Owings Mills Spine Injury Lawyer
There are some body parts you don’t want to damage. Your spinal cord is one of them. The spinal cord directs motor and sensory functions. Along with the brain, the spinal cord serves as your body’s central nervous system, regulating muscle movements, temperature, pain, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, and much more.
As you can see, an injury to the spinal cord can be dramatic. A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord, spinal column, vertebrae, or discs suffer a sudden blow. A car accident, slip and fall, sports injury, or medical malpractice are common causes. Such an injury can affect you physically and mentally.
A spinal cord injury can cause paralysis as well as strength and mobility issues. You could face a lifetime of treatment and other damages. Get full and fair compensation with help from the Owings Mills spinal cord injury lawyers at Furman | Honick Law.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries may be caused by the following:
- Car accidents. Car crashes are the top cause of spinal cord injuries. They account for nearly half of new spinal cord injuries every year.
- Falls. Spinal cord injuries are often caused by falls, especially in those over the age of 65.
- Violence. Acts of violence, such as knife and gunshot wounds, account for 12% of spinal cord injuries.
- Sports injuries. Ten percent of spinal cord injuries are caused by impact sports, diving, and other athletic activities.
- Diseases. Not all spinal cord injuries are caused by third parties. Certain diseases, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and cancer, can cause spinal cord injuries.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can cause the following symptoms:
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation
- Pain or an intense stinging sensation
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
If you have been involved in any type of accident and have suffered significant trauma to the head or neck, you need immediate medical evaluation for a spinal injury. In fact, it is often assumed that trauma victims have a spinal injury because:
- A serious spinal injury isn’t always obvious right away.
- Numbness or paralysis can come on gradually.
The time between injury and treatment is critical, so if you are experiencing a lot of pain or pressure in your back or neck, see a doctor right away.
Complete vs. Incomplete Injury
There are two main types of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete. A complete injury is when all feeling and all ability to control movement are lost below the spinal cord injury. An incomplete injury is when you have some motor or sensory function below the affected area.
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
Spinal cord injuries can affect you in many ways. In some cases, they cause paralysis, affecting your movement in varying degrees.
If someone’s negligence caused your injuries, seek legal help from Furman | Honick Law. We’ll ensure your rights are protected every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation with an Owings Mills spinal cord injury lawyer today by filling out the online form or calling (410) 844-6000.