Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries occur each year. Of course, too many of those cases occur in Maryland. These injuries are most commonly the result of car accidents, sporting events, gunshot wounds and industrial accidents. Unfortunately, they are often very serious in nature and sometimes completely life altering.

Permanent damage to the spine and nerves can cause some of the following symptoms:

• Loss of movement
• Loss of feeling
• Loss of bowel control
• Bladder infections
• Trouble breathing
• Spasms or uncontrollable reflexes
• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Pain

An injury to the spine is usually an emergency situation and demands immediate care. Depending on the severity of the particular injury, surgery may be necessary to remove tissue, bone fragments or even foreign objects that may have entered the body during the accident. Sometimes fluid pressed against the spine must be drained. Surgery can also repair or fuse broken spinal bones or implant spinal braces. After the injury has healed, it is likely that various forms of physical therapy will be needed to recover. Sometimes therapy is ongoing throughout the victim’s life. As a result, it can become very expensive.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a spinal cord injury because of the recklessness or negligence of another person or party, a skilled spine injury lawyer may be able to help you file a claim to receive financial compensation. Contact Mr. Howie at Howie Law Firm LLC for a free consultation for personal injury cases today.