John Crangle is a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Greenville, SC. He helps spinal cord injury victims and their families secure the compensation needed to rebuild their lives. Ready to take action on your claim? Call today for a free consultation.
Over 1000 Clients Represented
You need an experienced attorney. John has tried more than a dozen cases to jury verdict as lead defense attorney. He knows what a good resolution of your case is, and more importantly what a bad resolution is.
“Mr. Crangle did a great job in handling my legal issue. Quick, polite, easy to work with, and affordable. Definitely would recommend!”
Vincent D“100% recommend John for any ongoing case. He got my case dismissed. Best criminal defense in the upstate.”
Johnathan MUnderstanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Your spinal cord serves as the primary passageway for signals between the brain and body. When damaged, it disrupts or severs these signals, often leading to permanent effects. Spinal cord injuries fall into two major categories.
Complete injuries occur when the cord is entirely severed or damaged so severely that no motor or sensory function remains below the injury site. Incomplete injuries allow for some preserved function, although recovery widely varies based on the injury’s location and severity.
The injury’s position on the spine dictates which body parts are affected:
Cervical injuries (C1-C8): Damage to the neck region impacts hands, arms, trunk, and legs. Severe cervical injuries cause quadriplegia (or tetraplegia), which means loss of function in all four limbs.
Thoracic injuries (T1-T12): Affect the mid-back, chest, abdomen, and legs, often leading to paraplegia (loss of lower body function).
Lumbar injuries (L1-L5): Involve the lower back, affecting hips, legs, and bladder, while usually preserving some arm and hand function.
Sacral injuries (S1-S5): Influence the hips, thighs, and pelvic organs.
The higher the injury, the more significant the loss of function. A C4 injury could require lifelong ventilator dependence.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries rarely occur without a trigger. Most often, a traumatic event, exacerbated by someone’s negligence, is to blame.
Motor vehicle collisions top the list. The impact from a crash can fracture vertebrae, herniate discs, or even sever the spinal cord. Greenville County, with about 16,640 crashes yearly, holds the record for the highest traffic collisions in South Carolina. Dangerous stretches like I-85, I-385, Woodruff Road, and Wade Hampton Boulevard are hotspots for severe accidents.
Truck accidents pose a heightened risk of catastrophic injury. A collision between a large commercial vehicle and a car can deliver the kind of force that severs a spinal cord. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident nearby, navigating the legal claims can be complex, making skilled legal assistance essential.
Motorcycle crashes leave riders vulnerable, often resulting in spinal injuries, even at low speeds.
Falls rank as the second most common cause, frequently affecting construction workers, seniors, and anyone hurt on unsafe property.
Sports and recreation accidents can specifically cause cervical injuries, especially in sports involving contact, diving mishaps, and ATV incidents.
Acts of violence, like gunshots and assaults, also contribute significantly to spinal cord injury statistics each year. Additionally, injuries from acts of violence often involve complex legal issues that require detailed attention.
Damages in a Spinal Cord Injury Case
The economic impact of a spinal cord injury is monumental. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) projects lifetime costs between roughly $1.1 million and $4.9 million, depending on the injury severity and the individual’s age at the time. In severe tetragonal cases, where constant ventilator support is necessary, costs can surpass these estimates.
Immediate medical expenses might include emergency transportation, trauma surgery, spinal stabilization, and intensive care. Prisma Health in Greenville features a Level I trauma center adept at managing severe spinal cord injuries. Initial hospital stays alone can cost hundreds of thousands.
Long-term expenses quickly eclipse initial costs and typically encompass:
Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation
Physical and occupational therapy
Assistive devices: wheelchairs, voice-controlled tech, communication aids
Home modifications: ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, lifts
Personal and medical care
Bladder, bowel, and respiratory care
Treatment for secondary complications like pressure sores, infections, and chronic pain
A comprehensive life care plan highlights all future projected costs. John Crangle collaborates with life care planners and medical professionals to support the full scope of your damages.
Compensation may cover:
Past and future medical bills
Lost wages and reduced earning potential (many SCI victims can’t return to their previous jobs)
Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Reduced enjoyment of life
Loss of companionship for your spouse or family
In-home care and assisted living costs
These cases often demand accident reconstruction to determine how the crash occurred, along with medical testimony about prognosis, limitations, and future care needs.
South Carolina Law and Your SCI Claim
Two pivotal legal rules frame spinal cord injury cases in South Carolina.
Modified comparative negligence: As per S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15, you can still receive compensation, even if partially at fault. However, your compensation decreases proportionally to your fault percentage. If found 51% or more at fault, recovery is barred. Insurers routinely attempt to shift the blame to reduce payouts.
Statute of limitations: South Carolina allows three years from the injury date to initiate a personal injury lawsuit (§ 15-3-530). Missing this deadline voids your right to compensation, irrespective of injury severity. If a government body is involved, a separate six-month notice per the South Carolina Tort Claims Act is necessary before filing.
Navigating these high-stakes claims alone isn’t advisable. Insurance adjusters are seasoned negotiators keen on minimizing payouts. You need someone who understands how to counter them.
Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one suffer a spinal cord injury, immediate medical care is paramount. Yet, once the initial crisis settles, it’s crucial to focus on protecting your legal rights.
Gather full medical documentation. Every surgery, therapy session, and physician note is vital evidence. Don’t skip any follow-up appointments.
Preserve scene evidence. Photographs, police reports, witness information, and surveillance footage can vanish quickly.
Avoid recorded statements to insurers. Insurance companies exploit recorded statements for inconsistencies. You’re not obligated to provide one before consulting a lawyer.
Document all financial losses. Keep records of every medical bill, out-of-pocket expense, and missed workday.
Consult an attorney promptly. Evidence can fade, witnesses might relocate, and deadlines aren’t flexible. The sooner you secure legal help, the stronger your case becomes.
How John Crangle Can Help
Spinal cord injury claims stand among South Carolina’s most intricate and high-value personal injury cases. Often, multiple parties may be liable, ranging from negligent motorists and trucking firms to property owners and employers. Insurance firms deploy experienced defense teams to mitigate their liability.
John Crangle is a skilled Greenville personal injury attorney who tackles these cases with the dedication they deserve. He ensures a thorough record of your injuries, collaborates with the right professionals to outline long-term needs, and strives for compensation that truly reflects your new life’s cost.
Operating throughout Greenville County and surrounding areas, including Simpsonville, Mauldin, Greer, Easley, Travelers Rest, Anderson, and Spartanburg, John provides free consultations. You only pay if compensation is recovered. Get a free case review today and learn what your case could be worth.