Representing Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Spinal cord injuries are among the most debilitating and life-changing injuries one can sustain. Because the spinal cord carries nerve signals from the brain to all points of the body, the severity and nature of an injury can vary wildly depending on the nature of the trauma.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The spinal cord is the long bundle of nervous tissue that serves as the major neural pathway for signals to and from the brain. It relays sensory information to the brain, carries motor instructions from the brain to the muscles, and is also responsible for a number of involuntary reflexes. A spinal cord injury involves damage to any part of the spinal cord, and the specific location of the damage determines the nature of the associated injury, which is classified according to its severity.
The severity of the injury can be classified as follows:
- Complete injury: Almost all feeling and motor function are lost below the site of the damage
- Incomplete injury: Some sensory or motor function remains below the site of the damage
Personal injuries of the spinal cord are also classified according to the specific paralysis that accompanies them. Paraplegia affects the lower part of the body, including the trunk while quadriplegia affects all parts of the body below the neck. Such injuries commonly require years of rehabilitation and therapy.
What are the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury?
The symptoms of spinal cord injury are as varied and as the accidents that cause them. While the specific signs depend on the nature of the trauma, common symptoms include the following:
- Loss of sensation, including inability to feel heat and cold
- Loss of motor ability
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
- Loss of control of the bladder or bowels
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Weakness in any part of the body
- Pain or a stinging sensation
The number one cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States is motor vehicle accidents.
What Compensation Can I Expect?
If you've suffered a spinal cord injury because of the negligence of another person, you may be able to recover damages. Damages ensure you and your loved ones are cared for.
Such compensation may include payment for the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of opportunity (e.g., family, social, and educational experiences)
- Emotional damage (e.g., stress, depression, and embarrassment)
A personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation to offset this disruption to your life. At Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP, our skilled Ridgefield spinal cord injury lawyers are dedicated to your well-being.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Our Firm!
A spinal cord injury is a serious, life-altering condition, and depending on your specific case, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your pain and suffering. The Ridgefield spinal cord injury lawyers of Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP have the experience you need to recover the damages you deserve. Since 1988, our firm has helped countless clients obtain just compensation for their injuries. We have over 100 years of collective firm experience and have been AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell®!
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to spinal cord injury, please contact Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP or call (203) 438-7450 to schedule your free case evaluation with a dedicated personal injury attorney on our team.