A car accident, a workplace injury, a slip and fall — any of these incidents might cause significant damage to your back, and you may seek medical attention as a result. Birmingham is home to several industries that might cause spinal cord injuries, particularly steel production and distribution. In addition, car accidents are always a concern in every city.
A minor spinal cord injury can cause weakness, tingling, and may require surgery. A more serious spinal cord injury can cause paralysis and might be impossible to repair with our current technology. For these reasons, any spinal cord injury is a serious matter. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in Birmingham, our spinal cord injury attorneys may be able to help.
At Morgan & Morgan, we work tirelessly to get results for our clients, and we may be able to go to work on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is one of the most critical parts of the body, allowing the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. It is protected by muscle, bone, cartilage, and fluid. Despite this protection, it’s still quite vulnerable in accidents.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that vehicle crashes are the leading cause of spinal injuries in the United States. However, falls from heights and injuries during recreational activities are also common. In any given year, there are roughly 12,500 spinal cord injuries in the United States.
Violent movements, like in a car accident, can cause vertebral bones in the spine or discs cushioning those bones to move, putting pressure on the spinal cord and in other nerve roots. In some cases, the spinal cord could be completely severed, causing some form of paralysis.
Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result in a variety of associated damages, including:
- Pain, weakness, or loss of feelings in the hands or legs depending on the injury area
- Loss of sensation, including ability to feel heat, cold, or touch
- Incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and other bowel conditions
- Changes in fertility or sexual function
- Difficulty breathing
This list is not exhaustive. Spinal cord injuries can rob individuals of most of their feeling, ability to control parts of their body, and even result in death. A victim of paraplegia or another serious condition as a result of an injury can expect to incur more than $500,000 in medical and other expenses in the first year and nearly $70,000 each year thereafter.
This makes fair compensation of crucial importance in order to best maintain your quality of life.
Birmingham Spinal Cord Injury Victims Can Rely on a Strong Attorney
Even a minor or moderate back injury can involve a long and expensive recovery, often coming with surgery and requiring time away from work to recover. This could put you in a sticky financial situation, but fortunately, there is help you can seek.
At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys can investigate claims of negligence and hold the parties responsible for your injury accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or otherwise due to another’s negligence, Morgan & Morgan can help you understand your options. Fill out a risk-free, no-cost case evaluation to learn more.