The spinal cord is the control center of the human body. Trauma to the spinal cord can catastrophically affect your ability to function and result in permanent changes in mobility, strength, and sensation. These injuries are often caused by trauma due to the negligent actions of others.
At Oklahoma Injury Law, we understand how a spinal cord injury can affect you and your family. Medical bills may mount, you may be off work for a prolonged period, and you may be uncertain of your future. Our legal team is dedicated to recovering the compensation you need and deserve following a personal injury. Contact us today for a free case review.
Common Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Injuries to the back or spinal cord can take many forms, including:
- Paraplegia, quadriplegia, and other types of paralysis
- Ruptured or herniated discs
- Compression fractures in the neck or back
- Fractured vertebrae
- Soft tissue injuries
If you were involved in an accident, monitor for the following symptoms:
- Pain traveling down the neck into the arms and hands
- Pain traveling down the back to the legs
- Loss of sensation or weakness in the extremities
- Bladder or bowel issues
- Balance issues
- Change in gait
- Difficulty breathing
- Abnormal posture you cannot control
Seek medical attention immediately so your injuries can be promptly diagnosed and treated.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Healthcare providers have different ways of classifying spinal cord injuries. The higher up the spine where the spinal cord injury occurs, the more it can affect your mobility and life. A complete injury is one in which you have no sensation or voluntary motor function on either side of the body below the site of the injury. An incomplete injury means you have some feeling or motor function below the site of injury.
For paralysis, tetraplegia refers to paralysis of all of your limbs. Paraplegia only affects the lower half of the body.
Common Causes of Back and Spinal Cord Injuries in Oklahoma City
Spinal cord injuries often occur because of a sudden and traumatic blow to the spinal cord. Leading causes of spinal cord damage and back injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Car, truck, motorcycle, bike, and pedestrian accidents can involve significant forces strong enough to cause significant damage to the spinal cord.
- Slips and falls – Falls from heights, slips on properties, and falls during dog attacks can rupture discs and cause other serious spinal cord injuries.
- Sports injuries – High-impact sports account for about 10% of spinal injuries each year.
- Violent attacks – Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other physical assaults can cause these injuries, too.
If your spinal injury was due to someone else’s negligence, contact a skilled Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer today.
Financial Compensation for Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and spinal cord damage can result in serious injuries and significant financial losses. You may incur thousands of dollars in medical bills quickly. Medical treatments may focus on stabilizing your body, preventing movement to the affected area, and reducing swelling, as function may never be regained. Still, you may require months or years of therapies to focus on increasing mobility and living with a new normal.
Depending on the injury, you may be unable to work. You may be rendered permanently disabled. You may also suffer ongoing pain and trauma from reliving the experience. Oklahoma law allows you to seek compensation for the full value of your economic and non-economic damages.
Call Our Oklahoma City Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one recently suffered a spinal cord injury, call (405) 310-8800 and contact Oklahoma Injury Law today. We can discuss your legal rights and options during a free case review with an Oklahoma City spinal cord injury attorney.