The spinal cord is a central element of the human body’s nervous system, and it runs from the base of your brain down the spinal column to near the middle of your back. Along the way, it connects to your arms, legs, and other parts of the body. The spinal cord can be understood to be an “impulse highway,” taking commands and directions from the brain and sending them to the appropriate parts of the body and then receiving “feedback” from these other parts and transmitting it back to the brain.
When any part of your spine is damaged or severed, you may lose the ability to move or feel, which is labeled a catastrophic injury.
Trauma to the spinal cord is challenging to treat and complete recovery from these types of injuries might not be possible. Regardless of your prognosis, a College Park spinal injury lawyer is available to help you in seeking financial compensation.
Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury
Not all spinal cord injuries are the results of sudden trauma. Sometimes, repetitive minor injuries (such as improperly lifting a moderately heavy load over and over) can also cause damage to the spinal cord. Depending on the severity and suddenness of this type of injury, individuals might experience:
- Tingling or numbness below the location of the injury
- Extreme and sudden, sharp pain or pressure in the back
- Loss of motor functions or bladder control
- Paralysis (loss of use of limbs, usually below the site of the injury), either temporary or permanent
If a person suspects they have spine damage, they must obtain medical assistance as soon as possible to have the greatest opportunity for recovery. Our College Park attorney helps individuals with spinal cord injuries file a lawsuit against any negligent person or entity that holds responsibility for what happened.
What Can Compensation Be Used For?
It may seem as if money is inadequate compensation for losing one’s ability to work, move around freely, or participate in hobbies with loved ones. While no amount of money can repair a permanently damaged spinal cord, the financial costs that come with this type of injury are immense.
First, a claimant will need ongoing therapy and medical treatments to reach their maximum physical recovery. In addition, depression and anxiety may require counseling and psychotherapy services, while a person who is unable to work will need to find a supplemental source of income. If they have paralysis, they may need to pay for a wheelchair, modifications to their vehicle, or mobility accommodations to their home. A College Park attorney can talk with a person experiencing a spinal cord injury about all the losses they need to address in a lawsuit.
Reach Out to a College Park Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
The legal choices you make in the aftermath of a debilitating accident can make a world of difference in your future. Pursuing a claim of compensation against negligent parties should provide you with financial assistance for your medical services, personal traumas, and lost wages. This can be difficult to do while you are distracted by your physical recovery – which is where Childers, Schlueter & Smith comes in.
By speaking with a College Park spinal cord injury lawyer about your losses, you are taking a critical first step in protecting your legal rights and continuing to provide for your family. To learn if you might have a case, call us and schedule a free consultation.
