If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence in a catastrophic accident, you may have suffered spinal cord injuries that can be permanent and/or life-threatening. The following are the most common types of spinal cord injuries suffered after serious accidents and details of how your injury may affect your future.
Complete vs. Incomplete
Your spinal cord injury may be categorized into a complete or incomplete injury. A complete spinal cord injury will render the patient unable to move any physical area below the injury. This physical area below the injury will likely not have any feeling or sensation, and unfortunately, the chance of making a full and complete recovery is typically nonexistent. An incomplete spinal cord injury is when a patient may be able to feel sensations or even move parts of their body, albeit in limited amounts. There is often hope that these patients may make at least a partial recovery.
Spinal Cord Injury Levels
Your physician will determine the level of your spinal cord injury. The level of the injury will determine the treatment plan. For example, if a patient has neck injuries, they may be able to breathe, as well as move their arms and legs. Conversely, if a patient has lower back spinal cord injuries, they may not be able to move their arms or legs or even be able to breathe independently. These factors will determine the treatment plan. In many cases, victims of spinal cord injuries may have to stay in a hospital under observation for long periods of time while they receive intensive physical therapy. Other spinal cord injury victims may be able to return home and receive medical treatment and personal care there. In all cases, spinal cord injuries are typically very expensive and take extensive amounts of time for assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
The following are common types of spinal cord injuries suffered after an accident due to someone else’s negligence:
- Whiplash
- Herniated and ruptured discs
- Spinal fractures
- Facet joint injuries
- Spinal stenosis
- Direct injuries to the spinal cord itself
Some spinal cord injuries, such as whiplash, may resolve themselves in a few days or weeks with rest and some over-the-counter pain relievers. Herniated or ruptured discs may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity. Spinal fractures may improve with surgery, physical therapy, and rest, or be permanent. Joints within the spine are like a hinge between each vertebra, and these can be injured in accidents. Facet joint injuries may need to have therapy, injections, ablation or chiropractic treatments. Spinal stenosis is an actual deterioration of the spine after an accident. Finally, some spinal cord injuries are so severe that they cause permanent paralysis. Each spinal cord injury victim will have a different experience and different prognosis.
Contact an Experienced Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident and suffered a spinal cord injury, contact the experienced spinal cord injury attorneys in Orange County at Easton & Easton at 800-461-8259 or online today to discuss how you may be able to receive compensation.