Dealing with a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be complex and often life-altering, impacting almost 20,000 people in the United States each year. The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, plays a crucial role in transmitting neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When injured, these signals can be disrupted, leading to varying degrees of impairment that can profoundly affect a person’s mobility, sensation, and overall quality of life.

The causes of spinal cord injuries are diverse, including traumatic incidents such as vehicle accidents and falls. Each type of injury can result in different levels of severity and symptoms, with the location and extent of the damage often determining the extent of functional impairment.

Beyond the physical and medical aspects, spinal cord injuries also have profound emotional and socioeconomic impacts on individuals and their families. Coping with the challenges of living with an SCI requires not only physical resilience but also psychological support and access to resources for adaptive living.

Anyone who has suffered a spinal cord injury because of the negligence of another party should consult with a Norfolk spinal cord injury lawyer to find out what legal recourse they may have for the losses the injury has caused.

What Are the Potential Impacts of a Spinal Cord Injury?

The consequences of spinal cord injuries can be devastating. Individuals may experience partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation below the level of injury. Paralysis, whether quadriplegia affecting all four limbs or paraplegia affecting the lower body, is a common outcome depending on which part of the spinal cord is damaged.

Beyond physical limitations, SCIs can also lead to secondary health issues such as respiratory complications, urinary and bowel dysfunction, and increased susceptibility to infections.

What Are the Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can occur at various levels along the spinal column. The spinal cord is a crucial part of the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When an injury damages or disrupts the spinal cord’s normal functioning, it can result in neurological impairments and physical disabilities. The location of the injury along the spinal cord determines the extent and severity of these effects.

Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries (C1-C8)

The cervical spinal cord is in the neck region and consists of eight cervical vertebrae labeled as C1 to C8. Injuries to this uppermost part of the spinal cord can have significant consequences, potentially affecting the ability to breathe, move the arms and legs, and control various bodily functions. Injuries at the C1-C4 level are particularly severe. They can lead to tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia), which involves the loss of function in all four limbs and often requires assistance with daily activities.

Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries (T1-T12)

Below the cervical region, the thoracic spinal cord spans from T1 to T12. Injuries in this mid-back area can result in paraplegia, which affects the lower half of the body, including the legs. The specific effects and severity depend on the level of injury within this range.

Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries (L1-L5)

The lumbar spinal cord, situated in the lower back, includes vertebrae L1 to L5. Injuries at this level can impact mobility and lower body function, potentially causing difficulties with walking, balance, and bladder and bowel control.

Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries (S1-S5)

The sacral spinal cord is located just below the lumbar region and encompasses vertebrae S1 to S5. Injuries in this area typically affect pelvic and lower limb functions, including bowel and bladder control and sexual function.

Severity Level

The severity of a spinal cord injury is determined not only by the level of the injury but also by the degree of damage to the spinal cord tissue itself. Injuries can be classified as either complete or incomplete:

• Complete spinal cord injury: In a complete SCI, there is a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This means the individual has no sensation or voluntary movement in the affected areas.
• Incomplete spinal cord injury: In contrast, an incomplete SCI allows for some degree of sensory and/or motor function below the level of the injury. The extent of preservation of function can vary widely, ranging from minimal sensation and movement to near-normal function.

Call Our Office for Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident caused by another party, contact our office to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Norfolk personal injury attorney. A spinal cord injury victim often faces a life of pain and suffering from the injury, as well as the many medical complications that develop. Many victims are often left unable to go back to the type of work they did before the injury, or, depending on the severity of the injury, they may be unable to work at all, losing their source of income. There is often the need to modify homes to make living areas handicap accessible, as well as transportation issues.

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we understand the devastating impact these types of injuries can have on victims and their families, not only physically but also financially. Our Norfolk spinal cord injury attorneys are experienced in calculating and negotiating damages for injuries that involve long-term or permanent disabilities and will work diligently to get you the financial compensation you deserve. Contact our office for a free case evaluation.

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