Neck & Spinal Cord Injuries
Today, nearly 300,000 Americans suffer from a spinal cord injury. These patients could be construction workers who fell from collapsed scaffolding, pedestrians or drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents, and more. Sports injuries, acts of violence (i.e., gunshot wounds), and medical malpractice are also potential causes of spinal cord injuries (SCI). Doctors typically treat patients who damage the sacral, thoracic, coccygeal, lumbar, and cervical sections of the spine. Common spinal cord injuries involve compressed vertebrae, contusions, dislocations, and fractures.
If you suffer from a spinal cord injury that was caused by the negligence of others, it is important to seek assistance from trusted spinal cord injury attorneys. At The Ryan Law Group, we ensure that relevant parties uphold their obligations and help clients achieve adequate compensation for their losses. This way, they can restore their health and financial circumstances.
Understanding Neck & Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury refers to the damage of nerves and cells, which are responsible for sending and receiving signals from the brain to and from the rest of the body. Depending on the severity of the damage, patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in strength, movement, coordination, sensation, and other body functions. Some neck and spinal cord injuries with minimal cell death may lead to a complete recovery. Serious SCI cases, however, have caused paralysis in patients.
The two main types of spinal cord injuries are Complete and Incomplete. Complete SCI indicates permanent damage to the impacted region of the spine. These injuries typically occur in the top seven vertebrae in the neck (above the shoulders) and may result in near total paralysis or tetraplegia. This condition describes the patient’s inability to voluntarily move the upper and lower parts of their body. Unfortunately, tetraplegia may lead to other physical and mental health complications, including respiratory infections, breathing difficulties, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of symptoms that SCI patients experience:
- Unnatural positions of the head and/or spine
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Weakness
- Significant pressure or pain in the back, neck, or head
- Problems with walking
How do Neck & Spinal Cord Injuries Affect Your Life and Finances?
SCI affects patients in many aspects of their lives, especially their daily routines. They may lose their abilities to participate in hobbies, run errands on their own, and more. Additionally, they may experience a significant reduction in future earnings if their jobs involve physical activities.
The medical costs to treat SCI can be exorbitant due to emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, expensive medications, and ongoing therapy. That’s not all. Some patients may need to make extensive home or vehicle modifications, which may cost tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. These sums do exceed the maximum amount that some insurance companies cover.
Is There Compensation for Neck & Spinal Cord Injury Victims in California?
Individuals who were injured due to the negligence of another person have the right to seek compensation through a neck and spinal cord injury claim. The amount of compensation that you can claim is typically based on the nature and extent of your injuries, prognosis, current and future medical expenses, potential loss of earning capacity, physical pain and emotional distress, and other punitive damages.
Why Choose The Ryan Law Group’s Neck & Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys?
Every case is unique, and all relevant circumstances need to be thoroughly examined. The Ryan Law Group is here to protect your rights, represent you in settlement negotiations, pursue full and fair compensation, and more. Our legal team consists of sincere and compassionate personal injury attorneys who work hard to get you optimal recovery.
To learn more about how we can help you receive fair compensation for your neck & spinal cord injuries, contact us today!