With a car accident or fall resulting in a spiral cord injury, an incident that passes in seconds creates a lifetime of pain and disability. Because these injuries partially or fully debilitate an individual, the injured party isn’t the only one experiencing the ramifications of negligence – family members now must assume caretaking duties and pay medical bills.
Compensation from a spinal cord injury claim has potential to cover such current and future costs, but with parties from insurance companies to hospitals involved, navigation is tortuous, making knowledgeable legal guidance essential.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Resulting from traumatic situations that damage areas of the spinal cord, spinal cord injuries (SCIs) affect the neck, upper and lower back muscles, parts around the spinal cord, vertebrae, spinal cells, and the nerves running down.
Several types of incidents have potential to result in SCIs: car, truck, and motorcycle accidents; slips and falls; product liability; medical malpractice; workplace injuries; acts of violence; recreational sports; surgical procedures to the back and neck; and injuries related to alcohol use. All may be life altering, resulting in full-time personal care.
Symptoms appear immediately at the scene of an accident or months after and may include:
- Pain
- Loss of feeling
- Difficulty moving
- Breathing difficulties
- Weak or spastic muscles
- Heart rate or blood pressure problems
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sexual dysfunction
- Digestive issues
Any spinal cord injury has potential to be devastating, if not life threatening, resulting in partial or full loss of motor control and sensation. Common SCIs are:
- Paraplegic – Paralysis in the lower half of the body
- Quadriplegic – Paralysis in all four limbs
- Anterior spinal cord syndrome – Compression of the anterior spinal artery
- Central cord syndrome – Trauma to the large nerve fibers that transfer information from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord
- Brown-Sequard Syndrome – A neck or back injury to one side of the spinal cord
- Spinal shock – Complete loss of motor and sensory function from a spinal lesion downward. Reflex recovery may be possible.
Filing a Claim
Spinal cord injury claims tend to fall into one of two types: negligence and product liability. Filing proves to be difficult for both, especially as insurance companies and adjusters, hospitals, and state rules and regulations are involved. Compensation may cover current and future medical costs; personal care; rehabilitation; lost current and future wages and earning potential; loss of enjoyment; permanent disability; pain and suffering; and mental anguish.
If you or a loved one is experiencing the long-term effects of a spinal cord injury, give your claim the representation needed with the law firm of Trantolo & Trantolo. To discuss your case with one of our lawyers, contact any of our Connecticut locations.