Common Causes and Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

 Posted on November 05, 2021 in Car Accidents

 Spinal cord injuries can be detrimental to a victim and their family. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim may suffer lifelong disability accompanied by continuous treatment and medical bills. Victims should not have to face these challenges alone. A knowledgeable attorney can help injured victims understand their options and help to hold the responsible parties accountable. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney can also help the victim understand what caused their injury and what types of symptoms they may experience.

What Are The Most Frequently Seen Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Damage to the spinal canal nerves or spinal cord can permanently change an injured individual’s life. A severe spinal cord injury arises when the spinal cord itself or the vertebrae, discs, or ligaments within the spinal column are damaged. The most commonly seen cause of a spinal cord injury is a serious motor vehicle accident. However, there are many other events that may result in this type of catastrophic injury, including:

• Violence, such as stab wounds or gunshots

• Dangerous falls

• Serious sports injuries

• Birth injuries

• Infections that directly affect the spinal cord

What Symptoms May Arise After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury?

Symptoms experienced by individuals who suffer a spinal cord injury can vary greatly depending on the type of injury. The four types of spinal cord injuries include cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. Each type indicates the location of the injury. Symptoms may also differ based on the severity of the injury, or its completeness. A complete spinal cord injury occurs when the individual does not have any feeling or ability to control motor functions below the injury location. If the injury is incomplete, the individual may maintain some sensory or motor function below the injury. 

Immediately after suffering a spinal cord injury, the shock of the accident may result in diminished sensation and the ability to control muscle movement and reflexes. Once the injury’s swelling has decreased, it will be easier to determine the potential long-term consequences. Some of the most common symptoms that arise from suffering a spinal cord injury include:

• Loss of voluntary muscle movement in legs, arms, and chest

• Overall weakness in muscles

• Problems breathing

• Difficulty with walking and balance

• Loss of function in bowel and bladder

• Intense stinging sensation or general pain 

Contact Our Rockford Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today

Unfortunately, the accident that caused the injury was likely avoidable. Spinal cord injuries often result from another party’s negligent driving or other behavior. 

When an individual suffers a spinal cord injury, or another catastrophic injury, due to another person’s negligent actions, the victim may be eligible for compensatory damages. This may include pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, mental anguish, lost income, and medical expenses. Victims who have suffered serious spinal cord injuries may want to consider working with an experienced Winnebago County personal injury attorney who can advocate for their rights in court. The attorneys with Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law are equipped to investigate the accident, obtain medical experts, and collect evidence to support your personal injury claim.  For a free consultation, call 815-215-7561 today. 

Sources:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/acute-spinal-cord-injury

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890