The spinal cord is one of the most sensitive parts of the body. It houses sensory and motor nerves and connects the brain and spinal cord to other body parts.

Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal is considered a spinal cord injury. Even minor damage can lead to paralysis.

Spinal cord injuries can be minor or severe, though typical symptoms include numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the hands and feet. Paralysis may happen immediately or develop over time as swelling and bleeding affect the spinal cord, according to ninds.nih.gov.

What Causes a Spinal Cord Injury?

According to mayoclinic.org, the leading cause of spinal cord injuries is automotive and motorcycle accidents. These incidents account for almost half of the new spinal cord injuries yearly.

Medical mistakes are another cause of spinal cord injuries. Traumatic needle insertion from an epidural, surgery errors, emergency room mistakes, and failure to diagnose spinal cord impingement or abscesses can lead to long-term consequences, including pain, loss of sensation, and paralysis.

Suffering from spinal cord injuries can be financially, physically, and mentally devastating. It could impact your ability to work, and treatment and recovery can incur extensive medical debt. Contact our legal team if you have spinal cord injuries due to an accident or medical malpractice: (302) 428-8800.

Are All Spinal Cord Injuries Serious?

Every year between 250,000 and 500,000 people suffer from a spinal cord injury. More than half of these spinal cord injuries affect young adults between 16 and 30.

Spinal cord injuries vary in severity, though as the most sensitive area of your body, any level of damage has consequences. There are upper and lower injuries that affect different parts of your body. Spinal cord injuries can cause circulatory problems, swelling of extremities, and sensation loss.

According to the World Health Organization, spinal cord injuries lead to secondary conditions that can become life-threatening or debilitating

Injuries higher on the spinal cord can cause paralysis and your limbs, which is the most severe spinal cord injury. This is also known as tetraplegia or quadriplegia.

Should I Get Legal Help for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Thirty percent of people with a spinal cord injury are hospitalized at least one or more times during the year, according to msktc.org. Additionally, the initial hospital expenses of a spinal cord patient will average nearly $95,203.

After recovery and rehabilitation, a spinal cord patient will pay almost $2,958 per year in hospital expenses and $4,908 for medical services, supplies, and adaptive equipment, according to the National Library of Medicine.

These additional medical expenses can take a financial and emotional toll. Suppose your spinal cord injury was due to medical malpractice, medical negligence, or a car accident. In that case, our legal team can help you file a lawsuit and seek restitution for your injuries, pain, and suffering.

Contact our experienced legal team to start building a case: (302) 428-8800.