-9007 for a free consultation. We can help secure compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term care needs.

What Spinal Cord Injury Damages Are Available?

A spinal cord injury can lead to lifelong medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent disabilities, making it essential to seek full and fair compensation.

According to the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation, the lifetime cost of care for a severe spinal cord injury can exceed one million dollars, including surgeries, rehab, assistive devices, and long-term care.

A personal injury claim, or spinal injury lawsuit may help you recover compensation for:

• Medical Bills – Emergency care, spinal surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term medical treatments.
• Lost Wages & Future Earnings – Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain & Suffering – Physical pain, chronic discomfort, and loss of quality of life.
• Mental Anguish – Emotional distress, depression, and the psychological toll of a permanent spinal injury.
• Disability & Physical Limitations – Compensation for paralysis, reduced mobility, and the inability to perform daily activities.

KNR can evaluate your case and help determine what you need to cover the substantial costs of living with a spinal cord injury.

Fatal Spinal Cord Injury Compensation

If your loved one suffered a fatal spinal injury in Akron, your family may also be entitled to compensation for:

• Loss of companionship and support
• Loss of future earnings and benefits
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Emotional suffering for surviving family members

A wrongful death claim can provide financial relief while ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable.

Don’t Settle for Less After a Spinal Cord Injury

Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts after a spinal cord injury by offering lowball settlements that fail to cover long-term medical expenses, rehabilitation, and adaptive care. They may downplay the severity of paralysis, mobility loss, and nerve damage or argue that the victim was partially at fault to minimize liability.

Understanding Ohio’s comparative negligence laws is crucial, as assigned fault can impact your compensation. Seeking legal guidance ensures you are not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.

More About Lowball Settlements

Our Spinal Injury Legal Team Will

• Investigate Your Spinal Injury – We collect medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony to determine who is responsible.
• Handle All Legal Aspects – From filing insurance claims to negotiating settlements, we manage the legal process so you can focus on healing.
• Work with Medical Experts – Our team consults spinal specialists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation experts to document the full extent of your injuries.
• Fight for Max Compensation – We aggressively pursue damages for medical expenses, lost income, future care, and pain and suffering.
• Represent You in Court – If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to fight for what you deserve.
• Keep You Informed – KNR is always available by phone, text, email, or Zoom, ensuring you stay updated on your case.
• No Upfront Fees – You pay nothing unless we win your case—if there’s no recovery, there’s no cost.

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