Spinal cord injuries mostly result from slips and falls or car accidents and can have devastating effects on your life. They can be life-threatening and can lead to paralysis and hefty medical expenses. Although you may recover completely, you may suffer other permanent damages on your spine, making you unlikely to go back to your normal life.
Therefore, you should seek prompt medical attention even when you don’t show major signs of injury to avert further complications. A Tulsa attorney will also help in the claim process. These are professionals who can help you gather evidence and file a claim, so visit their website here for more details.
Common types of spinal cord injuries
The spinal cord includes various nerves that help coordinate communication between the brain and different body parts. Spinal cord injuries can be fatal since they damage the spinal cord and can also affect sensory and mobility signals.
The types of spinal cord injuries vary and are classified depending on the location or the way it affects your spinal cord.
These injuries can affect;
- Cervival spine– A section of the neck between the bottom of the skull to the shoulders.
- Lumbar spine– The upper back located below the navel.
- Sacral spine-This is a section in your back that contains various nerve roots from your buttocks to your tiailbone.
Spinal cord injuries may also be classified according to their severity and may be complete or incomplete.
- Complete– A complete spinal cord injury affects all the lanes of your spine and will likely lead to paralysis of all parts below the injury.
- Incomplete– An incomplete spinal cord injury affects certain lanes and doesn’t affect all abilities below the injury.
How to avoid spinal cord injuries in auto accidents
Spinal cord injuries can happen to anyone. However, there are various ways to reduce your risk of spinal injuries during a car accident. Examples of proactive measures to take include;
- Wearing a safety belt all the time
- Ensuring that kids are in proper car seats with well-fitted seatbelts.
- Ensuring that the airbag is functioning optimally before the trip
Do i need an attorney after incurring spinal cord injuries in an accident?
A spinal cord injury may mean months in hospital, and the medical bills can be hefty. It affects most parts of the body, leading to immobility, and you may be unable to follow up on your claim. You will then need an attorney to educate you on your rights, analyze the details of the accident, and file a claim. If the accident and injuries resulted due to negligence by another party, they would help you get compensation.
An attorney will also examine the type of injury and negotiate the rightful settlement. The insurance company may find excuses to pay a lower amount, but an attorney knows how to determine what suits your injury.
Moreover, spinal cord injury cases involve various documents and should be kept safely. Your lawyer will maintain proper documentation and get the right evidence for your case.
In summary, you stand a higher chance of getting compensation with a skilled attorney. Hire one with adequate experience handling spinal cord injuries and ease the process!
