Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Miami

Lawyer Brett Schlacter, of Schlacter Law in Miami, knows that a spinal cord injury can be devastating. It can put an end to life as you knew it. And it can completely turn your existence upside down. Brett has brought comfort and compensation to those affected by such an injury. Call Schlacter Law today to find out why Brett is the attorney you need on your side today!

A spinal cord injury can happen to anyone, at anytime, in any place, especially where negligence is present. Here are some statistics highlighting that fact:

• There are approximately 54 new cases of spinal cord injury for every 1 million people in the United States every year (not including those who die as a result of the spinal cord injury or who suffer a spinal cord injury along with other injuries that, combined, prove fatal)
• Currently, it is estimated that over 300,000 people living in the United States are dealing with a spinal cord injury
• The average age of those who have suffered a spinal cord injury is 43
• Spinal cord injuries are overwhelmingly a male issue, with nearly 80% of spinal cord injuries suffered by men
• The top causes of spinal cord injury are:
  • Vehicle crashes
  • Falls
  • Acts of violence (leading amongst those are gunshot wounds)
  • Sports participation injuries
  • Medical/surgical mistakes and/or malpractice
• When a spinal cord injury occurs, the average length of stay in the hospital is 11 days, with rehab coming in at 31 days
• 30% of people hospitalized for a spinal cord injury are re-hospitalized after the initial release because of lingering symptoms/difficulties stemming from that injury
• A spinal cord injury has been shown to decrease overall life expectancy, especially in those who require numerous follow-up bouts of care

A spinal cord injury can not only end your normality, it can also affect your livelihood, passions, and relationships. Because of that, a lawyer will be able to help you recover damages for these expenses and events:

• Pain and suffering. After the initial spine injury and care to correct it, lingering pain and interruptions in your normal daily life can become overwhelming, effectively putting an end to your normality, and forcing you to adapt to a new existence. This can cause mental suffering and undue pain beyond the actual injury and you can recover further damages as a result of that
• Bills for medical care. Any and all bills related to your medical care as a result of the injury are recoverable under most circumstances
• Lost wages. A spinal cord injury does not only mean lost wages while you heal, it could also mean that your ability to earn those wages is forever changed. Both of those things are potentially recoverable and, in the case of your inability to be as high of an earner as you were before the injury, a larger lump sum beyond your initial lost wages may also be part of your case
• Fatality. If your loved one has suffered a fatal spinal cord injury due to another’s negligence, that opens negligent party up to civil action. You, as the family member, may be able to recover damages from the loss of your loved one

If your spinal cord injury is the result of what you believe to be a manufacturer’s negligence in Miami, or anywhere else, then you may be due compensation from them as well. Examples of when a manufacturer may be responsible for some or all of your injury include:

• Vehicle accidents resulting from faulty equipment in either your car or any other car involved
• Exercise equipment malfunction
• Rehab or medical equipment malfunction
• Everyday use equipment malfunction (escalator, chair, stairway, etc)

To effectively establish that a manufacturer is liable for your spinal cord injury, your lawyer will need to show that the product manufacturer failed in their duty to provide a promised safe product, the manufacturer knew or should have known that their product was defective and could result in injuries, and that the defects in the manufacturer’s product were the cause of your spinal cord injury. Such a lawyer should easily be able to traverse the case law necessary here.

Worker’s compensation gives you coverage and/or reimbursement for medical bills and any potential lost wages. On the flip-side of that, it also bars employees from suing employers. But, that does not mean that certain third parties present at the time of your spinal cord injury who were exhibiting negligence at your job are not potentially liable for your injury. A skilled attorney will help you establish that third party negligence. Additionally, if your worker’s compensation claim has been denied, your lawyer can help you break through that as well.

How We Handle Cases

1. Investigation
   • Your attorney will aggressively investigate your case. Schlacter Law will compile all necessary evidence needed to maximize the value of your case. Which includes but is not limited to photographs, police reports, security camera footage, witness statements, medical bills and medical records.
   • You will remain in constant contact with Schlacter Law about the progression of your case.
2. Negotiation
   • Your attorney will present your case to the insurance company and will attempt to resolve your case before the case goes to court for maximum compensation.
   • Your attorney will make every effort possible to resolve the case as quickly as possible for the most amount of money you may be entitled to. You will be actively involved in the negotiation process with your attorney. Schlacter Law understands that this is your one opportunity to get justice for your loss.
3. Litigation
   • If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, Schlacter Law will be fully prepared to bring your case to court to fight for the justice you deserve.
   • At no cost to you, Schlacter Law will hire any experts and professionals needed to maximize your recovery and present your case in the strongest form possible.