South Carolina Spine Injury From Boat Accident Lawyer

South Carolina Boating Accident Attorneys for Spinal Cord Injury

Spine and back injuries resulting from a South Carolina boat accident can alter the course of your life. The recovery process after suffering a severe spine injury is often a long one. However, you do not need to embark on the journey alone.

At the Steinberg Law Firm, our dedicated South Carolina boat accident lawyers have been representing injury victims, including those suffering spine injuries in boat accidents, for more than 95 years. We approach each case with compassion, first learning about you and your injuries before recommending any course of action. We understand and respect that you may not have made up your mind about bringing a lawsuit after the accident. However, if you have questions about the accident, your injuries, or how you can recover compensation to help you offset the costs you have incurred as a result of the accident, we are here for you. 

Boating Accident Statistics

Throughout much of the year, boating is a common recreational activity in South Carolina. Most of the time, boats are safe. However, when inexperienced, drunk, or reckless drivers steer the craft, everyone on the water is at risk.

According to the United States Coast Guard, there were 4,168 boat accidents in 2019. These boat accidents injured more than 2,500 boaters and killed an additional 613 people. The Coast Guard explains that the top five causes of reported boat accidents in 2019 were:

• Operator inattention
• Improper lookout
• Operator inexperience
• Excessive speed
• Alcohol use

Many South Carolina boat accidents will involve several of these causes. This is especially the case for those accidents involving a driver who was under the influence. The Coast Guard estimates that alcohol is involved in 23 percent of all fatal boat accidents. 

Common Spine Injuries After a South Carolina Boat Accident

The spinal cord is the structure responsible for transmitting nerve impulses throughout the body. The spinal cord travels through a series of small bones, called vertebrae, that protect the spine and facilitate the body’s movement. Damage to the spine due to physical trauma can be one of the most debilitating types of injuries.

When the body suffers physical trauma, it can cause several different types of spine injury. The most common spine injuries following a boat accident include:

Compression fractures: A compression fracture occurs when force to the spine causes a small crack on one or more vertebrae. Those suffering from a compression fracture will often experience excruciating pain, trouble maintaining their posture, and difficulty breathing.

Vertebrae fractures: If enough pressure is applied to the spinal column, the vertebrae can break or fracture. Vertebral fractures often cause severe pain that gets worse when walking and a limited range of motion. A fractured vertebra may place additional pressure on the spinal cord, resulting in a pinched nerve or permanent spinal cord damage. 

Herniated discs: A disc refers to the soft, cushion-like structure between each vertebra. When excessive force is applied to the spine, vertebral discs can break, rupture or bulge. Disc injuries can be excruciating and accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. Disc injuries, if untreated, can worsen over time.

Spinal cord damage: Boat accidents may cause permanent damage to the spinal cord. This may be due to a fractured vertebra that results in sharp pieces of bone coming into contact with the spinal cord. In severe cases, the spinal cord can become severed. Spinal cord damage can cause loss of movement, loss of bladder function, difficulty breathing, and even permanent paralysis.

Following a South Carolina boat accident, those who suffer a spine injury may be entitled to monetary compensation from the parties responsible for their injuries. If successful, a boat accident claim may result in an accident victim recovering for their medical expenses, lost wages, as well as for any pain and suffering they endured as a result of the accident. 

Contact the Boat Accident Attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one recently suffered a spine injury after a South Carolina boat accident, the experienced personal injury lawyers at the Steinberg Law Firm are here to help. For more than 95 years, our team of attorneys has successfully represented injury victims and their families in boat accident claims. We recognize that this is a tough time for you and your family and want to make the process as easy on you as we can. We offer free consultations to all accident victims, during which we can answer all your questions so you can make the decision that best fits your needs. When you are ready to talk to a lawyer, you can reach the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800. You can also contact us through our online form, and one of our attorneys will get back to you shortly.