The spine is the area of the body through which the brain transmits signals. Proper spinal function is necessary for moving, walking, healing, fine motor skills, and more. All physical motions of the body are controlled by a portion of the spine. When the spine is injured, it can be devastating to your quality of life. If you or someone you love have been the victim of an accident caused by the negligent actions of someone else, and you or your loved one suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of the accident, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Kansas City spinal cord serious injury lawyer right away.
Some of the most permanent and severe injuries are the result of damage to the spine. In the wake of a trauma so severe, many victims require adaptive devices, rehabilitation, supervised care, and sometimes more. If you or your loved one has experienced paralysis or another spinal cord injury in Missouri the Kansas City personal injury attorneys at Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet can help.
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What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that run down your spinal column, in the middle of your back. They perform many crucial functions for our bodies, such as helping your brain communicate with the rest of your body. However, injury can occur to the spinal cord and disrupt these processes, leading to significant damage. These injuries are spinal cord injuries, and usually occur when a blow fractures or dislocates the bones in your spine.
There are two main types of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete. Complete spinal cord injury leads to complete paralysis below the source of the injury. If you have an incomplete spinal cord injury, you still have some feeling and can produce some movement below the source of the injury.
You may notice one or more of the following symptoms if you have a spinal cord injury. Since these injuries are very serious and can lead to lifelong effects, it is important to visit an emergency room as soon as possible if you suspect damage to your spinal cord.
- Loss of movement in an area of your body
- An inability to control your bladder or bowels
- Extreme pain or pressure in your head, neck, or back
- Difficulty walking
- Numbness or a loss of feeling in your feet, toes, hands, or fingers
- An inability to feel certain sensations, such as hot or cold
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
Common Causes and Consequences Of A Kansas City Area Spinal Cord Injury
The most common spinal cord injuries are compression, caused by pressure on the spine, and contusion: bruising on the spine. Lacerations are more severe injuries in general, but any of these traumatic spinal injuries can result in paralysis. Paralysis from the point of the injury and below can be life changing. Loss of sensation and loss of reflexes such as bladder control are common. Sensitivity, muscle spasms, pain, and sexual dysfunction may also develop. In the wake of a spinal cord injury, patients tend to be more susceptible to infections throughout the rest of their lives. Emotional disturbance is a common side effect of paralysis. After suffering an injury that changes one’s abilities, it’s common to experience depression and feelings of loneliness or hopelessness. Some patients experience post-traumatic stress disorder in the wake of their accident or attack. All of these mental illnesses slow down healing and significantly impact your quality of life.
If you suffered from paralysis or another spinal cord injury as the result of somebody else’s negligence or attack, you may be qualified to receive compensation. After experiencing such a trauma, you and your family must prioritize paying your medical bills. You may need some form of medical care for the rest of your life. For the average family in Kansas City, MO, this is a large expense that is difficult or impossible to pay without help.
Do You Need To Speak With A Kansas City Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
The moments after a spinal cord injury can be confusing and disorienting. You may feel a lot of pain and have difficulty adjusting to the loss of movement. In the weeks that follow, you may have to pay for significant medical treatment and suffer additional damages, such as a loss of income or a loss of quality of life.
If you are suffering from a spinal cord injury in Kansas City, contact the attorneys at Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet as soon as possible. Your Kansas City spinal cord injury attorney will work closely with you to file your claim against the person or entities responsible for your injury, providing the following benefits for your claim.
- Spinal cord injury lawsuits can be very complicated and involve very large settlements. You may not know how to calculate and prove all the possible damages you can collect in your lawsuit. However, your attorney will have the experience and resources necessary to help you determine all sources of potential compensation.
- Since spinal cord injuries often involve large settlement amounts, you may need to negotiate with insurance companies or face strong legal representation from the defense in the courtroom. Your Kansas City spine injury attorney will have the negotiation skills and courtroom experience necessary to craft a compelling case for your compensation.
- You may need to launch an in-depth investigation into your claim, reconstruct the accident, and even consult with expert witnesses to build your case. With a Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet injury attorney on your side, you will have access to a wide network of resources to build your case.
Can a Spinal Cord Injury Heal?
At this time, science has not yet discovered a cure for spinal cord injuries. Experts are currently engaging in ongoing research to create treatments for these injuries, including surgical and drug remedies. While these therapies are progressing rapidly, spinal cord injuries are very complex and scientists need to conduct more research to uncover a cure.
While no cure may exist, there are a number of treatments available to you that can help improve your condition and lessen the impact that the damage has on your everyday life.
- First, it is important to visit a hospital as soon as possible after the injury. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner medical staff can stabilize you. The hospital will likely place you on a ventilator and monitor your vital signs during stabilization. Medical staff will immobilize you with a collar or backboard to prevent further damage.
- Next, doctors will diagnose your injury and determine the cause. Depending on your injury, the doctors may place you on medication to reduce inflammation and swelling. You may receive additional immobilization equipment to prevent further injury.
- Once stabilization is complete, your medical team will determine the best rehabilitation plan for you. This may involve surgeries, the use of assistive devices, and ongoing physical and occupational therapy. The intensity and length of your therapy depends on the circumstances of your injury.
