A spinal cord injury is a catastrophic injury that can change a person’s life forever. Spinal cord injuries are usually caused by a blow to the spine that either fractures or dislocates the bone discs, better known as the vertebrae of a person’s spine. In most cases, a spinal cord won’t be completely severed in an injury accident; however, pressure and tears in the spinal cord caused by fractured vertebrae can cause severe injury, which can lead to paralysis.
If someone else’s negligence has injured you, call Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers at (301) 932-9997 to schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Spine Injuries
According to the Mayo Clinic, 40% of spinal cord injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents, including both passenger vehicle and motorcycle crashes. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that as many as 15% of spinal cord injuries are caused by violence such as gunshot and knife wounds. Falls account for about one quarter of spinal cord injuries while sports and recreational activities make up 8%. One in four spinal cord injuries involves alcohol or drug use to some degree.
The Cost of Treatment
When someone endures a spinal cord injury due to another person’s negligence, it can be devastating not only to the injured individual, but also to his or her family, especially if the individual was the sole breadwinner. Mental and financial strain because of a Maryland spinal cord injury can cause stress that, had the negligent party taken proper precautions, would not otherwise be there. Because a spinal cord injury is treated as a medical emergency, the cost of treatment can become very expensive in a relatively short amount of time.
Spinal cord injuries can be one of the most expensive injuries to treat because of the long lasting effects and required rehabilitation. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke are making changes to the treatment of serious injuries. Medical research has uncovered many new techniques and methods to help victims recover from their injuries. However, there is no quick fix for these injuries. What’s worse, spinal cord injuries can result in permanent disabilities, which may affect your ability to return to work or even earn a livelihood.
Treatment & Rehabilitation
Spinal cord injuries require aggressive treatment and rehabilitation to recover abilities lost immediately following the accident. If the damage is in the neck, victims may suffer respiratory complications or paralysis from the point of injury down. As you go down the spinal cord the damage may affect you differently. Some victims lose use and feeling in the limbs and become paralyzed.
In addition to using physical rehabilitation to get back movement and balance, psychological rehabilitation may also be necessary. When traumatic injuries cause life changes, some patients have difficulty readjusting to their new way of life. Many need emotional and psychological help dealing with the new daily struggles they may face. If a spinal cord injury was caused as the result of someone else’s negligence, that individual or entity could be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. An injured victim could seek compensation to cover current and future medical treatment, loss of current and future earnings, loss of consortium and other related damages.
A family facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills can find themselves feeling like there is no light at the end of the tunnel; however, an experienced lawyer can help.
Some damages that an injured person may be entitled to include, but are not limited to:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of physical capacity
- Vocational training if the injury prevents the person from returning to their line of work
- Punitive damages
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
Whether a spinal cord injury is complete or incomplete will determine whether or not a person will suffer paralysis from the injury point down. An incomplete injury means that there will still be some sensation and movement below the injury site. On the other hand, a complete spinal cord injury means that there will be no movement or sensation as the spine cannot relay messages from the brain past the injury site to the rest of the body.
What Causes Incomplete Spine Injuries?
Slip and fall accidents, car crashes, assault, and many other types of incidents can result in a spinal cord injury, so long as the spine itself is affected in some way. But these injuries may occur in a more subtle manner or may happen more slowly over time, such as repetitive stress or reoccurring minor injuries. Any of these accidents may cause the spinal cord to be stretched, compressed, twisted, or otherwise damaged beyond its normal capacity, leading to an incomplete injury.
Symptoms of an Incomplete Spine Injury
Not all victims may immediately know that they have been injured. In order to be aware of a possible injury and seek immediate medical attention, which will prevent this trauma from worsening, be aware of the symptoms of incomplete trauma.
- Unknown pain in the back
- Feelings of physical weakness
- Diminished feeling in your limbs
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Changes in muscle tone
- Problems with voluntary movement
The injury attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers know how to hold those who caused your injuries responsible for your losses and obtain the compensation you deserve.
