Spinal cord injuries are defined by impairment to any area of the spinal cord or nerves at the bottom of the spinal canal. This kind of damage usually leads to long-lasting alterations in strength, feeling, and other bodily functions below the area where you were injured.
If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury, you may feel like every area of your life will be touched by this injury. Please contact the Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers at Foshee and Yaffe by calling (405) 378-3033 or contacting us online today.
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SPINAL CORD INJURIES
The degree of injury one endures from damage to the spinal cord depends on where the damage occurs. The vertebrae of the spine are grouped into sections. The higher the damage occurs on the spinal cord, the greater dysfunction can take place.
- High Cervical Nerves (C1-C4) – This is the most severe, causing paralysis in all four limbs and torso, requires permanent, 24-hour personal care, and the person may not even be able speak or breathe on their own.
- Low Cervical Nerves (C5-C8) – The limbs corresponding to those nerves have no control but the person can speak and breathe normally.
- Thoracic Nerves (T1-T12) – These injuries will often cause paralysis below the waist, but a person may still have normal function of the upper body. These patients will likely require the use of a wheelchair and may be able to drive a modified car.
- Lumbar Nerves (L1-L5) – These involve some or total paralysis of legs. A person may be able to use a manual wheelchair or walk with braces. Victims will have little to no control of bladder.
- Sacral Nerves (S1-S5) – These injuries involve some kind of damage to hips, as well as legs and may involve damage to the control of the bladder. The victim may still be able to walk but may require special equipment to perform daily functions.
CAUSES OF SPINAL CORD INJURY
Most commonly in the United States, the causes of spinal cord injuries are:
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Falls
- Violent acts or attacks
- Injuries from sports and recreation
- Alcohol as a factor
- Various diseases
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE AND MALPRACTICE
No one undergoes surgery assuming a surgeon will damage his or her spinal cord. Unfortunately medical negligence and malpractice can be a cause of spinal cord injuries. If you have undergone surgery for anything that could have led a physician to come anywhere close to the nerves in your spinal cord, the possibility for injury is there. Whether it was back surgery or surgery to repair an injury from a car accident, you were put at risk and could have been further harmed by your doctor. If that is the case, the doctor should be held accountable for your injury. Only the most experienced attorneys can help with these complex and delicate malpractice lawsuits.
ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY
Optimism exists among many scientists that technological advances in research could one day make it possible to repair spinal cord injuries. There are many global research studies happening in an effort to study and find ways repair spinal cord damage and restore victims to normal function.
In the meantime, treatments and rehabilitation allow many people with a spinal cord injury to lead productive, independent lives; however, this kind of treatment is emotionally taxing and very expensive. If someone else is responsible for your injury, you may be able to recover the damages with the help of an experienced legal team.
OKLAHOMA CITY SPINAL CORD INJURY AND MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ATTORNEYS
Foshee & Yaffe’s personal injury lawyers in Oklahoma City have incredible expertise in negotiating settlements for medical malpractice and negligence suits. We are particularly equipped to handle cases involving spinal cord injuries within personal injury claims. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to attain an agreement outside of court, but we won’t hesitate to go to trial if need be.
Contact the lawyers at Foshee & Yaffe today to start your financial recovery for your injuries or illness resulting from malpractice or negligence. We always offer a free consultation.