A spinal cord injury can change a person’s life in an instant. It can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial challenges for both the victim and their family. These injuries often require ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and adjustments to everyday life. Victims may lose muscle control, mobility, and independence -- all of which can make recovery difficult.
Smith Barkett Law Group understands the serious impact spinal cord injuries have on individuals and their families. Our Oklahoma City spinal cord injury lawyers help injured clients recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
We have the combined legal experience needed to handle even the most complex spinal injury cases. Our law firm is dedicated to helping spinal cord injury victims achieve fair compensation and move forward toward recovery.
A spinal cord injury occurs when damage to the spinal column or nerves disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to muscle weakness, loss of sensation, or complete paralysis.
A spinal injury may result from trauma, disease, or spinal cord infections. Depending on how much damage is done, the injury can be classified as either complete (when the spinal cord is completely severed) or incomplete (when some function remains).
A spinal cord injury affects every part of a person’s life. From mobility to emotional health, the effects can be devastating and long-term. Many spinal cord injury victims require continuous medical treatment and assistance from family members or caregivers.
Spinal cord injuries can cause chronic pain, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, or bladder control issues. These physical problems often lead to emotional struggles, including mental anguish and anxiety about the future. Victims may experience frustration from losing control of their motor function or independence.
The cost of treating a serious spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. Victims often face medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and expenses for home modifications. Lost wages and lost income can make the financial burden even harder to manage, especially when long-term care is needed.
Family members of spinal cord injury victims often take on the role of caregivers, which can lead to emotional and financial stress. The adjustment period can be long, and the recovery process may require years of effort and support.
Oklahoma law allows victims of spinal cord injuries resulting from someone else’s negligence to file a spinal cord injury claim or personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation. Understanding these laws is important to ensure your rights are protected.
In most spinal cord injury cases, the injured person must show that someone else's negligence caused the accident. This means proving that another party’s careless actions — such as violating traffic laws or failing to maintain safe property conditions — caused the injury.
Under 23 O.S. § 13, Oklahoma uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you bear.
Under 12 O.S. § 95, you generally have two years from the date the injury occurred to file a personal injury claim in Oklahoma. Waiting too long can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s best to contact an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer right away.
Spinal cord injury victims may be entitled to several types of compensation depending on their case. The goal is to help them rebuild their lives and cover all losses caused by the injury.
Punitive damages may be awarded when the responsible party’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional. These damages serve as a punishment and a warning to prevent similar behavior in the future.
Spinal cord injury cases are complex because they involve high medical costs, long-term care, and detailed medical records. Proving negligence and future financial losses often requires expert testimony and strong legal representation.
Spinal cord injury victims often need lifelong care, surgeries, and therapy. The cost of medical treatment and assistive equipment can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars over time.
To win a spinal cord injury lawsuit, your attorney must prove that another party caused your injuries. Gathering evidence like medical records, accident reports, and expert opinions is essential to building a successful claim.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in spinal cord injury cases. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can help protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Knowing what to do after a spinal injury can protect your health and your right to compensation. Acting quickly after the injury occurred gives your legal team the best chance to build a strong case.
Getting medical treatment right after a spinal cord injury is the most important step. Immediate care can prevent further damage and improve your chances of recovery. Doctors will assess the injury, provide the right medical care, and document your condition, which will also serve as vital evidence for your personal injury claim.
Even if symptoms seem mild at first, a spinal cord injury can worsen over time. Always follow your doctor’s instructions closely and attend all follow-up appointments to support your spinal cord injury case.
Evidence plays a major role in proving who caused the injury and how it happened. Save everything related to the accident, such as medical bills, doctor’s notes, accident reports, photos, and witness information.
If possible, write down what you remember about how the injury occurred while it’s still fresh in your mind. Your spinal cord injury attorney will use this information to build a strong case for compensation. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to show how someone else’s negligence led to your spinal injury.
After an accident, the insurance company may contact you quickly to discuss your claim. It’s important not to speak with them alone. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s interests, not yours. They may try to get you to accept a low settlement or say something that can hurt your case.
Always let your experienced spinal cord injury lawyer handle all communication with the insurance company. Having a legal professional speak on your behalf ensures your rights are protected and helps you pursue fair compensation.
As soon as possible, reach out to an experienced Oklahoma City spinal cord injury lawyer who understands how to handle complex personal injury lawsuits. A skilled lawyer will guide you through each step of the legal process, from filing a spinal cord injury claim to negotiating with insurance companies.
What should I do if a spinal cord injury occurs in a car accident?
Seek immediate medical attention, then contact an Oklahoma City spinal cord injury lawyer to discuss your rights and options for filing a claim.
What is the difference between a complete and incomplete spinal cord injury?
A complete spinal cord injury causes total loss of sensation and movement below the injury, while an incomplete spinal cord injury allows partial movement or feeling.
What if my spinal cord injury was a serious injury that caused permanent disability?
If your serious injury led to permanent disability, your spinal cord injury attorney can help you seek financial compensation for lifelong medical care, loss of income, and pain and suffering. These cases often involve long-term recovery plans and higher settlement values.
Can I file a claim if the accident caused sexual dysfunction or intense pain?
Yes. If the accident caused sexual dysfunction, intense pain, or emotional suffering, you may be entitled to additional compensation. Your attorney will include these effects when calculating damages in your spinal cord injury claim.
How much will it cost to hire a spinal cord injury attorney?
Most spinal cord injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless they win your case. The amount you pay will depend on the circumstances surrounding your claim and the final financial compensation recovered for your clients’ injuries.
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, Smith Barkett Law Group is ready to help. Our personal injury attorneys understand the challenges that come with spine injuries and are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. We provide strong legal support to clients facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income.
With years of experience handling complex personal injury cases, our team knows how to build a strong case for maximum recovery. We offer a free initial consultation and a no-obligation consultation, so you can speak directly with an experienced lawyer about your case.
Contact us today to get the guidance, compassion, and representation you need.
"*" indicates required fields
