Phoenix Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Attorney John Kelly: Protecting the Rights of Those with Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

What Do You Do When Life Changes in a Split Second?

A spinal cord injury can change everything in the blink of an eye. If you or a family member have been injured in an accident or from medical malpractice and have become one of the hundreds of thousands in the U.S. dealing with life as a quadriplegic or paraplegic, it’s hard not to lose hope. You soon come to the realization that you may be facing a life of high medical costs and extensive long-term therapy. In addition to seeing a loved one in such physical and emotional pain, significant lifestyle changes are necessary.

The attorneys at Kelly Law Team have extensive experience standing up for people who have suffered spinal cord injuries and helping their families. We understand the medical, emotional, and financial challenges they face on a daily basis. When we take your case, we’ll make sure the negligent party is held accountable and you are awarded maximum compensation so you can move forward.

What Are Some of the Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries Kelly Law Team Handles?

• Car Crashes
• Truck Crashes
• Medical Malpractice
• Pedestrians Struck by Vehicles
• Workplace Accidents
• Falls and Premises Falls
• Sports and Recreational Accidents
• Acts of Violence

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

The National Spinal Cord Statistical Analysis Center at the University of Alabama (NSCISC) is the world’s largest, federally funded spinal cord injury database. By collecting long-term data and research, they aim to improve care, quality of life and life expectancy of people living with spinal cord injuries.

NSCISC recognizes 4 categories of SCI

• High Tetraplegia, also known as High Quadriplegia, is an injury to cervical spine levels C1–C4, with little or no movement below the Breathing can be affected.
• Low Tetraplegia is an injury to cervical spine levels C5-C8. While paralysis involves all four limbs, there may be some arm and hand
• Paraplegia is a condition affecting the lower body only while arm and hand function remain
• Motor Function at Any Level is used to describe someone with partial motor

What is the Importance of These Classifications?

NSCISC compiles information on Lifetime Medical Costs, which is critical knowledge when filing a spinal cord injury claim.

• Annual Health Care Costs and Living Expenses for the four categories for High Tetraplegia or Quadriplegia average $1,447,000 for the first NSCISC estimates total Lifetime Health and Living Expenses at $6,419,000 for a person injured at age 25.
• Low Tetraplegia has slightly lower Health Care Costs and Living Expenses, with estimates for the first year of $1,045,000 and $4,690,000 over a lifetime for a person injured at 25.
• Paraplegia totals are still staggering at $705,000 in the first year and $3,139,000

lifetime expenses.

• Motor Function at Any Level carries a $472,000 burden for care and living expenses in the first year and $1,513,000 in expenses over a 25-year-old’s

Is There More to the Story than Medical and Living Expenses?

While costs for medical care and living expenses are enormous, they don’t tell the full story

of how complex and lifelong the effects of a spinal cord really are.

A person living as a quadriplegic or paraplegic faces daily challenges in every facet of life that others will never know.

Sometimes the Entire Home a Person is Living in Becomes Unusable After an Accident

To remain at home, doorways and hallways must be widened. A bathroom must be enlarged to accommodate a wheelchair. A roll-in shower is needed. Sinks and vanities must be replaced and lowered. Ramps must be installed. A backup power system can be critical.

Going Anywhere Outside the Home is a Challenge

Usually, a specially converted van with a wheelchair ramp is required. Dealing with weather becomes more than just grabbing a warm jacket. Snow, rain, and ice can be major disruptions to someone who relies on a wheelchair to get around. Destinations must be pre-screened for handicap accessibility.

Family Life can Become Difficult

A person with a spinal cord injury may suffer from depression, anxiety or PTSD after initial treatment when the reality of life sets in. Spouses, parents and children often become unpaid caregivers. They often are overstressed, with little time left to pursue their own careers, hobbies, and interests. They become fatigued over time.

What Happens to a Quadriplegic Person if He or She is No Longer Able to Work?

In addition to losing earning power, a person with a spinal cord injury often experiences feelings of isolation and loss of control. Depression and anxiety can set in.

The Expenses are Ongoing

Expenses for the needs of a quadriplegic or paraplegic person are ongoing. Motorized wheelchairs that cost tens of thousands of dollars and expensive wheelchair-adapted-vans eventually need to be replaced. Lifts and cushions get old and need to be replaced. Wood in home exterior ramps needs painting and maintenance.

Aging with Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, or Loss of Motor Function is Difficult

A person with quadriplegia or paraplegia may experience health decline more rapidly as they age because of secondary health complications that occur later in life. People frequently deal with recurring infections, respiratory issues, pressure sores, and chronic pain.

Families Adjust the Best They Can

Many families try to take on the caregiver role themselves in the beginning, but it can be overwhelming. Parents, spouses, and adult children may become caregivers while trying to manage their own lives, finances, and jobs at the same time.

Over time, however, they may realize they can’t adequately provide the level of care needed. Sometimes outside help, such as home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services, is needed. The emotional and financial strains become enormous.

Why is it Important to Have Specialized Legal Representation?

After a catastrophic spinal cord injury, families assume that insurance companies will recognize the seriousness of the situation and respond accordingly. Unfortunately, often this is not the case. These claims are scrutinized because of the enormous financial costs involved.

Insurance companies and teams of defense lawyers start working on the cases immediately with the goal of minimizing financial exposure for their clients. It is almost always advantageous for them to make an early offer, before the family has fully evaluated the situation. They may argue that compensation for future expenses is exaggerated, or even unnecessary, all in an effort to save money. They often hire their own expert accident reconstruction witnesses to provide testimony favorable to their case for lowered compensation.

An experienced law team specializing in spinal cord injuries will recognize and vigorously combat these tactics.

Why Should I Hire the Kelly Law Team?

John Kelly is an experienced attorney who has successfully represented Phoenix clients in spinal cord injuries cases. Our team understands the emotional and financial burdens families face. Our goal is to stand with them, protect their rights, and serve as their trusted guide in the legal matters that must be dealt with.

We work to gain maximum compensation for our clients. Our experience means that we will not underestimate the enormity of your loss.

Kelly Law Team Prioritizes Your Case Immediately

Attorney John Kelly understands Arizona Law and knows how important it is to thoroughly investigate accidents, establish timelines, and document treatment. Preservation of evidence is of immediate concern.

We know that insurance companies have entire departments dedicated to loss prevention. They are looking for inconsistencies and trying to cast doubt about the severity of injuries and cost of care to reduce damages.

Phoenix attorney John Kelly knows Arizona spinal cord injury law. He will go to work on your case immediately. After you become our client, we deal with the insurance company.

If a spinal cord injury is the result of an accident or medical malpractice, the Kelly Law Team will assemble strong evidence so fault can be assigned. Our attorneys will prepare a trial-ready case, then negotiate from a position of strength. This proven process ensures maximum financial compensation.

John understands what you and your family are experiencing and he wants to help. We invite you to call us today for a free case evaluation.