If you were injured in a Virginia accident that wasn’t your fault and you’re being treated with a spinal cord stimulator, you’re probably wondering what your personal injury claim is worth. Spinal cord stimulators are used to manage chronic pain after a serious injury and while they can be very effective, they come with big costs and implications for your personal injury case.
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator and How is it Implanted?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a device used to manage chronic pain, when other treatments haven’t worked. It sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord which blocks or changes pain signals before they reach the brain. It can be very helpful for people who have persistent pain from nerve damage or after a serious injury.
How Does it Work?
The spinal cord stimulator is a small, battery powered device implanted under the skin, usually in the lower back or abdomen. It’s connected to thin wires called leads which are placed along the spinal cord. The leads send mild electrical impulses to disrupt the pain signals to the brain, so you don’t feel the pain.
Patients can adjust the level of stimulation with a remote control so you can manage your pain based on your activity level or discomfort.
The Procedure to Implant a Spinal Cord Stimulator
The procedure to implant a spinal cord stimulator has two main steps: a trial and the permanent implant.
- Trial: Before the device is permanently implanted, patients go through a trial. During this time, temporary leads are placed along the spinal cord and the device is worn externally. This allows the patient and their doctor to see if the spinal cord stimulator works for their pain.
- Permanent Implant: If the trial is successful, the permanent device is implanted. The procedure is done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The surgeon will make a small incision to place the stimulator device under the skin, usually in the lower back or abdomen. The leads are then placed along the spinal cord through another small incision. Once everything is in place, the incisions are closed and the device is tested to make sure it’s working properly.
The procedure takes a few hours and most patients go home the same day or next day. Recovery is a short period of rest and then gradual return to normal activities.
Benefits and Considerations
A spinal cord stimulator can be a game changer for people with chronic pain, but like any surgery, there are risks: infection, bleeding, device malfunction. Not everyone will get the same amount of pain relief so it’s important to work with your doctor to see if a spinal cord stimulator is right for you.
What’s My Spinal Cord Stimulator Personal Injury Claim Worth
The value of your spinal cord stimulator claim depends on:
- Medical Expenses: Spinal cord stimulators are expensive. The device itself, the surgery to implant it and ongoing medical care and adjustments can add up fast. Your claim should cover all medical expenses past and future as you may need long term management of the device.
- Pain and Suffering: Chronic pain that requires a spinal cord stimulator impacts your quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering in your claim should reflect the severity of your condition and the ongoing nature of your pain management.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injury has affected your ability to work, temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If your earning capacity has been reduced due to your injury, that should be included in your claim.
- Impact on Daily Life: Needing a spinal cord stimulator means a severe, life changing injury. Your claim should consider how your injury and treatment has affected your ability to do daily activities, hobbies and relationships.
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer?
Filing a personal injury claim with a spinal cord stimulator can be tricky. Insurance companies will try to low ball your settlement and without a lawyer you may be at a disadvantage. That’s where BenGlassLaw comes in.
At BenGlassLaw our team of Virginia personal injury lawyers know the ins and outs of spinal cord stimulator cases. We will make sure everything is documented and you get the compensation you deserve.
<< Read Blog: Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident in Northern Virginia >>
How to Get the Most Out of Your Spinal Cord Stimulator Claim
To get the most out of your spinal cord stimulator claim:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses and how your injury has affected your life. This documentation is key to building your case.
- Don’t Settle Too Fast: Insurance companies will try to offer you a quick settlement that’s way below what you deserve. Consult with a personal injury lawyer before accepting any offers.
- Get Legal Advice Early: The sooner you get legal advice the better. Early intervention by a lawyer can help preserve evidence, get witness statements and protect your rights.
BenGlassLaw for Your Spinal Cord Stimulator Claim
If you’ve been injured in Virginia and need a spinal cord stimulator you need a lawyer who knows the intricacies of your case. At BenGlassLaw we will fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on getting better.
Don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation. See why we have over 300 5-star reviews from our personal injury clients.
