The spinal cord is an essential part of your central nervous system. It’s made up of nerves that run from your brain all the way down your back, allowing your body to move and feel sensation. This cord is protected by the spinal canal, which is formed from vertebrae and the discs that cushion them. Despite this protection, catastrophic injuries to the spinal cord can still occur.
A spinal cord injury can cause long-term complications and leave you unable to live your life as you used to. If another party was responsible for your losses, then it may be time to consider beginning a personal injury claim. Here’s a closer look at the types of spinal cord injuries you can sustain in Florida and what to do if you suffer one.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are typically characterized by their location, including:
- Cervical: These are injuries located in the neck area of the spine, which are usually the most severe because they can cause quadriplegia.
- Thoracic: These injuries occur in the upper or mid-back and could affect the trunk, chest, and legs.
- Lumbar: Lumbar injuries impact the hips and legs.
- Sacral: Sacral injuries happen at the base of the spine and can cause bladder and bowel issues, as well as sexual dysfunction.
Spinal cord injuries can also be described as being complete or incomplete. Complete injuries generally cause total motor and sensory function loss below the injury. Incomplete injuries result in only partial damage, meaning you typically maintain some motor function and sensation.
Main Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries usually occur as a result of trauma. Car accidents are perhaps the most common cause, especially rollover accidents or those involving high speeds.
For older people, the main cause of these injuries tends to be falls. These can include falls from heights or ground-level slip-and-fall accidents. People who work in construction sites or warehouses can also have a higher risk of suffering spinal cord injuries because they tend to work in environments where severe falls are a risk.
Sports and other recreational activities, like skiing or shallow-water diving, could cause life-altering spinal cord injuries.
It’s possible for spinal cord injuries to also occur from non-traumatic causes. There are medical conditions, such as tumors or infections, that could affect the spinal cord. However, these are less common causes.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
Symptoms of spinal cord injuries can vary greatly depending on where along the spine the injury occurs.
However, some of the most common ones include:
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of movement
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Spasms
- Changes in sexual function
- Breathing difficulties
- Pain or stinging
- Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
Because the symptoms are not always obvious, getting immediate medical care if you have sustained an injury of any sort is essential. A doctor can conduct a physical exam and order a variety of tests to pinpoint what is causing your symptoms. You might need to undergo X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Once your doctor is able to diagnose the injury, you can start appropriate care. If you sustain damage to your spinal cord, you might need to receive occupational therapy and rehabilitation to learn how to navigate daily living with the injury. There may also be medications that can address symptoms such as pain and muscle spasms.
Pursuing Legal Action After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury in Florida
In Florida, if the spinal cord injury you suffered occurred because of another party’s misconduct, filing a personal injury claim can help you recover your losses. This will typically involve demonstrating that the other party owed you a duty of responsibility that they breached, which caused your spinal cord damage.
These are complex cases because significant losses are usually at stake. The compensation you receive will usually have to cover your medical needs, including future ones. You also need to receive compensation for your loss of earning potential if you won’t be able to work. Your emotional and physical suffering has to be addressed, as well.
Insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize your claim. That’s why it’s vital to seek help from an experienced attorney when you’re dealing with such severe and life-altering injuries. They will be able to fight for your rights and best interests.
Contact Our Clermont Personal Injury Lawyers at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
After sustaining a spinal cord injury, you need a legal team on your side who can help you hold the other party liable. At Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve recovered over $40 million in compensation for injured clients in Clermont and beyond. We can help uncover every dollar you’re owed and guide you on your next steps.
You don’t have to go through this tough process on your own. Contact our Clermont personal injury lawyers at (352) 773-3866 to schedule a free consultation today.