Raleigh Construction Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are some of the most unfortunate injuries a person can endure. Unfortunately, specific work environments, such as construction sites, mean that workers regularly encounter dangerous conditions that could put their safety at risk if something goes wrong. Raleigh construction spinal cord injuries may occur due to a freak accident, but often, someone’s negligence is a primary contributing factor.
If you or a family member have recently suffered this type of catastrophic injury working on a construction site, you should contact a personal injury attorney who could help you evaluate your legal options.
Overview of Spinal Cord Injuries
When someone sustains a spinal cord injury, this causes an interruption in the signals transmitted between the brain and other regions of the body. Spinal cord injuries can cause someone to experience a variety of symptoms, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, muscle weakness, loss of use of one or multiple limbs, blood pressure issues, incontinence, sexual dysfunction.
There are two main spinal cord injuries. First there are complete spinal cord injuries, which occur when the person loses all use of and feeling in the region of the body beneath the injured area. On the other hand, an incomplete spinal cord injury is when a victim still has some ability to use the limbs beneath the injured area of the spine.
Spinal cord injuries frequently lead to paralysis. A person who suffers from triplegia loses control and feeling in both the lower extremities and an arm. Paraplegic refers to someone unable to use or feel in their lower extremities. Quadriplegia is, by far, one of the gravest outcomes of a Raleigh construction spinal cord injury. When a person has quadriplegia, this means that they are unable to use or feel in any of their extremities and are totally paralyzed from the neck and below.
Leading Causes of Raleigh Construction Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are the direct result a traumatic and intense impact to the spine. In the context of a Raleigh construction site, there are number of accidents and hazardous conditions that could cause a worker to sustain a spinal cord injury. Sometimes, spinal injuries are the result of continuous and ongoing strain to the neck.
Often, serious falls are a culprit in spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Other leading causes of construction spinal cord injuries include large falling objects, a worker being trapped in between heavy machinery, defective equipment, and even motor vehicle collisions that happen onsite.
Compensation in a Construction Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit
When someone is injured while working at a construction site and sustains a spinal cord injury, they could be entitled to several kinds of compensation. The individual can file a claim for worker’s compensation benefits to cover their hospital bills, a portion of their wage loss, and some other out-of-pocket costs. Worker’s compensation coverage can include temporary disability and permanent disability benefits, depending on the severity of the person’s injury. If the worker’s injuries are fatal, their family may obtain death benefits.
Additional compensation besides worker’s compensation coverage may also be available. While most workers cannot sue their employer for negligence, they can file a claim for civil damages if a third party’s negligence caused their injury. The manufacturer of a defective product that injured the worker or an employee who negligently operated heavy machinery that caused the worker’s injuries are examples of potential defendants in a third-party claim. Compensation in a third-party claim could also include damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.
Discuss Your Case with a Raleigh Construction Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
If you have sustained Raleigh construction spinal cord injuries, you likely have many questions about starting a claim. A Raleigh personal injury attorney could answer your questions and counsel you regarding moving forward with your claim.
Call today to arrange your initial case consultation.
