Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in New Orleans, LA
Spinal cord injuries can change your entire life. Not only do you have to deal with the emotional and psychological effects of the injury, but there are also numerous financial costs to consider. When your injury was caused by the recklessness or negligence of someone else, or you were hurt in a workplace accident, you can file a claim to obtain compensation. A skilled New Orleans spinal cord injury lawyer can support you throughout this process.
Murphy Law Firm attorneys have 150 combined years of experience fighting for the rights of those injured in our community. If you or someone you love has had their entire life changed because of the carelessness of an individual or company, let us help you fight for the financial recovery you need to support yourself and move forward with your life.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Effect
More than 15 million people globally are living with a spinal cord injury as of 2024. Damage to the spinal cord can be as severe as the partial or full severing of the spinal cord. These injuries can result in:
- Full or partial sensory loss
- Full or partial loss of motor functions
- Chronic pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Pressure ulcers
- Spasticity, or muscle tightness
- Osteoporosis, or bone mass reduction
- Deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots
- Loss of or damage to internal organ functions, including lung muscles, bowels, and bladder
- Dysregulation of body systems, such as blood pressure and body temperature
Spinal cord injuries can result in complete or partial paralysis, which can permanently limit your ability to go about your daily life. All of these consequences of spinal cord injuries have to be considered when filing a claim, whether you are pursuing workers’ compensation, a civil personal injury case, or an insurance claim.
What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Some of the most frequent reasons that spinal cord injuries occur are:
- Vehicle collisions. Motor vehicle accidents can lead to severe injuries, including damage to the back, neck, and spinal cord. These severe injuries are especially common in accidents that involve a commercial motor vehicle or a motorcycle.In Orleans Parish, there were 207 motorcycle crashes in 2024, and 51, or 24.64% resulted in suspected serious injury. In comparison, there were over 17,200 motor vehicle crashes in total in the parish, and 450 or 2.61% of them resulted in suspected serious injury. There are many other types of accidents that are more likely to cause spinal cord injuries. High-speed accidents, such as those on I-10, US 90, or I-610, are especially likely to cause serious injuries to anyone in a crash.
- Falls. Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries, especially if they occur from many stories or in hazardous locations. Falls are especially serious for those over the age of 65. Property hazards like spills or a lack of guard railings can lead to serious falls and spinal cord injuries. Negligent property owners could be held liable for these injuries.
- Workplace injuries. Certain fields of employment in Louisiana are more dangerous than others and are more likely to result in severe injuries like spinal cord injuries. This includes industries like construction, maritime work, and logging. There were 173 severe workplace injuries reported in Louisiana in 2024, and 148 of those resulted in hospitalizations.Employees who suffer spinal cord injuries could recover compensation through workers’ compensation or through other claims against third parties. For clarity on benefits and limits, see how workers’ comp treats non-economic harm in this explainer on whether workers’ comp covers pain and suffering.
- Medical malpractice. Spinal cord injuries can happen in medical malpractice cases, such as mistakes during spinal surgery and other surgical errors, failure to diagnose conditions like a herniated disc or tumors in the spine, or anesthetic errors near the spine. Negligent medical providers should be held liable.
- Acts of violence. Battery, assault, drive-by shootings, and other weapons offenses can result in serious injuries, including spinal cord damage. The offender can be held liable for the cost of these injuries in civil court. In tragic, life-altering cases, families may also need guidance from an experienced New Orleans catastrophic injury lawyer to pursue full compensation for long-term care needs.
If you hire a spinal cord injury lawyer, they can help you determine if you are able to recover compensation in these circumstances. And because deadlines control your rights, it’s wise to understand the Louisiana personal injury statute of limitations and act promptly.
Meet Our Attorney
Peyton Murphy
Peyton Murphy, a Louisiana lawyer with 30+ years of experience, specializes in personal injury cases. He founded Murphy Law Firm in Baton Rouge in 1993 and fights for his clients’ compensation.
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FAQs
The value of a claim for a spinal cord injury in New Orleans will mostly depend on the severity of your injuries. More serious spinal cord injuries, such as paralysis, can have long-term consequences for your entire life.
You may have costs such as physical therapy, life-long medical treatment, mobility aids, prescription medication, at-home care, and modifications to your vehicle or home. There are also other losses, such as being unable to be gainfully employed, or the reduction of your quality of life.
Whether it is hard to prove a spinal cord injury will depend on the severity of the injury. In order to file most types of claims and recover compensation, you must also prove someone was liable for the injury. Proving this is easier with an attorney. They have access to important resources such as medical professionals who can present evidence of your injury and explain the impact it will have on your life.
A spinal cord injury attorney in Louisiana is likely to charge a contingency fee for a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim. In this fee structure, the attorney receives a set portion of the compensation you recover in a successful case. If no settlement or verdict is secured, you don’t owe attorney’s fees. Always talk with your attorney about their fees and pricing upfront, including the percentage they charge for a settlement compared to a trial verdict.
Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer at Murphy Law Firm Today
At Murphy Law Firm, we know how difficult it can be to navigate your life after a disabling spinal cord injury. We want to give you the support you need in securing financial compensation. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and to determine if you have a claim.
Your Path to Legal Resolution Starts with Murphy Law Firm.
When you choose Murphy Law Firm, you gain access to a team of experienced attorneys with a proven track record of success. We understand the importance of trust, and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional results.
