Brain & Spine Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, herniated disks, and paralysis caused by someone else’s negligence.
Every brain and spinal cord injury is different, and every recovery is different. Some people return to normal after treatment. Others face a lifetime of medical care, disability, and changes that affect every part of their lives and their families’ lives.
When your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation that accounts for all of it — not just today’s bills. For more than 75 years, Dane Shulman Associates has represented seriously injured people across Massachusetts. Call 617-298-2500 for a free consultation.
Traumatic brain injuries
“Brain injury” covers a wide range, from a concussion to a persistent vegetative state:
- Concussion
- Contusion (bruising of the brain)
- Closed head injury
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Hypoxic brain injury (from lack of oxygen)
TBIs are generally classified as mild, moderate, or severe, but even a “mild” TBI can cause lasting problems. Many victims appear to recover yet live with dizziness, migraines, irritability, personality changes, trouble concentrating, memory loss, and post-traumatic stress — effects that can cost them their job.
Spinal cord injuries
Where a spinal cord injury occurs largely determines its severity. Injuries higher on the spine — in the neck — can cause quadriplegia, while injuries lower in the back may cause paraplegia. A complete injury means total loss of function below the injury; an incomplete injury leaves some function.
Even a “lucky” spinal cord injury that heals over time brings enormous medical bills, ongoing physical and occupational therapy, and a long time away from work.
Back injuries
We represent people with all types of back injuries, including herniated and ruptured disks, back sprains and strains, and fractures. Some heal with rest; many require surgery and years of treatment. Few serious back injuries simply go away.
Proving an invisible injury
Brain injuries in particular are often invisible on standard imaging, and insurers use that to minimize claims. Building a strong case may involve neuropsychological testing, advanced MRI and CT imaging, testimony from treating physicians and specialists, and accounts from family and coworkers about how the injured person has changed.
Accounting for a lifetime of costs
A catastrophic injury isn’t measured by the first year of bills. We work with medical and financial experts to project the full cost of your injury over your lifetime, including:
- Future surgeries and medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Home modifications and mobility equipment
- In-home care and assistance
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
Common causes
Most brain and spinal cord injuries we see are caused by car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. Others result from falls on ice, falling objects in stores and warehouses, construction and workplace accidents, and violent attacks.
FAQ
Living with a brain or spine injury? Let’s talk.
Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win. The sooner we start, the more we can do.