Posted on Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017 at 4:56 am
A spinal cord injury can result in permanent loss of body functions or loss of sensation below the injury site. Victims who suffer spinal cord injuries can suffer partial or total paralysis. With total paralysis or quadriplegia, the person loses the ability to move any of his extremities or trunk while partial paralysis or paraplegia only affects part of the trunk and legs. In addition, you also have complete and incomplete injuries. When a person loses all sensation and ability to control movement below the site of the injury, we refer to that as a complete spinal cord injury.
Common signs and symptoms associated with a spinal cord injury include:
- Loss of movement or sensation
- Intense stinging sensation or pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Difficulty breathing
- Spasms or exaggerated reflex activities
- Extreme pain in the back or neck
- Numbness, loss of sensation, or tingling in extremities
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Paralysis, lack of coordination, or weakness in any area of the body
Anyone who experiences an injury to the neck or back should see a doctor as soon as possible. In some cases, a spinal cord injury may not present symptoms immediately. If an injury is not diagnosed and treatment does not begin, the injury can become worse. Paralysis, numbness, and pain can begin gradually and become worse. Only a medical professional can diagnose a spinal cord injury and provide treatment options to try to prevent further injury and disability.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Injury to the neck and back can occur in a variety of personal injury accidents. Common causes include:
- Traffic-related accidents, including accidents involving cars, bicycles, trucks, pedestrians, and motorcycles.
- Falls, especially falls from high locations and ladders; however, slip and fall accidents (e. tripping over a pothole, slipping on a slick floor, etc.) can also cause severe injury to the back, neck, and spinal cord.
- Recreation and sports injuries, such as contact sports (e. football, wrestling, etc.), rock climbing, and diving in shallow water.
- Assault and acts of violence.
Recovering Damages for a Spinal Cord Injury
When a spinal cord injury is the result of an accident caused by another party, the victim might be entitled to recover compensation for damages. For example, if a negligent driver causes a collision that causes your spinal cord injury, you can file a claim against that driver. Likewise, if you fall in a store because of uneven or slick flooring, your claim would be against the property owner.
The damages in a spinal cord injury claim can be substantial, especially if you suffer permanent injury or disability. Your ongoing and future medical costs, personal care, and lost wages can add into the hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. It is important that you take steps to protect your right to recover the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries to help pay for the future care you need because of a permanent injury to your spinal cord.
In addition to financial losses, you can suffer great physical pain and emotional suffering because of a spinal cord injury. You are also entitled to be compensated for these damages in an accident claim. Our Sacramento spinal cord injury attorneys can help you receive a fair and just amount for your claim.
Call Now for a Free Legal Consultation with a Sacramento Injury Attorney
The Sacramento spinal cord injury attorneys at the Tiemann Law Firm can be reached by telephone at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website. Our law firm serves clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.
