Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. The spinal cord is the main pathway for information to travel between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, the brain can no longer communicate with the body, resulting in paralysis and other serious complications.
At The Becker Law Firm, LPA, we represent victims who have suffered spinal cord injuries. Our spinal cord injury lawyers have the experience and resources to handle complex cases, and we have a proven track record of success in even the most challenging cases.
If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone's negligence, contact us at 216-621-3000 to learn how we can help. We offer free initial consultations.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. The spinal cord does not have to be severed for a loss of function to occur. In fact, in most people with a spinal cord injury, the spinal cord is intact, but the damage to it results in loss of function.
Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete. With a complete spinal cord injury, the cord cannot send signals below the level of the injury. As a result, you are paralyzed below the injury. With an incomplete injury, you have some movement and sensation below the injury.
What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal cord injury symptoms depend on the severity and location of the injury. Symptoms may include:
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Exaggerated reflex activities or spasms
- Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity, and fertility
- Pain or an intense stinging sensation caused by damage to the nerve fibers in your spinal cord
- Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing secretions from your lungs
Spinal cord injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical attention. If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
What Are the Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries can be caused by trauma or disease. Traumatic spinal cord injuries are usually caused by a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes, or compresses one or more of the vertebrae. Traumatic spinal cord injuries may be caused by:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Acts of violence, such as gunshot or knife wounds
- Sports and recreation injuries
- Alcohol
Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries are usually caused by arthritis, cancer, inflammation, infections, or disk degeneration of the spine. Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries may also be caused by a lack of blood flow to the spine, which can occur with atherosclerosis or a blood clot in an artery leading to the spine.
How Can a Cleveland Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Help?
Spinal cord injury cases are complex, and they require the attention of an experienced attorney. At The Becker Law Firm, LPA, we have the experience and resources to handle complex cases. We can help you understand your legal rights and options, and we can help you fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive.
If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury , contact us at 216-621-3000 to learn how we can help.
