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Each year, thousands of new spinal cord injuries are sustained by individuals. Many of these injuries occur to men in the prime of their work life. These injuries often cause significant work changes that reduce a person's ability to earn a living and to continue their pre-accident lifestyle. Living with a spinal cord injury is a very serious challenge both physically and emotionally.
Thousands of spinal cord injuries occur in automobile/trucking accidents each year. Other examples of settings where spinal cord injuries commonly occur are offshore injuries, motorcycle crashes, falls, and gunshot and knife wounds.
A series of nerves runs through the backbone and control movement and feeling throughout the body. Injury to this network can cause pain, loss of movement and feeling below the damaged area and even death.
Symptoms of spinal cord damage may include pain, numbness, tingling, lack of coordination, and diminished bladder control. Any trauma that causes the spinal cord to be compressed, cut or misdirected may cause spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries can also be caused by non-traumatic conditions such as tumors, blood clots, abscesses, and other inherited disorders.
There is no cure for a severed spinal cord. In non-severed cases, the extent of damage will determine the amount of recovery.
Quadriplegia is a Spinal injury that impairs a person from the neck down which impairs a person's ability to breathe, and paralyzes his arms, legs and torso. When an injured spine causes weakness and loss of feeling or mobility only in the lower part of the body and legs, this condition is called paraplegia.
If spinal cord injury is suspected, medical treatment will likely concentrate on stabilization of the spine and use of aggressive treatment to limit damage. Physicians will likely use a CT scan, MRI and other testing to evaluate the amount of damage. If surgery is necessary, metal plates or pins may be used to stabilize or fuse the spine. Following surgery, a short term plan will be established to achieve maximum recovery and mobility within several months, depending on the type of spinal cord injury.
Long term treatment may require extensive rehabilitation and monitoring by a variety of medical professionals and other disciplines ranging from vocational counselors to psychiatrists.
Our firm has experience in handling injuries resulting in Quadriplegia and Paraplegia. Each spinal cord injury case has characteristics that make it unique. We are aware of the types of experts needed to demonstrate the devastating effects of these injuries. We also have presented evidence concerning the cost of future medical care and living expenses through the use of qualified experts including economists and life care planning experts.
Neck and Back Injuries
The neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae which begin in the upper torso and end at the base of the skull. The bony vertebrae along with the ligaments (like thick rubber bands) provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and motion. . Between each vertebra are spongy discs that act as cushioning pads to absorb pressure and allow movement of the neck. The neck has a significant amount of motion and supports the weight of the head. Because the neck is so flexible and because it supports the head, it is extremely prone to injury.
The low back (lumbar spine) is a complex structure that connects your upper body (including your chest and arms) to your lower body (including your pelvis and legs). This important part of your spine provides you with both mobility and strength. The mobility allows movements such as turning, twisting or bending; and the strength allows you to stand, walk and lift. Proper functioning of your lower back is needed for almost all activities of daily living. Pain in the lower back can restrict your activity, reduce your work capacity and diminish your quality of life. The spinal column is held in alignment by ligaments, cartilage and muscles that surround and protect the spinal cord. Between each vertebra are spongy discs which act as cushioning pads to absorb pressure and allow spine movement.
Neck and back injuries can be caused from a variety of settings ranging from automobile/ trucking accidents, diving injuries to industrial accidents such as offshore injuries or work injuries.
Most common injuries are to the soft tissues, i.e., muscles and ligaments which hopefully will resolve over time. This occurs when the muscles of the back/neck become overworked or stretched. Sudden, forceful movement, such as the force of an automobile accident, can injure ligaments and muscles which can become stiff or weak. Severe injury with fracture or dislocation of the neck or back may damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia) as discussed earlier in this site.
If severe neck or back pain occurs following an injury (motor vehicle accident, diving accident, fall), a trained professional, such as a paramedic, will likely immobilize the person to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis and will likely recommend immediate medical care.
Injured patients who treat conservatively for a reasonable period of time, without resolution of symptoms, may require further evaluation by a specialist. Concern should be given when an injury causes pain in the neck or back that radiates down the arms and legs. Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs should be brought to the attention of the physician to assist in diagnosis and to rule out any damage to a person's spinal disc. The discs are made up of two main parts, the nucleus and the annulus. The annulus surrounds the nucleus to protect it. Injury to the annulus can cause it to tear. This can allow the nucleus to protrude through the nucleus. This protrusion can impinge on the spinal cord causing severe radiating pain down the arms or legs.
Medical tests may be ordered by the physician to assist in treatment and diagnosis of any disc protrusions:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This non X-ray study allows an evaluation of the spinal cord and nerve roots. These tests may not be helpful early on in the treatment process.
- CT (computed tomography). This specialized X-ray study allows careful evaluation of the bone and spinal canal. This test may be combined with a discogram.
- Myelogram (injection of a dye or contrast material into the spinal canal). This specific X-ray study also allows careful evaluation of the spinal canal and nerve roots.
- EMG (electromyogram). This test evaluates nerve and muscle function.
Our firm has the experience and expertise to demonstrate a person's injuries through medical illustrations using the above tests if a physician considers this type of testing warranted.
How neck and back pain is treated depends on what the diagnosis reveals. Each person who suffers a neck or back injury by trauma will heal at different rates and incur damages as unique as each individual.
At times, surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root when pain is caused by a herniated disk or bony narrowing of the spinal canal. Surgery may also be required following an injury, to stabilize the neck or back and to minimize the possibility of paralysis such as when a fracture results in instability of the neck or back.
Our firm has handled numerous cases involving neck and back injuries and have significant experience in documenting injuries to the cervical or lumbar discs. We are also experienced in Quadriplegia and Paraplegia cases. We are aware of the types of experts needed to demonstrate the devastating effects of these injuries. We also have presented evidence concerning the cost of future medical care and living expenses through the use of qualified experts including economists and life care planning experts. We understand how to present a claim in court for compensation for personal injuries of this nature through medical testimony and are able to use experts such as vocational evaluators and economists to prove past and future lost wages in addition to other damages allowed by law.
Do you have a claim? Contact us or call us at 1-800-899-7102.
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