Personal Injury Lawyer

A spinal cord injury can happen to any person, at any time, and almost any location. Unfortunately, this kind of injury is common especially if someone was injured in a motor vehicle collision, such as a motorcycle or a car accident. However, there are other types of accidents where a spinal cord injury can be sustained, such as a slip and fall or workplace accident. Those who have suffered a spinal cord injury due to no fault of their own are often motivated to seek legal representation so they can get the compensation they need to recover or manage their new condition and abilities.

Depending on the severity of the spinal cord damage, a person may need medical treatment, rehabilitation, or other kinds of support for the rest of their life. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can include:

• Loss of feeling in legs, chest, or arms
• Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
• Weakness of muscles
• Loss of muscle function
• Disruption of sexual function
• Burning pain from nerve damage
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Loss of movement
• Difficulty breathing (may need ventilator)

The treatment for a spinal cord injury is going to vary depending on the type and severity. When arriving at the hospital, the first step in treating a spinal cord injury is usually to examine the victim’s breathing. This is because damage to the spinal cord in the upper neck region can interfere with lung function and the person may need a ventilator or breathing tube immediately. The medical team will immobilize the patient by using a cervical collar support to prevent any more movement of the spinal column, as this can cause even more damage. The patient may be given a dose of steroids to decrease swelling and inflammation, which can alleviate pressure on the spinal cord. 

Depending on where the spinal cord accident happened and who was at fault, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills that were a result of the accident, loss of earnings from missing work, suffering for emotional and physical pain, rehabilitation after the accident, home modifications, or wheelchairs and other similar equipment. A spinal cord injury is one of the most severe injuries any person can endure. It is always advised that people get medical attention and then consider their options in filing a lawsuit if the accident was caused by another’s recklessness or negligence.

As our spinal cord injury lawyer associates from The Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. also know, victims of spinal cord accidents may need extensive care and support. It is not uncommon for victims to pursue damages from the individual, company, or other party that was responsible for the accident, so they can recover or live the most comfortable life possible from here on out.