According to the World Health Organization, between 250,000 and 500,000 people suffer spinal cord injuries annually. Spinal Cord Injuries may occur anytime the cells and nerves that send and receive signals from the brain to and from the rest of the body are damaged. A direct injury can cause these types of injuries to the spinal cord or the tissues and bones surrounding the vertebrae being damaged.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Generally speaking, there are two types of spinal cord injuries:
Complete: These types of injuries cause permanent damage to the affected area of the spinal cord and usually rest in paraplegia or tetraplegia.
Incomplete: These types of injuries cause partial damage to the spinal cord affecting the ability to move. The amount of feeling a victim can have depends on the area of the damaged spine and the severity of the damage sustained.
Spinal Cord Injuries can be a result of many things, but some of the most common causes of these types of injuries include the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Medical malpractice
- Sports accidents
- Disease
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury may vary depending on the severity of the sustained injuries. However, some of the most common include:
- Loss of movement
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Weakness or inability to move any part of the body
- Difficulty breathing
- Walking problem
- Unnatural spine positions
- Loss of bladder control
Contact an Attorney
Living with a spinal cord injury can cause many unexpected life challenges. Anyone who is a victim of spinal cord injuries resulting from the negligence or wrongdoing of someone else should contact a skilled attorney immediately, as you may be entitled to financial compensation. With years of experience helping other victims of spinal cord injuries, our attorneys here at Upton & Hatfield, LLP, understand what you might be going through and are committed to offering you the help you need. Our skilled attorneys are dedicated to your case's success and getting you the justice you deserve.
Contact our team today at (603) 716-9777 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation with a member of our team.