Goldsboro Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Experiencing a spinal cord injury can be profoundly distressing, especially when it results from someone else’s carelessness.
Imagine a day filled with joy at Busco Beach or The Wayne County Museum turning tragic due to a negligent driver or a preventable slip and fall.
Such accidents do more than spoil a day; they can significantly alter the course of your life.
The overwhelming pain, mounting medical bills, and the emotional and physical toll of a spinal cord injury can leave one feeling lost and without hope. However, you’re not alone in this.
At Riddle and Brantley, our Goldsboro spinal cord injury lawyers possess the compassion, skill, and dedication to support you through your claim. We’re here to help you navigate these challenging times.
Why Choose Our Goldsboro Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers?
At Riddle & Brantley, we are more than just a North Carolina personal injury law firm; we are a dedicated team committed to providing experienced legal representation for individuals injured in accidents and families mourning the loss of a loved one due to negligence.
Our goal extends beyond legal victories to offering compassionate, reliable customer service to ensure our clients feel supported and secure throughout their legal journey.
Our Mission and Values
With over 220 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are passionate about justice and our clients’ highest quality of life. We pride ourselves on our dedication to reaching the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones. This commitment has allowed us to build long-standing relationships with our clients founded on trust and mutual respect. (See disclaimer below.)
Our Approach
We believe in the power of our justice system to provide fair access to all. As personal injury attorneys licensed in North Carolina, we fight to preserve, promote, and protect your unalienable rights in your pursuit of justice. Whether you’re facing the aftermath of a severe injury or the loss of a loved one, we strive to be the voice for those who feel voiceless against insurance companies or large corporations.
Our Presence
Our roots are deep in North Carolina, with offices in Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, and Kinston. Founded by Gene Riddle, a native North Carolinian, our firm embodies the hard work and dedication learned from his upbringing on his grandfather’s farm. We represent clients across the state and even those from other states injured while visiting North Carolina.
Our Team
Our team consists of 11 attorneys, Board Certified Workers Compensation professionals, and members of prestigious legal forums, supported by experienced paralegals, case managers, and investigators.
Many of our staff are bilingual, ensuring no language barrier prevents anyone from seeking justice. We are available 24/7 to help you when you need it.
Community and Commitment
Beyond legal representation, we are committed to giving back to our communities and advocating for safety through initiatives like our Safety Counts videos. Our team participates in local fundraisers and events, emphasizing our commitment to the well-being of North Carolina residents.
At Riddle & Brantley, we are not just lawyers but your advocates, support system, and partners in justice.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) involves harm to the spinal cord, a vital pathway that enables our brain to communicate with our body. This bundle of nerves, which runs from the base of the brain down through the spine, plays a crucial role in our movement and sensation.
When the spinal cord is injured, it can interrupt these essential signals, potentially resulting in changes to mobility, function, or sensation. Such injuries touch the very core of what it means to move and feel, profoundly affecting individuals in unique and profound ways.
Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Many factors can cause SPIs or spinal cord injuries, but they typically result from traumatic events.
Here are some common causes of spinal cord injuries:
- SCIs can occur due to incidents involving elevation drops or mishaps, like slips and tumbles.
- Incidents involving vehicles, such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bikes, or situations involving pedestrians may damage the spinal cord.
- Engaging in vigorous sports or physical activities might cause spinal cord injuries, particularly during intense collisions or severe falls.
- Spinal cord injuries can also happen when one dives into insufficiently deep water or contacts the base of a swimming pool or any water body.
How bad a spinal cord injury is and how well someone might recover from it can change a lot. It depends on how and where the injury happened and how serious it is. Getting medical help quickly and the right kind of treatment is essential to help limit the damage and improve the chances of getting better.
Challenges Stemming From Spinal Cord Injuries and How to Tackle Them
Dealing with a spinal cord injury means facing many problems, including sometimes needing to take legal action if someone else’s carelessness caused your injury. You need a good lawyer who knows a lot about spinal cord injuries to help you through the tricky legal stuff.
Just as a medical team helps you improve by teaching you how to deal with your injury, a good lawyer protects your rights and helps you stay as healthy as possible.
And just as your recovery team helps you find tools and help to make your life better, a lawyer enables you to get the money and support you need to help you heal and move forward.
Below are some common issues faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries and the advantages of legal representation:
- Bladder and Bowel Management: Changes in bladder and bowel control can lead to further health issues. An attorney specializing in spinal cord injuries can aid in obtaining financial support for essential medical care, equipment, and treatments to manage these conditions effectively.
- Pressure Sores: With diminished sensation, there’s a heightened risk of developing pressure sores, requiring significant care and resources to prevent them. Legal skill can facilitate access to specialized equipment and home care services to avoid these painful injuries.
- Circulatory Issues: Conditions like orthostatic hypotension and autonomic dysreflexia demand special medical care. A knowledgeable attorney can pursue the necessary compensation for these unique medical needs.
- Respiratory Concerns: Post-injury respiratory complications necessitate access to specific treatments and devices. Legal assistance ensures you can afford these critical healthcare needs.
- Muscle and Bone Health: The effects on bone density and muscle tone post-injury can be mitigated with proper rehabilitation and equipment, which legal advocacy can help fund.
- Overall Fitness and Wellness: Staying healthy after an injury is vital. An attorney can secure services for physical fitness and nutritional guidance.
- Sexual Health and Pain Management: Addressing sexual health and managing pain often require special care, accessible through the support of legal representation.
- Mental Health: Dealing with the psychological aftermath of an injury is essential for recovery. A compassionate attorney can help achieve compensation for therapy and mental health support.
An attorney dedicated to spinal cord injury cases becomes a crucial partner in your recovery, ensuring you have the support, resources, and compensation needed to improve your quality of life and health.
Navigating Spinal Cord Injury Claims and Proving Negligence
Dealing with a spinal cord injury is overwhelming, particularly when facing the combined burden of physical, emotional, and financial stress from an accident. Proving negligence is key to securing a just compensation, a challenging task amidst coping with pain and confusion.
A personal injury attorney in Goldsboro can be instrumental in this process. These professionals are adept at scrutinizing your case’s details to ascertain if there’s a valid negligence claim.
To successfully claim negligence, your case must meet four essential criteria, each vital for attributing liability to the party at fault for your injuries and consequential losses.
Duty of Care
The initial step involves proving that the party at fault had a duty of care towards you, indicating their obligation to act in ways that safeguard your safety and health.
For example, drivers must navigate their vehicles safely and adhere to traffic regulations. This principle also applies in other contexts, such as a property owner ensuring a safe environment for guests or a medical professional delivering standard patient care.
Breach of Duty
You must demonstrate that the party at fault did not fulfill their safety obligation.
This could be a driver engaging in unsafe driving behaviors or a property owner ignoring the need to fix dangerous conditions. A healthcare provider delivering substandard care also falls under this category.
Causation
Simply showing that the duty of care was breached isn’t enough. You must prove that this failure directly caused your injuries. This connection requires evidence, often including expert testimony, to link the responsible party’s actions to your injuries.
Damages
You must prove that the incident resulted in compensable damages. These might cover medical bills, property damage, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. These physical and emotional damages form the basis of your compensation claim.
While these steps might appear direct, the intricacies of a personal injury lawsuit demand the experience of an experienced lawyer who can thoroughly evaluate evidence, craft a strong argument, and represent your interests.
If you’re dealing with the repercussions of a spinal cord injury due to someone’s negligence, consider consulting with legal counsel to explore your options.
Riddle & Brantley can assess the unique circumstances of your case, determine the strength of your claim, and work tirelessly to secure the most compensation after an injury. The sooner we can get started, the better.
How Can a Goldsboro Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Help You?
A spinal cord injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance in many ways if you’re dealing with such an injury. Their support is crucial for navigating the complex legal, medical, and financial challenges that come with spinal cord injuries.
Here’s how they can help:
- Experienced Legal Guidance: They have concentrated knowledge of the laws and regulations related to spinal cord injuries. This experience enables them to offer informed advice on the best legal strategies.
- Claim Evaluation: An attorney can evaluate your case thoroughly to determine its viability and potential compensation. They’ll consider the extent of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the negligence involved to build a strong case.
- Negligence Proof: Proving negligence is a cornerstone of personal injury claims. Your attorney will gather evidence, such as medical records and accident reports, to demonstrate that the other party’s actions or inactions directly caused your injury.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts. A spinal cord injury attorney knows how to negotiate with these companies effectively to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: They can identify all possible sources of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs, to ensure you receive a fair settlement or award.
- Representation in Court: If your case goes to trial, having a skilled attorney to represent you in court is essential. They will present your case, argue on your behalf, and work towards achieving a favorable verdict.
- Support and Resources: Beyond legal representation, spinal cord injury attorneys often have networks of medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and support groups they can refer you to, helping you find the best care and support for your recovery.
- Peace of Mind: Perhaps most importantly, having an attorney handle the legal aspects of your injury allows you to focus on your rehabilitation and recovery, knowing that your case is in good hands.
A Personal injury attorney in Goldsboro can navigate the legal system, advocate for your rights, and strive to secure the compensation and support necessary for your recovery and future well-being.
Visit us at 601 North Spence Avenue, Goldsboro, or call anytime; we answer at any time at (919) 778-9700.
Riddle & Brantley Accident Injury Lawyers
601 N Spence Ave
Goldsboro, NC 27534
Phone: (919) 778-9700
Hours of Operation
Monday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM