What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
One of the most serious injuries that can occur in an accident is a spinal cord injury. This injury is routinely referred to when discussing back and spine injuries, but many people do not understand the exact harm of a spinal cord injury and its lasting effects. At Mitch Grissim & Associates in Nashville we take cases of spinal cord injury extremely seriously and will zealously advocate for the compensation you deserve after an accident. To learn more and to schedule a free evaluation of your claims, call or contact our office today.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury occurs when the vertebrae, ligaments, or discs of the spinal column or the spinal cord within it is damaged in an accident. Often, this type of injury is caused by a substantial blow to the spine that causes the spine to fracture, dislocate, compress, or be crushed in an accident. Spinal cord injuries can also result from a penetration wound to the area, for example from debris in a car crash or an intentional gunshot wound. Spinal cord injuries usually get more severe in the days after an accident with bleeding, swelling, inflammation, and fluid accumulation causing additional stress on the area.
Ramifications of a Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is one of the main hubs of a person’s central nervous system, and all nerves connect to the spinal cord, which then connects to the brain. The nerves send signals relating to heat, cold, pressure, pain, and movement. When a spinal cord injury occurs, all nerve signals are cut off below the point of impact. For spinal cord injuries that occur below chest level, it can render the lower half of the body inoperable, which is known as being paraplegic. If the injury occurs at chest level or higher, it can cut off all nerve signals below the head, which is known as being quadriplegic.
In addition to being unable to move the limbs and body below the point of impact with a spinal cord injury, other complications often arise with this type of injury. Bladder control and bowel control can be lost, and the loss of skin sensation can lead to bed sores. Circulatory control, respiratory issues, and muscle tone can all also be affected with a spinal cord injury. This drastic change in lifestyle also often leads to mental problems with anxiety and depression.
After a spinal cord injury, significant medical treatment is usually required. This may include lengthy hospitalization, medications, surgeries, rehabilitation, psychological treatment, long-term care assistance, medical devices, and more. An experienced personal injury attorney understands the breadth and depth of care required after a spinal cord injury and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Talk to Our Office
If you would like to learn more about compensation for spinal cord injuries, call or contact Mitch Grissim & Associates today to schedule a free consultation of your cause with one of our knowledgeable Nashville personal injury attorneys now.
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