Understanding Spinal Injuries in Personal Injury Cases: What You Need to Know

Spinal injuries are some of the most serious outcomes of accidents, often resulting in permanent damage that alters the course of a person’s life. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis. Whether caused by a car accident, a slip and fall, or a workplace incident, spinal injuries require substantial medical attention and may lead to long-term rehabilitation and life adjustments.

If you or someone you love is suffering from a spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury attorney Bill Connor, known for his dedication and AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, has a proven record of securing justice for injury victims in Orangeburg, SC, and beyond.

Combat veteran Bill Connor is a service disabled veteran due to a spinal injury from a military parachute accident. He has a unique understanding of this type of injury. 

Section 1: Understanding Spinal Injuries and Their Causes

Spinal injuries vary in severity and can affect different parts of the spine. Understanding the nature of your injury is critical when seeking compensation.

1. Types of Spinal Injuries

  • Herniated Disc: This occurs when the soft cushion between the vertebrae is displaced or ruptured, causing pressure on the spinal nerves. This can lead to numbness, weakness, and chronic pain.
  • Spinal Fractures: These fractures can be minor or severe. In cases of compression fractures or burst fractures, the vertebrae are damaged due to sudden impact, as seen in car crashes or falls.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): When the spinal cord itself is damaged, it can result in partial or complete paralysis.
    • Paraplegia: Paralysis of the lower body.
    • Quadriplegia: Paralysis of all four limbs and the torso.
  • Nerve Damage: Spinal nerve damage can cause sharp, radiating pain, often referred to as sciatica, or lead to a loss of motor control.

2. Common Causes of Spinal Injuries in Personal Injury Cases

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents account for nearly 50% of all spinal injuries, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC).
  • Slip and Fall Accidents: These incidents, particularly among the elderly, can cause significant spinal trauma, such as fractured vertebrae.
  • Workplace Accidents: Construction workers, in particular, face high risks due to falls from heights, machinery accidents, and other hazards.
  • Acts of Violence: Physical assaults or gunshot wounds can lead to devastating spinal injuries.
  • Sports Injuries: High-contact sports like football, hockey, and gymnastics can cause serious trauma to the spinal cord.

Section 2: The Life-Changing Impact of Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries are more than just physical impairments; they affect every aspect of a person’s life.

1. Physical Impact

  • Mobility Issues: Many spinal injury victims face difficulty walking or may require the use of a wheelchair or mobility aids.
  • Chronic Pain: Even minor spinal injuries can lead to ongoing nerve pain that requires long-term pain management.
  • Loss of Independence: Victims often need assistance with basic tasks like dressing, bathing, and transportation.

2. Emotional and Psychological Impact

  • Depression and Anxiety: The sudden loss of mobility or independence can lead to feelings of hopelessness.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Victims of accidents may relive the traumatic event, which can affect their recovery.
  • Social Isolation: Many victims withdraw from social events due to the challenges of navigating public spaces with limited mobility.

3. Financial Impact

  • Medical Bills: Spinal injuries often require surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care, all of which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
  • Lost Wages: Victims may be unable to work temporarily or permanently, leading to lost income and financial hardship.
  • Home Modifications: Severe cases may require expensive home renovations, such as wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and specialized equipment.
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Section 3: Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Spinal Injury

When pursuing a personal injury claim for a spinal injury, it’s essential to follow specific steps to strengthen your case.

  • 1. Proving Negligence

    To receive compensation, you must prove that your injury was caused by another party’s negligence. This requires demonstrating the following:

  • Duty of Care: The responsible party had a duty to act in a reasonably safe manner.
  • Breach of Duty: The responsible party failed to uphold that duty.
  • Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your spinal injury.
  • Damages: You have suffered measurable losses as a result of the injury.

2. Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

  • Medical Expenses: Compensation for surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future medical needs.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Potential: Reimbursement for lost income and compensation for the potential loss of future earnings if you are unable to return to work.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured.
  • Loss of Quality of Life: Damages for the inability to enjoy activities or maintain relationships due to the injury.

3. Statute of Limitations in South Carolina

In South Carolina, personal injury claims generally must be filed within three years from the date of the injury. Failure to file within this time frame can result in losing your right to compensation. Consulting with an experienced attorney early in the process ensures you meet all legal deadlines.

 

Section 4: Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney for Spinal Injury Cases

Spinal injury claims are highly complex and require legal expertise.

1. Handling Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by questioning the severity of your injury or blaming you for the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance adjusters to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

2. Building a Strong Case

Your attorney will gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony, to build a compelling case. In some cases, they may work with medical professionals to provide testimony on the long-term impact of your spinal injury.

3. Litigation Support

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you in court and present your case before a judge or jury. Bill Connor’s courtroom experience and military background give him a strategic edge when fighting for his clients.

Section 5: The Bill Connor Law Firm Advantage

Bill Connor is more than just an attorney—he is an advocate who understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a spinal injury. His reputation for excellence and commitment to justice make him a trusted resource for injury victims in South Carolina.

  • Proven Track Record: Bill has secured multi-million dollar settlements for his clients, demonstrating his ability to handle complex personal injury cases.
  • Compassionate Service: Bill Connor’s dedication to his Christian values ensures that every client is treated with empathy, respect, and integrity.
  • Local Expertise: As a local attorney in Orangeburg, SC, Bill understands the legal landscape and knows how to navigate local courts effectively.

Conclusion: Seek Justice and Secure Your Future

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t let the legal process overwhelm you—let The Bill Connor Law Firm handle your case while you focus on healing.

Contact Bill Connor today for a consultation and take the first step toward justice.

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Attorney Bill Connor Owner
William M. Connor V stands as a paragon of legal excellence and dedicated service. His background blends an impressive legal career with a distinguished military background to the rank of Colonel (with a career spanning various commands, including as senior US advisor to Helmand Province, Afghanistan). Bill was a runoff candidate for Lt. Governor of South Carolina in 2010, and in 2021 received the state’s highest award from SC Governor McMaster, the Order of the Palmetto. After only six years of legal practice (which included time deployed to combat), Bill was recognized by his peers as having the highest possible ranking ethical standards and competency, earning him the prestigious AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating by Martindale- Hubbell®. In 2021, Bill was elected by fellow Citadel Alumni to serve on the prestigious Citadel Board of Visitors. Bill has attained several seven figure resolutions for clients, including a multi- million dollar settlement in 2023 and over a million dollar resolution in 2024