Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries encompass a wide range of conditions that vary significantly in severity, from partial loss of muscle control to complete paralysis and permanent disability.

Spinal injuries exist on a broad spectrum, with outcomes and recovery possibilities differing greatly from one individual to another.

The effects of these injuries on body functions can be profound, potentially affecting not only mobility and the nervous system but also other vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, sexual functioning, and temperature regulation.

Spinal cord injuries have several classifications and subgroups, which we examine below.

Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

The main difference between an incomplete injury and a complete spinal cord injury is the severity of nerve damage.

With ‘incomplete injuries’, the injured person still has some sense of feeling, sensation, and function below the site of initial injury.

Complete spinal cord injuries, on the other hand, mean total loss of nerve connections.

Suffering a complete injury means that the person has lost control, feeling, or movement in the body parts below the damaged nerve fibers.

Paraplegia and Tetraplegia

These classifications categorize spinal cord injuries into the types of paralysis they cause.

In either case, the spinal cord injury can be incomplete or complete.

Paraplegia typically refers to the loss of movement and sensation in the lower half of the body, including the legs, potentially affecting an individual’s mobility and independence.

Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, involves paralysis of all four limbs and, in more severe cases, can impact the torso and even respiratory function.

Both conditions not only alter the course of a person’s life drastically but also necessitate a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and rehabilitation.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia is characterized by the loss of function and sensation in the lower limbs.

Paraplegia stems from injury or trauma that disrupts the nerve signals along the spinal canal, specifically affecting the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions where the spinal nerves control movement and sensation in the legs.

This disruption can be due to severed or compressed nerve roots within the spinal canal, which impairs the body’s ability to transmit messages between the brain and the lower limbs.

Consequently, individuals with paraplegia experience varying degrees of mobility loss and sensation below the point of injury.

Individuals with paraplegia face substantial challenges in mobility, requiring assistive devices such as wheelchairs.

Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia)

Tetraplegia, commonly known as quadriplegia, is the paralysis of all four limbs, impacting a person’s ability to perform even the most basic tasks independently.

Tetraplegia results when damage to the cervical region of the spinal cord disrupts the nerve signals crucial for controlling arm, hand, leg, and, in some cases, also those regulating blood flow and even breathing, involving the chest muscles.

This type of spinal cord damage can result in secondary injury for people, such as respiratory issues and pressure sores.

The rehabilitation process for individuals with tetraplegia requires a dedicated rehabilitation team, focused on maximizing remaining functions and adapting to new ways of managing daily activities.

Spinal Cord Injury Based on Injury Site

Another classification for spinal cord injuries is based on where the injury occurs along the spinal column, typically detected by procedures like X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging.

Classifications based on the site of injury on the spinal column include:

• Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the cervical spine, located in the neck region, can have profound consequences, potentially leading to paralysis or impaired motor function in the upper body.
• Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries: Lumbar spinal cord injuries impact the lower back and may result in issues with lower limb function.
• Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries: Thoracic spinal cord injuries occur when the middle portion of the spinal cord, known as the thoracic region, sustains damage. This region corresponds to the upper and mid-back areas.
• Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the sacral region, situated at the base of the spine, can affect the lower back and legs.

Acute and Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries

Beyond the classification based on anatomical locations, spinal cord injuries are further categorized as acute or chronic, each presenting its own set of challenges.

Regardless of the categorization, both acute and chronic spinal cord injuries demand a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to treatment, emphasizing the importance of tailored rehabilitation strategies and continuous support to optimize recovery and improve quality of life.

Acute Spinal Cord Injuries

An acute spinal cord injury results from sudden trauma to the brain and spinal cord, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries.

Sudden, traumatic impacts can fracture or dislocate bones called vertebrae, causing damage to the spinal cord itself.

The immediate consequences can be severe, often leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired motor function.

The aftermath of an acute spinal cord injury requires immediate medical attention and medical evaluation.

Motor vehicle crashes are among the top causes for acute spinal cord injury.

Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries

Chronic spinal cord injuries, on the other hand, develop gradually over time and may result from conditions like degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis.

Chronic injuries pose unique challenges, often involving ongoing pain, mobility issues, and a gradual decline in functionality.

In addition, from a legal perspective, it may be harder to pinpoint the exact cause of these types of injuries.

However, our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers can still help you determine if filing a case is possible.

Complications Arising From Spinal Cord Injuries

Because of the partial or total loss of control in muscles and other body parts, spinal cord injuries can cause many other problems.

Beyond the immediate loss of mobility or sensation, individuals with spinal cord injuries often face challenges that are not immediately apparent but are critical to their overall health and well-being.

These additional complications add to the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an injured person may experience:

• Loss of Bowel Control: Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt the nerves controlling the bowel, leading to incontinence or constipation, requiring special management strategies to maintain bowel health and dignity.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Due to changes in bladder function and the necessity for catheter use, individuals with spinal cord injuries are at a higher risk of developing UTIs, which can become recurrent and require ongoing medical attention.
• Pressure Sores: Reduced mobility can lead to prolonged pressure on certain areas of the body, causing sores that are difficult to heal, potentially leading to serious infections if not properly managed.
• Life-Threatening Blood Clots: The lack of movement, especially in the lower limbs, increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to life-threatening pulmonary embolisms if a clot travels to the lungs.
• Loss of Sexual Function: Depending on the level and severity of the injury, spinal cord injuries can affect sexual health and fertility, often necessitating specialized interventions to help with sexual function and reproductive health.
• Respiratory Complications: Especially in cases of high spinal cord injuries, the muscles used for breathing may be affected, increasing the risk of pneumonia and necessitating the use of ventilatory support in some cases.
• Respiratory Infections: People with injuries affecting chest muscles or diaphragm control are more susceptible to pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
• Chronic Pain: Many individuals experience nerve pain or discomfort as a result of their spinal cord injury, which can be challenging to manage and impact quality of life.
• Muscle Spasms and Spasticity: Uncontrolled contractions or spasms of muscles below the level of injury, which can be painful and interfere with daily activities and mobility.
• Bone Density Loss and Osteoporosis: Lack of weight-bearing activity can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.

Each of these complications not only affects the physical health of spinal cord injury survivors but also places a strain on their emotional well-being and financial stability.

It is important for family members, medical professionals, and lawyers to understand and address these challenges in the rehabilitation and recovery process.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result from a wide variety of accidents, including vehicle collisions, falls, sports injuries, and acts of violence, each carrying the potential for life-altering consequences.

When these injuries stem from another’s negligence or a breach of duty of care—such as in cases of unsafe premises, defective products, or reckless driving—the injured party may have grounds to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

Filing a personal injury claim for spinal cord injuries can secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering endured as a result of the injury.

Contact our law firm for more information on personal injury claims for spinal injuries.

Car Accidents

Car accidents remain a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, due to the intense force of collisions.

Impact trauma can result in fractures, dislocations, or compression injuries to the spine.

Whether caused by reckless driving, distracted driving, or inadequate safety measures, these accidents leave victims grappling with the immediate and long-term consequences of spinal cord injuries.

Individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries due to car accidents are encouraged to reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer.

TorHoerman Law offers free consultations to any person or loved one of a person who has suffered a spinal cord injury due to a motor vehicle accident.

Use the chatbot on this page or contact us for a free consultation.

Slip and Falls

Falls, whether from heights or uneven surfaces, are a significant contributor to spinal cord injuries.

Hazardous conditions, lack of proper safety measures, or even an unfortunate misstep can lead to severe trauma to the spine.

Slip-and-fall lawyers can help victims of these accidents seek compensation for what they’ve been through.

Contact our law firm for more information.

Sports Injuries

Spinal cord injuries due to collisions and trauma in sports are on the rise.

High-impact sports, collisions, or improper techniques can lead to trauma affecting the spine.

While most types of contact sports have the potential cause damage to the spine, the ones that have the most cases are:

• Football
• Biking
• Diving
• Gymnastics
• Rugby
• Hockey
• Wrestling and Martial Arts

Workplace Accidents

Occupational hazards and workplace accidents expose individuals to the potential for spinal cord injuries.

Machinery malfunctions, falls from heights, or mishaps involving heavy equipment can result in severe trauma.

Individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries as a result of workplace or construction accidents may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Filing a construction accident lawsuit can secure compensation that workers compensation may not cover.

Contact our law firm to learn more.

Acts of Violence

Acts of violence such as assaults or gunshot wounds can inflict spinal cord injuries, leading to devastating physical outcomes for the victim.

Beyond the immediate physical harm, intentional acts of violence carry a heavy emotional and psychological toll, leaving victims to navigate the challenging aftermath of trauma.

In cases where spinal cord injuries are the result of deliberate violence, victims may have the legal right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

Such legal action not only seeks to address the medical costs and potential long-term care needs but also aims to compensate for the emotional distress and life alterations caused by the incident.

If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury due to an act of violence, our law firm can help you assess your options and potential for an intentional tort personal injury case.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected, leading to patient harm, including spinal cord injuries.

Spinal injuries can result from surgical errors, incorrect administration of anesthesia, or failure to diagnose or properly treat spinal conditions.

Victims of medical negligence may have the right to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit, which aims to recover damages for medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation, lost income, and the pain and suffering endured due to the professional’s oversight.

Initiating a medical malpractice lawsuit in these instances also serves to highlight the importance of maintaining high medical standards and accountability.

If you believe your spinal cord injury was the result of medical malpractice, consulting with our law firm can provide clarity on your legal rights and the steps necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.

How Can St. Louis Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Help You?

TorHoerman Law has an experienced team of St. Louis spinal cord injury lawyers who do not just serve as legal representation.

Our attorneys can be your advocates and commit time and resources to guiding you through the complexities of spinal cord injury cases.

We have extensive expertise and unwavering dedication that allows us to provide a comprehensive range of legal services relevant to your circumstances.

Here is how our team of lawyers can help you.

1. Free Consultation and Case Evaluation

The legal process begins with a meticulous case evaluation.

We thoroughly assess the details of each case, considering the circumstances surrounding the injury, the extent of damages incurred, and the potential legal avenues available.

This initial evaluation lays the foundation for a strategic and tailored approach to the legal proceedings.

You can contact our law firm for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to get in touch with our team.

2. Thorough Investigation and Discovery

Conducting a detailed investigation is integral to building a compelling case.

Our team analyzes the facts of your case, gathers crucial evidence, and works with experts to establish liability.

Whether it involves scrutinizing accident scenes, analyzing medical records, or consulting with specialists, we ensure that every step of the investigative process is rigorous.

This practice is how we can ensure a robust and well-supported legal argument.

3. Negotiation With Insurance Companies

Engaging in negotiations with insurance companies is a critical aspect of the legal process.

We leverage our proven expertise to advocate for fair and just compensation on behalf of our clients.

Negotiations encompass a broad spectrum, addressing medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and the intangible yet profound impact on the individual’s pain and suffering.

4. Litigation

If negotiations with insurance companies prove inadequate or if liability is contested, we are prepared to pursue litigation.

Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of the legal process and will work to present a compelling case in court to secure justice for our clients.

Litigation involves courtroom advocacy, presenting evidence, and arguing for compensation that covers medical treatments, rehabilitation, lost income, and the enduring pain and suffering of the victim.

Navigating Challenges in Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Spinal cord injury cases present a myriad of challenges, from proving negligence to establishing the full extent of damages and grappling with complex medical evidence.

TorHoerman Law can navigate these challenges with precision and compassion to build compelling cases and advocate for our client’s rights.

Listed below are several potential challenges that could present themselves in spinal cord injury cases.

Proving Negligence in Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Establishing negligence is a foundational challenge in spinal cord injury cases.

Proving negligence entails establishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the victim and that they breached this duty, causing the injury.

In simple terms, we need to show that whoever caused your injury acted irresponsibly and that you’re entitled to compensation because of their negligence.

We recognize the intricate nature of this task and will deeply investigate the circumstances surrounding your case.

Through evidence collection, witness testimonies, and expert analyses, we can build a case that not only meets legal standards but compellingly demonstrates the negligence that led to the spinal cord injury.

Establishing the Full Extent of Damages

Quantifying the full extent of damages in spinal cord injury cases goes beyond immediate medical expenses.

We understand the long-term and often lifelong impact these injuries can have on victims and their families.

Our lawyers are experts at assessing the economic and non-economic damages present in spinal cord injury claims, including medical treatments, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and the intangible toll on the individual’s quality of life.

Organizing and Gathering Complex Medical Evidence

Gathering the right medical evidence is a distinctive challenge in spinal cord injury cases.

TorHoerman Law may collaborate with medical experts, specialists, and professionals to decipher intricate medical details and establish a clear link between the injury and the incident in question.

This ensures that the medical evidence presented is not only accurate but also compelling, supporting the client’s claim with unwavering precision.

TorHoerman Law’s Expertise

TorHoerman Law is committed to overcoming the unique challenges of spinal cord injury cases.

Our St. Louis spinal cord injury attorneys possess an understanding of the intricacies involved, ensuring that no detail is overlooked in the pursuit of justice for clients.

Here’s how we overcome challenges in spinal injury cases:

1. Dedicated Investigation: We uncover crucial details surrounding the injury. Whether it involves accident reconstructions, witness interviews, or collaboration with experts, our commitment to a thorough investigation is unparalleled.
2. Strategic Approach to Damages: TorHoerman Law strategically approaches the establishment and calculation of damages, recognizing that the true impact of spinal cord injuries extends far beyond immediate medical costs. We aim to present a comprehensive picture of the damages suffered, accounting for both economic and non-economic factors.
3. Navigating Medical Complexities: We are experts in handling complex medical evidence. Our collaboration with medical professionals ensures that the intricacies of spinal cord injuries are effectively communicated, strengthening your case with a sound foundation of expert testimony.

Contact Our St. Louis Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has experienced a life-altering spinal cord injury, we urge you to take action today.

Contacting a St. Louis spinal cord injury lawyer for a consultation is a crucial step toward securing the support and compensation you deserve.

The intricacies of spinal cord injury claims demand experienced legal representation.

TorHoerman Law has decades of experience helping people injured at no fault of their own seek compensation.

Do not let the challenges of spinal cord injuries overwhelm you.

Take the first step toward justice by contacting us.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation.