If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Fort Lauderdale, we understand the immense pain, fear, and uncertainty you may be experiencing. These types of injuries can have devastating effects on a person's physical and emotional well-being, impacting their daily life and future. At Blakeley Law Firm, we have a strong commitment to helping individuals who have suffered an injury due to negligence or wrongdoing.
Our compassionate team of Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury attorneys is here to provide you with the support and legal guidance you need during this challenging time. Don't face the complexities of a spinal cord injury case alone. Contact Blakeley Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Why Choose Blakeley Law Firm
A spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating injuries a person can experience. It can alter every aspect of your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether caused by a car accident, a slip and fall, a workplace incident, or another form of negligence, spinal injuries demand serious legal representation. At Blakeley Law Firm, we understand what's at stake, and we fight relentlessly to secure justice and maximum compensation for spinal cord injury victims in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida.
Focused on Catastrophic Injury Law
Spinal cord injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptive support. These aren't standard personal injury cases—they're complex, high-value claims that require experience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the long-term consequences of serious trauma. At Blakeley Law Firm, we've helped numerous clients facing life-altering injuries secure the resources they need to adapt, heal, and rebuild.
We Work With Top Medical and Financial Experts
To fully capture the financial impact of a spinal cord injury, we collaborate with medical specialists, life care planners, and vocational experts. This allows us to present a complete picture of your future needs, from home modifications and assistive devices to long-term medical treatment and lost earning potential. We fight for compensation that reflects not just your current losses but the decades ahead.
Personal, Compassionate Legal Support
We know this may be one of the most difficult chapters of your life. That's why we prioritize clear communication, accessibility, and compassion. You'll never be just a case number. You'll work directly with your Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury lawyer, and we'll be there to answer your questions, explain your rights, and support your family every step of the way.
Proven Track Record of Success
Insurance companies don't hand out fair settlements in catastrophic injury cases without a fight. Our firm is known for aggressively negotiating on behalf of our clients and, when necessary, taking cases to trial to demand full accountability. With years of experience in personal injury law and a reputation for results, we know what it takes to win high-stakes spinal cord injury claims.
We Understand Fort Lauderdale's Legal and Medical Landscape
As a local Fort Lauderdale law firm, we are familiar with the area's court systems, judges, insurance adjusters, and medical providers. Whether your injury occurred on the road, at work, or on someone else's property, we know how to navigate the process efficiently while fighting for every dollar you're owed.
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
We represent spinal cord injury victims on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing out of pocket—we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our goal is to ease your burden, not add to it.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
Spinal cord injuries change lives, but with representation from the right Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury lawyer, you can begin to rebuild. At Blakeley Law Firm, we're here to pursue the justice and financial security you need to focus on healing and reclaiming your future.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let's talk about your case, your needs, and how we can help.
Our Fort Lauderdale office is conveniently located north of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and west of I-95 at:
1451 W Cypress Creek Rd
#30
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
What is a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to damage to the spinal cord, a vital component of the central nervous system. The spinal cord plays a vital role in transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling movement, sensation, and bodily functions. When the spinal cord is injured, it can result in the impairment of these essential functions.
There are two main types of SCIs: complete and incomplete. A complete SCI refers to the total loss of function below the site of injury, resulting in paralysis. On the other hand, an incomplete SCI means that there is still some level of function or sensation below the injury site. The severity and extent of a spinal cord injury can vary greatly depending on the location and extent of the damage.
Spinal cord injuries can occur as a result of various incidents, including car accidents, falls, sports injuries, acts of violence, and surgical complications. The consequences of these injuries can be life-changing, ranging from temporary paralysis to permanent quadriplegia.
What is Your Spinal Cord Injury Worth?
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The value of your spinal cord injury claim will depend on various factors, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past, present, and future medical costs, such as emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term treatments.
- Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity: If your spinal cord injury has resulted in the inability to work or diminished earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost and will lose in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Spinal cord injuries often cause severe physical pain and emotional suffering. Compensation may be awarded to account for these intangible losses.
- Mental Anguish and Emotional Trauma: The psychological effects of a spinal cord injury can be significant, leading to depression, anxiety, and a diminished quality of life. Damages may be awarded to address these emotional damages.
- Home Modifications, Medical Equipment, and Caregiving Needs: Spinal cord injuries often require significant lifestyle adjustments, including home modifications, specialized medical equipment, and the need for ongoing caregiving. Compensation can assist with the financial burden of these necessary changes.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: A spinal cord injury can severely limit a person's ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed. Compensation may be awarded to compensate for this loss of enjoyment.
In cases of gross negligence or misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded as a means of punishing the responsible party and deterring similar behavior in the future.
It is important to note that the severity and permanence of the injury, the degree of fault assigned to each party, the available insurance coverage, the quality of legal representation, and the strength of medical documentation and expert testimony can all influence the compensation value of a spinal cord injury claim.
Where Do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur in Fort Lauderdale?
Spinal cord injuries can occur in various locations around Fort Lauderdale. Some common accident locations include:
- Interstate Accidents: Highways such as I-95, I-595, and the Florida Turnpike can be hotspots for car accidents that result in spinal cord injuries.
- Construction Zones and Job Sites: Accidents at construction zones and job sites can lead to serious spinal cord injuries. These incidents may involve falls from heights, equipment failures, or other construction-related accidents.
- Hotels, Shopping Centers, and Resorts: Slip and fall accidents or elevator failures in hotels, shopping centers, and resorts can result in spinal cord injuries.
- Beaches and Marinas: Activities such as diving or boating can sometimes lead to spinal cord injuries due to accidents or negligence.
- Downtown Nightlife Areas: Pedestrian accidents or assaults in busy downtown areas can cause spinal cord injuries.
Fort Lauderdale is known for its tourism, high traffic density, and weather-related hazards, all of which contribute to an increased risk of accidents and injuries. At Blakeley Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling spinal cord injury cases in the Fort Lauderdale area. We understand the local jurisdictions and accident trends, allowing us to provide effective representation for our clients.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be classified into different categories based on the location and extent of the damage. Some common types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Cervical Spine Injuries (C1–C8): Injuries to the cervical spine can result in quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs and potentially leading to respiratory complications.
- Thoracic Spine Injuries (T1–T12): Injuries to the thoracic spine can affect the upper chest, mid-back, and abdominal muscles.
- Lumbar Spine Injuries (L1–L5): Injuries to the lumbar spine can impact the hips, legs, and bladder function.
- Sacral Injuries (S1–S5): Injuries to the sacral region can affect bowel and bladder control, as well as foot function.
Spinal cord injuries can have various complications, including chronic pain, respiratory issues, pressure sores, autonomic dysreflexia, and psychological effects such as depression and anxiety. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management are necessary for both recovery and legal valuation in spinal cord injury cases. When you work with one of our knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury lawyers, you can trust that we will take all of these things into account when fighting for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Florida's Statute of Limitations
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including spinal cord injury (SCI) claims, is generally two years from the date of the accident or injury. This time limit was shortened from four years under legislative changes that took effect just a couple years ago. If you fail to file your claim within this two-year window, you may lose your legal right to seek compensation entirely.
Exceptions may apply in limited circumstances, such as delayed discovery or claims involving government entities. To protect your rights, it's vital to consult a Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible.
Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering an SCI
Dealing with insurance companies after a spinal cord injury can be challenging. Unfortunately, insurance companies often resist high-value payouts despite the life-changing nature of these injuries. Some common tactics employed by insurance companies include:
- Blaming the Victim: Insurance companies may try to shift the blame onto the injured party, arguing that their actions contributed to the accident.
- Disputing Severity or Permanence: Insurers may dispute the severity or permanence of the spinal cord injury, attempting to downplay the extent of the damages suffered.
- Delay Tactics: Insurance companies may use delay tactics to pressure early settlement, hoping that the injured party will accept a lower offer due to financial strain or desperation.
- Misrepresentation of Policy Coverage: Insurers may misrepresent the coverage available under the policy, hoping to reduce their liability.
- Excessive Requests for Medical Records: Insurance companies may request excessive or irrelevant medical records, hoping to find pre-existing conditions or other factors that can weaken the case.
In spinal cord injury claims, insurers often bring in their own medical experts to question your diagnosis or argue that your limitations are overstated. They may also offer structured settlements that fail to address future medical costs, long-term care, or adaptive needs, leaving you financially vulnerable down the road.
At Blakeley Law Firm, we understand the tactics used by insurance companies, and we are prepared to navigate these challenges on behalf of our clients. Our dedicated team will manage all communication with insurers, gather strong medical evidence and professional support, counter delay tactics with timely legal action, and prepare each case for trial to increase settlement leverage. We fight aggressively to ensure that your compensation reflects the full scope of your loss, not just what the insurance company is willing to pay.
What to Do After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Consult a Fort Lauderdale Spinal Cord Attorney: Seeking early legal guidance is invaluable after a catastrophic injury like a spinal cord injury. A Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury lawyer from our firm can help you avoid costly mistakes, ensure the preservation of evidence, and maximize your legal leverage. They can also connect you with specialists and evaluate long-term costs you may not anticipate.
- Continue With Necessary Follow-Up Medical Appointments: Regular medical treatment is essential for your health and recovery. It also helps document the ongoing effects of your injury.
- Adhere to Doctor's Instructions Regarding Work and Activities: It is important to follow your doctor's advice regarding work restrictions and physical activities. Failure to do so may be used against you by insurers or in court.
- Preserve Evidence: Take photos of your injuries. Retain any physical items involved in the incident, such as clothing or equipment.
- Obtain a Copy of Any Police or Incident Reports: These reports provide important third-party validation of the accident and can help establish liability.
- Keep Detailed Records: Document your pain levels, changes in mobility, work limitations, and emotional effects. Save all medical bills, rehabilitation logs, and related expenses.
Contact the Fort Lauderdale Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys at Blakeley Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Fort Lauderdale, don't face the legal process alone. At Blakeley Law Firm, our experienced team of Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury attorneys is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Remember, we offer free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you don't pay us unless we win your case. We have a strong record of recovering full compensation for injury victims in South Florida.
Call us today at (954) 253-9445 to schedule your free case evaluation. Your voice matters, and your recovery is our priority. Let us guide you through this challenging time and help you secure the compensation you deserve.