Spinal damage is among the most disruptive types of injury that an individual can sustain. If someone else’s careless actions caused your spinal injury, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. You may be entitled to compensation that can help you focus on healing rather than worrying about bills.
The attorneys at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman understand how overwhelming this time can be for you and your family. Our personal injury law firm will fight aggressively on your behalf while treating you with the compassion you deserve. We serve clients in Oklahoma City and the surrounding communities in Oklahoma, Cleveland, McClain, Canadian, Grady, and Garvin counties from our office in Norman. Contact us today to discuss your case in a free consultation.
When you’re dealing with a life-changing injury, you need a legal team that will stand by your side every step of the way. Our law office offers a collaborative approach that sets us apart from other firms in the Oklahoma City area and throughout the state:
The partners at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman founded the firm in 2014, having previously worked as solo practitioners and at large law firms. They combined the best elements of both experiences to create something better. When you work with our team, you’ll receive personalized attention backed by the resources and skills needed to handle complex spinal injury cases.
The spine serves as the main highway of your nervous system. It consists of 33 bones called vertebrae, cushioning discs between those bones, and a bundle of nerves that carry signals between your brain and the rest of your body. When any part of this system gets hurt, the consequences can be severe and permanent.
Spinal damage can take many forms, from herniated disks and fractured vertebrae to partial or complete severing of the spinal cord itself. The location and severity of the injury determine what symptoms a person will experience. Some people face chronic pain and limited mobility, while others may lose feeling or function in parts of their body below the injury site.
Medical science has made significant advances, but there is currently no cure for damaged spinal cord nerves. This means that many spinal injuries result in permanent changes to a person’s life, abilities, and independence.
Spinal injuries can occur in many different situations. Research indicates that certain types of accidents are more likely to result in these injuries than others.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of spinal damage for people under 45 years old. The sudden force of a collision can fracture vertebrae, herniate disks, or harm the spinal cord directly. Falls are the most common cause for people over 45, though they can cause serious spinal injuries at any age. Other common causes include workplace incidents, sports and diving accidents, and acts of violence.
When these injuries happen because someone else acted carelessly, the injured person may have grounds to seek compensation.
Doctors categorize spinal injuries based on the location where they occur along the spine. The higher the injury site, the more of the body it typically affects.
Cervical injuries occur in the neck region and often cause the most severe outcomes. A person with a cervical spinal cord injury may lose function in their arms, chest, and legs. This type of paralysis is sometimes called quadriplegia or tetraplegia.
Thoracic injuries happen in the mid-back area and can result in paralysis of the chest and legs while leaving the arms and hands functional. This is known as paraplegia.
Finally, lumbar and sacral injuries affect the lower back and pelvic region. These injuries may cause varying degrees of dysfunction in the hips and legs. Some people with lower spinal injuries can walk with assistance from braces or other devices, while others require wheelchairs.
Beyond the immediate loss of mobility or sensation, spinal injuries often bring ongoing health challenges that require lifelong management.
People with paralysis frequently develop osteoporosis because their bones no longer bear weight regularly. This bone loss occurs rapidly in the first two years following the injury. Respiratory problems are also common, especially among individuals with upper spine injuries, as the muscles responsible for breathing may be weakened.
Other long-term concerns include chronic pain, muscle spasms, pressure sores from sitting for extended periods, and increased risk of infections.
Depression affects many spinal injury survivors as they adjust to significant changes in their daily lives and abilities. The emotional toll of a spinal injury can be just as challenging as the physical effects.
All of these factors contribute to the substantial costs associated with spinal injuries. Medical care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and ongoing therapy add up quickly.
When someone else’s carelessness causes your spinal injury, working with a lawyer to file a claim against them may allow you to recover money for:
The goal of compensation is to address the financial harm caused by your injury so you can focus on your health and well-being. Our attorneys serving Oklahoma City will carefully evaluate every aspect of your situation to pursue the full amount you are entitled to.
Oklahoma law gives injury victims two years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit. This deadline applies to cases involving spinal injuries. If you do not initiate legal action in time, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
Most personal injury claims settle through negotiations with insurance companies without ever going to court. However, having a skilled lawyer who is ready and willing to take your case to trial can make a significant difference in the outcome of those negotiations. Insurance companies know which attorneys will fight for their clients, and they often offer better settlements as a result.
If you are going through the immense challenges that come with a spinal injury, you deserve to work with someone who will support you respectfully and tenaciously. The attorneys at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman will handle every aspect of your claim while keeping you informed and involved throughout the process. Let us fight to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Contact Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman today for a free consultation to discuss your spinal injury case with a skilled lawyer. Based in Norman, we’re proud to serve clients in Oklahoma City and the neighboring communities in Oklahoma, Cleveland, McClain, Canadian, Grady, and Garvin counties.
