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In personal injury cases involving a spinal cord injury, it’s essential to understand the spine’s structure. The spine comprises numerous bones known as vertebrae, with the spinal cord running down through a canal in the center of these bones. This spinal cord is vital as it transmits messages between the brain and the body for movement and sensation.
When it comes to personal injury, acute spinal cord injury (SCI) can occur due to trauma. This trauma can include injuries that bruise, partially tear, or completely sever the spinal cord. Sadly, SCI is a frequent cause of permanent disability and even death among both children and adults who have suffered personal injury. If you have suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury due to the negligence of others, call our spinal cord injury lawyers today.
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The spinal cord is essential in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Its intricate anatomy and vital function make it a keystone of human physiology. Acting as a conduit for information, it connects the brain to the peripheral nervous system. The spinal cord is divided into distinct segments, each corresponding to a specific body region. However, this very complexity also renders the spinal cord vulnerable to injuries that can have profound and lasting effects on a person’s life.
The spinal cord’s location makes it inherently susceptible to injury. Nestled within the bony vertebral column, it lacks the resilience to withstand sudden impacts or trauma. The neck and lower back are particularly vulnerable due to their flexibility, as crucial junctions for nerve pathways controlling movement and sensation.
Moreover, the spinal cord’s delicate structure amplifies its vulnerability. Comprising bundles of nerve fibers, or axons, that transmit electrical impulses, the spinal cord is a sophisticated network that can be easily disrupted by compression, stretching, or laceration. Any damage to these axons can lead to loss of sensation, paralysis, and other neurological impairments.
Many things can cause a spinal cord injury (SCI). The following are some common scenarios and accidents that can lead to SCIs:
Given the spinal cord’s irreplaceable role, protecting it from injury is a paramount concern. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in catastrophic consequences, underscoring the necessity of injury prevention and safety awareness. Ensuring the well-being of the spinal cord involves not only safeguarding it against direct trauma but also making informed choices that reduce the risks of accidents leading to spinal cord injuries.
Spinal cord injuries encompass a spectrum of severity, each with distinct implications for an individual’s functionality and quality of life. One fundamental classification divides the types of spinal cord injuries into two categories: complete and incomplete injuries.
A complete SCI involves the total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury. This occurs when the spinal cord is fully severed or significantly damaged, resulting in the inability to control movement and experience sensation in the affected areas. In contrast, an incomplete SCI signifies that some degree of sensory or motor function remains below the level of injury. The extent of impairment can vary widely, leading to diverse outcomes and potential for recovery.
If you suffered a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury and are now dealing with the long-term implications of spinal cord disorders, Regan Zambri Long can help you.
Sometimes, an accident’s force can cause the spinal cord’s discs to herniate or rupture, leading to pressure or damage to the nearby nerves. This pressure can have several complications including:
Sometimes, these injuries can be treated with surgical intervention, but often include long-term use of pain medications, physical therapy, and rest.
When one or more bones that make up the spinal cord break, this is known as a fractured vertebrae. There are four types of vertebrae fractures, including:
These breaks can lead to long-term pain, which, if severe enough, can require surgery to repair.
The level of injury along the spinal cord corresponds directly to the areas of the body affected by the SCI. Different segments of the spinal cord control specific functions and body regions. Injuries occurring higher up on the spinal cord, such as in the cervical region, can result in quadriplegia, affecting both the upper and lower limbs as well as the torso. Individuals with cervical injuries may require extensive assistance to perform daily activities and may rely on assistive devices for mobility.
Conversely, injuries lower on the spinal cord, such as in the thoracic or lumbar regions, can lead to paraplegia, affecting the lower limbs and potentially some abdominal and lower back muscles. Mobility and independence can vary among individuals with paraplegia, as some may use wheelchairs while others can utilize bracing or other aids to walk short distances.
The consequences of SCIs extend far beyond physical impairments, encompassing psychological, emotional, and social aspects of an individual’s life. The loss of mobility and independence can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and depression. Everyday tasks that were once taken for granted may become challenging, requiring adaptive strategies and continuous support. Additionally, the cost of medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices can place significant financial strain on individuals and their families.
One of the best ways to combat the devastating impact of spinal cord damage is to work with an experienced lawyer after your accident. Your attorney can fight for maximum compensation after your spinal cord injury accident, enabling you to comfortably take on all the costs associated with life with an SCI. Additionally, if another party is at fault for your injury, your attorney can work to make sure they are held accountable.
In addition to the impact a spinal cord injury can have on a person’s mobility and independence, other complications can arise from spinal cord damage. This may include:
While some of these complications can be treated or managed with medications and physical therapy, the reality is they become an added stressor to the victim and their family.
This is why it is crucial to work with an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer to collect the compensation you need for your recovery and long-term needs. Regan Zambri Long can help.
In the Washington, DC area and elsewhere, the potential for accidents resulting in spinal cord injuries (SCIs) is a sobering reality. Despite our best efforts, accidents may still occur, leading to spinal cord injuries that can have profound physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Support groups play a vital role in providing emotional, informational, and social support to victims of spinal cord injuries, offering them a sense of community and understanding as they experience the challenges of their injuries.
During these trying times, seeking professional support becomes essential. This is where the expertise of a DC spinal cord injury lawyer can prove invaluable. A personal injury lawyer specializing in spinal cord injuries can provide comprehensive legal guidance, ensuring that the rights and interests of the injured party are protected. A skilled attorney can be a lifeline in securing the resources necessary for recovery and rebuilding.
Seeking compensation for your SCI can seem overwhelming, given all the information you must collect for a successful case. However, with the help of a skilled catastrophic injury lawyer, you can collect compensation for:
Don’t handle the legal process alone. Call Regan Zambri Long.
Following the traumatic event that caused you to suffer an SCI, you likely want to move forward and begin the process of adjusting to your new normal. However, know that you have legal rights. If someone’s negligent actions caused you to suffer harm, including spinal cord damage, you have a right to compensation for your losses.
At Regan Zambri Long, we have helped personal injury victims and their families collect maximum compensation for their losses sustained in an accident. Let us use our thirty-plus years of experience for you.
For a no-obligation, free consultation, call the spinal cord injury lawyers of Regan Zambri Long.
