Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord extends from the brain, sending crucial messages and nerve pulses throughout the body; together, the brain and spinal cord comprise the central nervous system. Damage to the spinal cord is almost always irreversible because, unlike other nerve cells, brain and spinal cord cells are unable to regenerate after injury. Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) occurs when the bundle of nerves running through the spine is damaged.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

Nearly 50 percent of spinal cord injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents followed closely by falls. The top causes of spinal cord injuries include:

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents (e.g. motorcycle, truck, car accident)
  • Medical Negligence
  • Personal Injury (e.g. Slip and Fall, ladder fall, scaffolding accident)
  • Acts of Violence (e.g. gunshot, knife wounds)
  • Sports or Recreational Injury (e.g. football, hockey)
  • Diseases (e.g. cancer, arthritis, infection)

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two types of spinal cord injuries. These include:

  • Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A complete type of injury means the person is completely paralyzed below their lesion.
  • Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: An incomplete spinal cord injury means that there is some level of movement or feeling below the primary level of the injury. Generally, the higher the injury is on the spinal column, the more bodily dysfunction will occur.

Paraplegia and Quadriplegia

Paraplegia is medical term for permanent paralysis of the lower half of the body. Quadriplegia signifies that the paralysis extends from the neck down. Needless to say, a severe spinal cord injury drastically affects a person’s health, lifestyle, and ability to work.

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Injuries to the spinal cord often result in permanent disability. Spinal cord injuries may affect the body in a variety of ways – loss of motor skills, changes in personality or paralysis. High medical bills, lost wages, lost ability to work, and emotional distress can occur to victims with a spinal cord injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury you may be able to get compensation to help pay for the costs associated with the injury. It’s important that you contact an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer to learn more about your legal rights.