Spinal Injury

Injury to the spinal cord happens when trauma damages the cells or nerves within the spinal cord. These injuries are very serious because, depending on the location and severity of the injury, they can result in paralysis, lost sensations or diminished ability to function or perform daily tasks. Since the spinal cord serves as a column of nerve tissue that relays messages between the brain and the rest of the body, damage to any part of the spine can have catastrophic consequences.

Generally, the closer an injury occurs to the head, the more widespread the damage to the rest of the body. Spinal injuries can be partial or complete. Complete injuries result in loss of sensation and muscle control in the affected area; while partial injuries generally leave some functionality, albeit it sometimes highly diminished.

While spinal injuries can vary in severity, the consequences can be extremely serious. More serious injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia require the victim to adjust to a new way of life altogether – often in a wheelchair. Many victims lose the ability to work, engage in activities they once enjoyed, or even care for themselves independently.

Because of the severity of these injuries, spinal trauma can result in lost wages, compounding medical bills, emotional duress and extreme pain and suffering. Hiring an attorney specializing in spinal injuries is a vital step in getting the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.