New Technology Helping Spinal Cord Injury Victim

We know that this story is not based in our coverage area, but the technology is discussed is going to affect those who have had spinal cord injuries all over the country. Lucas Hernandez, 20, suffered from a spinal cord injury when a load of steel pipes at a construction site fell on him and broke his neck.

The accident left him as what they call an “incomplete paraplegic.” He had surgery and has been in rehabilitation for the last six months. He has made more progress than his doctors thought he would. Much of that is thanks to an Indego Exoskeleton, a robotic device that is attached to his hips, thighs, knees, and ankles.

The device is battery powered and has settings that adjust to each patient’s needs. It provides support when people are learning to walk again and is a breakthrough in physical therapy.

At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we know that spinal cord injuries can be devastating for a victim and their family. That is why we want to help.

If you need a San Diego spinal cord injury attorney, you can count on us to fight for the compensation you deserve.

How They Happen

Spinal cord injuries, like the one discussed above, are not uncommon in the workplace, especially for jobs in construction.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the main causes of SCIs are:

• Vehicle Accidents – 38%

• Falls – 30.5%

• Violence – 13.5%

• Sport and Recreation Accidents – 9%

• Medical or Surgical Mistakes – 5%

Many of those injuries happen in the workplace as the result of poor company management or coworker recklessness.

Outcomes

The costs for the first year of medical expenses for these injuries range from $346,896 to over $1 million dollars, depending on the severity of the injury. For each following year, the costs range from $42,256 to $185,111.

What is not discussed in these costs are the hidden expenses that individuals and families experience in the aftermath. These can include:

• Lost income of the person injured

• Lost income of a family member if they become a caregiver

• Home and vehicle accommodations (wheelchair ramps, accessible vehicles, doorway widening)

• Travel expenses to hospitals and rehabilitation centers

Life expectancy is typically reduced because of these injuries and they also lead to other medical conditions developing in the person who is injured throughout their lifetime.

• Over 30 percent of all spinal cord injury victims are re-hospitalized one or more times each year due to complications from their injury.

• Spinal cord injury victims and their families often suffer from psychological and emotional problems and need counseling.

Your Options Moving Forward

If you or your loved one have suffered from a workplace spinal cord injury and it was caused by the negligence of another person or company, we want to help. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, our qualified and experienced team will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need for all of your accident-related expenses.

We know that the average family cannot handle the expenses of this kind of injury by themselves. Let us work to get what you need. When you need a San Diego spinal cord injury attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling at our office.