A spinal cord injury resulting from another’s negligence is an unimaginable nightmare. The consequences of such an injury can be devastating, leading to long-term or permanent physical impairments that drastically affect mobility, independence, and quality of life. Victims often face significant medical treatments, ongoing rehabilitation, and adjustments to a new way of life, which can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming.
If you or someone you love has suffered a spine injury due to someone else’s negligence, turn to Ganderton Law, LLC. As a dedicated personal injury firm, Ganderton Law puts the personal back into personal injury law, ensuring that each client receives the attention and care they deserve. Recognized as the Best of the Springs (The Gazette) 2024 Winner, Dave Ganderton utilizes his extensive experience to recover the largest possible compensation for injured victims and their families.
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries resulting from accidents in Colorado can vary widely in severity and impact.
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: Results in total loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the injury
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Partial loss of sensation and motor function, with some ability to move or feel below the injury site
- Paralysis: Loss of ability to move or control parts of the body, such as
- Quadriplegia: Paralysis of all four limbs and torso
- Paraplegia: Paralysis of the lower half of the body, including the legs and lower torso
- Tetraplegia: Similar to quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs and torso
- Brown-Séquard Syndrome: Damage to one side of the spinal cord, causing weakness or paralysis on one side of the body and loss of sensation on the other
- Central Cord Syndrome: Injury to the center of the spinal cord, leading to greater impairment in the arms than the legs
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: Injury to the front part of the spinal cord, affecting motor function and pain sensation, but preserving touch and proprioception
- Conus Medullaris Syndrome: Injury to the lower end of the spinal cord, affecting bowel, bladder, and sexual function
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: Damage to the nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord, causing loss of bowel and bladder control and potential paralysis of the legs
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Colorado
Spinal cord injuries can occur from various types of accidents, each presenting unique risks and potential for severe harm.
- Car Accidents: High-impact collisions or rear-end crashes can result in whiplash or direct trauma to the spinal cord, leading to serious injuries or paralysis.
- Truck Accidents: The force and weight involved in truck accidents often cause more severe spinal cord injuries due to the greater impact and potential for catastrophic damage.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Riders are particularly vulnerable to spinal cord injuries due to lack of protection and the risk of being thrown from the bike or suffering direct impact injuries.
- Bicycle Accidents: Collisions with vehicles or falls from bicycles can cause spinal cord injuries, especially if the rider is thrown onto a hard surface or suffers a severe impact.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Being struck by a vehicle or falling during a pedestrian accident can lead to spinal cord injuries, particularly if the impact causes the person to land on their back or neck.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Falls from height or on hard surfaces can result in spinal cord injuries, especially if the individual lands directly on their back or neck.
- Construction Accidents: Falls from heights, being struck by heavy objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery can cause significant spinal cord injuries due to the high risk of severe trauma.
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports or accidents during recreational activities can lead to spinal cord injuries, particularly if there is a significant impact or sudden jolt to the spine.
- Workplace Accidents: Falls from ladders, down stairs, or getting hit by an object during work activities can cause spinal cord injuries, particularly in cases involving high-impact falls or awkward landings.
How Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Colorado Calculate the Full Extent of Your Damages
Current and Future Medical Expenses
Attorney Dave Ganderton will work closely with medical professionals to calculate your current and anticipated future medical expenses. This involves reviewing medical records, bills, and treatment plans to account for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other healthcare needs. He will consult with experts to project future medical costs, including ongoing treatments, specialized medical equipment, and home modifications necessary for your care.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
To assess the full extent of physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses, we will gather detailed information on the type and duration of therapy required. We will collaborate with physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists to estimate the frequency and cost of sessions, as well as any long-term therapy needs. This includes considering both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services and any potential adjustments to therapy plans as your condition evolves.
Psychological Treatment
Recognizing the impact of a spinal cord injury on mental health, Colorado spinal cord damage lawyer Dave Ganderton will account for psychological treatment costs. This includes therapy sessions with psychologists or counselors, psychiatric medications, and any necessary support services. We will work with mental health professionals to evaluate the extent of psychological distress and develop a comprehensive plan for ongoing psychological care.
Loss of Income and Future Earning Capacity
Attorney Dave Ganderton will analyze your loss of income by examining your work history, salary, and the impact of the injury on your ability to earn a living. He will gather documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, and employment records to calculate the immediate and future income losses. Additionally, he will assess the effect of the injury on your long-term earning potential, considering how your ability to work and advance in your career may be affected.
Prolonged Pain and Suffering
To quantify pain and suffering, Colorado spinal cord damage lawyer Dave Ganderton will consider medical reports, personal accounts, and expert testimony on the severity and duration of your physical and emotional distress. He will compile evidence of the impact of the injury on your daily life and well-being, ensuring that the compensation sought reflects the true extent of your suffering.
Permanent Disability
If your spinal cord injury results in permanent disability, Attorney Ganderton will work with medical experts to evaluate the extent of your impairment. This involves documenting the long-term effects of the injury and how it affects your ability to perform daily activities and participate in life’s pleasures. These damages account for both the physical and functional limitations imposed by your disability.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Colorado spinal cord damage attorney Dave Ganderton will assess how your spinal cord injury has diminished your ability to enjoy activities and experiences that were once a part of your life. This includes changes in your hobbies, social interactions, and overall quality of life. By gathering testimonials from you and your loved ones, we will build a case that reflects the loss of enjoyment and life satisfaction you have experienced.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium refers to the impact of your injury on your relationship with your spouse or partner. Colorado spinal cord injury attorney Dave Ganderton will gather evidence on how your injury has affected emotional intimacy, companionship, and the ability to engage in shared activities. This may involve obtaining statements from your spouse or partner and expert opinions on the relational impact of your injury.
Why You Should Seek Legal Representation Soon After an Accident
Quick Action Is Vital
In a high-stakes spinal cord injury case, time is of the essence. Insurance carriers are experts in investigating accidents swiftly, but this does not mean they will quickly accept responsibility. They might use this period to twist the facts to their advantage, focusing on minimizing their liability rather than addressing your needs.
Insurer’s Legal Teams Act Fast
While you are in the hospital or focusing on your recovery at home, the defendant’s lawyers and insurance adjusters are already at work. They might provide a distorted version of events, especially if they begin their investigation before you or your attorney have the chance to collect evidence. Without timely action on your part, their version of the facts can become the accepted narrative, potentially harming your claim.
Importance of Prompt Evidence Collection
Engaging our attorneys at Ganderton Law, LLC early in the process is essential to ensure that critical evidence is preserved and the accident scene is investigated thoroughly. We have seen insurance companies deploying rapid response teams to the scene even before law enforcement has completed their job, aiming to construct a defense that undermines your claim.
Countering Tactics and Building a Strong Case
By acting swiftly and decisively, we can counteract the tactics employed by defendants and their insurers. This proactive approach safeguards your rights and helps build a robust case to support your claim. While we work on your behalf, you can focus on your recovery, knowing that our legal team is fighting a no-holds-barred legal battle for the compensation you need to move forward in life.
What Sets Our Colorado Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Apart
Academic Background in Psychology
Attorney Dave Ganderton’s academic background in psychology offers a distinct advantage in both negotiations and trial arguments. Understanding psychological principles helps him effectively gauge and influence the behavior of opposing parties, jurors, and insurance adjusters.
This insight allows him to refine his arguments and negotiation strategies to address the emotional and cognitive factors that impact decision-making. His ability to connect with juries on a deeper level and present compelling narratives about the impact of spinal cord injuries enhances his persuasive power, thereby strengthening his negotiating position.
View from Both Sides of the Legal System
Colorado spinal cord damage lawyer Dave Ganderton’s diverse experience includes roles as a Deputy District Attorney and an insurance defense attorney, providing him with a comprehensive 360-degree perspective on legal cases. His tenure at the DA’s office honed his skills in prosecuting complex cases and building strong arguments.
In contrast, his work as an insurance defense attorney exposed him to the strategies and tactics employed by insurers to minimize payouts. This dual perspective equips him with a unique understanding of how insurance companies operate and the weaknesses in their defenses, setting him apart as a personal injury lawyer who can effectively counteract these tactics.
Extensive Trial Experience and Proven Success
With over 17 years of legal experience, Dave Ganderton has a proven track record of litigating against some of the largest insurance companies in the nation. His extensive trial experience includes securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for clients in personal injury cases.
This experience not only demonstrates his legal acumen but also signals to insurance companies that he is prepared to fight vigorously in court if necessary. The combination of his trial successes and his ability to achieve favorable outcomes enhances his credibility and leverage during negotiations.
Trial Readiness from Day One
From the outset of a case, Dave Ganderton emphasizes trial readiness, even while negotiations are ongoing. His commitment to preparing every aspect of the case as if it were going to trial demonstrates his resolve and strategic planning.
By investing in thorough preparation, including gathering evidence, consulting experts, and developing a compelling case narrative, Attorney Ganderton signals to insurers that he is ready to pursue justice in court. This preparedness often leads insurers to offer fair settlements to avoid the risks associated with a trial, recognizing that they are dealing with a formidable opponent who is fully equipped to take the case to court if necessary.
Leveraging a Formidable Reputation
The combination of Dave Ganderton’s psychological insight, comprehensive legal experience, successful trial record, and unwavering trial readiness enhances his negotiating leverage significantly. Insurers are aware that they are dealing with a lawyer who understands both the nuances of their strategies and the legal landscape thoroughly.
This recognition often results in more favorable settlement offers, as insurers seek to avoid the complexities and uncertainties of a trial. Attorney Ganderton’s reputation for being a formidable advocate ensures that clients receive the compensation they deserve, reflecting his commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes in spinal cord injury cases.To schedule a free consultation with our spinal cord injury attorneys in Colorado, call us at 719-867-4447 or contact us online.
