Spinal cord injuries are devastating, often severely impacting a person for the rest of their life and requiring massive amounts of medical care and support to maintain a reasonable quality of life. Cases involving spinal cord injuries are complex and require a skilled and experienced attorney who understands how to build your case and prove the full impact of your injury so that full justice through compensation is realized.
Types of spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified by two components. The first is where the injury occurred in the spinal cord. As a general guideline, nerve function below where the cord was injured is impacted and often completely impaired. Injuries higher up on the spinal cord can impact more essential life functions, such as breathing, and may even cause death.
Additionally, the second component is the extent of the injury to the cord or associated nerves. Damage to the spinal cord can be partial (incomplete injury) or complete (completely severed). Partial injuries mean some nerve function remains below where the cord was damaged.
Causes of spinal cord injuries
Trauma to the head or neck from outside forces, such as car crashes or falls, is the most common cause of spinal cord injuries. Negligent medical care can also result in spinal cord injury or damage.
Complications of spinal cord injuries
The complication most associated with spinal cord injuries is paralysis, the loss of feeling and function in some region of the body. The loss of function from a spinal cord injury is catastrophic and requires specialized medical and adaptive equipment to enable and achieve some ability to function in society. In some cases, people with spinal cord injuries require round-the-clock care, including respirator use.
However, partial injuries have their own complications, including:
* Poor bladder and bowel function
* Chronic pain, numbness, or tingling
* Loss of fertility, libido, and sexual function
* Inability to notice pain leading to infections and sores
* Greatly increased risk of pneumonia if the lungs are affected
* Mood and personality changes
Needless to say, any of these can drastically affect the quality of a person’s life and ability to work, parent, love and enjoy life.
When to hire a lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury after a motor vehicle collision, fall, or medical procedure, a lawyer can investigate the circumstances that led to the injury and determine of another person or entity is legally liable to pay money damages. The experienced lawyers at Galligan Law can answer your questions and inform you of your legal rights. If your case is pursued in court, Galligan Law will commit the time, expertise and resources necessary to prove your case, including retaining the necessary experts who understand the needs and challenges that face spinal cord injured individuals and their families.
Contact Galligan Law today for a free consultation. We are here for you to answer your questions and to guide you to make sure those who are liable for your spinal cord injury are held accountable and that you are fully compensated for the harm you’ve suffered.