A proven record of verdicts and settlements
At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we have significant experience representing those who have suffered severe injuries to their spinal column or spinal cord. We understand how serious these cases are and dedicate the time, effort, and resources necessary for each one to be successful.
At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we have significant experience representing those who have suffered severe injuries to their spinal column or spinal cord. We understand how serious these cases are and dedicate the time, effort, and resources necessary for each one to be successful.
Spinal cord injuries, both traumatic and nontraumatic, can lead to lasting disability. If you or someone you love is living with paraplegia, quadriplegia, or another spine injury related condition, you may have legal recourse if the injury was sustained through the negligent or wrongful acts of another. A Portland spinal cord injury attorney can help guide you through the legal process and fight to secure compensation on your behalf.
Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC was voted one of the “Best Law Firms” by US News in the practice area of Portland personal injury litigation for plaintiffs. This means we have been recognized for excellence in pursuing justice for the wrongfully injured. Our firm works diligently, understanding that behind every case is a person who deserves their day in court.
Recent results achieved include:
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury to the spinal cord, please, call or contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. Our team will listen to your story, give you a full explanation of your legal options, and begin working on your case right away if you choose us to represent you.
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A spinal cord injury can be a devastating event, leading to permanent disability, chronic pain, and a significant decrease in the quality of life. Injuries to the spinal cord can occur in various regions of the back, and the severity and type of injury depend on the location of the damage.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, it’s essential to understand the different types of injuries that can occur based on the affected area of the spinal cord. These include:
Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the cervical region of the spine can lead to severe consequences, including paralysis or loss of function in the arms, legs, and torso.
Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries in the thoracic region of the spine can lead to loss of function in the chest, abdominal, and lower body areas.
Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries: Lumbar injuries often affect the lower limbs and the ability to walk.
Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries typically impact the lower back and can lead to a range of issues from incontinence to sexual dysfunction.
By understanding the specific area of injury, you can ensure that you receive the proper care and legal support you need to move forward with your case.
At Paulson Coletti, “liberty and justice for all” is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. With a high success rate both in and out of the courtroom, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.
There are multiple types of spinal cord injuries that a person can sustain. The most basic separation of spinal cord injury types includes complete versus incomplete injuries.
We can look at additional definitions to further define spinal cord injuries and outcomes:
When examining information from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), we can see that there are around 294,000 individuals living with a spinal cord injury in the US. Additionally, there are approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injuries each year.
Since 2015, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries have been (percentage of cases in parenthesis):
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
Accurate diagnosis is the first crucial step in addressing spinal cord injuries effectively. Portland residents who suspect such an injury should understand the diagnostic process, which typically involves:
It is important to emphasize that the diagnostic process must be swift and thorough to provide the best possible outcome for the injured individual. Accurate and timely diagnosis guides the subsequent steps in treatment and recovery.
In addition to the physical toll caused by spinal cord injuries, there is also a substantial financial toll. Some of the major medical costs associated with spine injuries include –
Individuals who are wrongfully injured may be able to seek financial compensation to cover the cost of these and other medical expenses.
Most people think about paralysis when a spinal cord injury occurs. That is certainly the most devastating aspect of these types of injuries, but certainly not the only issue. One of the worst parts of these injuries, particularly severe ones, is other complications caused by paralysis and internal trauma.
The NSCISC states that around 30% of individuals with spinal cord injuries over a recent five-year period were re-hospitalized. The leading cause of re-hospitalization includes genitourinary system complications. Additional complications include skin, respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and musculoskeletal diseases.
Additionally, those who sustain spinal cord injuries typically have shorter life expectancies due to the health complications associated with the injury. Life expectancy lowers considerably with more severe spinal cord injuries. For example, a 20-year-old who sustains a minor spinal cord injury can expect to live another 52 years post-injury, while a 20-year-old who is ventilator-dependent due to the injury can expect to live around 9.8 years longer.
No Fees Unless We Win
It is crucial to work with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Portland as soon as possible after the injury occurs. This helps ensure that the lawyer can get involved and begin the evidence-gathering process immediately before anything can get discarded or destroyed.
In addition to handling with will inevitably be a complex investigation, your attorney will also be the one to communicate with every other party involved. This includes alleged at-fault parties, insurance companies, and other legal teams. Your focus must be on your spinal cord injury treatment. Your attorney handles the claim. They will also handle negotiations as well as any jury trial that becomes necessary to recover compensation on your behalf.
Even if you are on the fence about working with an attorney, you should reach out for a free consultation so we can help you focus on the next steps moving forward.
The team at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC works diligently to recover maximum compensation for spinal cord injury victims. We understand the challenges victims and families face in these situations, so we strive to secure both “special” and “general” damages.
There is no set amount of money that a spinal cord injury victim will receive if their claim is successful. The total amount will depend on several factors, including injury severity and how much a person is able to recover. With spinal cord injury claims, it is very important to factor in how this injury and any subsequent disability will affect the victim for the remainder of their life. This can affect how much medical treatment, in-home care, and lost wages to consider.
The NSCISC shows that the first year of medical treatment can range anywhere from around $375,000 for a minor injury to more than $1.1 million for a severe injury. These figures only include medical expenses and only cover the first year. These claims could end up resulting in multi-million-dollar settlements. Your Portland spinal cord injury lawyer will work with trusted economic and medical experts to help calculate total losses.
Yes, there are time limits in place for spinal cord injury lawsuits in Portland, Oregon. These cases must be filed within two years from the date the injury occurred. If a spinal cord injury victim fails to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent party within this two-year timeframe, they will likely not be able to recover any compensation. Additionally, if there are any insurance carriers involved in the case, they will also have reporting deadlines you need to be aware of.
Discovering a suspected spinal cord injury can be distressing, but taking immediate and informed action is crucial. Here are the detailed steps to follow if you suspect a spinal cord injury in Portland, Oregon:
It is essential to remember that the immediate response to a suspected spinal cord injury can significantly impact the individual’s prognosis and long-term outcomes. By following these steps, the injured person and their family can help both ensure that they receive the best possible care and support during this challenging time and help protect their rights to the compensation needed to address the injury and its related consequences.
The team at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC is proud to handle spinal cord injury claims in Portland on a contingency fee basis. For victims harmed by the negligence of others, this means a few things. First, we handle all of the out-of-pocket costs related to the case. You will not pay anything while the case is ongoing.
Clients are only responsible for paying legal fees after the successful conclusion of the case, and they have compensation in hand. If we do not win the case, clients pay no legal fees. The total legal fees will equal an agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement or verdict. Whether you were injured in a crash or require the assistance of a workplace injury attorney in Portland, we can help.
At Paulson Coletti, a local firm based in Oregon, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win-because justice should never come with financial risk.
This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.
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