There are many kinds of injuries a person can sustain while being involved in a car accident. Some may be small, like minor bruises, but some could be potentially fatal or very dangerous. Among the most challenging injuries doctors and patients can face, the ones related to the spinal cord are one of the most difficult and dramatic situations.
The spinal cord is a vital component of the central nervous system; its primary function is to facilitate the transmission of information between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord contains millions of nerve cells coordinating complex movements such as breathing and walking.
Due to its crucial role in the body's functioning, injuries to the spinal cord can have severe consequences, potentially leading to paralysis and other debilitating conditions. These accidents can result in life-altering injuries and often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
In such demanding situations, the support of a skilled spinal cord injury lawyer can be invaluable. They possess the expertise and knowledge to navigate the legal complexities of spinal cord injuries. If you or someone you love is in need, do not hesitate to seek the guidance and advocacy necessary to pursue rightful compensation and navigate the legal process more efficiently.
For the best legal advice in the Miami Lake area, contact our spinal injury attorneys at 855-DOLOR-55. We are eager to make your voice heard and your rights respected.
What is a Spinal Injury?
We use spinal cord injury to describe the damage to the bundle of cells and nerves responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord, which extends from the lower part of the brain down through the lower back, can sustain injury directly or due to damage to the surrounding tissue and vertebrae. Such damage can lead to temporary or permanent alterations in movement, sensation, and even bodily functions.
The brain oversees most functions in our body. When an injury alters the connection between the brain and body, the central systems of our organism may collapse. Furthermore, the impact of the injury can extend beyond the physical, affecting an individual mentally and emotionally. The injury can significantly alter every aspect of a person's life.
Thanks to some advancements in treatments and rehabilitation related to spinal cord injuries, many people can regain independence and lead productive lives. They must go through tailored therapies and supportive care but can achieve significant improvements and adapt to the circumstances.
However, this can only be possible with the appropriate support and resources needed so that victims of accidents with spinal cord injuries can pursue a fulfilling life. A spinal cord injury lawyer could help you deal with the hardships of claiming fair compensation after a life-altering event such as a spinal cord injury.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur due to direct damage to the spinal cord or injury to the surrounding tissue and bones of the vertebrae. The severity and extent of the damage depend on the injury along the spinal cord. A higher injury can lead to paralysis in most of the body, affecting all limbs, while a lower injury can cause paralysis in the legs and lower body.
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
There are two main types of spinal cord injury: complete and incomplete. In an incomplete injury, the spinal cord still has some ability to transmit messages to and from the brain. Victims with incomplete injuries may retain certain sensory functions and partially control muscle activity below the injury site.
On the other hand, a complete injury signifies a complete loss of nerve communication below the injury site, resulting in the loss of both sensory and motor functions.
When a spinal cord injury occurs, there is primary damage that happens immediately as a direct result of the injury itself. Additionally, secondary damage from inflammation and swelling could lead to further complications.
Understanding the type and extent of the spinal cord injury is necessary to determine the prognosis and appropriate treatment options. Understanding the severity of the injuries will help your spinal cord injury lawyer to be prepared when claiming damages and losses.
Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can have profound consequences on a person's physical functioning and overall quality of life. In some cases, the consequences can get better with rehabilitation, but in other cases, damage to the spinal cord can last for life. Some of the main implications of this type of injury are:
Paralysis
One of the most significant consequences of a spinal cord injury is weakness or inability to move any part of the body below the site of injury. This loss of mobility can result in unnatural positions of the spine or head, making it challenging to maintain proper posture and requiring additional aid to maintain a seating position.
The paralysis resulting from a spinal cord injury can be classified as tetraplegia (quadriplegia) or paraplegia. The first affects the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs, while the second primarily impacts the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs.
Inability to control bodily functions
In addition to motor impairments, spinal cord injuries can also lead to a loss of bladder and bowel control. Problems with walking and balance are also common, as the injury disrupts the signals between the brain and the lower extremities.
These types of consequences are a burden for the victims and their caretakers, as the inability to control bodily functions implies that the victim needs help in taking care of even the most private activities, such as washing.
Being unable to work again
This type of injury can have long-lasting effects that could heavily affect the capacity to work and provide for your or your family's needs. Paralysis or any other grave consequence of a spinal cord injury can deem you unable to work ever again. If this happens, the guidance of an excellent spinal cord injuries lawyer could help you claim damages for the loss of wages.
Needing breathing assistance
In some cases of severe spinal cord injury, individuals may require breathing assistance due to the impact on respiratory muscles. The injury can affect the ability to take deep breaths, leading to reduced lung function and decreased oxygen intake.
Difficulties in coughing or clearing lung secretions can increase the risk of respiratory infections and pneumonia. To support breathing, medical interventions such as mechanical ventilation or the use of respiratory aids may be necessary.
Circulatory problems
Spinal cord injuries can lead to changes in circulation, including blood pressure instability and abnormal heart rhythms. The disruption of autonomic nervous system control over blood vessels can cause them to widen, increasing the risk of blood clots due to decreased mobility and blood flow in the lower extremities.
Spasticity and decreased muscle tone
As a result of SCI, individuals may experience muscle spasticity, which is the involuntary and exaggerated contraction of muscles. This can lead to stiffness, spasms, and difficulty with movement. On the other hand, some muscles may also experience decreased tone and weakness due to underuse. Physical therapy, medications, and other interventions may be used to manage spasticity and maintain muscle function.
Autonomic dysreflexia
Autonomic dyslexia is a potentially life-threatening condition occurring in victims with injuries to the neck or upper back. It is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure, accompanied by symptoms such as flushing, headache, sweating, and more.
Pressure sores
Prolonged pressure on the skin, often due to immobility, can develop pressure sores or ulcers. Areas with bony prominences are particularly susceptible. These sores can be painful and difficult to heal.
Pain
Neurogenic pain is a common consequence of spinal cord injuries, which causes severe and persistent pain. The pain can be spontaneous or triggered; this constant pain is very tough to manage, and treatment must be tailored to individual needs. The advocacy of an expert spinal cord injury lawyer can help claim enough compensation for victims to manage the expenses of having to treat pain constantly.
Main Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur because of damage to the spinal cord itself or the vertebrae, ligaments, or disks of the spinal column. Many different accidents and situations can cause these types of dangerous injuries.
Car crashes
Among the leading causes of traumatic spinal cord injury, car accidents account for 40.4% of cases, as the significant force exerted on the spine during accidents can lead to fractures, dislocations, or compression of the spinal cord. If you or someone you love are affected by an accident, a spinal injuries lawyer could be a helping hand. Other causes of spinal cord injuries include:
Falls
Falls, whether from a significant height or due to slips, are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Falling from bed, ladders, stairs, or in the bath can easily result in an injury of the spinal cord, especially among older adults who may have more vulnerable bones.
Violence
Unfortunately, violence-related incidents contribute to the occurrence of spinal cord injuries. Gunshot wounds, fights, domestic violence, and other assaults can lead to spinal cord injuries.
Sports Injuries
Participating in high-impact or extreme sports can also result in spinal cord injuries. Young individuals are particularly susceptible to such accidents and should take precautions to prevent spinal cord injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries Statistics
The latest data from the National SCI Statistical Center (NSCISC) provides us with valuable insights into the prevalence and causes of these injuries. In the United States alone, there are approximately 18,000 new cases of traumatic spinal cord injuries each year. It is noteworthy that around 79% of these new cases involve males, highlighting a gender disparity in SCI occurrences.
The average age at the time of injury is 43 years old. When examining the causes of spinal cord injuries, vehicular crashes emerge as the leading cause, accounting for 37.6% of cases. Falls are the second most common cause at 31.5%, followed by acts of violence at 15.4% and sports or recreational activities at 8.3%. Medical or surgical procedures and other causes contribute to 3.6% of SCIs.
In 2015, 1,903 Clients sustained Spinal Cord Injuries in Florida. When comparing the number of clients with spinal cord injuries across counties in Florida, Alachua County falls within the third quartile. This means that about other counties in the state, Alachua County has fewer spinal cord injuries than half of the different counties.
Contact a Spinal Injury Lawyer for Help
After a spinal cord injury, seeking the assistance of a spinal injuries lawyer who specializes in handling such cases becomes of the most importance. You can, for example, contact the marvelous legal team at The Ward Law Group. These legal professionals possess the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of spinal injury claims, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
With the guidance of a skilled spinal cord injuries lawyer, you can gain peace of mind and confidence to focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life. Our spinal injury attorneys will tirelessly protect your rights, advocate for your needs, and help you obtain rehabilitation, medical care, and future well-being resources.
We are ready to help you navigate the aftermath of an accident involving an injury of this graveness. Call us anytime, day or night, weekends or weekdays. Our team will be ready to treat your case so you can live the most dignified life possible, even after enduring the hardships of recovering your health. Contact 855-DOLOR-55 to contact a spinal injury attorney in Miami Lakes today. You can move forward with resilience and determination, seeking justice and a brighter future.