Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Trauma to the spinal cord can result in permanent loss of movement and sensation in one or more limbs. Two factors, the neurological level of injury (lowest normally functioning segment of the spinal cord) and the completeness of the injury will determine a victim's ability to control his or her limbs. Spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete. Victims who suffer from a complete spinal cord injury have lost all ability to feel and move below the neurological level. A patient afflicted with an incomplete spinal cord injury has some ability to feel and move below the site of the injury. Regardless of the completeness of the spinal cord injury, every aspect of a victim's life may be affected. Spinal cord injury victims may never be able to function the same way they were able to before the injury occurred.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence or deliberate misconduct of another party, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer at Estey Bomberger can assist you with the legal process and protect your legal right to full and fair financial compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, shortened life expectancy, and pain and suffering.
Spinal Cord Injury Complications
Because of damage to sensitive nerve roots that run along the spinal cord, the nerves are no longer able to transmit messages to and from the brain. The brain, which is the command center for the body, may be unable to control certain bodily functions. Possible complications stemming from a spinal cord injury, include, but are not limited to:
- Bladder dysfunction
- Bowel dysfunction
- Impaired skin sensation
- Spasticity (stiff or rigid muscles)
- Flaccid muscles (soft and limp muscles)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nerve pain
- Respiratory system dysfunction
- Weight loss
- Muscle atrophy.
Spinal Cord Injury Prognosis
Once an individual is well enough to participate in a rehabilitation program, the spinal cord injury patient will begin to work with a therapy team, which may include a rehabilitation nurse, psychologist, dietitian, occupational therapist, physical therapist, social worker, recreational therapist and a physiatrist or spinal cord injury doctor. In addition to strengthening existing muscle function, developing motor skills and adaptive techniques are usually emphasized during the initial stages of rehabilitation. Prescribing medication to help manage various spinal cord injury side effects is also usually part of the rehabilitation process. Newer technology, such as electric wheelchairs, voice activated computers, computer base remotes and electronic stimulation devices, have allowed spinal cord injury victims to become more independent and more mobile in recent years.
Causes of a Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury
According to the Mayo Clinic, auto accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries for individuals under the age of 65. In an auto accident, drivers and passengers are subjected to extreme blunt and penetrating forces. Almost any type of serious accident can produce extreme forces and potentially result in a spinal cord injury, including motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, train accidents, truck accidents, sports accidents, boating accidents, SUV rollover accidents and UTV accidents. Spinal cord injuries can also be the result of a physical attack or birthing incident.
How to Get in Touch With a Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
To discuss your potential case with a Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger, call or email our office for free. To reach one of our skilled Sacramento personal injury lawyers by phone, dial (916) 903-5216. For a response by email, submit our free online case evaluation form. The fee for our legal services is contingent upon the outcome of your case.