Accident-based spinal cord injuries may be compensable

Accidents and injuries are not uncommon in the lives of Paramus residents, but most of the minor harms that people suffer do not amount to life-changing losses. A bump on a table may result in a bruise that will heal over time, and a cut from a sharp object may hurt but heal over with minimal intervention. When a person is involved in a serious accident, such as a vehicle crash or significant fall, their personal injury losses may be more pronounced.

One of the most traumatic bodily injuries that a person can suffer is harm to their spinal cord. The spinal cord is a set of nerves that helps carry messages from the brain to other parts of the body. It helps the body move, regulate regular processes like breathing, and other vital functions.

When the spinal cord is damaged, the body can suffer tremendous losses. This post offers no medical or legal advice, but examines some of the difficulties that can befall a person who sustains a spinal cord injury in an accident. Questions about spinal cord litigation and personal injury law should be directed to knowledgeable New Jersey attorneys.

Complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries

The spinal cord is protected by the spinal column, a set of bony circular vertebrae that surround it. However, the spinal column may not be enough to protect the spinal cord from injury. When the spinal cord is severed fully, it is considered a complete injury. When the spinal cord is partial cut, it is considered an incomplete injury.

Paralysis as an outcome for a spinal cord injury

One permanent outcome that spinal cord injury victims may suffer is paralysis. Paralysis happens when the spinal cord does not allow brain communications to pass through and beyond the site of the injury. For example, if a victim suffers a complete injury in their mid-back, they may lose feeling and function in their legs, resulting in paraplegia. If, though, the injury occurs in the victim’s neck, their paralysis may affect their torsos and arms, resulting in quadriplegia.

Spinal cord injury costs

As readers may be able to guess, treating and living with a spinal cord injury can be costly. Medical intervention can help victims of spinal cord injuries preserve some of their physical movement but it is not always possible to fix or reverse paralysis. Once a person loses bodily functions, they may have to rely on ongoing physical, medical, and occupational support to survive. The costs of long-term care can be extensive and not all victims are equipped to pay for it themselves.

When a spinal cord injury is caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of another party, a victim may have options for seeking relief. They may be able to work with a personal injury attorney to file a lawsuit for the recovery of their damages. Not all potential personal injury claims are suitable for litigation, and victims can discuss their options with their own attorneys.