The spinal cord is what keeps your body upright and able to move properly. It is an essential part of the body and is also very fragile. Damage to your spinal cord can be catastrophic, resulting in something as bad as full body paralysis. You want to be informed about this type of personal injury so that you do not mistake it for something less serious. Here is what you need to know about spinal cord injuries.
Severity
There are two factors that determine the severity of your spinal cord injuries: the location of the injury and the severity of it. The neurological level is the phrase doctors used when referring to the lowest normal part of the spinal cord. The severity of the affected area is called “the completeness” of it. If your injury is complete, that means you have lost all feeling and motor function below the location of spinal cord injury. If it is incomplete, that means you still have some motor function or feeling.
Symptoms
There are several symptoms of a spinal cord injury. Some of the emergency signs that you should pay attention to after an accident include:
· Extreme back pain or pressure
· Paralysis in any part of the body
· Numbing or loss of sensation in hands, fingers, feet, or toes
· Loss of bladder control
· Impaired breathing
Common Causes
· Car Accidents: This is the leading cause of spinal cord injuries and depending on who was at fault, you could file a personal injury claim for the damage done.
· Falls: People over the age of 65 most commonly receive spinal cord injuries because of a slip and fall.
· Acts of violence: Gunshot and knife wounds are the most common violent acts that cause this type of injury
When To See A Doctor
If you have been involved in any traumatic incident, you should see a doctor immediately. Spinal injuries aren’t always immediately obvious and if you don’t get it checked, it could worsen. Numbness or paralysis sometimes occurs gradually as swelling and bleeding worsens around the spinal cord. The time between when the injury happened and treatment is critical in determining how bad the personal injury is and how to treat it.
Have You Suffered Spinal Injuries At The Fault Of Someone Else? Call Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts settlements*. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and LinkedIn.