Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries 

Spinal cord injuries are perhaps some of the most devastating types of injuries that can occur as a result of a personal injury accident. Although most people do not believe that they will ever be in a spinal cord injury accident, according to statistics there are almost 18,000 new spinal cord injuries each year in the United States. Personal injury accidents that can cause spinal cord injuries include slip and falls, construction accidents, car accidents, trucking accidents, or any other accident caused by a person, business, or other entity’s negligence. Spinal cord injuries often affect every aspect of an individual’s life, given that most of the time a person’s movement and sensation are impaired. There are many different types of spinal cord injuries, but there are four main locations where they can occur. If you or a loved one suffered any type of spinal cord injuries from an accident in Staten Island, call our experienced personal injury lawyer for help.

Here at the O’Connor Law Firm, we handle catastrophic personal injuries such as spinal cord injuries. Our bodily injury law firm is able to investigate liability and build a damages case after a personal injury accident, allowing victims and their families to recover the compensation they need for their injuries. We offer FREE consultations and case reviews, and we can help victims and their families explore their legal options. Our experienced personal injury lawyer in Staten Islandwill fight for a fair and just settlement by a defense lawyer or insurance adjuster. If they will not fairly compensate you, we prepare every case like it is going to trial and we will seek your legal remedies in court.

To learn more about how we can help you against you sustain spinal cord injuries from an accident in Staten Island, call us today to schedule your free case evaluation.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries from an Accident in Staten Island

Spinal cord injuries, although known as SCIs, are a type of injury that occurs to the spinal cord. The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system, along with the brain. The main purpose of the spinal cord is to send messages between the brain and the rest of the nerves in the body that are responsible for sensation, strength, movement, and other functions. These other nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system.

Spinal cord injuries from an accident in Staten Island can have a different impact depending on many factors, including their severity and location. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to impairment of breathing. Victims with severe spinal cord injuries may require 24 hour a day nursing care. The cost of this injury physically, emotionally, and financially is often astronomical, leaving victims and their loved ones with a lifetime of losses. Victims who were wrongly injured in a personal injury accident leading to a spinal cord injury should never have to pay for those losses.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Based on Location of Damage

Generally, spinal cord injuries are classified as complete (total severance of the spinal cord) or incomplete (partial). While spinal cord injury is a term to encompass all types of spinal cord injuries, there are four different types of spinal cord injuries that can occur as a result of a personal injury accident. These are all location based. A person is diagnosed with a particular type of spinal cord injury based on where on the spine the injury occurred.

The different types of spinal cord injuries victims often suffer as a result of a personal injury accident includes the following:

Cervical SCIs

The cervical part of the spine is the top portion of the spinal cord. If an individual suffers an injury in any of the vertebrae from C-1 to C-7, they are considered to have a cervical spinal cord injury. Cervical spinal cord injuries are typically the most severe type of injury as it results in quadriplegia or tetraplegia. Victims with these types of spinal cord injuries often have minimal or no movement or feeling below the neck area. In some cases, breathing may be compromised.

Thoracic SCIs

Thoracic spinal cord injuries occur when there is an injury anywhere between T-1 and T-12. Victims with T-1-T-5 injuries have impairment in movement of the upper chest, abdominal muscles, and mid back. Victims with injuries T-6-T12 will have impairment in movement of the back and abdominal muscles, often causing impairment in posture and balance. Victims who have a thoracic spinal cord injury may have a loss of bowel or bladder control, but is usually able to function for the most part independently with special equipment.

Lumbar SCIs

The lumbar spinal cord is the lowest part of the spinal cord (L1-L5). Injuries to any portion of the lumbar spinal cord often results in some degree of loss of function or movement in the legs or hips. While some victims may be able to walk with the assistance of braces, other victims may be confined to a wheelchair. Lumbar spinal cord injuries are common and can result in significant disability and pain. They can occur in falls, car accidents, and other types of accidents.

Sacral SCIs

The sacrum is below the lumbar spine but above the coccyx. This area is referred to as S1-S5. Victims with a sacral spinal cord injury may have no control of bowel or bladder function. There may also be impairment of sexual function as well. Most individuals with sacral spinal cord injuries are able to walk, but some may require the use of a wheelchair or other assistive device. 

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries from an Accident in Staten Island

Victims who suffer spinal cord injuries from an accident in Staten Island will likely have a lifetime of needs that are financially costly. Victims who are bound to a wheelchair or have other forms of physical impairment will need a wheelchair or other assistive device, likely a wheelchair ramp, home and vehicle modifications, and other modifications to help them function as independently as possible. Additionally, some victims may no longer be able to perform the job they once performed, causing a loss of income. The financial repercussions of this type of injury are typically life-long.

Call Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today for Help 

If you or a loved one suffered any types of serious or catastrophic spinal cord injuries after an accident in Staten Island, call the O’Connor Law Firm to learn more about your rights to compensation. We handle cases throughout New York, specifically in the New York City and Long Island region of the state, including Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, and in surrounding areas. If you suffer a spinal cord injury outside of these area in New York or anywhere else, we can still help you connect with the right lawyer for your case.

To learn more about our bodily injury law firm, call to schedule FREE consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyer at the O’Connor Law Firm. We offer free consultations and we only get paid after you recover compensation in your case. To learn more, schedule your appointment by dialing (718) 948-3500 or send us an email through our “Contact Us” box available here.