Charleston Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

HOFFMAN LAW FIRM

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, approximately 18,000 Americans suffer a traumatic spinal cord injury each year, with over 300,000 individuals currently living with the long-term, life-altering impacts of permanent cord damage.

While spinal cord injuries can occur from a variety of accidents, the result is the same: a life forever changed.

If you’ve been in an accident or have suffered due to medical malpractice in Charleston or anywhere else in South Carolina, you need a skilled spinal cord injury lawyer like the Hoffman Law Firm team.

Our team has the experience necessary to handle complex medical cases like yours and we’re eager to defend the rights of those with spinal cord injuries.

Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of South Carolina law and its specific effects on medical malpractice cases like yours, which is why it’s crucial to contact Hoffman Law Firm before speaking to an insurance adjuster.

The insurance company has its bottom line in mind, but our attorneys have your best interests in mind and at heart. Our results speak for themselves, so schedule your free consultation today.

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What to Do After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury

SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT
If you have sustained accident injuries, getting proper medical care is top priority. Even if you don’t think your injury is serious, be sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible. Keep in mind that a seemingly minor injury can become serious over time if left untreated. Plus, this record will be important if you choose to pursue a personal injury claim.

DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT SCENE
If possible, you can take pictures of the injury and area where your accident occurred. Ask a witness or someone close to you to snap some photos if you’re unable, including the injury and the surroundings.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED SPINAL CORD INJURY ATTORNEY
Get in touch with an experienced spinal cord injury attorney immediately. If you are unsure whether or not you have a valid claim, our team can provide trusted legal advice.

At Hoffman Law Firm, we offer the legal history of handling cases for accident victims who have suffered spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and other catastrophic injuries.

Plus, your initial consultation is completely free!

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

In simplest terms, there are two different types of spinal cord injuries: incomplete and complete.

Incomplete injuries: These types of injuries involve a partially severed spinal cord and make up about 60% of spinal cord injuries. They typically involve some loss of sensation and function below the level of the injury.

Complete injuries: In these cases, the spinal cord is completely severed, and the patient experiences a total loss of sensation and function below the level of injury.

Determined by the location of the injury and which vertebra is damaged, the level of the injury makes a major impact on a patient’s future. There are three levels of injury:

Cervical

Lumbosacral

Thoracic

Common Cause of a Spinal Cord Injury

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, spinal cord injuries can occur as the result of the following:

Medical/surgical error (medical malpractice)

Motor vehicle accidents

Slip and fall

Sports injuries

Violence

AWARDED CHARLESTON PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM

The attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm have earned earned Super Lawyers®, Super Lawyers Rising Stars® and recognition from Lawyers of Distinction Member at 5-Star Rating for their dedication to injury clients.

· $0 Upfront Attorney Fees · Free Case Review ·

Common Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

Symptoms after an accident include the following:

  • Extreme back pain
  • Pressure in the neck, head or back
  • Weakness or paralysis in any part of your body
  • Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet, or toes
  • Difficulty balancing or walking
  • Impaired or irregular breathing
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • An unnaturally positioned neck or back

If you experience any of these spinal cord injury symptoms after an accident, seek immediate medical attention.

Types of Compensation Recovered in a Spinal Cord Injury Case

Think of the spinal cord as a fragile bundle of nerves protected by vertebrae and responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body.

It comes as no surprise that damage to this bundle of nerves can have profound effects on bodily functions, from blood pressure regulation to bowel and bladder control. Loss of sensation can also make injury victims susceptible to skin conditions such as pressure sores.

The road to rehabilitation may be a long one. In cases of complete spinal cord injuries, many victims require ongoing care for the rest of their lives. The costs of physical therapy and home health care can place a significant financial burden on families, along with the costs of home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps.

That’s why the Charleston spinal cord injury lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm are dedicated to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in an accident or as a result of medical malpractice, you may be eligible for compensation for:

  • Hospital bills (including tests such as CT scans, MRIs, etc.)
  • Lost wages
  • Future loss of income
  • Ongoing treatment necessary for recovery (in-home care, rehabilitation, etc.)
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering/emotional distress
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Psychiatric care/therapy
  • Disability benefits
  • Travel expenses for medical visits

If your loved one died from a spinal cord injury caused by another party’s negligence, you may have a wrongful death claim. Contact a spinal cord attorney at Hoffman Law Firm to discuss your legal options and potential compensation.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injury Treatments

Treatment varies depending on the level and type the spinal cord injury, but may include:

Surgery

Steroid injections

Physical therapy

Lifestyle changes

Counseling

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in the United States: Key Statistics

Undoubtedly, spinal cord injuries can truly alter your life. Data shows:

18,000

New Cases Every Year

Roughly 54 out of every 1 million Americans suffer a traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) each year.

~305,000

Living with Permanent Injury

Between 257,000 and 388,000 people in the U.S. live with long-term disability directly caused by spinal cord damage.

Leading Causes

Motor vehicle accidents and falls account for almost 70% of all recorded injuries:

  • 🚗 Motor Vehicle Crashes: 37.5%

  • 🪜 Falls: 31.7%

  • ⚠️ Acts of Violence: 15.4%

  • 🏈 Sports & Recreation: 8.0%

5.4 Million

Living with Paralysis Nationwide

Nearly 1 in 50 Americans lives with some form of paralysis. While traumatic spinal cord injury is a major factor (27.3%), stroke (33.7%) and multiple sclerosis (18.6%) represent the largest share.

Key Demographic Trends

  • Average Age at Injury: 43 years old (up from 29 in the 1970s)

  • Gender Ratio: ~79% of newly injured individuals are male

  • Primary Injury Type: Incomplete tetraplegia (47.4%) is the most common diagnosis at discharge

Statistic Sources: National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), University of Alabama at Birmingham / NSCISC, NIH / National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

CHARLESTON CIVIL LITIGATORS

The attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting a proven record of securing significant results for injury victims.

· $0 Upfront Attorney Fees · Free Case Review ·

How to File a Spinal Cord Lawsuit in South Carolina

A spinal cord injury can have lasting effects on your health, work, and daily life. If another party may be responsible, an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation.

Hoffman Law Firm can help investigate your injury, identify potentially responsible parties, handle communications with insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process.

Our personal injury attorneys represent spinal cord injury victims injured in: motor vehicle accident, an on-the-job injury, or medical malpractice.

Every spinal cord injury case is different. Our legal team can evaluate the circumstances of your injury, explain your options, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages when available.

Schedule a free initial consultation.

What People Are Saying About Us

The service and staff of Hoffman law firm was exceptionally professional. Staff lovingness and kindness was greatly appreciated. 

-Vermelle

They were very helpful, compassionate, and nice. I was at ease during the process of getting help with them. I would recommend them to anyone who wants honesty and professional lawyers. 

-Latvia

Hoffman Law Firm worked hard behind the scenes and completely surpassed our expectations. We will recommend them to our friends and family! 

-Marty

Meet Your Attorneys

Our experienced personal injury team is proud to serve the Lowcountry, offering trusted legal representation right here at home. Committed to securing the compensation our friends and neighbors deserve, our personal injury attorneys will walk beside you each step of the way. 

From filing your claim to communicating with the insurance company, we handle your entire claim for you. Get in touch for trusted legal advice and schedule your free consultation today!

Attorney David Hoffman built Hoffman Law Firm from the ground up, relying solely on his own legal skills, tireless work ethic and natural people skills to gain clients' trust and establish a track record of success. After graduating from The Citadel in 1991, David received his law degree from the University of Florida at Gainesville in 1997.

Attorney
David L.
Hoffman

Attorney Matt Cook became part of the Hoffman Law team after practicing law in the Midlands for more than a decade. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and always knew he eventually wanted to return to the Lowcountry, where he was raised. Matt appreciates the Hoffman Law philosophy because the attorneys share his values including communication, respect, compassion, and availability to clients.

Attorney
Matthew R.
Cook

From her earliest days in law school, Attorney Amanda Stearns knew she wanted to be a trial lawyer. Determined to finish law school quickly so that she could pursue her dream of fighting for justice, Amanda graduated a semester early from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Attorney
Amanda R.
Stearns

Awards & Associations
Hoffman Law Firm Accepting Attorney Referrals

 Our personal injury law firm welcomes referrals for cases that arise anywhere in the state of South Carolina. We are always proud to assist deserving clients offered by a fellow attorney, so contact us today!

Other Practice Areas

Wrongful
Death

Traumatic
Brain Injury

Catastrophic
Injury

Slip &
Fall

Car
Accident

Workers'
Compensation

Civil
Litigation

Personal
Injury

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