The spine is a bony structure made up of 24 vertebrae stacked on top of each other (in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions) and 9 fused vertebrae in the sacrum and coccyx. It plays a crucial role in enabling movement, allowing us to walk, twist, and bend. Nerves run through the spine, controlling functions like bowel and bladder activity and transmitting signals between different body parts.
Without a spinal cord, you would be unable to move any part of your body, and your organs could not function. Due to its critical role, any spinal injury can dramatically impact your quality of life.
If you suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be able to pursue justice and accountability from the party responsible for your injuries.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that spinal cord injuries occur due to trauma to the spinal cord, as well as from non-traumatic causes such as degenerative conditions. WHO says that 15.4 million people worldwide are currently living with a spinal cord injury. Approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injury cases appear in the United States annually.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Traumatic events that can cause spinal cord injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Boating accidents
- Slips and falls
- Workplace accidents
- Sports-related injuries
- Violent attacks
When someone else’s negligence or intentional actions cause a catastrophic injury, such as a spinal cord injury, you may be able to pursue compensation against them for your losses.
Most Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are often referred to as tetraplegia or paraplegia. Either can be complete or incomplete.
Tetraplegia occurs when the injury appears higher on the spinal cord. It affects all portions of the body below the site of injury, including all four limbs. Paraplegia occurs lower on the spinal cord, affecting only the lower portion of the body.
A complete injury occurs when the injury ends all movement and sensation below the injury site. People with incomplete spinal cord injuries retain some sensation and/or movement in the affected body parts.
The Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries on Personal Injury Victims and Their Families
Spinal cord injuries can drastically impact the lives of personal injury victims and their families. Many spinal cord injuries cause paralysis, making it difficult or impossible for victims to resume normal life activities or participate in gainful employment.
Victims may need assistance performing activities of daily living. Relationships with family members can be negatively impacted due to these injuries and the toll they have on them.
Physical complications can arise due to spinal cord injuries, including:
- Breathing difficulties
- Dysregulation of the autonomous system, including difficulty regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature
- Bed sores from lack of movement, which can result in serious infections
- Sexual dysfunction
- Chronic pain
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
Spinal cord injuries are also one of the most expensive types of injuries to treat. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the first year’s treatment cost for a spinal cord injury that is motor functional at any level is $347,484, and its lifetime cost is over $1.1 million if the injury occurs after age 50. These costs increase to $1,064,716 and $2,596,329 for first-year and lifetime costs for high tetraplegia, respectively, when they occur at age 50. These costs do not even factor in the lost wages and earning capacity victims often suffer as a result of spinal cord injuries.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Spinal Cord Injury?
Personal injury victims may be able to recover financial compensation for the following:
Medical Expenses
A personal injury claim can help pay for emergency medical treatment immediately after the accident, including ambulance rides, surgeries, and emergency room treatment. Personal injury claims can also pay for ongoing and future medical expenses, including rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Long-Term Care Costs
Spinal cord injury cases can help pay for long-term care costs, home health services, personal assistance, medical equipment, and disability accommodations.
Lost Income
You can seek compensation for lost wages you suffered immediately because of the accident. You can also seek compensation for your long-term reduction in earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
You can pursue compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, lost quality of life, and other non-economic damages you suffer as a result of the accident.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can gather evidence to establish the full extent of your short- and long-term losses due to the accident and fight to recover fair compensation for them.
What to Do if You Suspect That You Have Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one might have suffered a spinal cord injury, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
Don’t Move
Moving could worsen your injuries, so stay as still as possible.
Report the Accident
Call 911 or the police for help. When law enforcement responds, explain how the accident happened.
Seek Medical Attention
Prompt medical attention is necessary for spine, neck, or back injuries. Healthcare providers may be able to stabilize your condition and minimize additional damage.
Document the Scene
Ask witnesses for their names and numbers. Someone other than the victim may be able to take pictures of the scene and conditions that contributed to the accident.
Keep a Pain Journal
Keep a contemporaneous record of the victim’s recovery. Include details such as their symptoms, medical treatment, and changes in their daily life.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury lawyer can investigate the case, gather strong evidence, and fight for the compensation you and your loved one deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
You must file a personal injury lawsuit within the statute of limitations to preserve your right to receive compensation through the civil court system. The statute of limitations in Georgia is generally two years from the accident date. If you miss this deadline without taking legal action, you can forfeit your right to compensation.
Contact Our Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We can handle the legal process so you can focus on rebuilding your life. Contact us today at (229) 386-1376 for a free, no-obligation consultation.