Damage to the spinal cord, causing the cord’s normal functions to be disrupted, is referred to as a spinal cord injury. When the spinal cord is injured, it loses its ability to deliver messages correctly. The brain is unable to interact with the body, which can result in movement and sensation loss. A spinal injury can be devastating.
The severity and location of the spine damage determine the extent of the injury. Spinal cord injury has the potential to have a profound impact on the lives of those involved. Injuries can raise medical expenses, necessitate home modifications, and even result in job loss.
When another person or party is to blame for your injury, you can pursue legal action to recover damages. Accidents, assaults, and medical malpractice can all result in this situation.
Our spinal injury claims team have extensive experience in obtaining compensation for those who have suffered a spine injury.
Causes of Spinal Injury
The most common cause of a spinal injury is a traumatic, sudden blow to the vertebrae causing disruption to the cord’s normal functions.
The following are some of the most common causes of spinal injuries:
- Road Traffic Accidents
- Accidents at work
- Accidents that occur when traveling
- Falling, slipping or tripping
- Assaults
- Sports-related injuries
- Medical Negligence
Medical Negligence
Negligence comes in a variety of forms.
Negligence in spinal injury cases has the potential to have life-altering consequences. Doctors and other medical professionals must carefully weigh the benefits and risks of a treatment plan before recommending it to patients. The most common reasons for filing a claim for a spinal injury are as follows:
- Undiagnosed spinal fractures
- Errors when dealing with patients who have suffered a neck or back injury
- Inadequate monitoring and error detection during spinal surgery
Effects of Spinal Injury
The effects of a spinal injury are determined by the location and nature of the injury. It can result in paraplegia or tetraplegia in the most severe cases. Many people who have suffered a spinal injury have:
- Difficulty Walking
- Control issues with the bladder
- Loss of movement in arms and legs
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet on a regular basis
- Pain in the back or neck
The symptoms can range from severe and chronic pain to paralysis and incontinence depending on where the spinal cord is injured and which nerve roots are damaged.
In the case of a “complete” spinal cord injury, all functions below the injured area have been lost, while in the case of a “incomplete” SCI, some motor or sensory functions below the injured level have been preserved.
Complete spinal cord injuries are more severe if the trauma occurs higher up the spine. Full or partial tetraplegia is the most common outcome of cervical injuries (damage to the neck region). Limited functioning, on the other hand, may be retained in some cases depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Accident victims who suffer complete spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in the thoracic region of the spine (the trunk) will be paralyzed (unable to move their lower extremities), but their hands, arms, and neck will be unaffected.
When the spinal cord is injured in the lumbar or sacral regions, the legs, hips, urinary system, and anus are all affected. Other bodily functions, such as bowel, bladder, and sexual, may be affected as well.
Pulmonary oedema, respiratory failure, and deep vein thrombosis are all common side effects of spinal cord injuries, and they can all be avoided if detected early.
Numbness, pain, and/or loss of sensation are all possible outcomes of spinal cord injuries. Muscle atrophy and bone deterioration can both occur as a result of diminished muscle mass and insufficient use of the affected muscle.
Compensation for negligence resulting in a spinal injury
Each spinal cord injury case is unique, and the amount of compensation you receive will be determined by the severity of your injury and the impact it has had on your life.
You’ll also be able to make a claim for any lost wages, long-term care, rehabilitation, as well as any necessary house modifications to help you get back on your feet and live independently.
A member of our staff will review the details of your injuries, determine whether you have a claim, and advise you on the best next actions.
We understand how difficult it can be for victims of spinal injuries and their families to pursue legal action. Our goal is to take care of your spinal injury claim as promptly and efficiently as possible for you and your family.