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Spinal cord injuries are the result of traumatic damage to the spinal cord, a long bundle of nerves that runs down the vertical axis of the back and conveys messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When an accident damages the spinal cord, the resulting disruption of these messages can result in paralysis. Spinal cord injuries often occur as a result of severe accidents, such as motor vehicle collisions, falls, or sports injuries.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries come in two primary types: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury prevents feeling or movement below the injury level. With an incomplete injury, a patient might retain some feeling or movement below the injury. The impacts of a spinal cord injury can vary depending on where the injury happens along the spinal cord and how severe the damage is. All types of spinal cord injuries can lead to serious problems, like loss of the ability to move, breathe independently, or control the bladder or bowels.
Common Spinal Cord Injury Accidents
Spinal cord injuries can result from a range of traumatic events that damage or put severe pressure on the spine. Here are some common types of incidents and accidents that can cause spinal cord injuries:
- Car Accidents: Car wrecks are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. The force unleashed by vehicles traveling at high speeds can cause severe damage to the spine. Drivers and passengers might get thrown around inside the car or even ejected, leading to injuries.
- Falls: Slip-and-falls from significant heights, like from ladders, roofs, or stairs, can lead to spinal cord injuries. The impact from the landing can severely damage the spine, especially in older adults whose bones are often weaker.
- Sports Injuries: Accidents during high-intensity sports activities like football, rugby, and diving can also lead to spinal cord injuries. Sudden impacts or wrong movements can compress or twist the spine and damage it.
- Acts of Violence: Violent attacks involving guns or knives can damage the spinal cord if the spine is affected. Spinal cord injuries from acts of violence are often severe because they can involve direct cuts or damage to the nerves in the spinal cord.
- Workplace Accidents: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, climbing, or working with machinery can lead to spinal cord injuries. Traumatic accidents can happen if equipment fails or workers fall from heights in ways that cause trauma to the spine.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Claims
An accident victim who suffers a spinal cord injury for which someone else is at fault can seek compensation from that person to cover the costs and impacts of their injuries. This can include money for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Home modification costs
- Long-term care expenses
- Legal fees
How a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help
An experienced injury lawyer in Syracuse, New York, is a critical ally for those pursuing spinal cord injury claims. They can help by:
- Investigating the details of the accident
- Gathering evidence to support a personal injury claim
- Consulting medical experts to understand the extent of the spinal cord injury
- Filing all necessary legal documents correctly and on time
- Negotiating with insurance companies on their client’s behalf
- Reviewing settlement offers to ensure they account for present and future needs
- Representing their client in court, if necessary
- Coordinating with witnesses who can testify on their client’s behalf
Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Syracuse, New York
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury in Syracuse, New York, contact Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC, for a free consultation. We want to listen to your story and determine whether we can seek fair compensation for what you’ve suffered.