Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in New Port Richey, FL

A spinal cord injury can completely alter you and your loved ones' lives in an instant. Every day activities can become challenges as you adjust to your new reality, altering your future in ways you never imagined. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming as you navigate medical appointments, rehabilitation sessions, and growing concerns about how you will manage the mounting expenses that accompany catastrophic injuries. If you were harmed in an accident caused by the negligence of another party and have suffered a spinal cord injury as a result, you have the right to pursue justice for your losses.

At McPherson & Thomas, P.A., our experienced Florida personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact spinal cord injuries have on victims and their families. With our team led by attorneys Ian Thomas and Jack McPherson, we provide compassionate legal representation to help you secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Our firm has decades of experience serving the Suncoast community and fighting for the rights of injury victims throughout Florida.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Impact

Spinal cord injuries occur when damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal causes permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the injury site. These injuries typically result from a traumatic blow to the spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes, or compresses vertebrae. The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage.

The effects of a spinal cord injury can be life-altering and often include the following:

• Partial or complete loss of motor function in the limbs 
• Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Difficulty breathing and coughing
• Changes in sexual function and fertility
• Chronic pain and spasms

Beyond the physical challenges, spinal cord injury victims often face significant psychological hurdles, including depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders as they learn to navigate their new circumstances. Many victims require extensive rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and home modifications to regain independence.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Most spinal cord injuries result from preventable accidents caused by negligence. Understanding the cause of your injury is crucial to determining liability and pursuing compensation. In Florida, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Motor vehicle accidents: Collisions, rollovers, and motorcycle crashes can generate enough force to damage the spinal cord severely. These accidents may be caused by distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, or other forms of negligence behind the wheel.
• Falls: These accidents may occur on poorly maintained properties like grocery stores with slippery floors or even at the workplace. Property owners who fail to address hazardous conditions may be held liable for resulting injuries.
• Sports accidents: Especially common with high-impact or extreme sports, these accidents can lead to spinal cord damage. Some injuries occur due to improper supervision, inadequate safety equipment, or unsafe facilities.

If you have been the victim of a spinal cord injury caused by the negligence of another party or parties, it is important you understand your rights to pursue legal action.

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What Are Your Legal Rights After a Spinal Cord Injury in Florida?

If your spinal cord injury resulted from someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, it's important to understand that Florida law has changed regarding the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. As of recently, Florida now has a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits, including those involving spinal cord injuries. This means you have a shorter timeframe to take legal action after your injury occurs.

Florida has also updated its negligence laws to what is now known as modified comparative negligence.  Under this system, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault in the accident. If you're found to be more than 50 percent at fault for your injury, you may be barred from recovering damages altogether. This makes it even more critical to have skilled legal representation advocating on your behalf and ensuring your case is as strong as possible while adhering to the state's laws.

Types of Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injury Victims

The lifetime costs associated with spinal cord injuries can be staggering, often reaching into the millions of dollars. When filing your claim, you may be eligible to recover damages for your losses, which may include the following:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Assistive devices and technology
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Home healthcare and personal assistance services
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

In rare cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Contact Our Florida Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today

The aftermath of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. At McPherson & Thomas, P.A., our dedicated team has helped countless injury victims throughout Florida secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. With decades of combined legal experience and a proven track record of success, we have the knowledge and resources to handle even the most complex spinal cord injury cases.

Our compassionate approach focuses on understanding your unique needs and concerns while aggressively advocating for your rights. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today at (727) 848-8892 or through our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.

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