Spinal Cord Injuries

Union County Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Also Serving Essex County and All of the North Jersey Region

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most severe and life-altering injuries an individual can endure. They can lead to partial or complete loss of mobility, sensation, and independence, requiring significant medical intervention and long-term care. If you’ve suffered an injury like this because another person or organization was negligent, you deserve compensation. Our lawyer is here to help you get all that you need to cover expenses in the short-term and the long-term and ultimately rebuild your life.

Call Attorney Michael Chelland in our Union County office today at (908) 948-8395. Or, contact us online. We offer virtual consultations.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

While no two injuries are wholly alike, SCIs generally fall into two main categories:

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of sensory and motor function below the point of injury. This occurs when the spinal cord is fully severed or damaged to the extent that signals from the brain cannot pass through. Individuals with complete spinal cord injuries often experience permanent paralysis, such as paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs).

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

An incomplete injury, on the other hand, allows for some sensory or motor function below the injury site. The extent of function retained varies widely depending on the nature of the damage and its location on the spinal cord. For instance, a person with an incomplete SCI may retain some ability to move a limb or feel sensation in areas below the injury.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can happen in numerous ways, often resulting from someone else’s negligence or unexpected accidents. These include:

Motor vehicle accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are leading causes of SCIs and other catastrophic injuries. Whiplash, rollover crashes, or ejections from a vehicle can result in severe spinal damage.
Falls: Slips and falls, especially from significant heights or onto hard surfaces, can result in spinal trauma, particularly among older adults.
Sports and recreational activities: High-impact sports like football, gymnastics, or diving can lead to spinal injuries, particularly if protective measures are inadequate or injuries result from poorly designed equipment or unsafe conditions.
Workplace accidents: Construction site falls, equipment malfunctions and improper safety protocols in industrial settings often contribute to spinal cord injuries.
Acts of violence: Gunshot wounds or physical assaults may also cause damage to the spinal cord.

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Recovery from Spinal Cord Injuries

The road to recovery following a spinal cord injury can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. Proper care requires a multi-faceted approach that includes:

Immediate medical care: Those with SCIs often require surgeries to stabilize fractures, reduce swelling, or decompress the spine. Long-term monitoring for complications such as infections or blood clots may also be necessary.
Rehabilitation: Physical therapy helps individuals regain as much mobility and strength as possible, while occupational therapy focuses on relearning daily tasks. Technological advances, such as adaptive equipment, can further aid recovery.
Mental and emotional support: The transition into life with limited mobility can result in depression, anxiety, or feelings of helplessness. Support systems, including counseling, peer groups, and therapist-guided care, provide vital resources for emotional resilience.
Long-term care: Many SCI patients require lifelong assistance, from personal care aides to home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms.

The costs of all of the above, and more, can be exorbitant. What’s more, victims may no longer be able to continue in their chosen careers or to do what’s necessary to earn promotions. All of this is another financial burden that should be considered in any kind of settlement.

Better Days Are Closer Than You Think

With Michael Chelland, You Have A Warrior On Your Side

We genuinely care about you—your journey, your recovery, and making sure you’re supported every step of the way. Here's what sets us apart.

Personal Attention

We understand how overwhelming this time can be. We take the time to listen and address your concerns with care and understanding.
Strategic Advocacy

We focus on creating practical solutions tailored to your unique situation, keeping your needs at the forefront of everything we do.
Relentless Pursuit of Justice

Our compassionate care turns into steadfast persistence with insurance companies, working toward fair compensation.
Guidance You Can Trust

We guide you through every step of the process with transparency and clear communication, allowing you to focus on recovery.

How Our Lawyer Can Help

Attorney Michael Chelland has past experience working in the insurance industry. He knows firsthand how carriers try to settle for the least amount possible. That’s wrong, and its impact can be felt even more in catastrophic cases like spinal cord injuries. Our Union County office will take the lead in gathering evidence and negotiating with the insurance carrier. If it’s necessary to go to court to get you the settlement you need, we’re prepared to do just that.

If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, you don’t have to face this alone. Let us help you and your family begin the road to recovery.

Call (908) 948-8395 today.

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"Absolute Game-Changer"
His strategic approach, attention to detail, and communication instilled confidence in me throughout the entire process. I felt empowered and supported every step of the way.

- Vanessa P.
"I Felt Like A Priority"
Michael made the entire process seamless. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also demonstrates genuine compassion for his clients.

- Tasha D.
"Helpful And Knowledable"
Extremely professional, very helpful and knowledgeable. Mr. Chelland provided me with excellent legal counsel on multiple occasions and I highly recommend!

- Former Client