Four Quick Facts About Spinal Cord Injuries

 

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most devastating forms of trauma an accident victim can suffer and, unfortunately, statistics reveal that they are all too common. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistics Center, the estimated number of Americans currently living with spinal cord injuries could be as high as 363,000. Plus, there are about 17,730 new cases every year. Trauma to the spine can be catastrophic, mainly because the spinal cord is essential for communicating messages from the brain to the rest of the body. As a result, some spinal cord injuries can be life-changing for accident victims.

If you suffered a spinal cord injury in any kind of accident, it is important to consult with an Alaska serious and catastrophic injury attorney about your rights. Meanwhile, check out these five important facts about spinal cord injuries from a legal perspective.

 

Many Types of Accidents Can Lead to Spinal Cord Injuries

It is true that many victims sustain spinal cord injuries as a result of car crashes, truck collisions, motorcycle wrecks, and other motor vehicle accidents. Still, you can suffer trauma to your back through many other types of incidents, including:

  • Boating accidents;
  • Slips, trips, and falls on property;
  • Accidents in the maritime industry;
  • Airplane crashes; and
  • Many more.

 

The Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury Vary Widely

 If you have sustained a blow to your back in an accident, you could have damage to your spinal column – which impacts your spinal cord. These injuries can develop over time, as the trauma to the surrounding tissues gradually puts pressure on the spinal cord. You should also watch out for many other indications of a spinal cord injury, including:

  • Abnormal twisting of the back and neck;
  • Difficulty breathing;
  • Extreme pain when bending;
  • Weakness or numbness in any part of your body;
  • Tingling in your extremities; and
  • Trouble with balance.

 

Spinal Cord Injuries Can Lead to Permanent Consequences

One of the most serious complications from trauma to the spinal cord is paralysis, especially quadriplegia and paraplegia. In addition, a victim may also experience cognitive impairments and mental disorders. Even in less severe cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to muscle spasms, joint pain, and loss of sensation in certain body parts.

 

Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries is Costly

Immediately after an accident, treatment for injuries to the spine may include surgery, hospitalization, and pain therapy – all of which are extremely expensive, particularly when provided by medical specialists. For serious trauma, you might require in-home health care services for the rest of your life.

 

Discuss Your Legal Remedies with an Alaska Serious and Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

These facts are important to know, but you should also be aware that you may qualify to recover compensation for your losses as the victim of a spinal cord injury. Our team at Power & Power Law has extensive experience representing victims in all types of accidents, so we are ready to fight for your rights. Please contact our office in Anchorage, Alaska today to set up a free consultation.