Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
The spine is an integral part of a person’s central nervous system, so spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can lead to devastating consequences. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), victims could expend up to $6.4 million in medical and living expenses alone, along with extensive lost quality of life.
Fortunately, it is possible to recover economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party. A Miami spinal cord injuries lawyer can explain who is liable for the top causes of SCIs, but a summary helps.
Traffic Accidents and Negligent Drivers
Auto, truck, and motorcycle crashes remain one of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries, often resulting from negligent driving behaviors. Examples of negligence that frequently lead to high-impact collisions include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Impaired driving
These crashes can cause severe trauma to the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis. In many cases, injured victims may pursue claims against at-fault drivers, rideshare operators, or even vehicle manufacturers if defects contributed to the accident and resulting spinal injuries.
SCIs From Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Miami
Spinal cord injuries involving people on foot or a bike are especially serious due to the lack of physical protection. In Miami, busy streets and dense traffic increase the risk of collisions with motor vehicles. Drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks, ignore bike lanes, or engage in distracted driving often bear responsibility. Liability may also extend to municipalities if poor road design or inadequate signage contributed to the crash.
Property Owner Liability for Slip and Fall Spinal Cord Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can lead to severe SCIs, particularly when hazards exist on poorly maintained properties. In Florida, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Common causes of falls include:
- Wet floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Inadequate lighting
- Broken handrails
When property owners fail to address or warn about these dangers, they may be held liable. Proving negligence often requires showing that the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition.
Workplace Accidents in Miami Commonly Cause SCIs
On-the-job accidents can also result in life-altering spinal cord injuries, especially in construction, warehousing, and transportation industries. Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and heavy machinery accidents are common causes.
While workers’ compensation may cover some losses, injured employees may also have third-party claims against contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other negligent parties. Determining liability depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and whether safety regulations were properly followed at the time.
Call Our Miami Spinal Cord Injuries Attorneys for Additional Information
The short- and long-term consequences of a spinal cord injury can be devastating, so it is critical to retain legal counsel immediately after an accident. Timing is important, as evidence can disappear, and deadlines under Florida law may limit your ability to recover compensation. Gerson & Schwartz, PA, has extensive experience handling complex injury claims, so we are ready to guide you through the process. To discuss your case, please call (305) 371-6000 to set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.
