Newsletter

Spinal cord injuries can be serious

Spinal cord injuries are among the most distressing to the victim and the victim’s family due to the fact that they frequently result in partial or complete paralysis. The majority of spinal cord injuries are caused by accidents. These injuries can be sustained by injuries due to fall accidents, medical malpractice, sports accidents, acts of violence; however, the primary cause of paralysis by spinal cord injuries is from automobile accidents. Approximately 200,000 people each year suffer a spinal cord injury in the U.S.

Spinal cord injury is the leading cause of paralysis. The medical community defines paralysis as complete loss of strength in an affected limb or muscle group and can be the devastating result of a motor vehicle accident, fall accident, sports accidents, and acts of violence. All of these types of accidents can be prevented in some capacity.

Because the most frequent injuries of this type are those that occur in auto accidents, it is important to take precautions when navigating a vehicle. Wearing seatbelts and making sure airbags are set to deploy if necessary is a critical step in protecting yourself if you are involved in an auto accident. Seatbelts and airbags can protect drivers and passengers against severe nerve damage. However, seatbelts and airbags are often defective and fail to protect passengers, specifically in Sport Utility Vehicles. In addition to defective seatbelts and airbags, defective vehicle design can often lead to roof crushing during rollover accidents, increasing the chance of severe nerve damage and paralysis.

The most common types of spinal cord injury include contusion, which is described as bruising of the spinal cord, and compression, which is caused by pressure on the spinal cord. Other types of injuries include lacerations and central cord syndrome. Serious spinal cord injuries often cause a loss of sensation and reflex function below the area of injury that includes autonomic activity (breathing, bowel and bladder control, etc.). Other symptoms such as pain or sensitivity to stimuli, muscle spasms, and sexual dysfunction may develop slowly. Because of the inability to control specific functions, spinal cord injury patients are also prone to develop recurring medical problems, such as bladder infections, lung infections, and bed sores (due to some patients being bed bound).

Spinal cord injuries are extremely serious and rehabilitation depends greatly on the severity of the injury. Even though people who have suffered a spinal cord injury regain function between a week and six months after the injury, the likelihood of complete recovery diminishes after six months.

If you feel that you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to another party's negligence, such as auto accident, falls caused by workplace hazards, etc., seek legal counsel immediately from a personal injury attorney at Jim S. Adler & Associates to discuss your right to be compensated for your injuries and any future financial strains caused by the injury. The law firm offers a free case review by clicking on the link on this page or by calling 1-800-505-1414.

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer | Spinal injury, paralysis can devastate, but compensation can come | Neck strain and spinal cord injury can devastate | What is spinal cord injury? | What does the spinal cord do? | Spinal cord injury lawyers can assist