People who are involved in serious accidents may suffer from a spinal cord injury. When these injuries happen to the cord itself or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal, there can be permanent disabilities. Read on to learn more about the classifications of spinal cord injuries, symptoms that something is not right, and some of the most common causes of these accidents.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury to the spinal cord then we welcome you to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
The different classifications of spinal cord injuries
The amount of disability a person suffers after this type of accident will depend on two factors: How serious the injury was and where the injury occurred. In medical terms, a spinal cord injury is referred to as either complete or incomplete.
A complete spinal cord injury involves losing all feeling and movement below the injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury refers to an injury in which the victim has some control, function, or sensation below the injured area. Within that classification, there are many levels of incomplete spinal cord injury levels.
Spinal cord injuries can also lead to paralysis. When said paralysis affects the arms, legs, hands, trunk, and pelvic organs, it is known as quadriplegia. When the paralysis affects all or part of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs – but not the arms or hands – it is known as paraplegia.
Signs and symptoms of spinal cord injuries
The most serious of these injuries will be obvious to the person who is suffering from them. Other injuries may not be as obvious. Some of the most common symptoms and signs include loss of movement, pain or stinging sensations, loss of sensation, having a hard time breathing, losing control of the bladder or bowel, changes in sexual ability and function, pain or pressure in the back or neck, weakness in any part of the body.
The most common causes of spinal cord injuries
There are many potential ways in which a person can suffer a spinal cord injury. Car accidents are one of the top causes. Other causes including falling from ladders or high areas (especially for people who are 65 or older), violence (such as from a knife or gunshot wound) and injures while playing contact sports. Spinal cord injuries can also be caused by recreation including bike riding.
Call an attorney for a free legal consultation
If you have been injured and believe or know you have an injury to your spinal cord then you should seek medical attention. Once you are safe, you should talk to a personal injury attorney to find out what your legal recourse is. You can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas today by calling 909-982-0707. We will begin with a free consultation so that you know exactly what your options are.
