Wesley Chapel Spine Injury Attorney
The spinal column is the most important part of the central nervous system. Over two dozen bones make up the spinal column and provide a limited range of movement while also protecting the spinal cord which runs in the middle. Any serious traumatic impact can fracture these bones, damage nerves, and injure the spinal cord.
Spine injuries are some of the hardest to come back from. Whether you were injured in a motor vehicle accident or a premises liability incident, we can help. Our Wesley Chapel spine injury attorney has helped many people obtain compensation to cover their expenses.
Injuries to the Spinal Cord
The spinal cord itself can also be injured in an accident. Bone fragments might nick, shred, or cut the cord. A devastating crash can shred or possibly sever it in two.
Generally, our clients experience symptoms below the site of impact. For example, if the cord is severed at the neck, they will undoubtedly lose all sensation and movement from the neck down. If the injury is in the middle of the back, they might retain normal use of their arms but be paralyzed in the legs.
There are varying degrees of spinal cord injuries. A complete injury typically results in total impairment below the point of impact. However, an incomplete injury can affect only parts of the body; a victim might also retain some movement. A patient who suffers an incomplete injury could regain some function with surgery, rehab, and prosthetics—but the road is tough.
Spinal Column Injuries
Injuries to the spinal column itself are often less catastrophic than injuries to the cord. Nevertheless, a spinal column injury can cause intense pain and inability to move—at least until adequate treatment is sought. Some common spinal column injuries include:
- Any of the vertebrae could crack during impact.
- Herniated or slipped disc. Soft pads fill the space between the vertebrae. But a traumatic injury can displace them or cause the soft interior to leak out.
- Spondylolisthesis. One or more vertebrae can be displaced and end up pinching a nerve, causing intense pain and instability.
- Spinal stenosis. An accident can lead to narrowing of the spaces in your spine, putting pressure on nerves or the spinal cord.
Why Spine Injuries Are So Expensive
Spine injuries typically require multiple surgeries and long stays in hospitals. When the spinal cord is injured, a patient could spend millions of dollars a year on medical treatment. And because a complete spinal cord injury won’t improve, the patient often needs medical care for the remainder of their lives.
Disabling injuries also cost our clients money in the form of lost income. A person paralyzed probably cannot work or, at best, will need to take a different job that might pay much less. A person injured in their 20s or 30s could miss out on millions of dollars in lost income over the next decades.
Lastly, no one can overlook the emotional suffering caused by spinal cord injuries. Being unable to walk again is an incalculable loss, and many people experience serious fallout in their marriage. A fair settlement should include money to try and make up for this suffering.
Speak with a Wesley Chapel Spine Injury Attorney
After suffering a catastrophic injury, many people report feeling powerless and adrift. Take control by contacting a seasoned legal advocate at Moore Law. Our law firm has negotiated favorable settlements for many people suffering life-changing injuries. Call or send an online message to schedule your initial consultation.
