Spinal Cord Injury

“I have been there so many times before and NOW I will be there for YOU and your family.”
- Tim Misny - The man that “Makes Them Pay!®”

“Please understand that the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with preponderance of the evidence.” – Tim Misny

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer: Cleveland

Spinal cord injuries are devastating, life-altering, and the most serious type of catastrophic injury. Spinal cord injuries touch approximately 11,000 people annually. If you or someone you love has experienced a spinal cord injury, you know it doesn’t just affect the injured person, but that person’s entire family.

Spinal Cord Injuries Result in a Lifetime of Physical and Psychological distress. Paralysis injuries include:

Monoplegia

Monoplegia is a condition characterized by paralysis affecting only one limb, such as an arm or a leg. It is typically caused by damage to the nerves or muscles controlling that specific limb, resulting in the loss of movement and function in that particular area while the rest of the body remains unaffected.

Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia refers to paralysis on one side of the body, affecting both the arm and leg on that side. It is usually caused by damage to the opposite side of the brain, resulting in the loss of voluntary muscle control and coordination on the affected side. This can potentially lead to difficulties with activities like walking or using the affected arm.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia is a form of paralysis that involves the lower half of the body, typically including the legs and sometimes parts of the trunk. It commonly occurs due to spinal cord injuries below the neck level, resulting in a loss of sensation, motor function, and control below the level of injury, which can significantly impact mobility and daily activities.

Quadriplegia

Quadriplegia is a condition characterized by paralysis of all four limbs as well as the trunk. It usually arises from spinal cord injuries above the first thoracic vertebra, impacting sensation and motor control in the arms, legs, and torso. Individuals with quadriplegia often experience significant limitations in mobility and require assistance with daily living activities.

The most common causes of spinal cord injuries:

  • Car Accidents cause approximately 50% of all spinal cord injuries

  • Falls account for 22% of spinal cord injuries

  • Acts of violence, i.e. gunshots and stabbing

  • Sports-related injuries, such as football and gymnastics

  • Work accidents

  • Medical Malpractice

Victims may file a spinal cord injury claim, as they are forced to change the entire course of their lives. They often can no longer work, drive, care for themselves, their children, or engage in recreational activities. They become permanently disabled, requiring 24 hour care, continuous hospitalizations, physical and occupational therapy, and even a new residence that is wheel-chair accessible. The long-term care required for a spinal cord injury depends on the severity of the paralysis.

Other Types Of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal Cord Compression

Spinal cord compression refers to the compression or pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to injury. Causes can include spinal tumors, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or trauma such as fractures. Long-term effects may include pain, weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, and impaired bowel or bladder control, depending on the severity and location of the compression. Although not a complete sever of the spinal cord, medical attention may still be necessary for a long period of time.

Spinal Cord Contusion

A spinal cord contusion is a bruise or localized injury to the spinal cord resulting from trauma or impact. Causes can include motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries. Long-term effects may vary but can include motor and sensory impairments, loss of muscle function, and altered reflexes. Additionally, potential complications such as spasticity, chronic pain, or bowel and bladder dysfunction may occur.

Spinal Cord Laceration

A spinal cord laceration refers to a tear or severing of the spinal cord caused by traumatic events like motor vehicle accidents, falls, or penetrating injuries. Long-term effects depend on the severity and location of the laceration but may include paralysis, loss of sensation, impaired motor function, changes in reflexes. Incomplete spinal cord injuries can lead to potential complications such as respiratory difficulties, blood pressure instability, or bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Spinal Cord Ischemia

Spinal cord ischemia occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the spinal cord, leading to tissue damage. This could be caused by a spinal cord injury associated with surgery, which may be the result of a medical mistake. Long-term adverse effects may include paralysis, loss of sensation, motor impairments, chronic pain, and potential complications such as muscle spasticity, sexual dysfunction, or respiratory difficulties.

Central Cord Syndrome

Central cord syndrome is a type of incomplete spinal cord injury that primarily affects the center of the spinal cord. It is often caused by hyperextension injuries, such as falls or trauma. Long-term effects can include weakness or paralysis that is more pronounced in the upper body than the lower body, impaired fine motor skills, sensory disturbances, and potential complications such as bowel and bladder dysfunction or pain.

With more than 40 years of experience as an injury lawyer in Cleveland, I’ve handled many spinal cord injury cases. The lifelong challenges that come with spine injuries can be horrific, and you need my help. You have to focus on healing, and I have to focus on your case! Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Treatment For Spinal Cord Injuries

Surgery

Surgery is often performed to stabilize the spine, remove any bone fragments or herniated discs pressing on the spinal cord, and to promote healing. The duration of treatment can vary depending on the specific surgical procedure for your unique condition. Possible side effects may include surgical site infections, bleeding, blood clots, nerve damage, or complications associated with anesthesia.

Medications

Medications may be prescribed to manage pain, reduce inflammation, control muscle spasticity, prevent infections, or manage other specific symptoms related to your spinal cord injuries. The duration of treatment can vary depending on your needs and response to treatment. Possible side effects may include gastrointestinal issues, drowsiness, dizziness, impaired kidney or liver function, or allergic reactions.

Rehabilitation Therapy

Rehabilitation therapy aims to help you regain function, improve mobility, and adapt to your new circumstances. It typically involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes speech therapy. Rehabilitation therapy can vary significantly, ranging from weeks to months or even longer, depending on the extent of the injury and your progress. Side effects may include muscle soreness, fatigue, joint stiffness, or exacerbation of pain during therapy sessions.

Assistive Devices

Various assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, braces, walkers, or orthotic devices, can help improve mobility and independence for individuals with spinal cord injuries. The need for assistive devices can be long-term or permanent, depending on the individual’s needs. You may experience skin irritation or pressure sores from prolonged device use, discomfort or difficulty adapting to the device, or limitations in certain activities.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation techniques, such as functional electrical stimulation (FES) or epidural stimulation, aim to activate muscles or nerve pathways to restore or enhance function. The frequency of electrical stimulation treatments can vary, and multiple sessions may be required. Possible side effects may include muscle spasms, skin irritation, discomfort, or rare instances of autonomic dysreflexia (a potentially dangerous condition characterized by sudden high blood pressure).

While these treatments give hope for improvement after experiencing a spine injury, they are also very expensive. If you have suffered a devastating injury like this, you need to call me. I want to help you get your life back, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Lifestyle Changes

Mobility Limitations

Mobility limitations resulting from a spinal cord injury can significantly impact your life. You may require the use of assistive devices like wheelchairs, braces, or crutches, and may face challenges with tasks that were once effortless, such as walking or navigating stairs. Physically, you may experience reduced independence and increased reliance on others for mobility. Time management may be affected as tasks that were previously simple may now require more time and planning. Emotionally, adjusting to these limitations can be challenging, leading to frustration, a sense of loss, and a need to adapt to a new way of living.

Urinary and Bowel Management

Spinal cord injuries can affect bladder and bowel control, resulting in the need for specialized management techniques. This may involve the use of catheters, medications, or bowel programs to regulate and maintain regularity. Physically, this change requires you to learn and adapt to new routines for emptying the bladder and bowels.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Individuals with spinal cord injuries are at a higher risk for developing pressure ulcers (bedsores) due to prolonged sitting or lying in the same position. Preventive measures such as regular repositioning, specialized cushions, and diligent skincare routines are necessary to reduce the risk of developing these wounds. You must prioritize pressure relief techniques and skincare to avoid the development of pressure ulcers.

Adapted Physical Activity

Engaging in adapted physical activity is crucial for maintaining physical health, strength, and overall well-being after a spinal cord injury. This may involve exercises targeting specific muscle groups, cardiovascular training, or participating in adaptive sports. Physically, adapted physical activity helps improve strength, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness, but it requires finding suitable accessible facilities or specialized equipment.

Accessibility Considerations

Following a spinal cord injury, the patient needs to navigate and adapt to various accessibility challenges in their environment. This includes ensuring accessible transportation, modifying living spaces, and considering accessibility in public places. They must navigate barriers and make modifications to their home, workplace, and public spaces to ensure accessibility.

If You’re Spinal Cord Injury Resulted From Someone Else’s Mistake, Call Me for a Free Consultation – I’ll Come to You!

Damages For Spinal Cord Injury Victims

  1. Medical Expenses: The compensation for past, current, and future medical expenses related to the spinal cord injury. It covers costs for surgeries, hospitalization, medications, assistive devices, physical therapy, rehabilitation programs, and other necessary medical treatments. Compensation for medical expenses helps you by ensuring you have access to the medical care and interventions needed to manage your condition, promote recovery, and improve your quality of life.

  2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: This compensation is to recoup the income the person lost due to their inability to work after the injury. It also considers reduced future earning capacity if the injury has permanently impacted their ability to earn income. This financial support helps the individual with the spinal cord injury cover their daily living expenses, maintain their financial stability, and plan for their future needs.

  3. Pain and Suffering: These damages are intended to compensate the person for the physical and emotional pain, trauma, and distress caused by the spinal cord injury. It acknowledges the physical limitations, chronic pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, as well as the overall impact on their well-being. These damages aim to provide some measure of solace and recognition for the challenges they face due to their spinal cord injury.

  4. Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices: Compensation for rehabilitation and assistive devices covers the costs associated with specialized therapies, adaptive equipment, mobility aids, home modifications. Also, other resources necessary for the person’s rehabilitation and functional independence. It helps them access the required assistive devices, therapies, and support services that aid in their recovery, mobility, and overall well-being.

  5. Home Care and Assistance: Damages for home care and assistance provide compensation for the costs of hiring caregivers, personal assistants, or healthcare professionals to assist with activities of daily living, home modifications, and other support services required due to the spinal cord injury. This financial support helps ensure the injured person can receive the necessary assistance to maintain their independence in their home environment.

  6. Emotional Distress and Mental Health Treatment: Compensation for emotional distress and mental health treatment covers the costs associated with counseling, therapy, and mental health support required as a result of the spinal cord injury. It helps address the emotional impact, mental health challenges, and psychological trauma individuals may experience after such a traumatic event, aiming to facilitate their emotional well-being and psychological recovery.

I’ll Make Them Pay!®

You should not have to suffer the financial burden alone. I can help you obtain the compensation you deserve to live as normal of a life as possible after your injury. I will find out exactly what happened to you, and then I’ll Make Them Pay!®

I will meet with you any time and any place that is convenient for you. I will be in your corner fighting for you. As your catastrophic injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

ASK TIM A QUESTION
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Krystle Banks
Krystle Banks
14:32 20 Sep 23
Christine Filippelli
Christine Filippelli
01:55 18 May 23
DeAndre Merritt
DeAndre Merritt
06:58 23 Mar 23
Jake Ferri
Jake Ferri
23:46 01 Aug 22
I have no case and no one that I need Tim Misney to make pay, just wanted to say the best part of my day is getting to... drive by his billboards. His People's Eyebrow is immaculate and the new billboard with him on the motorcycle is downright bitchin'. Thank you Tim Misney for significantly improving the quality of my life.read more
Jennifer Malainy
Jennifer Malainy
22:44 19 Jul 22
My favorite lawyer. Truly one of the kindest, smartest, and most genuine humans I have ever met. There is only one TIM... MISNY and he will make them pay!! God Bless.read more
C M V
C M V
01:16 16 Feb 22
I spoke to Amy and Christine about a possible personal injury case involving my father and they were both helpful,... professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Although they could not help us with our case, I would highly recommend them!read more
Stephen Burks
Stephen Burks
20:12 21 Jan 22
It really comes down to what people say and do when they don't think anyone that matters is listening or they'll get... anything in return.There's the Tim Misny you see on the billboards and on TV, but there's another Tim Misny that I know up close and personal.The Tim Misny I know is genuinely passionate about helping the hard working little folks who get pushed around the big folks. He actually, really honestly cares about people who run into bad luck at no fault of their own. Tim has quietly, out of the sight of cameras and with no fanfare shared generously with the marginalized in our society; single moms, Veterans and others without expecting anything in return.He calls them like he sees them and you wouldn't want to take your troubles to anyone else.read more
mark colucci
mark colucci
14:33 06 Dec 21
Mr. Misny is an angel here on earth and the BEST attorney in Ohio. He has helped my daughter who is in law school when... she needed the guidance most. He is a class act, a great family man, and extremely caring. If you need a lawyer in this field I would HIGHLY recommend. There is no other lawyer, in my opinion, better than Tim Misny.Thank you Tim for being a light in this community!read more
Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
02:43 27 Nov 21
Advice on Law question? Also Advise to do more research for Different types of Situations that’s Criminal and Civil... Pursuits!City, State and Above State Level Situation .Pro Se !read more
Gianna Colucci
Gianna Colucci
12:56 04 Nov 21
Mr. Misny is the best! I am a 27-year-old single mother, and I am finishing law school in May at Cleveland-Marshall... College of Law. When I found myself jobless during the height of the pandemic, I knew I needed help. Going into the legal profession, I wanted to be JUST LIKE Mr. Misny because I knew he was the most successful attorney in the industry. I called him up one day just for the hell of it to see if there was anyway he could help me. I never thought such a big name/reputation like him would respond to me. However, when he learned of my financial situation he PERSONALLY called my cell phone within 5 minutes of my email. Not only has he helped me secure employment, but he continues to teach me every single day what it takes to be the BEST lawyer in the legal profession. I am forever thankful for Mr. Misny. He changed my life. He continues to inspire me every single day, and I am so proud that he took me under his wing and is my mentor. He is the most intelligent, kindest, caring attorney I have ever met, and he is giving me the tools I need to be the most successful lawyer I can be o give my four-year-old son, Gregory, the life he deserves. THANK YOU MR. TIM MISNY. I owe my entire future legal career to you because if you didn't take the time out of your busy day to call me that day and help me when no one else would, I would not have been able to stay in law school. You change lives every single day. Keep being you Tim. There is no one like Tim Misny.read more
Brandon Hagerdon
Brandon Hagerdon
20:53 18 May 21
I met Tim 6 years ago when he was working with my mother. Since then we were able to stay in touch and build a... relationship. I reached out to Tim recently about an opportunity and he was able to connect the dots and help me with this. During this process he gave me his direct number to contact him if need be. If you are in need of any sort of help, I would recommend Tim every time.read more
Jimmie Graham
Jimmie Graham
19:26 30 Mar 21
Tim is hands down the best lawyer in town. He was able to guide me through the legal process and keep me informed at... all stages. Which allowed me to not stress and focus on life. He was able to get me the best deal possible in my court case. One thing that blew me away is that he gave me his direct cell number and answered anytime I had a question which is rare with most lawyers. 100% Misny is the guy! There's a reason he's on literally every billboard in Cleveland.read more
Paul McFadden
Paul McFadden
13:29 20 Jan 21
My relationship with Tim goes back over 30 years and is one of great trust and mutual respect. Tim represented me at a... critical point in my life and I will always be indebted to him for the difference he made. He is always just a phone call away.read more
Rick Miller
Rick Miller
18:55 21 Dec 20
If I could reach into the sky just to pull more than 5 stars down for a rating I would! I have used other lawyers in... the past and it was such a pain to reach them when I needed them. Tim is in all honesty there for you. He gave me his personal phone number, and at anytime or any day he answered. If I had to leave a message I could count to 10 and he would already be calling me back. He also was willing to talk on the weekends! He didn’t just forward me to an impersonal automated system or a person with no experience. I will NEVER use another person for legal advice. He’s gracious enough to give me guidance whenever I have a question. No matter how complex. This may sound like an advertisement but I assure you this man was more in touch when I had an issue than my own family. A reasonable and caring family man who will MAKE THEM PAY!Thank you Timread more
PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training
PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training
01:51 22 Oct 20
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Tim personally over the past 2 years. Beyond him being an incredible lawyer &... 'Jack of all trades ' he is an amazing friend. One thing I love most is that he is family oriented & always making quality time for his loved ones. He inspires me to be a great role model &father figure one day. Tim loves nature & shares the true beauty of nature with how he raises his kids. From biking through trails & having his kids learn how to nurture the family garden - he teaches valuable lessons on how to appreciate the world we live in. I know that Tim is just a phone call away & always urgent to responding no matter the situation. He has given me some of the greatest advice & continously throwing positive energy my way! I'm honored to know him & be a friend of his. He is the true practioneer of changing lives & paying it forward. He has taught me so much in just a short amount of time. Tim Misny, a man that wakes up every single day to make a difference!read more
Scott Plate
Scott Plate
16:49 10 Oct 20
Tim has created a highly visible and effective law practice, and despite his decades of experience, he has never once... forgotten why he got into this business in the first place: to help people. He puts his whole heart into his work, and he works hard for everyone he represents. He has a gift for tuning out the noise and tuning into the core of what his clients need, and making it clear he has heard them. As a result, we feel empowered. He is smart, resourceful, creative, positive, and solution-oriented. His abundant energy makes people feel better, stronger, and valued. He loves and promotes his community; he gives back generously, and he always leaves everything better than he found it. Tim is a true man of action, and a man of his word. Could not recommend him more highly.read more
Mike M
Mike M
04:44 09 Oct 20
As a young man, I worked at a local garden center. I came from a family that had too many problems to list. I felt I... was never destined to be anything good. I had always wanted to be a police officer since I was a little boy. But, one side of my family told me that I would never be good enough to do it. Anytime I brought it up, they knocked me down until I started to believe that I could never accomplish my dream. One day, about 20 years ago, while working at that garden center, a very tall man came in and asked me to help him select plants. As we walked around the garden center, he struck up a conversation with me. He was very friendly and kind. I was a skinny teenager in dirty blue jeans and a t shirt. This man was dressed very nicely and I was surprised at how nice he was to me. During our conversation, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life after school. I told him that I wanted to be a police officer but many people told me that I’d never make it. I told him how my very own father said I wasn’t smart enough, brave enough, and I was wasting my time. I remember looking at the ground while I explained this to him. The man stopped and got serious. His voice dropped an octave and he looked me dead in the eyes. He pointed his finger at me and told me that I could make anything of my life that I wanted. He told me that it was up to ME to make my life goals come true. He told me to ignore anybody who tells me otherwise. He assured me that if I studied hard in school and never gave up on my dreams that they would become a reality. He told me to say it. I said “I can do it”. In that moment, I thought that if a complete stranger saw something in me, than maybe it could be true.After I helped him through the checkout and he left, many different employees at the garden center asked me if I knew who that man was. I did not. They told me, “That’s Tim Misny!” Once I figured out “who” Tim Misny was, my confidence grew. It was a pivotal moment. One in which steered the rest of my life. His words stuck with me. I worked hard and obtained my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I was hired by a local Law Enforcement Agency at the age of 21. I was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, which was an extremely tough place to be, to say the least. At the Academy, they try to break those who don’t have a determined spirit. On days I wanted to quit, I remembered Tim’s words. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was random chance.... I’ll never know But, Tim Misny helped me have the confidence and determination that was necessary to be where I’m at today. I’ve been a law enforcement officer for over 16 years. I’ve told this story to many of my coworkers.Tim, you’ll never understand how your words that spring day helped shape my future. Your words enabled me to provide a great life for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful.Mikeread more
Eric Evans
Eric Evans
21:02 04 Oct 20
Tim has represented me twice, once 30 years ago and again just recently. I was too young to fully appreciate his... expertise when he represented me the first time (as i was a minor who was the victim of an accident - he won for us, incidentally), but I'm old enough and wise enough now to really appreciate how truly great he is. First off, how many attorney's actually give you their cell phone number and actually answer? I would contend very, very few. Secondly, he has a street fighter mentality combined with a sharp legal intellect which makes you immediately think "I'm so glad this guy is on my side." I was really in a bind recently and Tim came through in spades - he is THE person I would call if I were in trouble or needed help - at a minimum he would know who I should talk to and direct me there (he knows his own limits, which is the key to a wise person) - at a maximum he would take on my fight himself and I'd have full confidence in his ability to deliver the best possible outcome for me - he fights for you like you're family - can't say it better than that.read more
Benjamin Firstenberg
Benjamin Firstenberg
19:32 28 Sep 20
I worked as an intern for Tim the summer of 2017 and it was an unbelievable experience both for my career and personal... development. He treats his employees with a level of respect, appreciation and honesty that I've truly not seen anywhere else that I've worked. We've stayed in touch these past few years and I'm still learning from Tim, whether it be the way he sees the world, his career advice or his commitment to his family. He's an honest man who treats people honorably.read more
David Shelton
David Shelton
01:13 30 Jun 20
I don't know much about Tim the lawyer, but I do know about Tim the man. Tim the man befriended me as a youth and gave... me the motivation to excel in school. Tim the man wrote the letter that got me into college and got me a helpful scholarship. Tim the man gave me an internship while in college. Tim the man has been a friend to me for over ten years. He makes himself available day or night whether I need advice or just want to talk about the day. There a lot of stigmas about attorneys (and they are earned) but Tim Misny bucks the stereotype. And if Tim the lawyer is half a good as Tim the man, he will live up to his word, and make them pay.read more
Mike Mercer
Mike Mercer
00:16 17 Jan 20
WOW! It is the only way to describe the tremendous experience I was afforded, when I contacted and then retained Tim... Misny, to handle a case for me. I had been injured in an automobile accident and needed help and direction, Tim and his staff provided both.The personal attention and clarity of the matter and specifics, gave me a state of comfort and satisfaction that I could have found nowhere else! I will be forever grateful to have Tim Misny as my attorney and my friend!I am a businessman in the Greater Cleveland area and have directed various members of my staffs as well as personal friends to Tim for solutions to their personal injury case needs. All my referrals have been more than pleased with the service and personal treatment they have received from Tim and his staff.I strongly recommend Tim Misny and his associates should you ever need the finest legal services available in Ohio! Trust is his number one priority, trust in knowing that you will be his client second, his friend first!read more
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The Law Offices of Tim Misny

Cleveland Office
3100 E. 45th St.
Suite 444
Cleveland OH 44127
Mailing Address:
Interstate Square I
4230 Chillicothe Rd. Ste 200
Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Disclaimer: All lawsuits are different and the Law Offices of Tim Misny make no representation or promise that it can obtain the same results in other legal matters. Nothing in this webpage constitutes a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any future legal matter.