Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

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Falls and motor vehicle accidents are two of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries. However, falls and traffic accidents are not the only ways you can injure your spine. You can suffer a spinal cord injury while playing sports, participating in a recreational activity, or from a physical assault. Regardless of the cause of the injury, a spinal cord injury can be debilitating.

Damage Caused by a Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord is the connection between the brain and all other body parts. The nerves running through the spinal cord are protected by the bones in your spine. These nerves carry messages to and from your brain to the other parts of your body. Any disruption to these nerves can result in catastrophic injuries because the brain is unable to communicate with the rest of the body.

If the injury is a complete spinal cord injury, all muscle control and sensation is lost in the affected area. In partial spinal cord injuries, some functions may remain. Injuries that occur higher up on the spinal column affect larger areas of the body. For example, a spinal cord injury that occurs near the neck could result in quadriplegia or quadriparesis. Both conditions result in paralysis of all four extremities with quadriplegia being a complete paralysis and quadriparesis being a partial paralysis. Paraplegia and paraparesis is paralysis of the lower extremities and possibly the lower trunk. The victim must adjust to the physical impairments. This could include adapting to a wheelchair, being unable to drive, and not being able to return to work.

A spinal cord injury also causes less debilitating conditions. Even though a person may not suffer paralysis, the person could experience significant pain and reduced mobility. An injury of this nature could require extensive physical therapy and medical treatment. In addition to the pain and suffering, a spinal cord injury victim usually incurs substantial financial damages, including medical expenses and lost wages.

Evaluating the Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury

The full effect of a spinal cord injury goes far beyond the physical damages. It is important to work closely with your physician and your personal injury attorney to determine how your injury will impact your future. You might need to purchase a vehicle designed to accommodate your physical condition, your home might need to be fitted with special equipment, and you may be unable to return to work. Evaluating the full impact of a spinal cord injury is the first step in determining the value of an accident claim.

At The Travis Law Firm, we believe you deserve to be compensated fully for your damages, including any future damages that you might experience because of a spinal cord injury. We work closely with your doctors and financial experts to determine the full extent of your injuries and damages.

Our goal is to help you hold the party who caused your injury accountable for the negligent actions that led to the accident and help you obtain a monetary settlement that encompasses all damages. The money will not undo the damage, but it can help you provide for your care and your family’s needs.

Call The Travis Law Firm for a Free Consultation

If you have suffered an injury, we want to help. Call The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with an Erie personal injury attorney. We want to provide the legal advice, guidance, and support that you need as you work to adjust to the changes in your life caused by the negligent acts of another party.