What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged by trauma or disease, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. This injury can result in partial or complete loss of motor control and sensation below the injury site, with the severity depending on the location and extent of the damage.

If you or someone close to you has suffered a spinal cord injury, understanding the implications and potential legal options is essential. Proper medical care and legal representation from a New York spinal cord injury lawyer can help secure the resources you need for recovery.

What Are the Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries can happen in a variety of situations, often resulting from sudden, forceful impacts to the spine. These traumatic events can cause permanent damage, affecting your ability to move and perform daily activities. The most common causes include:

• Vehicle accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck crashes are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries (SCIs), often due to the extreme forces involved during collisions, which can severely damage the spine.
• Falls: Falling from significant heights or slipping in unsafe environments can lead to serious spinal cord injuries, especially in older adults who are more vulnerable to such accidents.
• Sports injuries: High-contact sports such as football or gymnastics can result in spine trauma from powerful collisions or falls, putting athletes at a greater risk of injury.
• Violence: Gunshot wounds or other violent physical assaults may cause severe spinal cord damage, often resulting in paralysis or long-term disability.

Identifying the cause of your injury is crucial for pursuing a legal claim, as different scenarios may involve varying forms of negligence. Whether your injury was the result of a car accident, unsafe premises, or a violent act, a skilled New York personal injury lawyer can help determine who is responsible. 

What Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Are There?

Spinal cord injuries are categorized as either complete or incomplete, depending on the extent of damage and the level of function retained below the injury site. The classification helps determine the severity of the injury and guides the appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation options.

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

A complete injury means that there is a total loss of motor function and sensation below the site of the injury. This often results in paralysis, either affecting just the lower body (paraplegia) or the entire body from the neck down (quadriplegia).

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

An incomplete injury occurs when some signals still travel through the spinal cord. This means that there may be partial movement or sensation below the injury site. The extent of disability can vary greatly, and some improvement might be possible with rehabilitation and treatment.

Is Recovery Possible After a Spinal Cord Injury?

The possibility of recovery after a spinal cord injury depends on the severity and location of the damage. While some individuals may regain limited function with rehabilitation and medical intervention, many will face lifelong challenges related to mobility and independence.

Treatment for spinal cord injuries typically involves surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation. Early and comprehensive medical care is crucial to improving outcomes, but even with the best treatment, recovery can be a slow and difficult process.

What Legal Options Are Available for Spinal Cord Injury Victims?

If another party’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Legal claims can help cover the extensive medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care costs associated with your injury. A qualified lawyer can help you determine how to know if you have a spine injury case.

A lawyer can assist you by:

• Investigating the circumstances: Your attorney will thoroughly gather evidence to establish liability, whether it’s due to a reckless driver, unsafe work conditions, or another form of negligence that contributed to your injury.
• Filing a legal claim: You can pursue compensation for various damages, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and the emotional toll your spinal cord injury has caused.
• Negotiating settlements: Many personal injury cases settle before reaching trial. Your lawyer will work to negotiate a fair settlement, ensuring you receive adequate compensation for your losses.
• Representing you in court: If settlement negotiations do not result in a satisfactory outcome, your lawyer will take your case to trial, fighting aggressively to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Get the Legal Support You Deserve for a Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury can alter the course of your life, requiring long-term medical care and financial support. If your injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. 

At Morelli Law Firm, we are committed to pursuing justice for our clients with an aggressive courtroom approach. Don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today to discuss your case and start building a path toward the compensation and support you need for your recovery.