Spinal cord accident victims have cause to be angry, frustrated, and worried. Their lives are turned upside-down after an act of negligence causes catastrophic damage to their nerves, vertebrae, and discs of the spine. Many may never walk again or hold their children or spouses. They may be wracked with questions: how can I pay my bills? How much medical care will I need? Will my life ever be normal again?
At Telaré Law, we understand. Our Kennewick spinal cord injury lawyers have earned the respect of clients, insurance lawyers, and the legal community for our advocacy on behalf of the injured. We are skilled at showing how your accident happened and who should be held liable. A compassionate catastrophic injury attorney understands what kind of medical care you will need and how an act of negligence has changed your life forever. Call today to get Team Telaré on your side.
The US National Institutes for Health (NIH) defines spinal cord injury (SCI) as:
damage to the tight bundle of cells and nerves that sends and receives signals from the brain to and from the rest of the body. SCI can be caused by direct injury to the spinal cord itself or from damage to the tissue and bones (vertebrae) that surround the spinal cord. This damage can result in temporary or permanent changes in sensation, movement, strength, and body functions below the site of injury.
If there’s little or no cell death, a nearly complete recovery may be possible. Injuries higher up on the spinal cord are more likely to cause paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries are categorized as:
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are two types of paralysis that may occur due to an SCI:
Spinal cord injuries are usually due to extreme forces or twisting of the neck, back, or spine. Common causes include:
Intentional acts of violence may also cause a spinal cord injury. A Kennewick spinal cord injury lawyer could collect evidence to prove the cause of an injury.
The ER doctors will test for any loss of sensory function in addition to asking numerous questions. Diagnostic tests include X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. After the swelling has subsided, a neurological examination will be conducted.
The NIH states that a spinal cord injury may cause some of the following symptoms:
Per NIH, paralysis may be immediate or may develop as the spinal cord is damaged by bleeding and swelling.
While damage to the spinal cord is traumatic in and of itself, SCI victims face a number of potential complications. They can include:
Other complications include a lack of fitness because of a lack of mobility, heart disease, and diabetes. Nerve pain, muscle pain, and joint pain are likely, and some victims have decreased sexual function.
Many spinal cord injury victims suffer from anxiety, depression, and other emotional problems.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the initial treatment is done at the accident site. Emergency personnel usually immobilize the spine as quickly as possible. Early interventions also include shock prevention and ensuring the victim can breathe. This can reduce the risk of complications at the scene or during later treatments.
Surgery is often necessary to remove bone fragments and treat any disks or vertebrae that may be compressing the spine. Surgery may be used to stabilize the spine, too.
Most of the recovery process occurs in the first six months to two years. After the initial medical treatments, SCI victims will need to create a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation includes working with:
The truth is, for many survivors, the recovery process mostly consists of learning to live with and manage the disability. There are new techniques such as spinal cord stimulators that are implanted in the body that are helping patients. Rehabilitative care mostly consists of extended visits with different types of therapists and healthcare providers.
But there are some silver linings. Every day, science makes extraordinary advances that could change the way paralysis and SCI victims live. Our Kennewick spinal cord injury attorneys work to ensure that when the times comes, you will be able to take advantage of these new and improved technologies.
Spinal cord injury care is expensive – very expensive. But we cannot say how much a claim is worth until we see the true extent of your injuries, financial burdens, medical treatment plans, and losses.
At Telaré Law, we work to properly value the cost of all the medical care you’ll need for the rest of your life. We work with your employers to determine how much income you lost and how much you are reasonably likely to lose because of your disability. We demand compensation for your daily physical pain and emotional suffering, as well as any medical expenses you have incurred from your injury.
Our lawyers are always ready to try your case before a jury. This willingness to try cases means we are often in a better place to negotiate a settlement, when that is what is best for you. Our years of experience handling the types of cases that other firms cannot, coupled with our resources and vast professional network, makes us formidable opponents. If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury like an SCI, you don’t have to travel to get the kind of help you need: Team Telaré is right here at home, and we’re ready to help.
Telaré Law meets with SCI victims at our Kennewick office located at 819 South Auburn St. We also meet clients in Richland. Since many spinal cord injury victims have mobility difficulties, we meet with SCI clients at their homes, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers.
Spinal cord injuries often last a lifetime. They are among the most serious injuries there are. You deserve a team who is serious about your recovery. Contact the Kennewick spinal cord injury lawyers of Telaré Law to schedule a free consultation.