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Spinal Injury

Respected Tacoma Attorneys Seek Compensation for Spinal Injuries

Dedicated representation for harm from accidents and surgical malpractice

A serious spinal cord injury changes your life forever. To face the challenges confronting you, you’ll need full and fair compensation for your economic losses and the losses to your quality of life. The law allows you one chance to file a claim, so your choice of the attorney to represent you could be the most momentous decision of your life. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, LLP provides experienced, client-centered and team-oriented representation. Since 1959, we’ve fought for seriously injured clients, rewarding their confidence in us with our determined efforts to obtain the full measure of compensation to which they are entitled.

Accident-induced trauma leads to paraplegia or quadriplegia

The most common causes of serious spinal cord injury are motor vehicle accidents and falls. In each instance, an impact causes compression or bending of the spinal cord that bruises or breaks nerve fibers necessary for transmitting nerve impulses. The victim can lose some or all motor function below the point of injury. If the injury occurs high on the spinal column, the victim may lose use of the arms and legs (quadriplegia); if the injury occurs below the neck, the victim might lose use of the legs and suffer impaired abdominal functions (paraplegia).

Spine surgery malpractice results in chronic pain or paraplegia

Surgical science has developed several methods for alleviating back and neck pain by decompressing areas around the nerves and stabilizing areas where degenerative injuries have occurred. Common procedures include:

  • Discectomy — Surgery to remove herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord
  • Spinal fusion — Any of several procedures using bone grafts to eliminate painful motion of vertebrae.
  • Laminectomy and laminotomy — Removal of all or part of posterior arch of the vertebral bone to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots

While surgeons claim a success rate as high as 80 percent, serious errors also occur, inflicting unnecessary pain and requiring additional surgery to correct. In some cases, the damage due to surgical error is permanent. Common surgical mistakes include:

  • Incision errors — Scalpels or lasers can damage blood vessels and nerves.
  • Misplacement of surgical hardware — Some procedures require screws and plates that must be properly positioned.
  • Anesthesia errors — A risk with any surgery, an anesthesia error that allows a patient to awaken during spinal surgery is particularly dangerous.
  • Failures in postoperative monitoring — Postoperative infections, hematomas and blood clots can cause serious repercussions, including paraplegia.

Proving that surgical malpractice caused an increase in back pain or permanent disability is not easy. Fortunately, our attorneys have vast experience in complex malpractice litigation. We’re well versed in surgical protocols and have longstanding relationships with qualified experts whose participation is crucial to your case’s success.

Contact an established and reputable spinal injury law firm in Tacoma, Washington

A permanent spinal injury requires compensation for your lifetime. The dedicated lawyers of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, LLP are committed to securing the maximum damage recovery possible. Call 253-383-5388 or contact us online to arrange your free consultation.

Are You a Victim of the MultiCare-Good Samaritan Hospital Hepatitis C Exposure?
Our firm is actively taking on representation of clients who were patients at MultieCare-Good Samaritan Hospital and were exposed to Hepatitis C and perhaps other diseases. We are investigating the actions of MultiCare and its employees as well as the MultiCare system itself that led to this crisis occurring.

If you have information about this incident, or previous incidences of MultiCare employees misusing narcotic medications intended for patients, or if you have legal questions about this matter and your rights, our lawyers are available to assist you at 253-383-5388.
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Case Results

  • "Client was disabled from working in prior profession after sustaining a severe closed head injury and brain trauma in an automobile accident on Interstate 5. $7,845,000."

  • "Pedestrian client was struck by semi-truck, and the trailer wheels rolled over client’s body causing severe injury. $1,145,000."

  • "Client was involved in a head-on collision when a bus crossed the center line. Client suffered a severe closed head injury preventing him from returning to his previous employment. $884,998."

  • "Client was involved in serious head-on collision with uninsured motorist while on-the-job, resulting in physical injury and posttraumatic stress disorder. Client can no longer work as a commercial truck driver. $708,000."

  • "Client was a rear seat passenger in a vehicle that was involved in an automobile accident. Client was severely injured as the result of a defective seatbelt, while the other three occupants of the vehicle sustained only minor injuries. $650,000."

  • "Client was killed in automobile accident caused by defendant’s failure to yield the right-of-way. $650,000."

  • "Minor client was on his way to school and was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. Defendant driver had pulled into oncoming lane to pass another vehicle and struck client, causing serious injuries. $500,000."

  • "Client was killed as a result of an in-cab fuel tank, which caught fire after an automobile accident. $350,000."

  • "Client riding a bicycle was struck by a motorist who failed to yield the right-of-way. Client sustained numerous injuries, including a closed head injury. $120,000."

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Testimonials

  • "I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels. Thanks."

  • "John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented."

  • "Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case."

  • "Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free."

  • "I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people."

  • "Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions."

  • "The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal."

  • "Molly Crowley is a very professional and knowledgeable lawyer. I felt I was very well represented!!"

  • "Molly Crowley was knowledgeable, kept me informed every step of the way and just did a great job!"

  • "We got a fair settlement and were treated with respect and dignity throughout the whole process. -Blake W."

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