The spinal column plays a massive role in the human body's musculoskeletal system. Beyond providing essential structural support, it is a vital shield for the precious spinal cord while facilitating fluid movement.
However, when an individual experiences a jarring accident that impacts their back, the once-safeguarded spinal cord becomes vulnerable to severe injury.
Traffic collisions are a severe hazard in the busy borough of the Bronx, New York, and can result in devastating spinal cord injuries.
Among these, car accidents rank as one of the most frequent causes of such tragic occurrences. But there are other potential causes of spinal cord injury besides traffic accidents, and we will explore those in a moment.
Determining the actual cause and identifying potentially responsible parties require a thorough investigation and understanding of spinal cord injuries' legal complexities.
Engaging the expertise of a seasoned spinal injury attorney is paramount. This adept professional will lead the charge in conducting an exhaustive investigation, navigating the intricacies of legal paperwork, pursuing rightful claims, deftly negotiating settlements, and, if necessary, presenting the case before a court of law as a last resort.
With a proficient Bronx spinal injury attorney by your side, you can strive for the justice and compensation rightfully owed to you.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can have life-altering consequences, The Ward Law Group counts on a team of seasoned personal injury lawyers in New York Law, and in our several years of practice, we've encountered numerous cases in The Bronx stemming from various causes of this injury.
Understanding these leading causes is crucial in seeking justice and rightful compensation for victims. Here are some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries:
1. Car Accidents:
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the primary culprits behind spinal cord injuries. The sheer force of impact during a car accident can lead to severe trauma to the spine, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
Victims may suffer devastating consequences, whether it's a rear-end collision, intersection crash, or highway accident.
2. Falls:
Slip and fall accidents are another leading cause of spinal cord injuries, especially among older adults. A fall from a significant height or on a hazardous surface can result in compression or fractures of the spinal vertebrae, potentially leading to lasting impairments.
3. Sports Injuries:
Engaging in sports, while enjoyable and beneficial, carries inherent risks. High-impact sports like football, rugby, or gymnastics may expose participants to spinal cord injuries, particularly collisions, falls, or mishandled landings.
4. Acts of Violence:
Unfortunately, acts of violence, such as assaults and gunshots, can also cause severe spinal cord injuries. Deliberate harm inflicted on the spinal column can lead to irreparable damage, impacting the victim's mobility and quality of life.
5. Diving Accidents:
Diving into shallow water or uncertain depths poses a significant threat to the spine. Misjudging the water's depth or hitting submerged obstacles can result in catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord trauma.
6. Construction Accidents:
Workers in the construction industry face hazards that may expose them to spinal cord injuries. Falls from heights, scaffold collapses, or being struck by heavy machinery can cause grave harm to the spine.
If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury due to any of these causes, seeking the assistance of a qualified spinal cord injury attorney is essential. An expert in this field will advocate for the rights of those who have suffered such injuries, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve to rebuild their lives and secure a brighter future.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
In general, two types of spinal cord injuries depend on the severity of the damage and location of it. They are complete spinal cord injuries or incomplete spinal cord injuries.
Paraplegia is a spinal cord injury that results in partial or complete paralysis of the lower half of the body.
Victims may lose sensation and motor control in their legs, hips, and lower abdomen in such cases. While upper body function remains intact, mobility is limited, and individuals with paraplegia typically rely on assistive devices like wheelchairs to move around.
Another condition similar to the previous one is quadriplegia, although this one involves paralysis of both the upper and lower parts of the body.
This type of spinal cord injury affects the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. Victims may have limited or no sensation and mobility in these areas. Daily tasks like feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene may require assistance, making quadriplegia a life-altering condition.
Unlike complete injuries, incomplete spinal cord injuries allow for some degree of sensory or motor function below the injury site. The level of impairment varies depending on the severity and location of the damage.
Some individuals may regain partial movement or sensation, while others may experience unpredictable changes in function over time.
Between the incomplete spinal cord injuries, we may find also:
- Anterior Cord Syndrome
- Central Cord Syndrome
- Brown-Sequard Syndrome
- Posterior Cord Syndrome
Spinal shock is a temporary condition that occurs immediately after a spinal cord injury. It involves a sudden loss of all sensory and motor functions below the injury site.
Over time, some functions may return as the spinal cord begins to heal. However, the severity and duration of spinal shock can vary from person to person.
Spinal cord injuries can bring immense challenges to victims and their families. The Ward Law Group is committed to helping those affected by such injuries navigate the legal process, seek rightful compensation, and access the support and resources needed to adapt to their new circumstances.
Our compassionate Bronx spinal cord injury attorneys are ready to assist you.
What Are the Consequences Of Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal cord injuries have far-reaching effects on individuals, leading to various health, financial, and social consequences. These injuries are often accompanied by secondary conditions that can severely impact a person's well-being and even jeopardize their life.
Some health problems that may arise after a spinal cord injury include deep vein thrombosis, urinary tract infections, muscle spasms, osteoporosis, pressure ulcers, chronic pain, and respiratory complications.
These conditions can be debilitating, making daily life challenging for the injured person.
The financial burden is substantial for those dependent on others due to spinal cord injury. They may need to bear the costs of caregivers and assistive technology to enhance their mobility and communication capabilities.
Additionally, their limitations may hinder their ability to work, resulting in reduced income or complete reliance on disability benefits. For children with spinal cord injuries, attending school becomes difficult or even impossible, and if they manage to go, their progress may be hindered.
Special schools for children with disabilities are notably more expensive than regular schools, posing a further financial strain on families.
The social consequences of spinal cord injuries are equally profound. Individuals facing these challenges may experience isolation and limited social interactions due to mobility limitations and health conditions.
This isolation can have a detrimental effect on their mental well-being and overall quality of life.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Pursuing rightful compensation is crucial to help them cope with their injuries' physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. Our Bronx spinal cord injury lawyers know every aspect of the law and can recover fair compensation for you.
The economic damages you face when dealing with a spinal cord injury are often very high. A considerable debt can be hurtful to a family that may have lost income from the leading supporter of the house.
Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Compensation can cover these medical expenses, ensuring victims have access to the best possible medical care to aid their recovery and improve their quality of life.
Many spinal cord injury victims cannot work or face a significant reduction in their earning capacity due to their injuries. Compensation should include lost wages and future income to help them support themselves and their families during this challenging period.
Victims may require specialized equipment and assistive devices to enhance mobility and communication. Wheelchairs, mobility aids, home modifications, and communication tools, enabling them to lead more independent lives, are required, and the liable party should pay for that.
In addition to economic damages, spinal cord injury victims may be entitled to noneconomic damages. These include compensation for:
- Emotional damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
Seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury is a complex process that requires the expertise of a skilled spinal injury lawyer in The Bronx.
Your Bronx Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer At The Ward Law Group
Being hurt from a spinal cord injury is not amusing; you are stressed out from the pain, you might also have emotional discomfort, and your family might be going through a difficult period. But a knowledgeable Bronx spinal cord injury attorney can assist you in this situation.
In such cases, we have developed a unique and personalized service through the years in which you won't have to deal with any problematic task regarding the laws. We have the expertise to explain everything in simple words and can do it in your mother tongue.
We are proud to serve the Hispanic community in the United States because we understand what it is like to be in your shoes. Let us help you; call now at 855-DOLOR-55 and get a free consultation on your case.