Spinal cord injuries are unfortunately common in personal injury cases. They can be caused by anything from a car accident to a slip and fall accident to medical malpractice. The long term effects of spinal cord injuries are often debilitating, leading to ongoing medical expenses and chronic pain for many victims.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, approximately 12,500 new spinal cord injury cases occur each year in the United States.
There are many types of spinal cord injuries, including:
- Complete paralysis
- Incomplete paralysis
- Monoplegia
- Diplegia
- Hemiplegia
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Flaccid paralysis
- Facial paralysis
- Partial paralysis
- Sleep paralysis
- Periodic paralysis
- Todd’s paralysis
- Tick paralysis
- Alternating hemiplegia
- Muscular Dystrophy
The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves running down the middle of the back. The spinal cord’s purpose is to help the body and brain to communicate. When it is injured, that communication is interrupted. Spinal cord injuries typically occur after a blow that fractures or dislocates the vertebrae, which are the bone disks of the spine. Injuries typically don’t cut through the spinal cord, but cause damage as pieces of the bone tear into the cord tissue or press down on nerves.
Immediate treatment can help reduce the long-term effects of a spinal cord injury on the body. Spine stabilization through braces or traction, medication, surgery, and rehabilitation therapy are often included in the treatment of spinal cord injuries.
If you or someone you love has suffered from a spinal cord injury, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman is a compassionate advocate for individuals who have been injured as well as their families and will fight for full compensation for injury victims’ claims. Schuerman Law has evening and weekend appointments available in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
