SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Spinal Cord Injuries – Legal Information

A traumatic injury resulting in a bruise or a partial or complete tear in the spinal cord is known as "acute spinal cord injury".  Approximately 500,000 people suffer from the effects of a spinal cord injury (“SCI”) in the US and there are about 10,000 new cases every year.

The brain and the spinal cord constitute the Central Nervous System.  The spinal cord extends from the base of the brain, down the back to the waist, and is the major bundle of nerves that carries nerve impulses to and from the brain to the rest of the body, and thereby controls the body’s movements. 

Causes

The most common causes of acute spinal cord injuries are falls, birth injuries, car accidents, sports injuries, diving accidents, trampoline accidents, and violence (stab or gunshot wounds).

Effects

The effects of SCI depend on the location, type, and level of the injury.  In general, the nerves above the injury site continue to function normally, and those nerves located at or below the injury do not. Thus, the higher the location of the injury, the more severe the effects are.

There are two types of spinal cord injuries, complete and incomplete.  A complete injury is where there is no sensation and voluntary movement, on either side of the body, below the point of injury.  An incomplete injury is where some sensation and movement remains intact below the point of injury.

Quadriplegic is the term used for someone with a spinal cord injury which usually results in paralysis of all four limbs. 

Paraplegic is the term used for someone with a spinal cord injury which usually results in paralysis of the lower part of the body, including the legs.

Victims of spinal cord injuries also experience other changes such as, dysfunction of bladder and bowel, sexual function, low blood pressure, control of body temperature, inability to sweat below level of injury.

Treatment

Currently, there is no cure for the effects of spinal cord injuries. The main goal of treatment today is to prevent any further injury. Until science advances to a point where the damaged spinal cord nerves can be healed and regenerated, few options are available to those suffering from spinal cord injuries.

Acute spinal cord injury victims may require long-term hospitalization and rehabilitation. A team of specialists works with each acute spinal cord injury patient to tailor treatment and attempt optimal levels of recovery. Rehabilitation focuses on preventing muscle wasting and contractures, and will attempt to help the acute spinal cord injury victim learn to function with certain limitations.

The cost of care for an acute spinal cord injury can quickly become astronomical, with medications, specialized medical care, and rehabilitation/therapy. The costs may exceed $250,000 per year, placing an overwhelming burden on the victims and their families.  If the acute spinal cord injury occurred through the fault or negligence of another party, that person or entity may be financially responsible for the costs associated with the injury.  In order to protect your rights and maximize your recovery, it is imperative that you contact an experienced spinal cord injury attorney promptly.  It is also important to remember that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit, so if you believe that you or a loved one may have suffered an acute spinal cord injury, contact a spinal cord injury lawyer immediately.  If you would like us to give you a referral please call toll free at (800) 807-9530 for a confidential consultation or fill out our contact us form and we will call you.