Spinal cord injuries are life-altering events that can lead to physical, emotional, and financial challenges. With approximately 18,000 new cases of spinal discord injury occurring annually in the United States alone, the impact of these injuries is significant. This estimate does not account for those who died from it at the scene of the accident.
Should you suffer one, seeking legal assistance from spinal cord injury attorneys becomes imperative to address the ensuing consequences effectively. These attorneys specialize in navigating the complexities of personal injury law and can help you pursue compensation.
What are Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) occur when there is damage to the spinal cord, disrupting the transmission of signals between the brain and the body. These injuries can result from traumatic events like accidents or falls, as well as from non-traumatic causes such as diseases or medical conditions. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, individuals may experience a partial or complete loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the injury.
Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Traumatic events such as car accidents, falls, sports-related injuries, and acts of violence
- Medical procedures or interventions, such as surgical complications or medical errors
- Non-traumatic causes such as diseases, infections, degenerative conditions, or vascular disorders
- Occupational hazards and workplace injuries
Consequences of a Spinal Cord Injury
Loss of Muscle Control
Spinal cord injuries can result in the loss of muscle control, leading to muscle weakness, spasticity, or paralysis in affected areas of the body. This loss of muscle control can impair movement and coordination, making it challenging to perform daily activities independently.
Loss of Mobility
Spinal cord injuries often lead to a loss of mobility, affecting the ability to walk, stand, or move freely. Individuals may require mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches to assist with movement and navigation.
Paralysis
Paralysis is a common consequence of severe spinal cord injuries, resulting in the loss of voluntary muscle function and sensation below the level of injury. Paralysis may be partial (paraplegia) or complete (quadriplegia), depending on the extent and location of the spinal cord damage.
Loss of Bodily Sensation
Spinal cord injuries can cause a loss of bodily sensation, including touch, temperature, and proprioception (awareness of body position). Individuals may experience numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity in affected areas of the body, impacting their ability to perceive sensory stimuli.
Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control
Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt nerve signals responsible for controlling bowel and bladder function, leading to loss of bowel or bladder control. Individuals may experience urinary or fecal incontinence, difficulty initiating or stopping urination, or constipation.
Impaired Sexual Functioning
Spinal cord injuries can affect sexual functioning, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, or difficulty achieving orgasm. Changes in sensation, muscle control, and hormonal levels may contribute to sexual dysfunction, impacting intimacy and relationships.
Difficulty Breathing
Injuries to the spinal cord at higher levels can affect respiratory muscles and breathing function. Individuals may experience difficulty breathing, reduced lung capacity, or respiratory complications such as pneumonia or atelectasis. Respiratory support may be necessary to maintain adequate oxygenation.
Legal Action
The legal process for a spinal cord injury typically begins with consultation with a specialized attorney who assesses the details of the case, investigates the incident, and gathers evidence to establish liability.
Depending on the circumstances, the attorney may file a lawsuit in civil court or initiate a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. Throughout the legal proceedings, there may be opportunities for negotiation, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution to settle without going to trial.
If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, where both parties present evidence and arguments to a judge or jury. A successful legal action may result in compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the spinal cord injury.
