SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Get A Lawyer For Serious Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is the roadway over which all messages from the brain to the rest of the body travel. Without those messages, the body is helpless. Exactly which messages are prevented by an SCI depends on what area of the spinal cord is injured, and how severe the injury is. Severe SCIs, especially at the higher levels of the spinal cord, are the most serious and damaging injuries that people can sustain without dying. Our dedicated spinal cord injury trial lawyers can get you the compensation you need during this difficult time.

Spinal Cord Injuries can cause:

• Paralysis below the level of the injury, which can be temporary or permanent
• Loss of all or some sensation below the site of injury
• Damage to the autonomic nervous system that controls respiration, heart function and other involuntary actions

The most severe spinal cord injuries completely alter the victim’s previous life. In the long term, severe SCIs shorten the victims’ life expectancy and drastically lower their quality of life.

Causes and Victims of Spinal Cord Injuries: the StatisticS

The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that, since 2010, most SCIs have been caused by:

• Vehicular crashes (36.5 percent)
• Falls (28.5 percent)
• Deliberate violence like assaults (14.3 percent)
• Participation in sports (9.2 percent)

The typical victim is young and male. Each year ~12,000 Americans suffer an Spinal Cord Injury during an accident which they survive. Estimates of the total number of SCI victims currently living in the United States vary, but even the lowest estimates approach a quarter of a million people.

LEVELS OF INJURY

When the spinal cord is injured, only the functions at or below the level of injury are damaged. Unfortunately, it is the upper levels, where the cord passes through the neck, that are most susceptible to injury. For the most part, complete cervical injuries can be divided as follows:

• If the injury is below C-7, the victim remains able to perform basic functions that allow self-sufficiency
• If the injury is above C-6, the victim will, given the current state of assistive technology and treatment, remain dependent on others for basic functions
• If the injury is at the C-6 and C-7 level, victims may be able to achieve some independence, but only with considerable effort and difficulty

LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES

Among the most serious long term consequences are:

• Lowered life expectancy–people who are 20-years old at the time of injury live 6.5 years less if their injuries are less severe, and 34 years less for those so injured that they need a ventilator
• Employment difficulties, the extent of which depends on the severity of the SCI and, to some degree, the victim’s personal characteristics
• Significant loss of function, especially mobility, control of bladder and bowels, and sexual function
• Severe psychological problems

Due to the severe nature of spinal cord injuries, victims will need more compensation to recover from these types of injuries. Our seasoned trial lawyers are experienced spinal cord injury trial lawyers who can help.

HELP FOR THE INJURED

Among the most serious long term consequences are:

• Lowered life expectancy–people who are 20-years old at the time of injury live 6.5 years less if their injuries are less severe, and 34 years less for those so injured that they need a ventilator
• Employment difficulties, the extent of which depends on the severity of the SCI and, to some degree, the victim’s personal characteristics
• Significant loss of function, especially mobility, control of bladder and bowels, and sexual function
• Severe psychological problems

Due to the severe nature of spinal cord injuries, victims will need more compensation to recover from these types of injuries. Contact us today to get in touch with one of our experienced spinal cord injury trial lawyers who can litigate for you and the justice you deserve.