If someone else’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury in Newport News, having the right legal team will facilitate your path to recovery. Tronfeld West & Durrett has represented injury victims in Virginia for over 50 years, and our team is well-equipped to investigate the circumstances, build your case, and fight for full compensation.
How Tronfeld, West & Durrett Help Spinal Cord Injury Victims
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our attorneys combine decades of Virginia trial experience with medical knowledge and local relationships to build strong SCI cases. We’ve handled cases involving multi-million-dollar damages for clients facing paralysis, long-term home modifications, and permanent loss of income.
“One challenge insurers love to exploit is arguing that future costs are speculative,” explains attorney Elizabeth West. “We bring in respected life-care planners and economists to project long-term medical expenses and ensure nothing is left out of your claim.”
Tronfeld West & Durrett takes a thorough, evidence-driven approach to every case, helping you with:
- Thoroughly investigating the case to determine who’s responsible under Virginia law.
- Gathering evidence to establish liability and strengthen your claim.
- Consulting medical experts to evaluate the full impact of your injury and forecast future healthcare costs.
- Calculating damages not just for current losses, but for long-term care needs and diminished quality of life.
- Taking over all communications with insurers and pursuing litigation when they offer inadequate settlements.
A Newport News lawyer from our law firm can make all the difference in your case’s outcome. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and legal options and charge no fee unless we win.
For answers to your questions about a spinal cord injuries in Newport News, call:
800-321-6741
Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Impact on Your Case
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are serious injuries that damage the spinal cord, disrupting communication between the brain and body.
These injuries range in severity, but even partial spinal damage can result in long-term disability, loss of independence, and ongoing medical complications. In addition to physical limitations, many SCI victims experience emotional trauma and financial hardship stemming from lost income and high medical costs.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve seen firsthand how the costs of negligence escalate. For example, our firm secured a $4.25 million settlement for a client who suffered a C7 spinal cord injury and quadriplegia after a tractor-trailer accident. In another case, we achieved a $1.25 million settlement for a client whose pre-existing spinal condition was severely aggravated in an intersection crash in Newport News. These results reflect not only the medical complexity of spinal injuries but also the legal skill needed to prove long-term damages and future care needs.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Newport News
Spinal cord injuries happen in a variety of scenarios. Some of the most common causes we’ve seen in cases we’ve handled over the years include:
- Motor vehicle crashes, such as car, truck, and motorcycle accidents.
- Falls from heights, especially on construction sites or industrial premises.
- Slips and falls in public areas, stores, or residential properties.
- Acts of violence, including gunshots or physical assaults.
- High-impact sports like football, hockey, or diving.
- Medical or surgical malpractice involving spinal procedures or anesthesia errors.
- Defective products, such as unsafe ladders, vehicle defects, or malfunctioning protective gear.
Each of these situations involves different legal considerations. For example, compensation for medical malpractice is subject to additional rules and damage caps compared to a car accident case. During a free consultation, an expert attorney can explain which limits may apply and what your case might be worth.
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Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke classifies spinal cord injuries into different categories based on severity and location:
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
This type of injury results in the total loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site. Victims with complete SCIs may be diagnosed with paraplegia or quadriplegia, depending on where along the spinal cord the injury occurred.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
In incomplete SCIs, some nerve signals can still travel past the injury site. The extent of mobility and feeling that remains varies widely. Individuals may retain partial movement in one limb, or feel sensation but have difficulty with muscle control. These injuries offer better chances of recovery with proper care and rehabilitation.
Other Related Spinal Injuries
Not all spinal injuries result in complete or incomplete paralysis. Many victims suffer from herniated or ruptured discs, spinal fractures, whiplash, or nerve impingement. These injuries can still cause chronic pain, neurological issues, and significant limitations in movement and work capacity.
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Signs and Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
- Loss of movement or paralysis in any part of the body
- Tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation, especially in the limbs
- Difficulty breathing or clearing secretions from the lungs
- Poor coordination or inability to balance
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Intense pain or pressure in the back, neck, or head
- Muscle weakness or spasms
- Difficulty walking or standing
Filing Deadlines and Legal Considerations in Virginia
Under Virginia’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be.
Besides being able to build a strong case to file within the statute of limitations, acting promptly protects critical evidence that may be lost or become unavailable with time. A Newport News personal injury lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett can help you navigate filing procedures, negotiate with insurers, and prepare your case for court if necessary.
Talk to a Newport News Injury Lawyer Who Understands
Since 1972, Tronfeld West & Durrett has represented personal injury victims across Virginia. As shown in our case results, we’ve recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for clients in a myriad of cases.
Our team is large enough to handle high-stakes claims and small enough to provide personalized support from your first call to the resolution of your case. To learn more about us or begin your legal journey, contact us for a free consultation.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form