SPINAL CORD INJURIES

PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER IN SACRAMENTO CA

HELPING VICTIMS OF SPINAL CORD INJURY ACCIDENTS

Spinal cord injuries can be one of the most life-threatening injuries caused by an auto accident, a fall or some other cause. The impact on the lives of the victim and families can be devastating and extremely costly. If you or a family member has been suffered spinal cord injuries, you need to contact a skilled personal injury lawyer in Sacramento CA who can file a lawsuit and get you the compensation you deserve.

Approximately 11,000 people in America experience a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). The spinal cord is a crucial component to our bodies. They carry vital and sensitive nerves that act as messengers to speak between our brain and the rest of our body. If the spinal cord is injured, not only could you experience life long chronic pain, but you could lose control of bodily functions.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries, often devastating in nature, can arise from a variety of circumstances. One of the most common causes is vehicular accidents, including car, motorcycle, and truck crashes, where the force of impact can severely damage the spine. Falls, particularly among the elderly and in workplaces with hazardous conditions, represent another significant source of these injuries. Sports and recreational activities, especially contact sports like football or activities involving heights such as gymnastics, also account for a notable percentage of spinal injuries due to their high-impact nature. Acts of violence, including gunshot and knife wounds, contribute to spinal cord injuries as well, often resulting in traumatic and life-altering consequences. Medical or surgical procedures, though less common, can sometimes lead to spinal injuries, particularly when they involve complications or errors. Understanding these causes is crucial not only for prevention but also for providing appropriate legal and medical responses when these unfortunate events occur. For individuals who suffer spinal cord injuries as a result of these scenarios, especially due to the negligence or actions of others, seeking legal counsel and appropriate medical treatment becomes an essential step towards recovery and justice.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the common causes of spinal cord injury are:

• Auto Accidents: The leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for 42.1%. This high percentage underscores the significant impact of vehicular accidents, including car, motorcycle, and other types of vehicle collisions, in causing serious spinal injuries.
• Falls: Falls are the second most common cause, contributing to 26.7% of spinal cord injuries. This category likely includes falls from heights, slip and fall accidents, and falls among the elderly, highlighting the diverse contexts in which such injuries can occur.
• Violent Acts: Accounting for 15.1% of spinal cord injuries, acts of violence such as gunshot and knife wounds are a substantial cause. This statistic reflects the serious consequences that can arise from interpersonal violence and criminal activities.
• Sports: Sports-related activities lead to 7.6% of spinal cord injuries. This includes injuries from high-impact sports, diving accidents, and other athletic endeavors where the risk of spinal injury is present.

Spinal cord injuries could also be a result of risky surgical procedures and medical malpractice. Whatever the reason it may be, you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you must contact a skilled personal injury lawyer in Sacramento CA at The Choyce Law Firm for free case consultation. Spinal cord injuries are not only debilitating but also extremely expensive. A lawyer will help you get the financial compensation you deserve to restore you back to your pre-accident condition. Compensation should go above and beyond reimbursement for incurred medical expenses and “pain and suffering”. Because spinal cord injuries can have permanent and life-altering effects, a damages award should also include compensation for ongoing health care. Every case is different and it’s important you talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Sacramento CA.

Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can have profound and far-reaching effects on an individual’s life, impacting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. The extent and nature of these effects often depend on the severity and location of the injury. Here are some of the key effects of spinal cord injuries:

• Loss of Movement and Sensation: Depending on the level of injury, SCIs can result in partial or complete paralysis. Injuries to the lower part of the spinal cord may lead to paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower body), while injuries to the upper part can cause quadriplegia/tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). There’s also often a loss of sensation below the level of injury.
• Respiratory Complications: Higher spinal cord injuries can affect the muscles that control breathing, leading to respiratory complications and the need for ventilatory support.
• Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: SCIs commonly affect bladder and bowel control, necessitating the use of catheters or other interventions for bladder management and sometimes leading to bowel incontinence.
• Pressure Sores: Limited mobility increases the risk of developing pressure sores, as constant pressure on certain body parts reduces blood flow and can lead to tissue damage.
• Spasticity and Pain: Many individuals with SCIs experience spasticity (increased muscle tone or spasms) and neuropathic pain, which can be challenging to manage.
• Altered Sexual Function: SCIs can affect sexual function and fertility, often requiring specialized therapies and interventions for sexual health and reproductive options.
• Psychological Impact: The sudden and drastic change in lifestyle and independence can lead to significant psychological impacts, including depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.
• Social and Vocational Challenges: Adapting to life with a spinal cord injury often involves relearning how to perform daily tasks, potentially changing living environments, and may impact an individual’s ability to work or participate in social activities.
• Financial Burden: The costs associated with medical care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, and potential loss of income can be substantial.
• Increased Risk of Secondary Conditions: Individuals with SCIs have a higher risk of secondary conditions like urinary tract infections, blood clots, and osteoporosis.

The impact of a spinal cord injury extends beyond the individual to their families and caregivers, necessitating a comprehensive approach to care that includes medical treatment, rehabilitation, psychological support, and social integration. Advances in medical science and rehabilitation therapies continue to improve outcomes and quality of life for those living with SCIs.

Injured in an Accident? Contact personal injury lawyer in Sacramento CA for Help.

Spinal cord injuries are life-altering events that can leave victims facing a future filled with challenges, both physically and emotionally. The Choyce Law Firm, based in Sacramento, California, understands the profound impact these injuries have on individuals and their families. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate, yet assertive legal representation for those who have suffered spinal cord injuries due to the negligence of others.
 
Navigating the complex landscape of personal injury law can be overwhelming, especially when coping with the repercussions of a serious spinal cord injury. This is where our firm steps in. We are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard. Our legal team is well-versed in the intricacies of spinal cord injury cases and equipped to confront the challenges these cases often present.
 
At The Choyce Law Firm, we believe in not just fighting for your legal rights, but also in advocating for the full compensation you deserve. This includes not only immediate medical expenses, but also long-term care costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Our approach is tailored to each client’s unique situation, recognizing that no two spinal cord injury cases are the same.
 
We understand that this is more than just a case; it’s about securing your future and restoring a sense of justice after a traumatic experience. Trust in our expertise to help you navigate this difficult time. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to The Choyce Law Firm in Sacramento, CA. Let us be your advocates in seeking the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Don’t hesitate, to call our office at (916) 306-0636 for your free consultation!