Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Minneapolis

Helping the Victims of Serious, Catastrophic Injuries Across Minnesota

Brain and spinal injuries are devastating because the brain and the spinal cord work together to send messages to the rest of your body. Your brain allows you to breathe and function every day, while your spinal cord transmits messages from your brain to your body. If your spinal cord sustains damage, messages may not reach their destination quickly—or at all.

If you are one of the 400,000 people with head injuries or 10,000 with spinal cord injuries in the past year, you know how such injuries can interfere with your quality of life. You also know the financial effects of brain and spinal surgeries, treatments, and therapies can add stress during recovery.

Find out more about your legal options; call the Minneapolis brain and spinal cord injury attorney at Meshbesher & Student for a free consultation. We can be reached online or at (612) 200-1526.

Types of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries come in different forms. They can result in cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges, impacting memory, concentration, mood, and overall quality of life.

They include:

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Subdural hematomas
• Coup and contrecoup brain injury
• Cerebral anoxia
• Permanent brain damage that can lead to lifelong disability

You should know that you do not have to lose consciousness for a brain injury to occur. If you were in an accident and hit your head but did not lose consciousness, symptoms can develop later. For example, a brain aneurysm or ongoing bleeding can cause disorientation and memory problems in the days following an accident.

No brain injury is ever truly minor. Even minor trauma can worsen over time and affect daily functioning. Any injury to the brain can have a real impact. It does not matter if you were hurt in a slip and fall accident that seemed minor or walked away from an auto accident without visible injuries. Invisible injuries can be even more life-altering.

Types of Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries, like brain injuries, have many forms as well. Spinal injuries can vary widely in severity and type, sometimes resulting in partial or complete loss of movement and sensation.

They can include:

• Back injuries
• Compression fractures
• Herniated discs
• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal stenosis
• Compression fractures
• And many more

Every year, more than 10,000 people sustain spinal injuries, and more than 250,000 Americans live with those injuries. The spine protects the spinal cord from harm; when the spinal cord is hurt, paralysis and other permanent disabilities can result. Injury to the backbone can cause significant pain due to the numerous nerves that run through the spinal cord. Back injuries can severely reduce a person’s quality of life.

Brain Injury Symptoms

Some brain injuries, such as open-head or penetrating injuries, are immediately apparent. However, others, like concussions or subdural hematomas, are more difficult to detect at first.

If you or another person suffers a blow to the head or is involved in any type of traumatic accident, watch for these brain injury symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness (can range from a few seconds to hours)
• Confusion and disorientation
• Trouble remembering the accident and other memory problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue or excessive sleepiness
• Inability to sleep (insomnia)
• Seizures
• Dilated pupils
• Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
• Trouble waking up
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to bright light or loud noises
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings

Keeping a record of your symptoms and noting any changes in mood, memory, or physical ability helps your provider give you the most accurate care. If you notice any signs of a traumatic brain injury in yourself or someone else after an accident, seek immediate medical attention. Even mild symptoms should prompt a check-up, as early care can prevent complications.

Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms

Some spinal cord injuries cause paralysis or other clear symptoms, but others reveal themselves more subtly after an accident or trauma.

After an accident or traumatic event, the following symptoms could indicate a spinal cord injury:

• Difficulty walking, standing, or sitting up
• Inability to move the limbs (including both arms and/or legs)
• Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
• Unnatural head position
• Persistent pain, stiffness, or a feeling of pressure in the back or neck
• Loss of consciousness
• Headache
• Shock
• Incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control)

If you suspect that you or someone else has sustained a spinal cord injury, do not attempt to move the injured person. Moving someone with a spinal injury can cause further harm. Keep the injured person as still as possible until medical help arrives. Call 911 and request an ambulance. Tell paramedics you suspect a spinal cord injury so they begin proper protocols right away.

Common Causes of Brain & Spinal Injuries

Brain and spinal injuries in Minneapolis can result from a variety of incidents, often during daily activities or travel on local roads. 

Brain and spinal injuries can occur from:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls
• Acts of violence
• Sports injuries

Establishing the cause of your brain or spinal injury is a critical part of building a strong case. Each cause may affect liability and the legal investigation needed. Awareness of these local trends helps our firm build claims tailored to specific circumstances in the Minneapolis area.

Supporting Clients in Brain & Spinal Injury Claims

Although the physical effects of these injuries may last a lifetime, the financial strain does not have to. You can file a claim against the responsible parties for your brain or spinal injuries. Claims may include medical expenses related to the accident, lost income, pain and suffering, and additional losses. The goal of your Minneapolis brain and spinal cord injury attorney is to pursue the highest possible compensation and ensure you are not limited to what an insurance company offers. You may be entitled to more than an initial settlement.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain or spinal injury, your life has already been disrupted enough. You should not have to face a mounting stack of medical bills while your income is reduced or you cannot work. You need a legal advocate who communicates your rights and ensures you know all your options.

Call us today at (612) 200-1526 or fill out our contact form for your free case evaluation. Let our brain and spinal cord injury lawyer in Minneapolis support you and your loved ones.

FAQs

What should I do after a suspected brain injury?

If you suspect a brain injury, seek immediate medical attention and document your symptoms as they develop. Keep all records from your medical visits and consult an attorney to review your rights and options before communicating with insurance companies.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota law, most personal injury lawsuits, including those for brain and spinal injuries, must be filed within a specific time frame, called the statute of limitations. In Minnesota, this timeframe is six years. However, this can vary for certain cases. Contact a brain and spinal cord injury attorney in Minneapolis promptly to  meet all important deadlines.

Can family members be involved in my brain and spinal injury claim?

Yes, family members often play a crucial role by helping monitor symptoms and supporting ongoing care. They can also help document how the injury affects daily life, which may support your legal case.