> Tragically, people in the U.S. are injured every day in automobile accidents that leave them with injuries to their spinal cords. These are among the most dangerous types of injuries that can occur in a car accident. In some cases, the injuries can be mild and the patient may recover from them through surgery or physical therapy. However, in other cases the individual may be completely or partially paralyzed, which can last a lifetime.
There are many types of spinal cord injuries. They can be grouped into two types: complete or incomplete. Between the two types of spinal cord injuries, there are many variations, which can include: Cervical spinal cord injury C1-C8; Lumbar spinal cord injury L1-L5; Thoracic spinal cord injury T1-T12; Sacral spinal cord injury S1-S5; Complete tetraplegia; Complete paraplegia; Spinal contusion; Anterior cord syndrome; Brown-Sequard syndrome; Central cord syndrome; Injuries to individual nerve cells; and Posterior cord syndrome.
Typically, after a person has suffered a spinal cord injury, they are immobilized and transported to the hospital by paramedics or other first responders. Once they get to the hospital, it’s important to make sure the patient can breathe, keeping the neck immobilized, and preventing the patient from going into shock. This is all done at the same time as performing diagnostic tests in order to determine the extent of the damage to the spinal cord.
Once it’s determined that a patient has definitely suffered an injury to the spinal cord, the person is normally admitted to a spinal center or an intensive care unit. Medication may be given which can help treat spinal cord injuries if given early enough. The patient may have an experimental treatment, and will probably undergo surgery. The surgery can help both stabilize the spine as well as to remove any objects compressing the spine.
After surgery and stabilization occur, at that point it’s usually important to stop medical issues that can come about as a result of the spinal cord injury. This may include infections and blood clots. The patient will also probably begin a medication regimen, to help side effects from the injury. The patient will also most likely begin physical rehabilitation. The patient may want to explore medical devices at that time, such as various types of wheelchairs and computers.
As you probably know, spinal cord injuries are absolutely devastating not only to the individual who suffers the injury, but also to the person’s family members and loved ones. Spinal cord injuries not only dramatically change almost every physical aspect of the victim’s life, they can also be financially and emotionally devastating. Spinal cord injuries frequently result in a reduced life expectancy. It’s critical for victims of spinal cord injuries to seek all compensation to which they are entitled. This could mean suing another driver involved in an accident, an employer, a car manufacturer, a property owner, or another individual or business.
At Liberty Law, Micha Star Liberty believes that victims of spinal cord injuries should fight for the compensation to which they are entitled. A spinal cord injury frequently results in astronomic medical bills, as well as an inability to work. Victims of spinal cord injuries incur many expenses throughout their lifetimes, and should be compensated accordingly. In addition, spinal cord injury victims can be compensated for their pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Family members of spinal cord injury victims may be entitled to compensation as well.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, call Micha Star Liberty, Oakland personal injury attorney, at 510-645-1000 or 415-896-1000. She helps clients throughout the Oakland-San Francisco area, and will be happy to work with you on your case. Call today for a free consultation.
