Doctor evaluating an x-ray for a spinal injury

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are catastrophic for the victims and their families because unlike many other parts of the body, spinal cord nerves do not heal, so the most serious types of spinal cord injuries often become permanent. The attorneys at Williams Iagmin, LLP understand the pain, both physical and emotional, that their clients go through following a spinal cord injury and are here to provide compassionate legal service.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Every year, it is estimated that 11,000 people across the United States suffer from a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries can happen in a number of different ways and range from a minor injury to permanent, life-altering damage. The most common causes of spinal cord injuries are car and motorcycle accidents, but they can also be caused by work-related accidents, falls, sports injuries, or violent acts.

Spinal cord injuries can either be categorized as partial or complete. A partial injury means that there is still some feeling and function below the point of injury, or that one side still has function. A complete spinal cord injury means that there is no feeling or function below the point of injury, and both sides of the body are affected. According to the National Institute of Health, most spinal cord injuries involve a blow to the back that fractures or dislocates the vertebrae in the spine, and the bone either tears the nerves of the spinal cord or presses on them to the point where signals can no longer be sent from the brain to other parts of the body.

Spinal Cord Damage

Paralysis is the most known and obvious result of a spinal cord injury. Paraplegics are injured below the neck, which causes a loss of function and sensation in the lower part of the body. Quadriplegics suffer a spinal cord injury in the neck and lose feeling and function in all four extremities. However, paralysis is not the only outcome of a spinal cord injury. Other damage resulting from this type of injury includes:

  • Loss of respiratory function
  • Inability to regulate body temperature or blood pressure
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
  • Chronic pain
  • Weakness
  • Incoordination
  • Numbness or tingling in extremities
  • Muscle spasms
  • Changes in sexual function
  • Inability to feel pressure, heat, or cold

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries

Due to the serious nature of spinal cord injuries, many victims of these accidents require ventilators, complex medical devices, and for some, around-the-clock care. It is vitally important that spinal cord injury victims and their families are fully compensated for their claims in order to afford the costs of recovery and care. After an accident, the victim of a spinal cord injury may be entitled to the following damages:

  • Medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation
  • 24-hour nursing care
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

Having an attorney who is experienced in handling personal injury cases and spinal cord injuries can make all of the difference when navigating the legal process for these types of claims. An attorney understands the legal process, can negotiate with insurance companies, and is there to look out for the client’s best interests while they focus on their recovery.

We are Here to Help

A spinal cord injury is a devastating and life-changing event that can permanently alter the course of someone’s future. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, call or contact the attorneys at Williams Iagmin, LLP today for a free consultation of your case.