The spinal cord is a vital organ in the human body, consisting of a bundle of nerves running from the brain to the backbone. The organ acts as a messaging pathway between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling functions, movement, and sensation. When damage occurs to the spinal cord, the result can be devastating and often leads to a loss of motor function, sensation, or both. Additionally, treatments for these long-term injuries are expensive, and someone with a spinal cord injury will likely be out of work for an extended period, adding financial stress to the emotional and physical impacts.
You do not have to face this challenging time alone. When someone else’s conduct causes your injuries, a compassionate catastrophic injury attorney from Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC can help you hold them accountable and seek the compensation you need to move forward more comfortably. Contact a knowledgeable Clark spinal cord injury lawyer to learn more.
The Effects of Spinal Cord Damage
The spinal cord is one of the most critical organs in the human body and is highly sensitive and vulnerable to injuries in accidents. The messaging system between the spinal cord and brain is crucial for controlling almost every function throughout the body. Even relatively minor trauma can leave an individual with debilitating and life-altering physical impairment. Some examples of the effects of this type of catastrophic injury include:
- Complete or partial loss of sensation in the affected body parts
- Loss of ability to control movement and function abilities
- Chronic pain and muscle weakness
- Difficulty breathing and other respiratory issues
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sexual dysfunction
- Inability to handle daily tasks without the help of a family member or nurse
- Emotional and psychological distress, suffering, and trauma
When someone sustains trauma to the spinal cord or surrounding tissues and nerves, they may have a disability that causes long-term or permanent physical impairment. The condition, called paralysis, may cause partial or complete loss of movement abilities and sensation. During a free consultation, a Clark spinal cord injury attorney at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, can answer specific questions and provide sound legal advice and guidance.
Spinal Cord Injuries Fall Within Two Groups
Spinal cord injuries fall within two primary groups based on the severity of the trauma and the location of the organ in which the damage occurs.
Complete
A complete injury results from a blow that splits the spinal cord entirely and is the most debilitating. The individual suffers from total loss of movement abilities and sensation, causing total impairment below the point of damage.
Incomplete
An incomplete injury refers to spinal cord trauma causing partial damage to the organ rather than severing it completely. Those with this type of disability may retain some movement capabilities and sensation in the limbs below the point of trauma.
Call a Clark Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
Accidents that cause trauma and damage to the spinal cord can flip your life upside down. The aftermath can be devastating when someone else’s thoughtless actions cause you harm.
You have legal rights and may pursue a payout to cover your medical care and other expenses if you sustained catastrophic injuries in an accident. Schedule a free consultation with a qualified Clark spinal cord injury lawyer to analyze your case and review the options.