Abbreviated as SCI, spinal cord injuries can have devastating consequences for the victim and their family members. However, the victim may still be capable of taking care of their financial problems by filing a personal injury claim. As to why SCI is such a serious injury and how one should go about filing their spinal injury claim, let’s discuss that next.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
In humans, the spinal cord is a tubular structure of ultrasensitive nerves and tissues that connect the brain to the rest of the body. It is located inside the vertebral column (spine), where it runs from the brainstem to the lowest lumbar point. Even the lightest of injuries suffered by the spinal cord can lead to partial paralysis, loss of touch, pain, and pressure sensations, longer reaction times, partial loss of reflexive movements, and much more.
Severe injuries to the spinal cord can lead to anything from full body paralysis to loss of one or more essential, automated functions such as the beating of the heart and breathing. The spinal cord is divided into three primary sections:
- Cervical – Neck and base of the brain.
- Thoracic – Upper back and chest.
- Lumbar – Lower back and the abdominal area.
The kind of effect an SCI may have on the victim depends on which section of the spine was harmed and to what degree.
What are the Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
As long as the victim received a medically certified spinal injury due to an act of negligence or violence, it can be used to file a personal injury claim for spinal cord damage against the responsible party. However, some SCIs are more commonly cited as a primary and/or secondary causes for a claim than others. Examples would include:
- Central Cord Syndrome: Temporary paralysis and numbness.
- Compression: Pain and loss of sensation from pressure damage, aka nerve compression (temporary)
- Contusion: Severe pressure damage (permanent/long-term) that can lead to partial or full paralysis.
- Laceration: Lacerated nerves and tissue damage (severe and permanent) can render the victim incurably paralyzed permanently.
What Kind of Spinal Cord Injuries Qualify for Valid Personal Injury Claims?
Only an experienced and specialized personal injury lawyer can confirm/negate the validity of a potential spinal cord injury claim. Determining the potential validity and value of a personal injury lawsuit requires knowing all particulars of the specific case, as well as the legal knowledge to assess the available information. Therefore, if you or anyone that you care about has been hurt in any kind of spinal cord injury, you need to consult with a personal injury lawyer at the earliest.
Don’t worry though because the process is quite easy. You will be able to get your spinal injury claim assessed for free with our help. Visit Custodio & Dubey Personal Injury Law Firm at the address below:
445 S Figueroa Street Suite 2520 Los Angeles, CA 90071
