Any type of injury can devastate your physical life, finances, as well as employment opportunities but spinal cord injuries can be extreme. These negative effects are even more pronounced when you suffer an injury to your spinal cord. In many instances, spinal cord injuries either cannot be repaired or require an intensive, long, and expensive rehabilitation process. If you have suffered an injury to your spinal cord due to the negligence of another person or party, it is only natural to think about how you will be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and change of lifestyle. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can greatly increase your chances of being fairly compensated for your personal injury claim or winning your personal injury suit in court. After suffering spinal cord injuries, it is recommended that you contact an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney to discuss your case. Don’t wait until the statute of limitations for pursuing personal injury suits expires. Give the personal injury law firm of Jerome O. Fjeld, PLLC a call for your free consultation today.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
In general, your spinal cord is vulnerable. It can be injured anywhere and at any time. Spinal cord injuries are nothing to take lightly. Not only can they affect you, but they can also have an adverse effect on your family. Listed below are the most common types of accidents that cause spinal cord injuries.
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Acts of Violence
- Slip and Falls
- Accidents on Construction Sites
- Falling Object Injuries
- Medical Malpractice
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Of the 206 bones in your body, your spinal cord has 33 of them. It is one of the most complex regions in the body. In general, there are two types of spinal cord injuries: complete spinal cord injury and incomplete spinal cord injuries. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center estimates that more than 65% of spinal cord injuries are incomplete. An incomplete injury is one that includes a partial impediment or severance of the spinal cord. It can also include bruising, something pressing against your spinal cord, or having fragments of bone or other materials affecting it. Survivors of incomplete spinal cord injuries may lose some or most of their feeling/mobility in the affected areas. However, they may make a full (or partial) recovery over time.
A complete spinal cord injury causes permanent and irreversible damages to the affected areas. These injuries are most often characterized by a complete inability to move the affected area as well as the loss of sensory functions. The most common types of complete spinal cord injuries are tetraplegia and paraplegia. Fortunately, these account for less than 35% of all spinal cord injuries. However, as you can imagine, any type of damage to your spinal cord can have negative consequences for every facet of your life.
What to do if You Have Been Injured
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, it is imperative that you take the correct steps to ensure that your health, well-being, and finances are protected. In the event that you are injured in an accident due to the negligent actions of another party, it is recommended that you take the following steps.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Call the Police (if necessary)
- Collect Evidence (take pictures and videos)
- Identify potential witnesses
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Every personal injury case is different and will require unique steps. What is most important is that you collect evidence of negligence, contact the appropriate authorities, and work with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Contact the Law Offices of Jerome O. Fjeld, PLLC
Suffering from spinal cord injuries that are due to the fault of another person can be devastating. Working with a seasoned personal injury attorney is a method of taking control of your life back. The medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering from spinal cord injuries will eventually pile up to a point that it seems too much. The law offices of Jerome O. Fjeld, PLLC are here to help you through the personal injury claims process and fight for your right to be fairly compensated for your injuries. If you have suffered spinal cord injuries, give us a call to discuss your case today.
