Spinal injuries are characterized by weakness, sensory loss or paralysis below the point of injury.  The most severe injuries involve paralysis.  Paraplegia is the total loss of function and control from the waist down.  Quadriplegia (a.k.a tetraplegia) is the total loss of function and control from the head down.  Severity of spinal cord injuries are catagorized as either complete or incomplete.  Complete injuries are the most severe with almost all of the sensory and motor funtion lost below the jury.  Incomplete injuries have some motor and sensory function below the affected area.

Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries from accidents are common, and more than 1/2 of all people with spinal cord injuries are between 16 and 30 years old.  Herniated discs, damaged nerve fibers, strains, sprains and fractures can cause any of the following symptoms: extreme back pain; unrelenting muscle cramps or spasms; pressure in your head, neck or back; loss of movement; pain or intense stinging sensation; weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body; numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation to shoulder, arms, legs, feet, hands, fingers or toes; loss of bladder or bowel control; difficulty with balance or walking; impaired breathing; or oddly positioned or twisted neck or back.

If you have recently been in an accident, but don't have any symptoms of a spinal cord injury, we still recommend you see a doctor.  Sometimes spinal cord injuries can take months to show any symptoms.  Early identification of your injuries may prevent permanent, life-long suffering.  The Law Offices of Reese Harvey has over 13 years of experience helping clients suffering from serious injuries win the money they deserve.  We work with our team of expert investigators, accident reconstructionists, and economists to make sure you recover all the money available for your injuries so you can piece your life back together.  Call us today at (561) 691-4511 for a free, no obligation consultation.

SPINAL CORD INJURY FAQs

• How do spinal cord injuries occur?  Many spinal cord injuries involve damage to the nerves within the bony protections of the spinal canal.  Spinal cord injuries can occur when the spinal cord is crushed, stretched, severed, twisted abnormally, or bruised.  These injuries impact both sensation and movement and interfere with the body's ability to send and receive messages fromt the brain.  
• What are the common causes of spinal cord injuries?

Spinal cord injuries can also result from various diseases present at birth or later in life, tumors and electrical shock, and accidents resulting in the loss of oxygen in surgical or underwater accidents.

• How do I know if I have a case?  Many spine injuries are caused by an accident that could have been prevented, such as a car accident, a fall at work, or a strike by a heavy object.  Spinal cord injury victims may face permanent or partial disability, which can hinder their ability to work while increasing their medical and living expenses.  If your spinal cord injury was caused by another's negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to receive money for your medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.  Every case is unique.  Consult with The Law Offices of Reese Harvey today for a free case evaluation and to learn your legal options.

* The answers to these questions are not legal or medical advice and should not be relied upon or used as a basis for any particular course of action.  Feel free to call The Law Offices of Reese Harvey.  We will be happy to answer your questions and explain your rights.