Douglasville Spinal Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic injuries anyone can suffer. When your spinal cord is injured, your entire body functions differently or may not function at all. If your spinal injury was caused by someone else, such as in an auto accident or workplace accident, then your injuries are only part of your suffering. You also have the added stress of worrying about insurance claims, income, and medical expenses.

At The Embry Law Firm, our Douglasville spinal injury lawyer has worked with many clients dealing with spinal injuries. We know how that spinal injuries are incredibly difficult for you and your loved ones, and we are dedicated to helping you sort through your situation. Whether you need help with your insurance claims or are interested in filing a personal injury claim, we can help.

Spinal Cord Injury Information

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), between 250,000 and 450,000 Americans have some form of spinal injury. Additional data suggests the following:

• It is estimated that between 8,000 and 12,000 people suffer new spinal injuries each year.
• More than 80 percent of spinal injuries occur among men age 16-30.
• Around half of all spinal cord injuries are the result of auto accidents.
• The estimated cost of care for a spinal injury is around $185,000 per year. This is after initial care provided the first year, which can cost up to $1 million.

Different Types of Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries range in severity and how they affect your body. Some injuries are minor only causing damage to the soft tissues. Other injuries are more severe and can limit mobility or even cause paralysis. The severity and the way that spinal injuries affect the body often depends on where the injury is located along the spinal column. Healthcare professionals break down the spine into four separate areas for assessing and diagnosing injuries. These are:

• Cervical – The portion of the spine that connects to the neck and brain
• Thoracic – The central portion of the spine
• Lumbar – The lower portion of the spine where curvature begins
• Sacral – The lowest portion of the spine that connects to the tailbone

Common Symptoms of a Spinal Injury

The symptoms associated with a spinal injury can vary. There are, however, some general symptoms that may be experienced regardless of where the injury occurs. These symptoms include:

• Pain in the back, neck, or hips
• Numbness or tingling of the extremities
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty sleeping

More severe injuries may present symptoms including:

• Loss of control over bladder or bowel function
• Changes in sexual function
• Pronounced numbness or loss of sensation
• Inability to move certain parts of the body

Injuries to the upper portions of the spine are generally considered the most severe. These injuries are often the type that result in paralysis, and can have a significant impact on the entire body. Considered the most catastrophic injuries, symptoms may include any of the symptoms listed above, but may further cause:

• Triplegia – Loss of sensation or movement in both legs and one arm
• Paraplegia – Loss of sensation or movement in both legs
• Quadriplegia – Loss of sensation and movement in all four limbs. Even the muscles of the chest are affected, which often requires the patient be hooked up to a breathing machine. Quadriplegic patients may also require assistance with feeding, as well as bladder and bowel functions.

Mild to moderate spinal injuries can often be treated, and the patient may experience few lingering side effects. More often, however, spinal injuries have a lasting impact on the patient and his or her loved ones.

What Kind of Accidents Lead to Spinal Injuries

As we mentioned before, a large portion of nonfatal spinal injuries are the result of auto accidents. There are also other types of accident that can cause spinal injuries, however. Some of the most common accidents include:

• Slip, trip, or fall accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Sports injuries
• Crushing injuries
• Workplace accidents
• Violence (gun or knife wounds, trauma)

Any of these accidents could be caused by the negligence of someone else. For example, a negligent property owner failing to secure stairs or railings resulting in a fall. Or, someone driving under the influence of alcohol could rear-end another vehicle. No matter what the situation may be, if you have suffered a spinal injury caused by someone else’s actions, then it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights.

Contact a Douglasville Spinal Injury Lawyer

If your spinal injury was caused by the negligence of someone else, then you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawsuit can help you get compensation for your injuries and losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Ongoing/anticipated care expenses
• Lost wages or earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral expenses if death occurred and you are filing on behalf of a deceased loved one

To find out more about your legal rights and your options to pursue recovery, contact The Embry Law Firm today. Schedule a free consultation by calling our office at 844-443-6279.