Denver Spinal Injury Lawyers
Get Help Now
The spinal cord is a significant part of the body’s central nervous system. The simplest description is that it links the brain to the rest of the body. Extending from the medulla oblongata at the brain’s base to the lower back, the spinal cord measures around 45 cm in men and 43 cm in women.
The spinal cord takes care of three main functions:
- Sending motor commands from the brain to the body
- Carrying sensory information from the body to the brain
- Coordinating reflex responses independently of the brain
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) may alter all three of these functions.
How severe the injury is depends on the type and location.
We have extensive experience as spinal cord injury lawyers at Conduit Law and witnessed how much spinal cord injuries can change a person’s life. Many incidents result in spinal injuries that lead to long-term or permanent disabilities. When a spinal injury affects your daily routines, limits your ability to work, and disrupts your responsibilities – the impact is overwhelming.
If you have sustained spinal injuries due to negligence, filing a legal claim can be the way to secure the financial support needed to assist in recovery and adaptation.
Consequences of Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injuries disrupt motor, sensory, and reflex functions below the injury site:
- Motor Command Disruption: weak or lost movement and voluntary muscle control occur, with possible spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness or stiffness) over time.
- Sensory Transmission Impairments: loss of sensation, reduced pain and temperature awareness, and impaired body position awareness may develop.
- Reflex Coordination Effects: reflexes may decline initially, and exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia) may appear later.
In what’s considered one of the worst cases, paralysis may even manifest as either paraplegia (lower body) or tetraplegia (entire body).
Spinal injuries can leave victims with life-altering disabilities. The most common outcomes are:
- mobility limitations
- dependence on wheelchairs
- reduced independence
Medical treatments for spinal injuries are generally lengthy and costly – a giant financial burden is placed on the injured person and their family. Legal guidance from experienced personal injury attorneys becomes urgent in helping you obtain compensation to support these extensive needs.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries may be a result of different kinds of circumstances. Mostly, it’s because of sudden and traumatic events.
Some common causes are:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and other traffic collisions usually result in major spinal cord injuries.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: falls are a leading cause of spinal injuries, mainly when it comes to older adults.
- Medical Mistakes: errors during spinal block administration, anesthetics, orthopedic, or neurosurgical procedures can damage the spinal cord.
- Failure to Diagnose Medical Conditions: neglecting to diagnose spinal tumors, infections, or epidural abscesses can mean irreversible spinal damage later.
- Birth Injuries: some birth injuries can cause spinal trauma and may have lifelong consequences.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
The symptoms associated with spinal cord injuries are severity and location-specific. The spinal cord helps control movement and sensation, so signs of injury usually become noticeable.
If you or someone else experiences an accident, it is important to be aware of possible spinal injury symptoms, like:
- Intense pain or tingling, generally resulting from nerve damage within the spinal cord
- Loss of or altered sensation, which includes an inability to feel heat, cold, or touch
- Bladder and bowel control loss
- Difficulty with mobility or complete immobility
- Problems breathing or coughing
- Changes in sexual sensitivity, function, and fertility
To be safe from further damage, people need appropriate medical attention. Even mild symptoms merit a medical evaluation, as untreated spinal injuries can increase complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which damages can be recovered in a spinal cord injury case?
The financial, emotional, and physical toll of a spinal cord injury is staggering. Recovering damages in a legal claim can give valuable support, addressing the following needs:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Emotional distress
- Home modifications and assistive devices
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Is legal representation important?
Spinal cord injuries have serious consequences. The legal process needs the expertise of an attorney who is skilled in handling severe injury claims. These injuries influence diverse aspects of life – from daily activities to earning potential – and the financial and emotional costs are extensive as well. Large corporations and insurance companies are known to undervalue payouts and this creates a challenging terrain for those without representation.
At Conduit Law, our attorneys are committed to restoring balance in your life and fighting for fair compensation.
Our spinal cord injury attorneys conduct thorough investigations for each case. We review the last detail to identify potential subrogation claims from health insurers and work to resolve them as part of the settlement process. We do everything within legal parameters to be sure our clients get the highest compensation that’s achievable.
How are spinal cord injuries treated?
Modern medical advancements have made notable strides in spinal cord injury treatment, but a complete cure is still out of reach. Current treatments are geared to stop further damage and help patients regain as much function as possible.
Initial care involves emergency intervention to stabilize the spine, maintain breathing, prevent complications like blood clots, etc. Rehabilitation is a fundamental component so individuals can adapt to life post-injury.
How does spinal cord injury affect daily life?
The effects are known to be far-reaching. Apart from the physical limitations, these injuries influence a person’s independence, their ability to work, and their personal relationships. Most people suffering are forced to make big changes in daily routines and living environments.
Why Choose Conduit Law for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
Our team will support you through the legal process and get you the rightful compensation you deserve. We uphold compassionate and diligent representation to support your recovery and future needs. Spinal injuries severely complicate lives, but we stand determined by your side to get you the best possible outcomes. Discuss your case with us, and we’ll help you take the right steps.
