Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when a traumatic event results in damage to cells within the spinal cord. It can also occur when the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the spinal cord are severed. The most common types include contusion, bruising, and compression on the spinal cord.

Other types of injuries include lacerations, severing, or tearing of some nerve fibers. For example, damage caused by a gunshot wound, central cord syndrome, or damage to the corticospinal tracts of the cervical region of the spinal cord.

Severe SCI often causes paralysis, loss of control over voluntary movement and muscles of the body, loss of sensation, and reflex function below the point of injury, including autonomic activity such as breathing and other activities such as bowel and bladder control. Other symptoms such as pain or sensitivity to stimuli, muscle spasms, and sexual dysfunction may develop over time.

SCI patients are prone to secondary medical problems, like bladder infections, lung infections, and bedsores. The leading causes of SCI vary by age. Among people under age 65, automobile and other motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause. Among those over age 65, falls cause most SCIs.

Other causes include:

• Workplace accidents
• Diving accidents
• Electric shock
• Bullet or stab wounds
• Extreme twisting of the trunk
• Sports injuries

A spinal cord injury can be severe and life-altering. Our firm understands that your immediate goals after going through such trauma include getting medical bills paid, ensuring you do not suffer financially through any lost wages, and your insurance company pays for future treatment relating to your injuries.

Our experienced attorneys discuss your situation and go over the options available to you. We work with insurance companies and other parties involved in your case to ensure all your needs are handled quickly and appropriately.