A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that can alter the course of a person’s life in an instant. It occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, disrupting the communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
This can lead to a loss of sensation, movement, and other bodily functions, depending on the severity and location of the injury. According to the World Health Organization, over 15 million people across the globe are living with SCI, highlighting the unfortunate frequency of these injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, the Fresno spinal cord injury lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers are here to help. We understand the complex legal and medical issues involved in these cases and are dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from a variety of traumatic events, leaving victims with lifelong challenges. Understanding the common causes of SCIs is crucial for raising awareness and understanding when negligence may be involved.
Here are some of the most frequent causes:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents are leading causes of SCIs, often due to the high-impact forces involved in collisions.
- Falls: Falls from heights and slip-and-fall accidents can result in SCIs, particularly in older adults.
- Sports Injuries: High-impact sports, such as football and gymnastics, carry a risk of SCIs due to the potential for collisions and falls.
- Medical Malpractice: In some cases, SCIs can result from medical errors during surgery, childbirth, or other medical procedures.
- Acts of Violence: Gunshot wounds and violent assaults can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, leading to devastating consequences.
Regardless of the cause, the impact of an SCI is often life-altering, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified based on the severity and location of the damage. Below are some basic terms to know:
- Complete SCI: This occurs when there is a total loss of sensation and motor function below the level of injury, indicating a complete severing of the spinal cord.
- Incomplete SCI: In this case, some sensation or motor function remains below the level of injury, suggesting partial damage to the spinal cord.
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): This type of SCI affects all four limbs and the trunk, typically resulting from injuries to the cervical spine (neck).
- Paraplegia: This type of SCI affects the lower half of the body, including the legs and trunk, usually resulting from injuries to the thoracic or lumbar spine (mid-back or lower back).
The effects of an SCI can vary widely depending on the type of injury. Some victims may experience paralysis, loss of bladder and bowel control, chronic pain, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, the long-term adjustments needed to live with an SCI can bring other physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries
Living long-term with an SCI often necessitates a range of medical care and support services. These may include:
- Rehabilitation: This involves physical, occupational, and other types of therapy aimed at maximizing function and independence.
- Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and other assistive devices may be necessary for mobility and daily living activities.
- Home Modifications: Adapting the home environment with ramps, widened doorways, and other modifications can improve accessibility and safety.
- Medication: Pain medications, muscle relaxants, and other medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and complications.
- Mental Health Services: Counseling and support groups can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological impact of an SCI.
- Caregiver Support: Family members or professional caregivers may be needed to assist with personal care, transportation, and other daily tasks.
Accessing comprehensive medical care and support services is essential for maximizing quality of life after an SCI, but the costs of such services quickly add up. That’s where a Fresno spinal cord injury lawyer can help.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury due to another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, you’re likely entitled to compensation for your losses. The types of damages that can be sought in a spinal cord injury case include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of past and future medical care, such as hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices.
- Lost Wages: If you can’t work due to your injury, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income, both past and future.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced and will continue to experience due to your injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury has prevented you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be able to recover damages for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: This refers to the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy that may result from a spinal cord injury, impacting both the injured individual and their spouse or partner.
The specific damages you can recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. An experienced Fresno spinal cord injury lawyer can assess your situation, calculate the full extent of your losses, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Let Our Fresno Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Help
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the profound impact that a spinal cord injury can have on your life. Our team of compassionate and experienced spinal cord injury attorneys is dedicated to providing you with the legal support you need during this difficult time. We’ll help you seek justice and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Don’t face this battle alone—contact us today for a free consultation.
