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Spinal Cord Injuries

We've Recovered Over 200 Million Dollars for Our Clients.

New Castle Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Filing a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Pennsylvania

A spinal cord injury can change your life in an instant, often leading to lasting physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., our experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of spinal cord injuries recover the compensation they deserve. 

Spinal cord injuries can result from medical malpractice, such as surgical errors, delayed diagnoses, or improper treatment. LGKG’s skilled Western PA medical malpractice lawyers have the knowledge and resources to investigate these situations thoroughly and hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. We know how devastating such injuries can be and are committed to ensuring victims receive the financial support needed for ongoing care, rehabilitation, and quality of life.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Western Pennsylvania, contact the experienced Pennsylvania spinal cord injury lawyers of Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. today. Call (724) 658-8535 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.

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Types of Spine Injuries & Their Effects

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries:

  • Complete: A complete spinal cord injury refers to an injury that causes a complete loss of communication between the brain and the body below the point of injury. Examples include quadriplegia/tetraplegia, paraplegia, and other forms of partial or total permanent paralysis.
  • Incomplete: An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when some communication between the brain and the body below the point of injury is retained. Incomplete spinal cord injuries may result in temporary paralysis, chronic pain, reduced mobility, and other complications.

In addition to spinal cord injuries, which affect the actual spinal column, spine injuries include injuries to the vertebrae and discs housed within the spinal cord. Examples include slipped or herniated (also known as “ruptured”) discs, bulging discs, bruised tailbones, and vertebral fractures.

Nearly all spine injuries have significant effects. These injuries often lead to ongoing pain, which can be severe. Although paralysis is often associated with loss of sensation, victims may experience significant chronic pain, as well as a range of other issues. Loss of mobility, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other problems can all lead to devastating hardships and permanent loss of one’s enjoyment of life.

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Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Any serious accident or traumatic event could result in permanent damage to the spine or spinal cord. However, some types of incidents more often result in spinal cord injuries than others.

Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

One of the most common factors in spinal cord injuries is negligence. A significant percentage of spinal cord injuries result from preventable accidents and events that only occur because someone else has acted recklessly, carelessly, or negligently.

When this is the case, victims are often entitled to financial compensation for economic and non-economic damages resulting from their injuries. It is important to consult an experienced attorney, like those at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, if you suspect that someone else may be responsible for your spine injury. The same is true if your loved one died due to a spinal cord injury; you could have a wrongful death lawsuit, and our attorneys can help.

What Long-Term Care May Be Needed After a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury can create medical and personal care needs that continue for years or, in severe cases, for the rest of a person’s life. Treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, pain management, prescription medications, follow-up care with specialists, and the use of wheelchairs, braces, or other assistive devices. Some people may also need home health care or assistance with bathing, dressing, transportation, and other daily activities.

The injury may also require modifications to a home or vehicle, such as ramps, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, or adaptive driving equipment. Ongoing care can become more complex if the person experiences complications such as chronic pain, reduced mobility, pressure injuries, or bladder and bowel problems.

These future needs can be an important part of a spinal cord injury claim. Medical records, treatment plans, rehabilitation reports, and professional evaluations may help estimate the cost of future care and show how the injury is expected to affect the person’s independence, ability to work, and quality of life.

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Understanding Catastrophic Injuries in New Castle, PA: Local Insights

Living in New Castle, PA, means being part of a close-knit community that values safety and well-being. However, catastrophic injuries, such as severe spinal cord injuries, can disrupt lives and create significant challenges for residents. The local government, including the New Castle City Council and the Lawrence County Department of Public Safety, works tirelessly to ensure the safety of our community, but accidents still happen.

For New Castle residents, the pain points associated with catastrophic injuries are all too familiar. The financial burden of medical bills, the emotional toll of lost wages, and the physical limitations that come with severe injuries can be overwhelming. Navigating the legal system to seek compensation adds another layer of complexity.

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, we understand the unique challenges our New Castle clients face. We know the local roads where car accidents frequently occur, common workplace hazards, and community resources available to support injury victims. Our deep connection to the area allows us to provide personalized legal representation that addresses the specific needs of our clients.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in New Castle, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you navigate the legal process, seek the compensation you deserve, and support you every step of the way. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania generally gives injured people two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. This deadline applies to many spinal cord injury claims involving negligence, including injuries caused by car accidents, falls, unsafe property conditions, and other preventable incidents. Pennsylvania law generally calculates the limitations period from the time the cause of action accrues.

Missing the applicable deadline can prevent an injured person from pursuing compensation through a lawsuit, even when the injuries are severe. This makes it important to determine the filing deadline early rather than waiting until treatment is complete.

Different rules may apply in certain cases. Claims involving a government entity can have additional notice requirements, while Pennsylvania law also provides special timing rules for some claims involving minors. Medical malpractice cases may raise additional questions about when the claim accrued and when the injury could reasonably have been discovered.

Starting the legal process early also gives more time to preserve accident reports, medical records, photographs, witness information, and other evidence that may be important to proving liability and documenting the long-term effects of the spinal cord injury.

Trust Your Recovery to Our Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialists

Our Family is Here to Help Yours

Two of our attorneys, Charles Garbett and Lawrence Kelly, are Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialists by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. To achieve this distinction, attorneys must be in good standing with the bar and demonstrate a high level of skill, experience, and knowledge of the law, as well as pass a rigorous examination. Currently, there are only about 2,000 attorneys in the U.S. who are Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialists by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Serious injuries require a legal team with the resources, experience, and ability to handle complex claims. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, our traumatic brain injury attorneys in Western Pennsylvania have a proven track record of taking on challenging cases and advocating for injured clients.

With several offices located throughout Western Pennsylvania, we proudly serve individuals and families throughout the region. We provide our legal services on a contingency fee basis, so you do not owe any upfront or out-of-pocket legal fees when you hire our firm. Instead, we only get paid if you do.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with a member of our team today; call (724) 658-8535 or contact us online to get started.

Commonly Asked Questions

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in New Castle, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention. Prompt medical care can significantly impact the outcome and recovery process. Once stabilized, document the incident and gather available evidence, such as photos and witness statements; those materials can help explain how the injury occurred and may be useful in proving liability after an accident. 

A spinal cord injury lawyer in Pennsylvania can assist you by evaluating your case, gathering evidence, and building a strong claim for compensation. They can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and represent you in court if necessary. The attorneys at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George are dedicated to securing maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Their experience and commitment to their clients make them a reliable choice for those seeking justice. 

A spinal cord injury may leave someone permanently disabled and unable to work. Our injured clients are often wondering how the bills will get paid and what they will do after sustaining a serious spine injury.

Our New Castle spinal cord injury lawyers strive to recover compensation for past, present, and future damages related to your injury. This includes:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future care costs
  • Medications
  • Medical devices, such as wheelchairs
  • Lost wages, income, and/or employment benefits
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

A Pennsylvania car accident settlement involving a spinal cord injury may also account for additional out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury, such as money that needs to be spent to retrofit a home to accommodate a wheelchair, supportive device, or the disability itself. Punitive damages are sometimes available as well. Rather than compensate the victim for specific tangible and intangible losses, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and are typically available in cases involving egregious negligence, wanton or willful misconduct, or intentional infliction of injury.

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, our New Castle spinal cord injury lawyers work with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, economists, and other industry experts to evaluate the full extent of your damages and how your injury has impacted your life. We use this information to aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you are owed, including fair compensation for all of your past, current, and future losses.