When you have suffered catastrophic spinal cord injuries, and someone else is responsible, that party should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. You should not be forced to deal with physical, emotional, and financial damages on your own.
With help from a Columbus spinal fusion lawyer at the Fitch Law Firm LLC, you can get the justice you deserve. We will work tirelessly to secure the compensation that is rightfully yours. You can schedule your free consultation today to find out how our team can advocate for you.
Spine Injuries in Columbus
Many spinal cord injuries can be remedied by conservative treatments, such as therapy and chiropractic care. However, other spine injuries can be so severe that they require surgical procedures. Spinal fusion is one such surgery, and many consider it a “last-ditch” option.
Spinal fusion permanently “welds” or connects certain bones that make up the human spine. This is done to improve the spine’s stability, correct a deformity, or reduce back pain. It is a major invasive procedure, costing tens of thousands of dollars and typically requiring rehabilitation afterward. Because of this, patients who undergo this surgery are often saddled with financial – and even emotional – burdens.
If the spine injury was a result of someone else’s negligence, it can be truly worth it for the injured patient to seek legal options to ensure they are justly and fully compensated. Claiming monetary compensation can provide great financial relief, and achieving justice can be an important step in your emotional healing.
How Spinal Fusion Is Done
The human spine is composed of small bones which are stacked to form the spinal column. With spinal fusion, two or more vertebrae are permanently connected or “welded,” eliminating motion between them.
The procedure tries to get the vertebra to mimic the natural healing process of broken bones. The doctor places a piece of real bone or bonelike material in the space between the two vertebrae, then uses metal plates, rods, and screws to hold all these together and force them to “heal” as one solid unit.
The bone that is inserted can come from a bone bank, or it could be a graft – a piece of bone taken from another part of the patient’s body. Bone grafts are usually taken from the pelvis or hip bone. If a graft is needed for spinal fusion, it requires a different surgical operation to make an incision for the bone graft.
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Injuries Requiring Spinal Fusion
Various conditions of the spine may need to be treated with vertebral fusion. However, doctors do not easily recommend this procedure. They would consider it only when the injury is serious, and the patient is experiencing severe pain or disability. Injuries that may necessitate spinal fusion include:
- Broken vertebra
- A weak or unstable spine
- Deformed spine (deformities include scoliosis and kyphosis)
- Herniated disc (also called a slipped disc; this is the damage to the soft tissue cushioning between the vertebrae)
- Spondylolisthesis (a disorder where one vertebra slips forward onto the bone below it)
Some of these injuries can be caused by a traumatic blow to the back. This can happen in circumstances such as car accidents, workplace accidents, and incidents of violence.
Some can also result from great or repetitive stress to the spine. This may be from incorrect lifting, improper exercising, repetitive strain at work, and the like.
Accidents in Columbus That Cause Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur in virtually any type of accident. However, your attorney will need to closely examine the type of accident you were involved in to determine who is responsible for causing your injuries.
With that being said, there are some types of accidents and incidents known for causing spinal injuries in Columbus. Some of these accidents and incidents could include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bus accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Sexual abuse and assault
- Work accidents
These are just a few of the more common ways spinal cord injuries can occur. If you were involved in another type of accident that was not listed above, you may still have the right to financial compensation. When you consult with our spinal fusion team serving Columbus, we can explain your options even further.
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Spinal Fusion Procedures Are Expensive
The spinal fusion procedure – and its aftermath – can be very costly. The surgery is expensive by itself; Global Spine Journal shows that a single-level spinal fusion can cost anywhere from $8,286 to $73,727 – and some patients require multiple levels of care.
In addition, recovery is required post-surgery, and this can mean weeks or even months of missed work, plus therapy and rehabilitation. Further, the fusion immobilizes part of the spine, forcing some patients to completely change careers or quit their jobs.
For an injured person who has had to undergo spinal fusion because of someone else’s negligence, it is only right to seek compensation. However, many end up getting much less than they deserve. The claims process is a complicated legal maze, discouraging many victims from pursuing their cases further. Insurance companies are also prepared to undermine injury claims or even completely deny them.
You can pursue compensation by enlisting an attorney who is experienced in complex injury cases like this and is unafraid of standing up against large insurers.
The Statute of Limitations for Columbus Spinal Fusion Lawsuits Due to Personal Injury
Ohio’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years. Although two years may seem like more than enough time to move forward with your lawsuit, in reality, it’s not much time at all. (Medical malpractice has a different statute of limitations).
Furthermore, when the statute of limitations expires on your case may not be obvious. It could start either from the date you initially suffered the spinal injury or when you discovered the impairment. Matters can get even more complicated if you were hurt as a minor.
It’s imperative to understand how the state’s statutory deadline applies to your situation. If your lawsuit is not filed before the statute of limitations runs out, the court system will refuse to hear your case. To preserve your right to legal action, we recommend consulting our spinal fusion team in Columbus as soon as possible.
What Damages Can You Recover in Your Spinal Fusion Injury Claim?
You have the right to be compensated for all of the ways your life has been affected by your injuries––physically, emotionally, and financially. Some compensable losses in your case may comprise:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Property damage costs
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of future potential earnings
Trusted Ohio Spinal Fusion Lawyer
For over 30 years now, the Fitch Law Firm LLC has been providing reliable legal services to injury victims in Ohio. Hundreds of clients have trusted the firm not only for its skilled and relentless legal representation–– but also for the commitment it gives to each client. The firm competently handles each case so that the client can focus on healing and getting back on track.
The Fitch Law Firm LLC provides free initial consultation. Call today.