Spinal injuries can be devastating. Depending on their severity, they can lead to everything from back pain to total paralysis. One of the things that makes spinal cord injuries particularly dangerous is that if an accident completely severs the spinal cord, it cannot regenerate. Those injuries are permanent.
Adjusting to life with limited mobility can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. Medical care, rehabilitation, caretakers, and accommodation can easily cost hundreds of thousands — even millions — over a lifetime.
You deserve fair compensation for an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. A Stamford spinal cord injury lawyer will work hard to ensure you get the payments you need.
Generally, an accident that leads to spinal cord injuries will either involve significant force — like a car accident— or a direct hit to the spine. Some examples of accidents that may lead to spinal cord injuries include:
Of course, these are not the only causes of spinal cord injuries. Regardless of the type of accident that led to the spinal cord injury, a Stamford attorney can help you seek financial recovery.
The spinal cord carries the nerves that relay messages from the brain to the entire rest of the body. Spinal injuries can lead to paralysis, which refers to a total or partial loss of sensation or movement in all or part of the body. People can experience varying degrees of paralysis, and it may be temporary or permanent, depending on the nature of the injury.
Doctors use five terms to describe the location of paralysis — paraplegia, quadriplegia, monoplegia, diplegia, and hemiplegia. Quadriplegia is the most extensive type of paralysis. It involves paralysis in both arms and legs. It may include paralysis in the trunk as well, which can consist of impaired breathing and other involuntary functions. Paraplegia is paralysis in both legs. Hemiplegia is paralysis on one side of the body. Diplegia refers to paralysis on both sides of the body in the same region. Monoplegia is the paralysis of a single limb.
Doctors also use the terms “partial” and “complete” to describe the extent of the paralysis. Partial paralysis refers to a partial loss of muscle function, while complete paralysis implies a total loss of function. “Flaccid” and “spastic” also describe paralysis. “Flaccid” is linked to muscle atrophy and shrinkage — the impacted body parts may appear to wilt. “Spastic” usually indicates some remaining nerve function but can result in painful cramping, spasming, and jerking.
Most importantly, paralysis can be permanent or temporary. Generally, the severity of the injury to the spinal cord determines whether recovery is possible. When the injury severs the spinal cord, recovery is impossible. When the spinal cord is not entirely severed, some recovery may be possible. Still, it may take years, and it may not be a complete recovery. In either case, a Stamford spinal cord injury attorney can pursue a compensation award that accounts for the full effect of one’s injuries.
Spinal cord injuries can be devastating. These injuries can lead to pain and suffering, extreme medical bills, the need to modify homes or place someone in a nursing home, the loss of consortium, the inability to return to work, and more.
No amount of money can make up for someone’s negligent actions that caused a severe injury. However, a fair and prompt damages award can go a long way to helping you and your family adjust to the new normal after a spinal cord injury. Contact a Stamford spinal cord injury lawyer at Berkowitz Hanna to learn more.
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