Spinal cord injuries are among the most life-altering outcomes of serious accidents. When the spinal cord is damaged, the effects can include partial or complete loss of movement, sensation, and autonomic function below the injury site. Our attorneys at Young & Warr work with spinal injury victims and their families throughout Sumter and Sumter County to pursue compensation that reflects the full, long-term impact of these injuries.
What Causes Spinal Cord Injuries in the Sumter Area
Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries nationally, followed by falls, acts of violence, and sports or recreational injuries. In Sumter County, high-speed collisions on US-76, US-378, and I-20 are among the most common causes. Falls on unsafe premises, including construction sites and commercial properties with poorly maintained flooring or stairs, also contribute.
The location of the injury on the spinal column determines the extent of resulting disability. Injuries at the cervical level can result in quadriplegia, while thoracic and lumbar injuries more commonly cause paraplegia or partial motor deficits.
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified as complete or incomplete. A complete injury results in total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury site. An incomplete injury means some function is preserved, and recovery is possible with intensive rehabilitation. Either type involves substantial medical costs, and care requirements for a complete injury typically extend over a lifetime.
Rehabilitation After a Spinal Cord Injury
Rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury is a long-term process that typically begins while the patient is still hospitalized. Acute inpatient rehab focuses on maximizing function, teaching adaptive techniques, and preparing the patient and family for discharge. After discharge, outpatient therapy, home health visits, and ongoing occupational therapy often continue for months or years.
The goal is to preserve as much function as possible and help the injured person adapt to their new circumstances. All of these services come with significant costs, and the full rehabilitation timeline must be accounted for in any spinal injury claim filed in South Carolina courts.
Building a Spinal Injury Claim in South Carolina
A spinal injury claim in South Carolina must account for both current and future damages. This includes emergency medical care, surgeries, hospital stays, inpatient rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, long-term attendant care, and lost earning capacity. Projecting future costs requires expert medical testimony and often an economist’s analysis.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides information on the long-term medical outlook following spinal cord injuries. South Carolina does not cap compensatory damages for most personal injury cases, which is significant in catastrophic injury situations.
When a Third Party Shares Responsibility
In some spinal injury cases, multiple parties may bear responsibility. A trucking company whose driver violated federal hours-of-service rules, a property owner who ignored a structural hazard, or a vehicle manufacturer whose defective product contributed to the severity of the impact may all be brought into a claim. Our firm reviews every aspect of the accident to identify all potentially liable parties.
If you or a family member sustained a spinal cord injury in an accident in Sumter, SC, Young & Warr, LLC is prepared to help you pursue a claim that addresses your full future needs. Call 803-773-4371 or contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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