Spinal cord injuries can result in serious complications, one of which includes full or partial paralysis. The extent of these injuries depends largely upon the severity of the impact and other related factors, such as the injured person’s age and preexisting physical condition.
Sometimes, a spinal cord injury occurs when another person is negligent, such as in a motor vehicle accident or slip and fall accident. If another person’s recklessness or carelessness caused a spinal cord injury or paralysis to you or a loved one, contact the Gwinnett County, Georgia, legal team at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC as soon as possible. Our lawyers can meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your accident and file a claim against the proper parties on your behalf.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries that result in permanent paralysis are arguably the worst type of spinal cord injury and require the most medical treatment and physical therapy.
A spinal cord injury usually occurs when the accident victim’s back suffers a direct blow. A spinal cord injury may be complete or incomplete. While a complete injury causes the spinal cord to sever completely (usually resulting in paralysis), an incomplete injury only causes the spinal cord to sever partially, allowing for some limited ability to function.
In accidents that completely severe the victim’s spinal cord, he or she will probably not be able to feel anything or function below the point of impact. In some cases, physical or occupational therapy may allow for some limited ability to function in the affected area or areas. Types of paralysis include:
- Loss of sensation in both arms
- Loss of sensation in both legs
- Loss of sensation in one arm and one leg
- Loss of sensation in all four limbs
Soft tissue injuries are a minor form of spinal cord injury that is also worth mentioning. Soft tissue injuries often come in the form of whiplash. Whiplash injuries are very common in minor motor vehicle accidents, such as rear-enders, because the sudden movement jerks the accident victim’s head and neck. Although soft tissue injuries to the head, neck, and upper back can result in significant pain and discomfort, they are not the type of spinal cord injury that is likely to result in permanent or partial paralysis.
Compensatory Damages
Spinal cord injuries—especially those that involve paralysis—often come with high medical and physical therapy bills. Accident victims who suffer serious spinal cord injuries may be able to recover monetary compensation for their loss of ability to function, medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, lost quality of life, and future treatment costs. These future treatment costs may include lifelong care in an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Call a Gwinnett County, Georgia Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a serious spinal cord injury, the experienced legal team at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC may be able to help.
To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a Gwinnett County, Georgia spinal cord injury lawyer, please call us at 404-418-8244, or contact us online today.
