A spinal cord injury can change your life in ways you may never have imagined. The National Institutes of Health reports that approximately 18,000 people in the United States suffer from spinal cord injuries each year. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, loss of mobility, or even permanent paralysis. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we are committed to helping victims recover the compensation and care they need to rebuild their lives.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are often the result of severe, unanticipated accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
These incidents frequently result in serious harm, and in some cases, long-term disabilities that require medical and legal intervention.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Certain spinal cord injuries may lead to permanent mobility loss, such as paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of both the upper and lower body). Some specific injuries include:
- Contusion: This occurs when a blunt force impacts the spinal cord, causing swelling and pressure that can damage the spine and surrounding nerves.
- Compression: Violent compression of the spinal cord, such as in a high-impact car crash, may result in swelling that permanently affects nerve function.
- Direct Injury: Bone fragments or metal penetrating the spinal cord can cause severe nerve damage with lasting consequences.
Understanding the type and extent of a spinal cord injury is essential for determining the right course of legal and medical action.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries vary widely in severity. According to the Mayo Clinic, they are defined as damage to any part of the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. While some cases involve complete paralysis (commonly known as quadriplegia), others result in limited movement, sensation loss, or partial paralysis.
Who Is at Risk?
Roughly 305,000 people in the U.S. live with disabilities caused by spinal cord injuries, underscoring the wide-reaching impact of these incidents.
Statistics from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center indicate that spinal cord injuries most often result from:
- Vehicle accidents (37.5%)
- Falls (31.7%)
- Violence, such as gunshot wounds (15.4%)
- Sports and recreational activities (8%)
- Medical or surgical errors (3.7%)
- Other causes (3.8%)
This highlights the importance of preventative measures and improved safety practices in various domains to reduce the incidence of spinal cord injuries.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs of a spinal cord injury can vary depending on the location and severity of the damage. Common symptoms include:
- Full or partial loss of movement below the injury site
- Loss of sensation, including inability to feel temperature or touch
- Impaired bladder or bowel control
- Pain, tingling, or stinging sensations
- Respiratory difficulties, including trouble coughing or clearing the lungs
- Sexual dysfunction or altered sensitivity
- Sudden, exaggerated reflexes or muscle spasms
Identifying these symptoms early can ensure prompt medical evaluation and legal action.
Filing A Lawsuit for Spinal Cord Injuries
If your spinal cord injury was caused by another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions, you may be eligible to recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Compensation can help cover the immense financial burden of these injuries.
How We Help You
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we understand how devastating spinal cord injuries can be, and we work tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable. Here’s how we help clients secure maximum compensation:
- Investigating your case thoroughly to determine liability and causation.
- Fighting to recover medical expenses, including current and future costs.
- Seeking compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
- Pursuing damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Advocating for punitive damages when negligence is especially egregious.
We provide compassionate support and meticulous legal representation to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Securing Your Future After a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury caused by someone else’s actions, it is important to seek immediate legal help. The team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman is here to guide you through this challenging time.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling (412) 391-7610 or reach out online to discuss your legal options. We are ready to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
