Accidental Spinal Cord Injuries

Few injuries are as life-changing as a spinal cord injury. Even mild or moderate spinal cord injuries can cause loss of movement and loss of sensitivity. Severe spinal cord injuries can cause partial or total paralysis. If, after any kind of fall or accident, you or a loved one experiences any extreme pressure in your back or neck, any numbness in limbs or extremities, any loss of bladder or bowel control or any similar symptoms, a spinal cord injury may be the culprit.

More than 200,000 people currently live with a spinal cord injury. Although diseases such as cancer and arthritis can sometimes cause spinal cord injuries, trauma is the most frequent cause.

• Motor vehicle accidents (46%): Although air bags and mandatory seat belt laws have significantly reduced the chances for a spinal cord injury, motor vehicle collisions are still by far the leading cause of such injuries.

• Falls (22%): Any sudden trauma can cause a spinal cord injury, especially if the victims fall on their head, neck or back.

• Sports incidents (12%): Diving into shallow water or similar dangerous sports and recreational activities can sometimes cause spinal cord injuries.

There is no miracle cure for spinal cord injuries, although some of the symptoms may be eased through various methods:

• Emergency treatments include immobilizing the victim and keeping the victim warm to avoid shock. Later on, victims may need metal braces, stiff neck collars or other form of spinal traction.

• Some victims see mild improvement after using Medrol to reduce inflammation and repair some nerve damage.

• Many times, doctors perform additional surgery to remove bone fragments and stabilize the spine.

Spinal cord injury victims may be eligible to receive lost wages, medical bills, and compensation for pain and suffering, and perhaps other damages as well, if a negligent party caused their injury. Contact us to learn more.