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The Severity of Spinal Cord Injuries

Written by Berkowitz

Connecticut Spinal Cord Injuries Attorneys - Berkowitz and Hanna LLCSpinal cord injuries are not like broken bones or lacerations; instead, these injuries come with long-term physical and emotional results. They can impact an individual’s health, mobility and even their social relationships. Some estimates have projected that there are 12,000 or more new cases of spinal cord injuries each year in the U.S. From dangerous accidents to recreational injuries, it is unfortunate to see such an increase in a devastating injury.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries involve ruptures, tears or bruises of the spinal cord – typically due to trauma to the area. It could involve fractures or misalignments of the vertebrae or even a ruptured disk. Spinal cord injuries can also be incomplete (motion or sensation is diminished, but not gone) or they could be considered “complete” (a person exhibits no sensation or motion).

Spinal cord injuries are classified by their location, which include:

  • Cervical spine – resulting from an injury to the neck or upper back
  • Thoracic spinal cord – resulting from an injury near or around the rib cage
  • Lumbar injury – resulting from an injury to the lower back
  • Sacral spinal cord injury – resulting from an injury to the tailbone area

The injury can result in serious health problems – all dependent on the location or severity of the injury itself. Some of these problems can include:

  • Weakness of the limbs
  • Full paralysis
  • Sexual dysfunctional disorders
  • Physical sensation losses
  • Respiratory distress
  • Bladder or bowel dysfunctions
  • Emotional or psychological issues
  • Chronic pain

How Spinal Cord Injuries Occur

Spinal cord injuries often result from a motor vehicle accident, but a person does not have to be driving at excess speeds to suffer from such injury. In fact, slow speed accidents also account for injuries to the spine and can be equally debilitating. Other causes of spinal cord injuries include falls or accidents to the spine, such as an injury in the workplace. Sports, exercise and recreational activities can also lead to spinal cord injuries as well as acts of violence. Sometimes, though rarer, spinal cord injuries may occur due to medical error (such as a surgical error).

Receiving Compensation and Assessing Liability

In these types of cases, most victims blame themselves for their injuries. However, there could be other parties to blame. Sometimes it is the other driver, the surgeon or the individual that assaulted the plaintiff. When someone has acted intentionally or negligently and caused the plaintiff’s spinal cord injuries, they are liable under the law.

The plaintiff can be awarded compensation for their physical injuries and emotional pain and suffering. This compensation can help cover medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering as well as other damages that are the direct result of the injury.

Contact Berkowitz and Hanna LLC today to schedule a no obligation case evaluation. Call 866-479-7909 or contact us online to get started.

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