Spinal Cord Injuries Don’t Have To Be Catastrophic, But They Often Are

Spinal cord injuries can be a catastrophic event that is absolutely life-changing. A spinal cord injury includes any injury to the spinal cord caused by trauma that leads to some loss of function of the spinal cord. This generally means some loss of function in other parts of the body, as the spinal cord is the pathway from the brain to the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury can affect the entire body. A victim of a spinal cord injury could suffer the loss of feeling in extremities, such as temporary numbness in a couple of fingers or toes, up to permanently losing feeling in an arm or leg. In some cases, a victim may experience paralysis and be unable to move or feel the affected areas of their body.

Spinal cord injuries also include any damage to the bones, disks, or ligaments in the spinal column, which can result in relatively minor damage that can heal. Too often, though, that is not the case.

If you sustained a spinal cord injury from another entity’s negligence in California, the Redding personal injury attorneys at Maire & Deedon can help you determine if you could obtain financial compensation for your damages.

Traffic Accidents Are The Top Cause of Spinal Cord Injuries

Unfortunately, traffic accidents, which are all too common, are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries every year in this country, resulting in more than 40% of all spinal cord injuries annually. Motorcycle riders bear a disproportionate share of these injuries because they are the least-well-protected travelers on the roadways, even when wearing a helmet. As a result of their relatively unprotected status, motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to the worst injuries, including spinal cord injuries.

Such injuries are medically described by the portion of the spine affected. There are four zones in the spinal cord, and injuries to each produce injuries to different portions of the body. Injuries to any of these areas can be very serious. These zones are:

• The cervical spine is at the upper portion of the spine and includes the neck. Injuries here can result in the most extensive paralysis.
• The thoracic spine covers the middle region of the spinal cord, impacting the mid-spine area.
• The lumbar spine is in the lower reaches of the spinal cord.
• At the bottom of the spinal cord is the sacral spine. Injuries in this region primarily affect the legs.

Obviously, the section of the spine injured determines the location of the effect of the injury. The higher the injury is on the spine, the more areas of the body can be impacted. Still, damage anywhere on the spinal cord can result in temporary or permanent impairment and should not be taken lightly. Loss of function, temporary or permanent, can range from a loss of strength or numbness to paralysis. These injuries can be expensive to treat and, if permanent, result in lifelong medical costs and other significant impacts on your life.

If You Have Suffered A Spinal Cord Injury In An Accident, Consult With The Attorneys of Maire & Deedon

Spinal cord injuries carry the potential for seriously debilitating impacts on your life that can lead to lifelong medical expenses. If you suffer a spinal cord injury, whether in a traffic accident or in some other way that is a result of someone else’s negligence, you need to talk to the California personal injury attorneys of Maire & Deedon. We can provide you with an assessment of your recovery options and provide a plan for moving forward. Our attorneys are experienced in obtaining the compensation for your injuries and other damages that you deserve.