The spinal cord serves as the primary communication highway between the brain and body, coordinating movement, sensation, and vital bodily functions. When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the forces can fracture vertebrae, tear ligaments, and severely damage this important structure. Spinal cord injuries can forever change a person’s life, affecting everything from their ability to work to their ability to enjoy daily activities. A Cincinnati truck accident attorney can help you recover compensation for injuries caused by a significant collision.
The Severity and Types of Truck Accident Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries from truck accidents fall into two main categories: complete injuries that entirely block nerve signals below the point of impact and incomplete injuries that allow some neural transmission to continue. The location of the damage largely determines the outcome:
- Cervical injuries in the neck region can cause quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs and requiring full-time care.
- Thoracic injuries impact the upper back and chest, potentially paralyzing the legs. Arm function may or may not be preserved.
- Lumbar injuries in the lower back may affect hip and leg movement.
- Sacral injuries along the lowest part of the spine can disrupt bowel, bladder, and sexual function.
Beyond the immediate physical trauma, spinal cord injuries create major financial burdens. Medical bills often exceed millions of dollars for surgeries, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and ongoing care. Many victims face lost wages and diminished earning capacity. The emotional toll compounds these challenges as victims navigate depression, anxiety, and relationship changes while adapting to their new normal.
Establishing Liability for Cincinnati Truck Accidents
Ohio law protects spinal cord victims by allowing them to seek compensation when another party’s negligence is responsible for their injuries. If you were injured in a Cincinnati truck accident, you have the right to file an insurance claim or lawsuit and recover compensation for the damages that you have sustained.
Successful truck accident claims must prove the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle safely, follow all transportation regulations, or uphold some other obligation.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet their obligations through negligence; for truck drivers, this may look like speeding, distracted driving, or violating hours-of-service rules.
- Causation: The defendant’s breach directly led to the accident and resulting spinal cord injury.
- Damages: The victim suffered losses, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Multiple parties may share liability for a truck accident. The truck driver could be responsible for unsafe operation, while the trucking company might face liability for inadequate training or poor maintenance. Parts manufacturers could be liable for defective components, and cargo loading companies might bear responsibility for unsecured loads that contributed to the crash.
Trust a Cincinnati Spinal Cord Injury Attorney to Help You Seek Justice
Spinal cord injury claims can be very complex, and if you want to pursue legal action, you deserve experienced legal representation. A Cincinnati personal injury attorney will investigate the crash thoroughly, preserve critical evidence, consult medical experts, and calculate the full lifetime costs of your injury so that you can fight for the settlement that you deserve.
Monge & Associates can stand up to aggressive corporate defense teams and insurance companies, protecting your rights every step of the way. Our Cincinnati truck accident lawyers are committed to your recovery. Contact us today at (513) 224-5591 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.