Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
At Schrierer & Ritchie, LLC, we understand that spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating and life-altering injuries a person can experience.
As experienced personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how these injuries can result in partial or complete loss of motor control and sensation, profoundly affecting an individual’s quality of life. Our team is committed to helping victims and their families navigate the complex legal landscape that often follows such injuries.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury occurs when damage is sustained to any part of the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. This damage disrupts the communication between the brain and the body, potentially leading to loss of function, sensation, and mobility below the injury site.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from various incidents, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Work-related accidents
- Sports-related injuries
- Medical or surgical complications
Types and Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified into two main categories:
Complete SCI: Total loss of sensation and motor function below the level of injury.
Incomplete SCI: Some sensation or motor function remains below the level of injury.
The severity and location of the injury determine its impact. In our legal cases, we often refer to injuries by the affected vertebrae:
- Cervical (C1-C8): Affects the neck and typically results in quadriplegia
- Thoracic (T1-T12): Affects the chest and abdomen, usually resulting in paraplegia
- Lumbar (L1-L5): Affects the hips and legs
- Sacral (S1-S5): Affects the hips, back of thighs, and pelvic organs
Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms of spinal cord injuries can include:
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
- Changes in sexual function and fertility
- Pain or intense stinging sensation
- Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing secretions from the lungs
Complications can include pressure ulcers, respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, and deep vein thrombosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing a spinal cord injury typically involves:
- Physical examination
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- X-rays
Treatment for spinal cord injuries is complex and multifaceted:
- Immediate treatment focuses on preventing further damage, maintaining blood pressure, and ensuring proper oxygen supply.
- Surgery may be necessary to remove bone fragments, foreign objects, herniated disks, or fractured vertebrae compressing the spinal cord.
- Medication may be used to control pain, inflammation, and other complications.
- Rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery. It involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices to help patients regain function and independence.
Long-Term Outlook and Rehabilitation
The long-term outlook for individuals with spinal cord injuries has improved significantly due to advances in medical care and rehabilitation techniques. While there is currently no way to reverse damage to the spinal cord, ongoing research into new treatments, including prostheses and medications, offers hope for improved function.
Rehabilitation plays a vital role in recovery and adjustment. It typically involves:
- Physical therapy to maintain and strengthen muscle function
- Occupational therapy to develop fine motor skills and learn adaptive techniques for daily tasks
- Psychological counseling to cope with the emotional and mental challenges
- Vocational rehabilitation to address employment challenges
Legal Implications of Spinal Cord Injuries
When a spinal cord injury results from someone else’s negligence or intentional act, the injured party may have grounds for a legal claim. Common scenarios include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Premises liability (e.g., slip and fall accidents)
Legal claims for spinal cord injuries often seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Home modifications and assistive devices
- Ongoing care and rehabilitation costs
Our Approach to Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Given the complexity and high stakes of these cases, our experienced team at Schrierer & Ritchie, LLC takes a comprehensive approach:
- We thoroughly evaluate the circumstances of the injury
- We identify all potentially liable parties
- We gather and preserve crucial evidence
- We work with medical experts to understand the full extent of the injury and future needs
- We negotiate vigorously with insurance companies
- When necessary, we provide strong representation in court
We aim to advocate for comprehensive compensation considering all current and potential future needs. This approach is particularly important given the long-term and often permanent nature of spinal cord injuries.
The Importance of Legal Representation
While medical treatment and rehabilitation are crucial for recovery, proper legal support is essential for securing the resources needed for long-term care and adjustment. At Schrierer & Ritchie, LLC, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate this challenging time and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Schrierer & Ritchie, LLC today for a free consultation. Our experienced team is here to help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and pursue the justice and compensation you need to move forward.