How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur?

An experienced personal injury lawyer understands the effects that debilitating spinal cord injuries can have on victims, and has represented many clients who have been impacted by them. Auto accidents, bicycle accidents and medical malpractice are just some of the reasons a spinal injury can happen. With the assistance of a trusted and admired personal injury lawyer such as one from David & Philpot, P.L., you can improve the possibility of obtaining potentially higher compensation for your damages. If you believe that a person’s negligence may have played a role in your spinal cord injury, it may be in your best interest to talk to a lawyer about filing a personal injury claim to aid your recovery. 

What is the spinal cord? 

The spinal cord consists of nervous tissue and runs along the spine. Together, the brain and spinal cord comprise the central nervous system which operates as the “command center”, and is responsible for sending signals and messages between the brain and body. 

Damage to the spinal cord can have extensive effects that can stay with a person over the course of their life. Treatment and care for spinal cord injuries can be highly expensive since the structure is very delicate and once it is damaged, it is damaged beyond repair since the cells are not capable of regenerating. 

What are the causes of spinal cord injuries?

Though everyday accidents can result in these types of injuries, in a lot of cases unnecessary accidents are due to negligence. Significant trauma to the spinal cord can be caused by several things, including:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Amusement park accidents

What are the types of spinal cord injuries? 

Classification of injuries is dependent on the degree of damage to the nerves. They generally fall in two groups:

  • Complete. A complete spinal cord injury occurs when a victim loses sensation or feeling below the point of injury and on both sides of the body, resulting in paralysis. The area is permanently damaged. 
  • Incomplete. Partial damage to the spinal cord results in an incomplete spinal injury. The damage is not as severe and a person still retains some function and feeling in their limbs but may experience loss of movement. 

A spinal cord injury can be devastating, and regardless of the type or extent of the injury the costs to victims are steep. Schedule an appointment with a top personal injury lawyer who can provide legal assistance.