The spinal cord is the pathway that allows the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. It is protected by muscle, bone, cartilage, and fluid. But despite all this, it is still incredibly vulnerable.
Even a comparatively minor injury of the spinal cord can cause severe pain in the back and weakness and tingling in the limbs and may require surgery to repair.
A more serious spinal cord injury can cause paralysis and may be impossible to repair using current medical technology.
For these reasons, any spinal cord injury is a serious matter. And those who have suffered a spinal cord injury in Florida due to the negligence of another would be well advised to retain an experienced attorney to ensure their future interests are protected.
Morgan & Morgan’s spinal cord injury attorneys work tirelessly and have gotten results for their clients, including a $1 million settlement in Orlando after a 52-year-old woman in a car accident required spinal fusion surgery.
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Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 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 causes. In a given year, there are an average of 12,500 spinal cord injuries in the U.S. – 40 for every one million members of the population.
Violent movements, such as in a car accident, can cause the vertebral bones in the spine or the discs that cushion them to move out of place, putting pressure on the spinal cord and other nerve roots.
In some cases, the trauma can be so severe that the spinal cord is completely severed. This can cause paraplegia (paralysis of the legs) or quadriplegia or tetraplegia (paralysis of the legs and arms).
Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
Even minor to moderate back injuries can still have a significant impact. If a fractured vertebrae or a ruptured or bulging disc puts pressure on the spinal cord, it can cause pain, weakness and loss of feeling in the limbs as well.
Injuries to the cervical spine (neck) typically radiate into the arms and hands. Injuries to the lumbar spine (lower back) can cause symptoms to develop in the legs.
Spinal injuries can also cause incontinence, erectile dysfunction and other conditions. If the spinal cord is not severed, these symptoms may be alleviated by spinal surgery, including the removal of faulty discs and/or the fusion of two or more vertebra together with wire or cadaver bone.
When the spinal cord is severed, there is currently no way to repair it, although medical science is progressing slowly toward a solution.
Nevertheless, a victim of paraplegia can expect to incur more than $500,000 in medical and other expenses in the first year after the injury and nearly $70,000 each year thereafter. This means that getting fair compensation is of crucial importance to maintaining quality of life going forward.
Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Florida Need Strong Attorneys
Even a moderate back injury can mean a long and expensive recovery, including surgery and missed time from work. A serious spinal cord injury can be life changing. If you have suffered this type of injury, you need to focus on your future and that of your family.
When your life has been altered by a spinal injury caused by the carelessness of another, our team of Orlando personal injury attorneys can help ensure you get the compensation to which you are entitled.
If you or a loved one have been injured, call Morgan & Morgan today at 877.667.426 or contact us online to receive a no-cost and obligation-free evaluation of your case.