Spinal cord injuries

Spinal Cord Injuries: Understanding the Impact and Your Legal Rights

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the most severe and life-altering injuries a person can endure. The spinal cord, which serves as the body’s primary communication route between the brain and the rest of the body, is delicate but crucial for movement and sensory perception. When it is damaged, it can lead to profound, lifelong changes, from paralysis to sensory loss. If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury due to another’s negligence, understanding the full scope of this injury and your legal options is crucial for securing appropriate compensation.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury occurs when trauma to the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal results in a loss of function, sensation, or mobility. SCI can be classified as either:

• Complete SCI: In a complete SCI, the spinal cord is fully severed or damaged, leading to a total loss of function below the level of injury.
• Incomplete SCI: In an incomplete SCI, some nerve signals can still reach the lower body, resulting in partial sensation or movement.

The severity of the injury is heavily influenced by the location of the damage along the spinal cord. The higher up the injury occurs, the more widespread the effects. For example, a cervical spine injury (in the neck area) can lead to quadriplegia, while a lumbar or sacral injury (in the lower back area) can cause paraplegia.

The symptoms and long-term consequences of SCI depend significantly on whether the injury is complete or incomplete, and where it occurs along the spine. The impact on motor skills, sensory functions, and bodily functions can be profound.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are various situations where spinal cord injuries can occur, and these injuries often happen suddenly, leaving individuals and their families in a state of shock. Some of the most common causes of SCI include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and truck collisions are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. The force of impact from these accidents can cause the spine to snap, bend, or break, resulting in irreversible damage to the spinal cord.
• Falls: Especially common among older adults, falls—whether from a height or simply slipping on a wet floor—can lead to spinal cord injuries. Older adults, in particular, may experience more severe outcomes due to weaker bones and a decreased ability to recover from injury.
• Sports Injuries: High-contact sports such as football, rugby, and hockey put athletes at a higher risk for spinal injuries. Additionally, activities like diving into shallow water or falling while participating in extreme sports can cause severe trauma to the spine.
• Violence or Assault: Physical violence, such as being struck by a blunt object or being involved in a violent altercation, can lead to spinal cord injuries. Gunshot wounds or stab wounds that damage the spinal cord can result in life-altering consequences.
• Workplace Accidents: Certain professions, especially those in high-risk industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing, expose workers to hazards like falling from heights or being struck by heavy machinery, both of which can result in SCI.
• Medical Malpractice: While less common, medical errors during surgery, improper diagnosis, or complications from medical procedures can cause spinal cord injuries. These injuries can arise from surgical mistakes, improper spinal injections, or incorrect diagnosis during medical procedures.
• Diseases and Infections: Conditions like tumors, infections, and degenerative diseases (such as arthritis or osteoarthritis) that affect the spine can lead to progressive spinal cord injuries. In these cases, the damage may not be as immediate but can worsen over time.

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

The symptoms of a spinal cord injury can vary significantly based on the location and severity of the injury. Individuals with SCI may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Loss of Movement: Paralysis is one of the most significant and debilitating consequences of a spinal cord injury. Depending on the location of the injury, individuals may experience complete or partial loss of movement in the limbs, torso, or other body parts.
• Loss of Sensation: Many individuals with SCI lose the ability to feel sensations below the site of injury. This may include an inability to feel touch, temperature, pain, or pressure.
• Bowel or Bladder Control Loss: Spinal cord injuries can interfere with the ability to control bodily functions, leading to incontinence or difficulty with urinary and bowel movements. In some cases, individuals may require catheters or other interventions.
• Breathing Problems: Injuries to the cervical spine (neck area) can impair the ability to breathe effectively, especially if the diaphragm or other muscles involved in respiration are paralyzed.
• Pain or Tingling: Individuals with SCI may experience pain, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the affected area, indicating nerve damage or compression.
• Muscle Spasms: Involuntary muscle spasms, which can be painful and difficult to manage, are common among individuals with SCI. These spasms can interfere with daily life and cause further discomfort.

Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injury

The long-term effects of spinal cord injury can be extensive and life-altering. Beyond the immediate physical symptoms, SCI often results in a cascade of emotional, psychological, and social challenges for the injured person and their family. Some of the most common long-term effects of SCI include:

• Paralysis: SCI can lead to partial or complete paralysis, including quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs) or paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body and legs).
• Chronic Pain: Many individuals with SCI experience chronic pain due to nerve damage, muscle spasms, or other secondary complications. Chronic pain can significantly reduce quality of life and may require ongoing pain management.
• Impaired Mobility: After a spinal cord injury, many individuals require mobility aids such as wheelchairs or prosthetics. Long-term rehabilitation may be necessary to help people regain some independence in their mobility.
• Reduced Quality of Life: The loss of independence caused by SCI often impacts a person’s ability to perform routine daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, or cooking. This can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial hardship.
• Mental Health Struggles: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among individuals with SCI. The emotional toll of adapting to a new way of life can be overwhelming, and many people benefit from counseling or therapy.
• Secondary Health Issues: Individuals with SCI are at a higher risk for developing other health complications, such as pressure sores (due to immobility), respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and cardiovascular problems.

Seeking Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries

If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Pursuing a personal injury claim can help cover the costs of medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other expenses related to the injury.

To successfully pursue compensation for your spinal cord injury, follow these steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prompt treatment can prevent further damage and help address any immediate health concerns. All medical records and documentation will be crucial in supporting your claim.
2. Document the Incident: Gather evidence, including photographs, accident reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation that can support your claim.
3. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced personal injury attorney will help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and work with medical professionals to establish the full extent of your injuries.
4. File a Claim: Your attorney will assist in filing a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company or pursue a lawsuit if necessary.
5. Negotiate a Settlement: Many personal injury cases are settled outside of court. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.
6. Prepare for Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare your case for trial, presenting all evidence and arguments to secure the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need an Attorney for Spinal Cord Injury Claims

Spinal cord injury claims are often complex and require expertise in both law and medicine. A skilled personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the legal process. Here are several reasons why hiring an attorney is essential for SCI claims:

• Expertise in SCI Claims: A lawyer with experience in spinal cord injury cases will have the knowledge and resources necessary to handle the complexities of your claim, from gathering evidence to understanding medical reports.
• Access to Medical Experts: Your lawyer can work with medical professionals to assess the full extent of your injury, predict future needs, and calculate future medical costs.
• Maximizing Compensation: Attorneys know how to calculate all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the cost of future care.
• Peace of Mind: With an attorney handling the legal complexities of your case, you can focus on healing while they work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Conclusion

Spinal cord injuries can drastically change your life, affecting your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. If you or someone you care about has sustained a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another party, it’s important to take action. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation necessary for medical care, rehabilitation, and future expenses.

By taking the right steps, you can secure the financial support needed to manage the long-term effects of spinal cord injuries, while also protecting your future. Contact a skilled attorney today to learn more about how you can pursue justice and compensation for your injury.